Eddie Howe says avoiding a relegation scrap as opposed to Champions League football was Newcastle’s aim last summer – but he has warned they will now need ‘two XIs of equal strength’ to compete next season.
One win from their remaining two games against Leicester, on Monday, and Chelsea on the final day would guarantee a top-four finish. If Liverpool lose to Aston Villa on Saturday it would also be confirmed.
Howe inherited a side 19th in the Premier League in November, 2021 before leading them to an 11th-placed finish last season.