Martin Keown has stated that in ‘modern times’ he has ‘never seen’ Newcastle United fans at St James’ Park in such a buoyant mood following their 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, as he told Final Score.
After beating Tottenham Hotspur last week, Eddie Howe’s side lay down another marker by thrashing out-of-sorts Villa, with Miguel Almiron getting on the scoresheet once again.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown thinks Almiron ‘underlines more than anyone else’ the sea change at the club following the takeover of the Saudi-led ownership.
After spending big in the January transfer window, the Magpies got themselves out of the relegation fight and steam-rolled up the Premier League table.
That form has, not just kicked onto this campaign, but they have taken it up a few levels, including losing only once in the Premier League this season.
That puts Newcastle in the Champions League places and Keown feels they can continue going down that road given what they are producing.
“The atmosphere there, the flags are flying,” said Keown. “St James’ Park has never been, never seen it in modern times like this.
“But the sea change we have seen at the club. Almiron underlines that more than anyone else. The way he finishes that off. The atmosphere is absolutely brilliant. Newcastle deserve to be in the top four and they could stay there.”
WORLD CUP BREAK WILL COME AT THE WRONG TIME
For some teams, Newcastle and Arsenal are a few of them, the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar might just be coming at the wrong time.
It will kill the high-wave of momentum the Toon Army faithful are experiencing because, at this moment in time, nothing seems to be stopping them.
But, upon their return to Premier League action on Boxing Day, if Newcastle start clicking again, then many will believe that Champions League football is possible.
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