Pundit Gary Neville has now admitted that he finally thinks Newcastle United can get themselves away from the relegation zone.
Newcastle beat Aston Villa 1-0 on Sunday afternoon, with Kieran Trippier’s deflected free kick enough to win the game.
The Magpies had to dig deep in the second half – and ride their luck a little at times – in order to claim a huge three points.
The result takes Newcastle four points clear of the relegation zone and feeling upwardly mobile after three wins in a row.
Eddie Howe appears to be guiding Newcastle closer and closer to safety, though Trippier’s injury is a real concern.
Neville was covering the game for Sky Sports and had some positive thoughts about Newcastle’s performance on the day.
Neville admitted (13/02, 3:48pm) that this was the first time all season that he thought Newcastle could actually avoid relegation.
The former Manchester United ace admitted that it’s a dangerous and premature thought to be having, but he was seeing different signs from Newcastle.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen Newcastle this season where I’ve thought, I feel they can get out of trouble,” said Neville.
“It’s a dangerous thing to say, and premature, but this is a different performance, a different team,” he added.
Part of that is of course down to new signings. Trippier has made a huge impact, Dan Burn was colossal in the heart of defence and Chris Wood continues to battle hard up top.
Once Bruno Guimaraes starts and Matt Targett is eligible again, Newcastle will have the core of a decent Premier League side.
You have to credit Howe as well though, because he is getting more out of players who looked flat under Steve Bruce.
Joelinton looks outstanding in midfield, Joe Willock is getting back to his best and Ryan Fraser seems to be reborn having been somewhat forgotten under Bruce.
There is a real positive feeling around Newcastle now, but they will need more results like these if they’re to stay up.
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