Garth Crooks has claimed Newcastle United “are capable” of a top-six finish following Saturday’s 4-1 rout at Craven Cottage. Fulham were ripped apart in their own backyard as the Magpies seized on the extra-man advantage to record a compelling victory.
At one point, Newcastle appeared destined to finish the day inside the top six. However, Conor Gallagher’s last-gasp stunner against Crystal Palace secured three points and knocked United down to seventh.
Just one controversial defeat in eight games places Newcastle neatly in the European picture ahead of the run-in to the World Cup. The prospect of continental escapades is a far cry from where Eddie Howe’s men were at the start of 2022.
