The Toons can claim the honour with a win at the Emirates, but they would have to do it while contending with fitness issues
Newcastle have been an absolute joy to watch this season. The scintillating midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelington and Sandro Tonali have shown that on their good day they can outperform any other in the Premier League. The Toons beat Liverpool at Wembley in March to claim the EFL trophy, their first piece of silverware in 70 years.
Before the season finally grinds to a halt, Eddie Howe’s side have the chance for one more impressive feat: overpower Arsenal and claim the position of second-best team in England.
Howe would surely be much more interested in securing Champions League qualification for the second time in his tenure, with the four sides that are vying for the three available spots packed more closely together than a crowd at a concert. Newcastle are currently leading that pile but it is still very much a knife’s edge, and realistically, they could find themselves missing out in the end.
Still, finishing second and qualifying for the Champions League are not two separate things – they are very much the same. In fact, Newcastle could do it on Sunday with a win over Arsenal at the Emirates. And it wouldn’t be surprising: the Magpies have both won more games and scored more goals than Arsenal this season.
But to do that, though, Eddie Howe’s side would have to manage their fitness issues. First of all, the choice midfield trio are broken up, with Joelington having sustained a knee injury in the 4-1 loss to Aston Villa last month. He most likely won’t play again this season.
“He’s working away behind the scenes,” said Howe when asked about the Brazilian. “Typical Joe – he’s absolutely foot to the floor trying to get fit because he wants to be involved.
“The biggest possibility is that we don’t see him again this season and we’ll get him ready for next year.”
Joe Willock has largely been his replacement, but now the 25-year-old is also struggling with fitness and has only a “slight chance” of being available. It has left the midfield looking fragile.
Sven Botman, who only recently returned from a two-month layoff due to a knee injury of his own, is a fresh doubt after taking another knock. His absence would further deplete a defence already missing Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall and Matt Targett.
“[Botman] got a bang on his knee,” said Howe. “We’re not sure about Sven’s availability for the weekend but we’ll give him a chance to be fit.
“We don’t think it’s a serious injury. He’s been unlucky. You’re going to get knocks and bruises in his position and this is a similar thing. He’s been really unlucky on the last two occasions.”
Trippier, key leader and set-piece specialist in the squad, will definitely miss the match at the Emirates due to a calf strain. There is, however, a rare bright spot for Howe as club captain Jamaal Lascelles made the bench last weekend against Chelsea after more than a year out following knee surgery. Though he didn’t feature, Howe talked about the value of his presence around the squad.
Howe said: “He’s a brilliant professional. We’ve missed his voice on the training pitch. The demands he puts on himself and other people – he’s a real culture setter for us. We’re delighted to have him back.”
After Arsenal at the Emirates, the Toons will close out their campaign at home against Everton. While second place may or may not be achieved, a top-five finish guaranteeing a place among Europe’s elite next season looks very likely. Howe would be very much interested in both.
“The race and ambition to improve is really aggressive here [at the club],” said Howe. “Obviously while I am here in this position – you never now how long you’re going to be in this position for – I’ll do my very best to make sure the club is moving as quickly as possible.”
