Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United squad has eight games left to play this season and is presently eighth in the Premier League.
Newcastle United are “up against it” in their attempt to secure European football for the coming season. That is the perspective of Magpies legend Alan Shearer as the season approaches its end.
Despite a disheartening home stalemate against Premier League strugglers Everton on Tuesday, Eddie Howe’s team remains in ninth place. Brighton and Hove Albion could have risen above them yesterday night, but they were held to a goalless draw by Brentford.
With eight games remaining, United trail sixth-placed Manchester United by four points but have played one more game than the Red Devils. Manchester United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening.
Shearer spoke on Match of the Day last night on the Magpies’ European prospects. “Frustrating with all the injuries that they’ve got, but they’re in a battle with Man United, West Ham, and Brighton to finish sixth,” he said. “Up against it, though.”
The analyst had no concerns with Everton’s late penalty at St James’ Park, as Paul Dummett was penalized for dragging down Ashley Young. England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin coolly converted from 12 yards to give the Toffees a share of the points. It was the striker’s first top-flight goal since October, capping a run of 18 games and 41 shots in the league.
“It was a definite penalty,” acknowledged Shearer. “Paul Dummett hadn’t been on the pitch for too long, but there was no need to do it, actually, because the keeper is coming out and collecting it with ease there, and he has dragged him (Young) down.”
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