Bruno Guimaraes makes outrageous Newcastle United claim after nine defeats in 12
Newcastle United are looking down the Premier League table - not up.
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes is refusing to give up hope of securing European qualification.
The Magpies have now lost their last four Premier League matches after Eberechi Eze’s ninth-minute strike inflicted a 1-0 defeat away to Arsenal on Saturday night.
Eddie Howe’s side are 14th in the table, seven points below the top seven with only four matches left to play but Guimares said: “I think we played much better than the last games and the other games as well.
“Of course, it was not easy coming here. The game was open, if it was a draw, I think it would be deserved for what we did today. It was a good opportunity to score today.
“It reminded me a bit about what we are able to do, but to be fair, our season is not good enough. I know it.
“We have four games to save it and try to qualify for European football next season. I know the fans are very sad. The same we are. Definitely, we have to improve.
"We fight, especially today. I know this season has not been good enough. We have been bouncing between a good game and a bad game. It’s not what we want or what the fans deserve as well.
“I can see the fire is still there, but we have to show more. It’s not good enough. It’s not easy to come here against a team fighting for the trophy, but at least today we showed passion.
“The only thing the fans ask every game is to show passion and play for them. I think it was there but overall not good enough.”
Newcastle United are looking over their shoulder - not up the table
Newcastle are as close to the relegation zone as they are to sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, who they host at St James’ Park at the weekend, which Guimaraes could be viewed as somewhat outrageous.
The Magpies are in relegation form with nine defeats in their last 12 games. After late wins for Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United on Saturday closed the gap to eight points, there are growing concerns that Howe’s men could be dragged into a relegation fight.
Realistically, Newcastle only need one more win to retain their top-flight status but on current evidence, doing so will be because of results elsewhere.