'That's never good' - Newcastle hear baffled verdict as rivals speak out on Champions League race
The race for a Champions League place is set to go to the final day of the Premier League season
Another week, another twist in the race for the Champions League . . . but this time it was Newcastle United who dealt a big blow to their rivals' ambitions. The Magpies' 2-0 win over Chelsea means they are just one win away from all-but guaranteeing a return to Europe's elite competition, depending on how results fall this coming weekend.
Just two games remain this season, and there are still some mouthwatering clashes ahead, not least United's game against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. Newcastle can go second with a win over Mikel Arteta's side, who came back to earn a 2-2 draw with champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
There's also the small matter of the final-day clash between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea at the City Ground, which is set to have a huge bearing on the final places. United and Eddie Howe know their fate is in their own hands, but here's what all the managers have been saying ahead of the last two games.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle United
LAST RESULT: Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea
REMAINING FIXTURES: Arsenal (A), Everton (H)
Newcastle took a huge step closer to Champions League football with a 2-0 victory over top-five rivals Chelsea on Sunday. It means they probably all need to win one more win to secure their spot, but Eddie Howe is taking nothing for granted with games at Arsenal and at home to Everton to come.
"We are on the road to what we want to do this season, but there’s still a lot of work to do, two tough fixtures to play," he said. "The size of the prize is huge, the players are aware of that. There was a worry when we won the trophy (Carabao Cup) that there would be a negative consequence of that, but I think it actually gave us confidence.”
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City
LAST RESULT: Southampton 0-0 Man City
REMAINING FIXTURES: Bournemouth (A), Fulham (H)
City were held to a surprising goalless draw at Southampton on Saturday and have the FA Cup final with Crystal Palace before going to Bournemouth on Tuesday, May 20. Pep Guardiola has felt the race would go down to the wire for some time, even if the St Mary's result came as a surprise.
“With the result today, yeah," he said. "We have three games, one FA Cup final and two league games. I didn’t expect differently from a month ago, that it’s a fight until the end.”
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
LAST RESULT: Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea
REMAINING FIXTURES: Man United (H), Forest (A)
Chelsea's defeat at St James' Park was a setback, but Enzo Maresca was pleased with the spirit his side showed with 10 men following Nicolas Jackson's red card, particularly in the second half. They have a Europa Conference League final date with Real Betis on the horizon and end the season with home games against Man United on Friday and that final-day showdown with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
"The energy, the spirit and the togetherness of the team in the second half has been fantastic. It’s something I feel proud of. Now my feeling is you need to win both games to qualify for the Champions League.”
Unai Emery, Aston Villa
LAST RESULT: Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa
REMAINING FIXTURES: Tottenham (H), Man United (A)
Villa maintained their strong form with a hard-fought win at Bournemouth on Saturday night, although they will be without the suspended Jacob Ramsey for Friday night's home game with Tottenham. Villa end the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and manager Unai Emery is focused on their Champions League push after securing European football.
“Fantastic to be in Europe, it is the third year in a row. We have a very ambitious objective and we will play matches for it [Champions League]. I am enjoying the momentum we are in. Players are taking the commitment we need to fight to again be in the top positions in the table. Today we showed it.
“No celebration, of course no. We have something to celebrate, but we have challenges in front of us. It is not in our hands, but we can push other teams by winning.”
Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest
LAST RESULT: Forest 2-2 Leicester
REMAINING FIXTURES: West Ham (A), Chelsea (H)
The wheels have come off Forest's Champions League bid after they had occupied third spot for large stretches of the season. They could only draw with already-relegated Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday, prompting those furious and controversial scenes when owner Evangelos Marinakis marched on to the pitch to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the final whistle.
They must now go to West Ham before hosting rivals Chelsea on the final day, but Nuno admits he's at a loss to explains his side's drop in confidence.
“Today is a tough day for everybody connected to the club,” Nuno said. “First half we conceded a goal but we were dominant. Second half we started better and deserved to get the advantage. Then it was a defensive mistake that allowed Leicester to get back in the game. I honestly don’t know the reason. You can say because of anxiety or nerves but the players don't transmit that.
"Champions League qualification was in our hands, it’s no longer in our hands. But we are not playing well, we are not defending well and that is never good. I wish I could tell you why but our main focus as coaching staff is to find solutions. When we don’t it's so frustrating.”