Newcastle United players were put through their paces at the club's Benton base on Friday in scenes that would not have looked out of place in early July.
Eddie Howe and his squad have spoken about the intensity levels required going into Premier League matches these days and the results have shown this term on the pitch. Just four defeats from 33 matches and the leanest defence in the top flight with just 27 goals says it all.
But Howe - who has already packed in two "mini pre-seasons" into this campaign over in Riyadh and Dubai in boot camps - has made it clear he wants more for the final push in the Prem. And that was evident on Friday as the preparations for the crucial Arsenal clash began with the dreaded beep test in the indoor hall at Benton.
READ MORE: Newcastle close in on biggest-ever sponsorship deal and Barcelona set Raphinha price
In a week in which Dan Burn described Newcastle as the fittest team in the Premier League, Howe did not get swept away in his Press conference on Friday. When asked about Burn's comments Howe stated his team must "prove it" on the field in the final five games.
Eddie Howe points to Newcastle United Academy to help Magpies on their journey
Howe made a point in being pictured with exciting teenager Lewis Miley this week as he celebrated his first professional deal. After bringing Elliot Anderson up to the first-team on a permanent basis and blocking loan deals this season, Howe is keen to give youth its chances.
Miley's 17th birthday coincided with Newcastle handing him a major pro deal at the first opportunity. Speaking about Miley's future Howe said: "Lewy’s got an amazing chance to do that at his age. He’s got all the attributes he needs. Now he needs a little bit of luck to continue o the path that he’s gone."
But Howe wants to see more like him and at a quicker rate. Howe said: "I’d love there to be a few more. It would save us a fortune in the transfer market if we can produce more on a consistent basis."
Garang Kuol loan deal doesn't go "as hoped" for Eddie Howe
Newcastle United will ask Shola Ameobi to try again in the summer for a loan deal for Australia international Garang Kuol.
The 18-year-old signed from Central Coast Mariners in January and was sent straight to Heart of Midlothian for a loan stint north of the border. But Hearts have fielded Kuol just once from the start in the Scottish Premiership and the loan has not gone as well as Eddie Howe and his staff hoped.
Howe, who will look at Kuol in pre-season, said: "Sometimes, through a disappointing loan, you can actually respond and learn things about yourself which makes the loan really beneficial. So I’d never look at it as a huge negative. But, of course, the loan probably hasn’t gone as we’d have hoped."
READ NEXT
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe rubbishes reports linking club with Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo
- Newcastle training ground feature will give club major facelift
- Eddie Howe assesses 'smart decisions' to be made in Newcastle United's summer transfer strategy
- Kieran Trippier's dressing room insight to Newcastle Champions League strategy
- Matt Targett lifts lid on 'killer' moment which cost him 2017 Newcastle move
