Sven Botman is convinced Newcastle will finish in the Premier League top four after a statement 2-0 win against Manchester United.
Eddie Howe’s side leapfrogged their rivals into third place thanks to goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson at St. James’ Park.
Both sides are out of the title race with Manchester City 14 points ahead and Arsenal a further eight, but when it comes to qualifying for next season’s Champions League, things are looking bright.
Tottenham can jump ahead of both with a win over Everton on Monday, live on talkSPORT, but will have played two games more, while Brighton, Liverpool and Fulham are similarly disadvantaged.
Newcastle have the fewest goals conceded in England’s top flight with 19 in 27 games, while they’ve now earned a 13th clean sheet of the season, with thanks to Botman.
Not only was the defender delighted with the performance, but also the fact it came against United, who they lost the Carabao Cup final to in February.
Speaking to Viaplay post match, the Dutchman stood alongside countryman Frank de Boer, and said: “We are convinced that we will qualify for Champions League football.
“This feels really good. When I look back on that lost League Cup final, this feels extra good.
“The fact that we are now going over Manchester United into third place makes it all the more beautiful.
“There is no secret. We do it as a team. I’ve never seen everyone so clearly working on the same plan. It is very difficult for our opponents to get through. We really do it together on this team.
“Our trainer is also very important. Eddie Howe is very demanding, but knows how to get qualities out of players that they didn’t even know they were capable of. That belief in your own abilities is very important.”
Eddie Howe was later filmed telling his players how proud he was at the work they put in a video that was shared on social media.
It was a different feeling in the away dressing room, with Luke Shaw revealing Man United’s teammates had a frank discussion about what went wrong.
