Sven Botman rocked by knee problem as Newcastle United get 94.9% chance of Champions League
Newcastle United are limping towards the finishing line with multiple injuries affecting the squad
Newcastle United now have a 94.9% of qualifying for the Champions League next season according to Opta's stattos.
With two matches left, Newcastle can not only secure their place at Europe's top table next season in the season's finale but they could yet bag the runners-up spot and make it the best campaign since 1997. Although, as Eddie Howe pointed out after the game there is still "work to do" and Newcastle may have to journey to the Emirates Stadium next Sunday with the gap narrowed slightly as Aston Villa face Spurs on Friday and Chelsea also take on Man United.
But the truth is, Newcastle will finish second if they take care of Arsenal and beat Everton in their final game of the season - something they're more than capable of doing. Putting aside second place for a moment, Newcastle need just one victory from their last two games to secure Champions League football next term hence their 94.9% rating from Opta.
It is a scenario that Howe and his team could have only dreamed of back in December when they lost 4-2 at Brentford. That day the head coach stayed calm despite some stinging criticism coming his way as Newcastle lay slumped in 12th place in the table.
But from the moment Howe switched Bruno Guimaraes from a 6 to an 8 and allowed Sandro Tonali to play deeper in the process, Newcastle have barely looked back. Howe was refusing to take anything for granted despite Newcastle's strong position in the table.
He reflected: "I think we can't sit back and look at it that way, we have to drive forward, reflect on our next game and make sure we're ready for Arsenal because that is a very, very tough match and we know how tight it is with the teams around us, so we're not taking anything for granted."
Sven Botman injury concern
Sunday's encounter with Chelsea was Sven Botman's first start since January but the Dutchman last just 55 minutes before coming off.
Howe indicated that he hoped the injury was not serious but the centre-back was being assessed. Botman was replaced by Lewis Miley as a reshuffle unfolded in the second period.
With Kieran Trippier also injured it gives Newcastle defensive issues going into Arsenal next weekend. Howe said: "I think he was icing a problem at half-time, so we hope he’s okay. With that in mind, and the fact I thought we needed to change tactically, we made a change and brought Lewie (Miley) on.
"It was a big moment for Lewie, and I thought he handled that situation, with a lot of pressure on him, really, really well. I was really pleased with him."
History repeats itself for Nick Pope in Champions League race
The Newcastle keeper made a famous save against Leicester City in 2023 to help secure the point that took the Magpies to the Champions League after a save to deny Timothy Castagne. United may not be there mathematically just yet but Pope essentially put a foot in the door after making to huge saves at 1-0 at St James' Park against Chelsea.
Denying both Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez before Bruno Guimaraes put the lid on things. For all the debate about a new goalkeeper coming this summer, Pope has proven he is Champions League quality in the last few seasons.