Commanding in victory: Newcastle’s control propelling them towards Champions League | OneFootball

Newcastle United have already guaranteed themselves European football with their League Cup triumph, but their ambitions are firmly set on something greater.

The Magpies have placed themselves in the thick of a pulsating battle for Champions League qualification – and they look ready to go to war with the teams around them to get it.

A dominant 3-0 win away to Leicester City on Monday night lifted Eddie Howe’s men into fifth place, level on points with Chelsea and just one ahead of Manchester City.

Aston Villa are also in the mix, with just three points separating fourth from seventh.

Newcastle’s position is all the more promising when considering their game in hand on most of their rivals.

If they hold their nerve, they will not only surpass expectations but also shift the dynamic of the Premier League’s top end heading into next season.

Crucially, finishing fifth this season could still mean Champions League football, depending on how the final UEFA coefficients unfold, but the Magpies seem determined to leave nothing to chance.

Their mindset is clear: European football has been secured through silverware, and now it is time to fight for the continent’s biggest stage.

One key weapon in their arsenal is their command of game states. No team in the Premier League has been more secure in front.

Newcastle have dropped just seven points from winning positions this season, the fewest in the division. When they go ahead, they rarely look back.

Equally, they have developed a steely resolve when chasing games. They have taken 18 points from losing positions this season, more than double their tally from the last campaign.

Their latest outing at the King Power Stadium showcased all of these strengths. Jacob Murphy struck twice within the opening 25 minutes.

Harvey Barnes added a third shortly before half-time to kill the contest. The second half was all about control.

Even without Anthony Gordon and with Alexander Isak below his best, Newcastle looked assured.

Their bench is stronger than it has been in years, and the squad is managing the business end of the season with the maturity of a side that has been here before.

“This is the level we expect now,” Howe said. “We are in a fight and we will give everything to get where we want to be.”

With the Europa Conference League spot already locked up, Newcastle are not playing for entry into Europa.

Their sights are set on the Champions League, and their recent performances suggest they have the belief and the blueprint to get there.