Champions League qualification 'feels like it is ours to lose'
If there was ever any doubt about Newcastle's priorities as we head towards the close of the season, let them be cast away now.It is clear from player interviews and the approach to games that Newcastle very much have their eyes on the coveted fifth (or even fourth) place, securing Champions League football for another season under the watchful eye of Eddie Howe.It feels like it is ours to lose. It felt like this last season, when goal difference set us apart from Manchester United and Europa League football looked nailed on. Then Manchester City decided to ruin our hopes and dreams and not turn up to the FA Cup final, ensuring Manchester United took that spot.Last season, though, we were sort of chasing three points: "It is alright as long as we win the next one". This season we are looking at it slightly differently: "This one is the one we can lose."I think we have enough quality and enough drive in the squad to do it. It will not be easy. Not many things that are worth it are easy. But that is OK - we are Newcastle United fans so we are not that used to things being easy.On Monday we cruised past Leicester doing exactly what we needed to do - keeping a clean sheet, not picking up any serious injuries and ensuring a healthy goal difference.It has to be said that Leicester were not a terribly difficult opponent. Their season has not been brilliant. But it does not matter, because in previous iterations of this sort of fixture it would have been our banana skin, and it was not on this occasion.It feels like there has been a mentality shift at the club. We are winners now. Let's get the job done.Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external
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