Alexander Isak admits it is ‘hard to see’ where Newcastle United stand in the race for a top-four Premier League finish. But the Toon are fighting to qualify for the Champions League.
Newcastle have emerged as real contenders to finish in the top four of the Premier League table in their first full season under Saudi-backed ownership. It has been 20 years since the Magpies last finished in the top four. They ended the 2002/03 top-flight campaign in third.
The Toon have finished in fifth place during the 2003/04 and 2011/12 terms. But they have not ended a season higher than 10th since winning the Championship title in 2016/17. The Magpies have ended up 10th, 13th, 13th, 12th and 11th since sealing their last promotion.
Newcastle are in a solid position to finish in the Premier League top four
Newcastle are in a solid position to end their 20-year hiatus and qualify for the Champions League this term, though. Eddie Howe has the Magpies ranked fifth in the Premier League table through 25 games. But the Magpies hold fixtures in hand on the teams around them.
Tottenham Hotspur sit in fourth through 27 games but are only four points better off than the Toon. While Liverpool in sixth place have played one fixture more than the Magpies but are two points worse off. Finishing in third place is also not yet out of sight for Howe’s squad.
Manchester United are only six points better off than Newcastle having played one further game. While Brighton & Hove Albion in seventh place remain a threat for the top four. The Seagulls have only played 24 matches and trail Tottenham for fourth place by nine points.
Alexander Isak addresses the Toon’s chances of Champions League qualification
Newcastle having games in hand over the teams around them makes judging the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League challenging for Isak. He also believes the table proves Howe’s side must take it game-by-game. The Toon still have 13 games remaining this term.
“We are there and we are competing,” Isak said, via quotes by The Northern Echo. “We know the chance is there. But we just have to take one game at a time and not look too much at the table because we have played less games than some teams.
“It’s hard to see. So, we have to take each game at a time and we will see when we get closer to the end.”
Newcastle finally returned to winning ways on Saturday by beating Wolves 2-1 at St James’ Park. Isak scored the Toon’s first goal to end a five-match winless run and claim only their second win in 2023. Next, they visit relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest this Friday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
