Newcastle United are so very close to securing Champions League football. Many would say that's what they deserve. In fact, a host of ex-pros, supporters and current Premier League managers have said just that.
Take Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi for starters. Moments after watching his plucky, Champions League-chasing outfit ruled out of the race for the top four, he was quick to give Newcastle the praise they deserve after a historic campaign. “Newcastle deserve to qualify for the Champions League,” he said in the depths of St James' Park.
“They won against Manchester United 2-0. I watched the game and they deserved to win. In the first-half against Arsenal they were unlucky because they deserved to score the first goal. They are a very strong team.”
