Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says he doesn't "lose any sleep" over Liverpool's resurgence in form.
The Reds made it five consecutive wins with a 1-0 home triumph over Fulham on Wednesday that moved them within four points of fourth-placed Manchester United in fourth, who then went down 1-0 on Thursday at Brighton & Albion. Liverpool transfer target Alexis Mac Allister scored an injury-time winner for the Seagulls, who have hopes of finishing in the top four themselves.
Third-placed Newcastle are six points ahead of the Reds, with a game in-hand, and they look set to cap an impressive first full season under Howe and Saudi ownership by qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign.
READ MORE: Liverpool take Thiago Alcantara decision ahead of new season as injury list grows
Liverpool are the only team to complete the league double over the Magpies this season, winning 2-1 at Anfield and then 2-0 at St James' Park, with Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez netting in that latter victory.
But Howe is unconcerned about the Reds' late push for a top-four finish.
“I don’t lose any sleep over it," he said in his pre-match press conference to preview Newcastle's home clash with Arsenal on Sunday. "I’m aware that Liverpool are a top team.
"Does it surprise me they’re able to go on a run of wins? No. But there are other teams there as well but we’re not focusing on that, we haven’t done that all season.
"We’ve just focused on ourselves and that’s all we can do. We have a tough run, but at the same time, a great run of fixtures because every game is important. They’re great occasions and we look to carry out our good form."
READ NEXT:
- Jurgen Klopp sends James Milner message and responds to Alexis Mac Allister Liverpool transfer question
- Jamie Carragher has perfect response to Sam Allardyce's claim about Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Tom Cairney referee penalty claim in Liverpool loss 'definitely not true'
- Jurgen Klopp speaks out on Liverpool decision to play national anthem at Anfield
- Trent Alexander-Arnold sends brutal Premier League title message to Arsenal with 'obvious' Man City admission
