Chris Sutton has stated that he’s not ruling out Newcastle United finishing above Arsenal this season and also securing a Premier League top-two spot, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
The former Premier League title-winner added that Eddie Howe’s side are playing with ‘consistency’ and, as they proved by beating Tottenham last week, they can mix it up with those around them.
On Saturday, Newcastle continued to surge forward after they thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 at St James’ Park, with England World Cup hopeful Callum Wilson scoring a brace.
That win puts the Magpies fourth in the table, three points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, who were smashed 4-1 at Brighton upon Graham Potter’s return to the Amex on Saturday.
And they are four points behind second-placed Arsenal, who have played two games less, as Mikel Arteta’s men can move back to the top of the Premier League table if they beat Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Nonetheless, after Howe posted another three points for his side, including the man of the moment Miguel Almiron scoring what is now his trademark curling effort, Chris Sutton discussed with Robbie Savage about what the team could do this season.
“Top two?” Sutton repeated after a Newcastle fan claimed they can push for that this season. “I am not laughing at that. You know what, I have been so impressed with Newcastle, the way they have started the season, but most importantly, the consistency which they have shown. You can see the belief within the players. I don’t think that’s ridiculous.”
Robbie Savage responded: “What, top two?” to which Sutton added: “I don’t think it’s ridiculous. Robbie is making a face at me like, ‘Oh, you are an idiot’. It’s not outside of the question. I am with you (to the Newcastle fan). You rolled your eyes, Robbie. Are you 100% certain that Tottenham will finish above Newcastle? Are you certain about Arsenal that they aren’t going to fall away?
“Are you saying it’s impossible for Newcastle to finish above Arsenal and Tottenham? You just rolled your eyes like ‘Oh, your’re an idiot, there is no chance of that happening’. Say, I am 100% certain that they will finish below Arsenal. You’re not 100% because Newcastle have shown great consistency. They beat Tottenham on their own patch and played very well.”
TURNAROUND IN 12 MONTHS
This time last season, Steve Bruce had just left his post at James’ Park and the club were still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.
Despite the hype, noise and excitement at the new Saudi-led takeover, many were worried that relegation might be on the horizon.
But, since the turn of the year, aided by two strong transfer windows, it’s Champions League football those at St James’ Park are now dreaming about.
Whilst West Brom, who are sitting bottom of the Championship table, recently sacked Steve Bruce.
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