Eddie Howe insisted it was “outrageous” to label his Newcastle side as contenders for a top-four finish in the Premier League despite their 4-0 rout of Aston Villa on Saturday.Howe’s side climbed to fourth place after Callum Wilson’s brace and goals from Joelinton and Miguel Almiron demolished a woeful Villa side at St James’ Park.Newcastle’s Saudi-backed ownership group made it their goal to win major trophies after buying the club from Mike Ashley and the early returns on their investment are promising.##NAJAVA_MECA_6767331##The Magpies have lost just one of their 12 league games this season thanks to Howe’s astute management and the financial backing of the club’s owners.But asked if Newcastle should now be considered top four contenders, Howe poured cold water on the growing anticipation on Tyneside.”That’s an outrageous question. We’re just happy where we are. We’re trying to win every game. I’ll let you write the headlines.”⚫️⚪️| 16/18 points this month, give Eddie Howe the Manager of the Month award. #NUFC #PL pic.twitter.com/hFeqTapmlH— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) October 29, 2022 Howe was happier to champion Wilson’s World Cup dreams after seeing him score in front of England boss Gareth Southgate. Wilson’s nerveless penalty deep into first-half stoppage time put Newcastle ahead and his deft 56th-minute header extended their advantage. The striker is hoping to earn a spot in the England squad for the World Cup, which starts in Qatar on November 20. He did well with Southgate watching on at St James’ Park.”I’m not too aware what the players know and what they don’t know about who comes and who’s watching them. I almost think it’s better, you just play your normal game and you’re not overthinking too much. Callum is, of course, desperate to be involved with England, it’s one of his childhood dreams, so he will be really pleased that he played so well.vHe scored the two goals and his overall performance was very good.”Howe was not completely happy with the performance on a day when his side laboured in the first half before cutting loose to claim a fifth win in six matches.”The first goal is so important in any game. Today we got it, probably from our best move of the half to be honest, and the second half was totally different. That’s the football and the style that we want to see on a consistent basis here. I stood back and enjoyed the second half. I thought we were really good.”For to appreciate just how transformative Howe’s management has been – his side are five points off top – you must journey into the past. After 13 matches last season, they were bottom. They were also winless. This latest victory sees them sign off for October with 16 points from 18. These guys are serious!
