‘Nail in the coffin’ - Michael Owen makes major Newcastle United claim

Michael Owen believes Newcastle United are virtually guaranteed Champions League football next season following Sunday afternoon’s 3-1 win over Southampton.

When the full-time whistle blew at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s side were 11 points clear of fifth place courtesy of a brace from Callum Wilson and a Theo Walcott own goal.

However, that advantage was quickly reduced to nine points when Liverpool netted an injury-time winner against Tottenham Hotspur to leapfrog their visitors into fifth.

Jurgen Klopp’s side sit seven points behind fourth-place Manchester United, who face a difficult trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday night.

Owen, however, is convinced the Red Devils’ 1-0 win at home to Aston Villa at the weekend has cemented their top four spot alongside Newcastle.

‘’I think the nail is in the coffin for all the teams that are chasing, Liverpool would have been watching that today thinking if we beat Tottenham we can chase them down,’’ Owen told Premier League Productions. “But with Newcastle and Manchester United winning today, I think that might seal the deal.’’

Newcastle, who host Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday, require three wins from their remaining five fixtures to mathematically guarantee a Champions League spot. After the Gunners, Eddie Howe’s men take on Leeds United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Leicester City and Chelsea.

Liverpool, meanwhile, face Fulham, Brentford, Leicester City, Aston Villa and Southampton.

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