Simon Jordan and Graeme Souness have disagreed over Newcastle United's chances of breaking into the top six this season. Eddie Howe's side remain unbeaten after three games following an enthralling 3-3 home draw against Manchester City on Sunday.
The Magpies overcame an early Ilkay Gundogan goal to take a two-goal lead through strikes from Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson. However, Pep Guardiola's side quickly pulled themselves level and threatened to snatch a winner in the closing stages at St James' Park.
A sensational finish to last season has led to many speculating over what Newcastle could achieve this time around. For many, a campaign without a relegation battle and a run in either the FA Cup or Carabao Cup would be deemed a success.
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However, United's form in 2022 coupled with another window of investment has led some to question whether Howe's side could push for a European spot or even gatecrash the Premier League's so-called 'Big Six'. Former Newcastle boss Souness believes the Magpies' momentum could see them disrupt the Premier League status quo this season.
Souness told talkSPORT: "I think there is a real chance, there’s a feel-good factor up there right now. When teams are playing Liverpool or Man City, you even throw Man United in despite where they are right now, there’s no team talk, all the players are bang at it.
"When the fixtures come out players in different dressing rooms will look to those games, they are the scalps you want. Newcastle were fabulous, on the front foot, pressed, once they went a goal behind, the chances they had - Almiron missed a sitter from six, seven yards out, he’s just got to place it in the net.
"They are definitely on fire at the moment, the crowd are with them, they’re enjoying the football they’re playing. There will be against teams who think Newcastle are a good team and will be cagey against them, it’s whether the players open teams up when they come to St James’ and try to nick results.
"But Newcastle are definitely, definitely going in the right direction and another thing you have to factor in, if they get a sniff - the people who own the club which, I’ll say it again, I’m not one that thinks they should be in football - of where they’re going in the right direction, they will go again, they will spend the money. Saudi Arabia doesn’t play second fiddle to anyone."
However, talkSPORT host Simon Jordan thinks it is too soon for Newcastle to be targeting a top-six finish. It would represent a dramatic turnaround, given that last season it took until December for United to register their first victory.
The former Crystal Palace owner feels Manchester United are the only club who the Magpies could look to usurp within the 'Big Six' this season. Erik ten Hag's side are currently in disarray following a nightmare start to the campaign, but Jordan reckons the top eight represents a more realistic yet successful target for Howe's side.
Responding to top-six talk, Jordan said: "I don’t think they’re looking good for it, I think they’re in a situation where it’s there to be had and we’re going to see how this league shapes up. We’re seeing Arsenal in different nick, Tottenham in different nick, you’ve got the Liverpool’s, Manchester City’s and Chelsea that’s five in my view, better than Newcastle.
"So with that in mind, you need one other side in serious decline we know who that is, Manchester United, but they’ll get their boots on eventually. You might be right that it’s there but on the balance of probability, I’d say it’s a tall order for Newcastle but not withstanding what we’re seeing is a resurgent Newcastle which is good for the Geordies.
Jordan later added: "I think there’s a way to go but what we saw yesterday was a very good game of football. If Newcastle got inside the top eight this year, realistically thinking, I think Eddie Howe would think he’s done a great job. They’re in good nick then then they’ve got a launch sequence, they’ve got a platform to build from."
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