Focus on Yourself, Howe Asks Newcastle to Ignore Rivalry in the Big Four

Eddie Howe has asked Newcastle United to pursue their target of reaching the Champions League, focusing on themselves and ignoring the rivalry in the top four of the English Premier League.

He said this ahead of the match against Arsenal on Sunday.

Newcastle are third in the standings with 65 points, two ahead of fourth-placed Manchester United and six ahead of Liverpool, who are fifth after one game in hand.

The Magpies aiming to finish in the top four but facing a difficult climax to the season, with Brighton & Hove Albion in form and Leeds United and Leicester City battling relegation plus Chelsea and Arsenal finishing second in their remaining fixtures.

“All season we weren’t focused on where we were, who was around us, the shape of the team, we just focused on ourselves and that’s all we can do,” Howe told reporters ahead of the Arsenal game.

“We have a tough fixture list but I think at the same time a good fixture list because every game is important. It’s a good opportunity and we want to continue our good form.

“We are competing against elite teams who will fight until the end and we have to do the same. In our five games we have to give our best preparation and focus because the fight we are in can continue until the end of the season.” season.”

Newcastle last faced Arsenal in a 0-0 draw.

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