Antonio Conte has claimed that Arsenal and Man City are the only two teams who can fight for the title this season - even if Newcastle United are flying in third place.
Although league leaders Arsenal are nine points clear of Newcastle in the table, the Magpies are only a point behind champions City in second at the halfway point of the campaign after playing a game more than their rivals. In contrast, at this stage of last season, Newcastle were second from bottom in the Premier League.
While such a turnaround may have been unthinkable a year ago, when Newcastle were fighting to stay in the top-flight, Howe said just last month that 'we can do anything'. Rather than play down talk of Newcastle mounting a title challenge, Howe has encouraged supporters to 'believe they can do anything'.
