'They're a contender' - Liverpool and Arsenal stunned as Newcastle United backed to win Premier League
Newcastle United sit seven points behind Arsenal going into the October international break.
Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes Eddie Howe can win the Premier League this season.
A rocky start for the Magpies has resulted in few pundits or supporters predicting the impossible. Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest yesterday to record just their second league win of the season.
However, in the second half in particular - and against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise days earlier - United showed signs of clicking. Attacking play has proven Newcastle’s kryptonite so far in 2025-26 but Forest were comfortably put to the sword after the break.
Alan Pardew makes wild Newcastle United claim
Speaking to talkSPORT, former Toon boss Pardew insisted Newcastle can win the title. They currently sit seven points behind league leaders Arsenal going into the October international break.
"I think Newcastle definitely are in the shout for perhaps even winning the league,” Pardew said. “I know that it's hard to think that at the moment. I think they're definitely a contender, I do. When I look at the other teams, if I was Eddie with the squad he's got and the momentum, he's got the crowd firmly on his side.
"I'm talking about the manager. He's got enough tools in his little kit bag there (and) been together for a few years now. They've obviously got the cup out of the way last year in terms of winning a trophy, less pressure on them, I think they've got a massive chance. Newcastle are just picking up the speed a little bit and they’ve got (Yoane) Wissa to come back as well who's going to be a massive help to them in terms of forward momentum.”
Eddie Howe on Nottingham Forest win
Summarising the performance, Howe said post-match: “It was a massive game for us. We were sort of aware that you can’t go too long without winning in this league.
“And managing this club, playing for this club, we want the home environment and away environment to be as special as it has for players in the last few years, and you can only do that if you’re confident and feel like you can win every game.”
“So I think today was a big step forward again after the midweek win. The players performed really well today under that pressure, and on quite a slow pitch today did really well.”
Bruno Guimaraes celebration
Fans were left puzzled by Bruno Guimaraes’ bizarre celebration after breaking the deadlock. The truth behind it? Speaking post-match, the 27-year-old revealed a love for playing cards as the inspiration.
“I play cards,” he said. “I play cards. I've been playing cards a lot with my friends, so I owe something to them and I hope they enjoy it.”