Garth Crooks has claimed Newcastle United “are capable” of a top-six finish following Saturday’s 4-1 rout at Craven Cottage. Fulham were ripped apart in their own backyard as the Magpies seized on the extra-man advantage to record a compelling victory.
At one point, Newcastle appeared destined to finish the day inside the top six. However, Conor Gallagher’s last-gasp stunner against Crystal Palace secured three points and knocked United down to seventh.
Just one controversial defeat in eight games places Newcastle neatly in the European picture ahead of the run-in to the World Cup. The prospect of continental escapades is a far cry from where Eddie Howe’s men were at the start of 2022.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's ruthless words as half-time pitchside enquiry shows fear Newcastle put into Fulham
Crooks can see why Toon fans are “having the time of their lives” after Saturday’s win while singling out Miguel Almiron for special praise. The Paraguayan bagged a stunning brace and made the BBC pundit’s team of the week.
“The travelling Newcastle fans must have loved every minute of this match,” Crooks wrote in his column. “Goals flying in all over the place and a team full of players desperately wanting to be in the side under Eddie Howe.
“Their win over Fulham was helped by the reckless and needless tackle by Nathaniel Chalobah on Sean Longstaff. Why players in the modern era commit themselves to tackles they are not guaranteed to win is really poor decision-making and both Chalobah and Fulham paid the price.
“As for Miguel Almiron and the Newcastle fans, they are having the time of their lives. Playing like this Newcastle are capable of a top-six finish.”
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