Huge Champions League bonus for Newcastle United – Just when you thought couldn’t get better
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any better for Newcastle United, they did. If Carlsberg were to script the perfect weekend for the Magpies, this would undoubtedly be it.
Not only did Newcastle secure a magnificent trophy win, but they also received a massive boost in their quest for Champions League qualification. While the focus was understandably on their cup triumph, the weekend’s Premier League results have further brightened the outlook for Eddie Howe’s side.
Eight Premier League matches took place over the weekend, with seven of Newcastle’s Champions League qualification rivals in action.
The results couldn’t have been more favorable for the Magpies. Nottingham Forest predictably defeated a struggling Ipswich side, while Fulham, who started the weekend in tenth place, handed Tottenham a 2-0 defeat.
Manchester City led twice against Brighton but were pegged back on both occasions, settling for a 2-2 draw. Brentford bounced back from an early own goal to secure a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth, and Arsenal edged out Chelsea with a 1-0 win. Leicester, meanwhile, fell to a 3-0 defeat against Manchester United.
These results have left the Premier League table looking increasingly promising for Newcastle. As of Monday morning, Forest appear well-placed for a top-five finish, alongside Liverpool and Arsenal.
With five Champions League spots up for grabs, the race for the remaining two places is heating up, with up to seven clubs still in contention. If Newcastle win their game in hand, they would leapfrog into fourth place, putting them in a strong position to secure a coveted Champions League berth.
While their FA Cup exit was disappointing, it may have been a blessing in disguise. The absence of an FA Cup quarter-final after the international break means Newcastle will have a 17-day gap between their League Cup Final victory and their next Premier League match against Brentford.
This extended break will allow Eddie Howe to work with his full squad, including those returning from international duty, and prepare thoroughly for the crucial run-in.
Newcastle’s next four fixtures—Brentford at home, Leicester away, Manchester United at home, and Crystal Palace at home—present a golden opportunity to solidify their top-five ambitions.
Securing 10-12 points from these matches is more than achievable, and doing so would leave Newcastle with 57 or 59 points and just six games remaining. Such a scenario would likely see them five or six points clear of sixth place, putting Champions League qualification firmly within their grasp.
The weekend’s standout result came on Sunday, as Newcastle defeated Liverpool 2-1 in a thrilling encounter. Dan Burn opened the scoring in the 45th minute, and Alexander Isak doubled the lead in the 52nd minute.
Despite Federico Chiesa pulling one back for Liverpool in stoppage time, Newcastle held on for a vital victory. The stats told the story of a disciplined and clinical performance: Newcastle had 34% possession but outshot Liverpool 17-7, with six shots on target compared to Liverpool’s two. The Magpies also dominated in touches in the box (26-17) and corners (9-4), showcasing their attacking intent and efficiency.
The Newcastle team that triumphed at Anfield featured standout performances across the pitch. Nick Pope was solid in goal, while Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Tino Livramento formed a resolute defensive unit.
In midfield, Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton controlled the tempo, and the attacking trio of Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, and Jacob Murphy caused constant problems for Liverpool’s defense. Substitutes Joe Willock, Callum Wilson, and Emil Krafth also made valuable contributions to see out the win.
As Newcastle fans bask in the glory of their League Cup triumph and the weekend’s favorable results, the focus now shifts to the upcoming fixtures. The Magpies will host Brentford on Wednesday, April 2, before traveling to Leicester on Monday, April 7.
A home clash against Manchester United follows on Sunday, April 13, and they round off the month with another home game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, April 16.
These matches represent a pivotal period in Newcastle’s season, and with momentum on their side, the dream of Champions League football is closer than ever.
The photo of Newcastle’s players celebrating their victory at Anfield has become an instant favorite among fans, symbolizing the club’s resurgence under Eddie Howe.
With the perfect blend of tactical acumen, team spirit, and individual brilliance, Newcastle United are proving that they belong among England’s elite. The coming weeks will determine whether they can turn this dream into reality, but for now, the future looks brighter than ever on Tyneside.