Shay Given is going ‘all-in’ on his Newcastle United claim - and fans will love it

Newcastle United fans will love what Shay Given has had to say about his former side.

The Magpies picked up where they left off in the Premier League on Boxing Day, steamrolling Leicester City with a blistering first-half display that left the hosts stunned. First-half goals from Chris Wood, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton gave Eddie Howe’s men a commanding lead going into the break, and they didn’t need to do any more in the second half to take ensure three points accompanied them on their trip back to the North-East.

Newcastle are now 13 games without defeat across all competitions, and while Manchester City have two games in hand due to not playing their festive fixture until Wednesday, Howe’s men are in second place for now.

Ahead of Arsenal’s clash with West Ham on Boxing Day evening, Newcastle were four points behind leaders Arsenal having played two games more, but that did not stop former Magpies goalkeeper Given from drumming up his former side’s Premier League title hopes.

Speaking on Amazon Prime Video, the Irishman said: “Can Newcastle compete to win the league? Leicester did it a few years back, why can’t Newcastle dream of it? Why not?”

With Newcastle three up at the break, Given added: “I kinda said it tongue-in-cheek, but after the first half, I’m going all-in now! They are absolutely flying, and they are up to second tonight.”

In reality, Newcastle have a long way to go if they want to catch up with the league leaders. It’s going to be difficult enough to maintain a top four position for the entirety of the season with more than half of the campaign to play, as it will be for the rest of the teams vying for third and fourth spot.

But after so many disappointing campaigns in recent years, the Magpies fans have earned the right to dream and get excited about what is unfolding, and Given can certaintly county himself as a fan having previously spent 12 years at St James’ Park.