Anthony Knockaert’s Brighton & Hove Albion side have earned promotion ahead of Newcastle United.
Anthony Knockaert’s comments to the Guardian about Newcastle United may show exactly why it has been so hard for Rafael Benitez’s side to get over the line.
Knockaert’s Brighton & Hove Albion have been in a battle with Newcastle for the Championship title all season, but in recent weeks Chris Hughton’s men have pulled away from the North East side.
Indeed, Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League was confirmed last weekend.
But Knockaert’s comments could show why Brighton have found things easier towards the end of the season than Newcastle have.
“We are one win away from the title, which would be amazing because everyone in England was expecting Newcastle to be champions this season,” the Brighton winger said.
Knockaert’s statement shows just how much pressure Newcastle are under to get promoted.
The Magpies went into the campaign carrying a huge weight of expectation, and it should hardly be a surprise that this heavy burden is weighing them down towards the end of the season.
Newcastle still are in a good position to go up, with just three matches remaining this term.
The Magpies are currently six points clear of third placed Reading, with their next match coming against Preston North End.
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