Tim Sherwood says Newcastle the best shout for title challenge if it’s not Arsenal

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Tim Sherwood backed Newcastle United to be the ‘biggest shout’ to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title, if it’s not Arsenal.

The title-winner with Blackburn Rovers pointed out that Eddie Howe’s side aren’t in Europe and the big pockets of Newcastle also have the January transfer window to play with.

Heading into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where domestic football will take a break, Newcastle need to win their weekend game against Chelsea and they will be sitting third at Christmas.

That’s some turnaround for the Magpies, who only 12 months ago, were sitting in the relegation zone and struggling to win a game of football, never mind challenge near the top.

But that’s what happens when you have a change of ownership, manager and a wad of cash thrown at the squad, which has transformed the football club.

Well, things can be taken a few more steps further forward during the winter transfer window, as Sherwood spoke about Newcastle’s title chances, as he told Premier League Productions (07/11/22 at 2:35 pm). 

“If it’s not Arsenal have we not got a title race,” asked Sherwood. “If it’s not Arsenal, who is it going to be?

“Because I think Newcastle would be the bigger shout. The reason why I say that, is not because they are in third position, of course, they are in third.

“But there is no Champions League. No Europa League. They are going to strengthen. If they win this weekend, then they will be, at least third, going into Christmas. It’s an opportunity.”

HOW FAR SHOULD NEWCASTLE PIUSH IN JANUARY?

On one hand, Arsenal have a team firing and producing the goods, from top to bottom, so how much of that do they need to disrupt?

In truth, there aren’t many weak points, if any, of the team, so if anybody does come in, then they will be an initial back-up player.

One area that could be improved is the bench, but once again, how much does a team need to spend during a January window to improve their bench?

Either way, if the Magpies want to go crazy, then they know they can do it, but, like they have been doing, if they remain calculated, measured and calm, then perhaps it will suit them best.