Gary Lineker issues fresh Eddie Howe verdict after Newcastle United’s ‘superb’ win over Brighton

Gary Lineker has been left impressed by Newcastle United and Eddie Howe after Thursday night’s win over Brighton.

The Magpies took a major step towards Champions League qualification with a statement win on Thursday night. The pressure was on for Newcastle after Liverpool moved within a point last weekend, albeit having played a game more. But Howe’s men kept their cool against a Brighton side that has pulled off a number of huge results against teams above them this season.

Deniz Undav scored an own goal in the first-half, while Dan Burn went on to score against his old club. Undav got one back, atoning for his error, but Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes rubber-stamped the win with two goals within two minutes either side of the 90’.

Newcastle are now within touching distance of Champions League football, needing just three points from their last two games to seal the deal. The Magpies face Leicester and Chelsea in their last two, and one win will do. Howe’s men will surely finish the job from here, and Thursday’s statement win was a huge piece of the puzzle.

Speaking about the performance, Match of the Day presenter Lineker tweeted: “Superb and important victory for @NUFC against another excellent Premier League side. Eddie Howe is way ahead of the curve.”

Howe has done an impressive job at St James’ Park so far, guiding the club to Europe - and likely the Champions League - significantly sooner than expected. While there have been bumps along the way in recent weeks, the Magpies have rediscovered good form and they have kept their cool despite intense pressure from Liverpool, particularly in recent weeks.

Having said that, the job is not quite done yet, and Howe and his men are not going to be celebrating anything until they are mathematically assured of Champions League football.