After backing Newcastle to end up in 5th before the season kicked off, Micah Richards believes another top-four finish could be on the cards following our 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa on Saturday.
He was blown away by the “absolutely excellent” Sandro Tonali and was even asked if we had what it takes to compete with champions Man City. However, he feels we are “one or two short” of battling for the title; which in itself feels like a compliment and sign of how far we’ve come already!
Roy Keane also weighed in on the debate on Sky Sports, hailing our recruitment, “feel good factor” and the “absolutely brilliant” Eddie Howe. Like Richards, he thinks a title challenge is a step too far, but backs us to be right in the mix for another top-four finish.
Here’s what Keane and Richards had to say following Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday:
Roy Keane – “Newcastle are definitely in the mix for top four. I think they have got stronger, their recruitment has been excellent.
“Okay, they have different challenges this year with the Champions League but the feel good factor is there and the manager has proven to be an absolutely brilliant manager.”
Micah Richards – “I think they will challenge for top four, I don’t think they will challenge for the title. I think they are one or two short of having a real chance even being able to think about that. I think they are just focused on what they need to do. Top four is realistic for them.
“They have brought in some great players though. Tonali is absolutely excellent. Newcastle I think just top four.”
