Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe may have just hinted that he is starting to feel the pressure that Liverpool are putting on the top four.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Newcastle’s defeat to Arsenal yesterday, Howe specifically referenced Liverpool in his post match interview.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have somehow closed the gap on the top four to just one point after this weekend, after previously looking out of the race for Champions League football.
And Newcastle now know that they can’t afford to slip up, with Liverpool breathing down their necks.
“We have four games remaining and need three results,” he said.
“Liverpool and other teams are coming. They are top level. We can only do what we can do and I believe in the character of the team to get it over the line.”
Liverpool for the top four?
Well, what a weekend for Liverpool!
Not only did the Reds do their job by beating Brenford, they were then able to watch on yesterday as both Newcastle and Manchester United stumbled.
In truth, catching Man United looks a more likely prospect than reaching Newcastle – but it is not beyond the realms of possibility now.
Liverpool sit just three points behind the Magpies now, but they have played a game more and Newcastle have a better goal difference.
One thing which may count in Liverpool’s favour is experience.
Newcastle are not used to fighting for a Champions League place at the crunch stage of the season, whereas Klopp’s men have been in the upper echelons of the table for years now.
Liverpool’s remaining three games – against Southampton, Aston Villa and Leicester City – all look winnable, and it will be important that they keep up their victorious run of form.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have a few potential banana skins left to play – with Leeds, Brighton & Hove Albion, Leicester and Chelsea their remaining opponents this term.