"I haven't seen anything today other than what we've done here today," Eddie Howe responded after being asked whether Newcastle United were in a title race. It was a question well avoided but in truth, a question rarely asked over the weekend just one where Newcastle reclaimed third spot at the expense of Manchester United.
The debate since Manchester United's win over Manchester City - is whether they are now in the title race. Pundits from Sky Sports to the BBC largely agreed that the form of Manchester United and their move to within one point of their neighbours leaves them very much in a race for the top.
The conversation has largely excluded Newcastle United - despite, on goal difference, actually being above Erik ten Hag's men. But the focus on Man United rages on. They face Crystal Palace tonight in the Premier League which draws them level with Newcastle for the number of games played this season, with a victory putting them three points ahead of the Magpies.
