Newcastle United secure spot in Champions League
A goalless draw against Leicester helped Eddie Howe’s side to book a place in Europe’s elite league for the first time in 20 years
Newcastle United secured Champions League football for the first time in 20 years with a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Leicester in their English Premier League match at a jubilant St. James’ Park on Monday.
Fifth placed Liverpool’s draw with Aston Villa on Saturday meant Newcastle needed just one point from their last two games to be assured of a Champions League place. Eddie Howe’s third placed side achieved their target at the first attempt Howe and his players embarked on a lengthy lap of honor after the final whistle as they soaked up the acclaim from the Toon Army.
Newcastle failed to break the deadlock in a match they dominated, striking the post three times, but the result was sufficient for the Magpies to make a long-awaited return to Europe’s elite competition next season. Newcastle are four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool heading into Sunday’s final day of the season, while Leicester remain in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety.
Newcastle manager Howe said he didn’t expect his Newcastle side to make it into the Champions League at the start of the season.
He told Sky Sports: “It certainly wasn’t top four (our target at the start of the season). I think you always hope, you always believe and you have to dream.
“But we didn’t feel that we were ready for that. After last season’s battle with relegation it was whether we could consolidate and become a better team.
“To not have that flirtation with relegation and try to give it a go… The lads have been unbelievable for me this year. I can’t praise them enough. Their attitude, their mentality. It’s just been incredible.”
It was the 2002-03 season, under the guidance of legendary manager Sir Bobby Robson, when Newcastle last played in Europe’s elite club competition.
It has been a remarkable turnaround since Howe took charge 18 months ago, one month after the
Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of Newcastle and with the club five points from safety at the foot of the Premier League.
Newcastle will aim to complete a successful season on a high on Sunday, travelling to face Chelsea hoping to secure third position.
Leicester host West Ham on the last day hoping the Hammers have taken their eye off the ball with their top-flight place secure and a Europa Conference League final to look forward to.
But they go into that game knowing even a win might not be enough as 17th placed Everton can guarantee their Premier League status with victory over Bournemouth at Goodison Park.