‘My heart’ - Alan Pardew gives verdict on Newcastle United’s Champions League hopes

Alan Pardew has dismissed suggestions that Newcastle United can qualify for the Champions League this season.

As it stands, the Magpies sit 15 points behind Aston Villa - who occupy fourth spot. Premier League clubs will likely be given an extra seat at UEFA’s top table next season but Tottenham Hotspur remain 10 points above Newcastle with a game in hand.

Another crushing defeat at Arsenal was arguably Newcastle’s worst performance of the season and dealt a hammer blow to their European ambitions. Should Eddie Howe secure continental football next year, it will likely be in one of UEFA’s lesser competitions.

They can also secure Europa League qualification by winning the FA Cup - a possibility that would trigger days of celebration on Tyneside. But replicating the Champions League dream from last season appears unlikely, with Newcastle enduring a notable drop-off.

Speaking to talkSPORT, former Toon boss Pardew - who previously stayed coy on the question - reluctantly accepted that the top-four dream is over. The 62-year-old also credited Arsenal’s performance in the 4-1 rout rather than focusing on Newcastle’s negatives.

“No (whether Newcastle can qualify for the Champions League),” Pardew told talkSPORT. “My heart was leading my head, but now my heart has gone to one side and the head has taken over.

“That performance (against Arsenal), I don’t think, was a reflection of how bad Newcastle were. It was a reflection of how good Arsenal are. That front four (for Arsenal) look a real threat for the title.”