Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe seems unfazed by Liverpool’s attempt to rob his team of a top-four finish. The Magpies boss admitted he doesn’t “lose any sleep” over the Red’s recent run of success.
Jurgen Klopp’s men extended their winning streak to five with a 1-0 victory over Fulham at home on Wednesday. This put them four points ahead of fourth-placed Manchester United, who lost 1-0 to Brighton & Albion on Thursday.
Alexis Mac Allister, who is a transfer target for Liverpool, scored the game-winning goal for the Seagulls in extra time, giving them hope of finishing in the top four as well.
Third-placed Newcastle leads the Reds by three points with a game in hand. They appear poised to finish a successful debut season under Howe and Saudi ownership by making the Champions League for the first time since the 2002–03 season.
Liverpool swept the Magpies in the league this year, winning 2-0 at St. James’ Park after prevailing 2-1 at Anfield thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez.
However, Howe insists that the Reds’ late effort to finish in the top four doesn’t worry him right now. As reported by the Daily Mail, the Newcastle manager said:
“I don’t lose any sleep over it. I’m aware that Liverpool are a top team. Does it surprise me they’re able to go on a run of wins? No. But there are other teams there as well but we’re not focusing on that, we haven’t done that all season.”
Newcastle’s defeat against Arsenal makes things slightly difficult for the Magpies. Even if they have a game in hand, they are just three points above the Reds and another defeat would make things difficult for them.
Meanwhile, Klopp’s men are looking confident in the closing stages of the season and they would be aiming for a top four finish.
Things would not be easy for Liverpool either as they face Leicester City, Southampton and Aston Villa in their next three league games.
