Eddie Howe’s ‘outrageous’ response to Newcastle United Champions League question

Newcastle United remained fourth in the Premier League after a 4-0 win over Aston Villa - but Eddie Howe isn’t getting carried away. The Magpies made it five wins from six and extended their unbeaten run to eight matches after a brace from Callum Wilson and single strikes from Joelinton and Miguel Almiron.

United’s start to the campaign, which includes just one defeat from their opening 13 matches, has already led to talk about potential European qualification. Howe, asked if his side are Champions League contenders, joked: “That’s an outrageous question! We’re just happy where we are. We’re trying to win every game. I’ll let you write the headlines. For me, it’s about keeping the players very level and very driven to win the next game.”

Wilson’s penalty in first half stoppage time put Newcastle in front before a dominant second half saw Wilson add a second, while Joelinton and Almiron also on the scoresheet. It was Almiron’s seventh goal of the campaign - his sixth in as many games - with his October total equalled only by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

“I’m running out of words to describe his goals,” Howe said. “I don’t know which one is the better one, the last three have just been so good. Today, he used the defender’s body really well. He’s obviously identified the top corner but to hit with the speed and accuracy he did. Full credit to Miggy, it was another tireless performance.”