- Tottenham Hotspur close gap on Newcastle United
- Magpies hope it’s too late to be dragged into relegation battle
- How two rivals remaining fixtures compare
Newcastle United find themselves in a very uncomfortable position this season. With the recent 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, the Magpies could have Tottenham catching up if they continue to drop points in a worst-case scenario.
Just a year after winning the Carabao Cup, Eddie Howe finds himself in dangerous waters this season. Newcastle have lacked fight since their 4–2 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League Round of 16 in March. The Tyneside club has lost every Premier League game since then. A winless run of 4 matches followed by 2–1 defeats to Sunderland, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth. And the latest setback at the Emirates.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with Eddie Howe’s position under scrutiny as the side enters a four-game battle to end the season on a positive note. Recently, Spurs defeated relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0. This win means Howe’s side is just 8 points ahead of the North London side with 4 games to spare.
Newcastle United- 14th (42 points)
- Brighton & Hove Albion (H)- May 2nd
- Nottingham Forest (A)- May 10th
- West Ham United (H)- May 17th
- Fulham (A)- May 24th
After ending April on a low note, Newcastle will have to bounce back in May. The Magpies have two clashes against higher-ranked sides and two against those below; it will come down to who wants it the most.
The first clash meeting with Brighton this weekend would be challenging as the visitors come in with high confidence after beating Chelsea 3-0. However, last time out, the Magpies lost to Fabian Hurzeler’s side 2-1, so payback is in the cards.
A trip to Nottingham Forest could favour the visitors, as the Reds would have played both Europa League semi-final fixtures in the run-up. Tired legs and a rotated team could be perfect for a double after a 2- 0 win in the reverse game. The penultimate match of the campaign sees West Ham come to St. James’ Park, and revenge would be sweet after the Magpies lost to them 3-1 in November.
Finally, a trip to Craven Cottage awaits. Despite Newcastle winning the earlier fixture 2-1, the game against Fulham won’t be easy, and only time will tell how this turns out for the away side.
Tottenham Hotspur -18th (34 points)
- Aston Villa (A)- May 3rd
- Leeds United (H)- May 11th
- Chelsea (A)- TBA
- Everton (H)- May 24th
Under the new manager, Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs won their first Premier League game of 2026 against Wolves. But before that, the side has failed to taste victory since December. Currently in 18th with 34 points, De Zerbi’s men are 2 points behind West Ham. Only four wins from four will do, as they rely on the Hammers to slip up to keep their survival hopes alive.
Spurs travel to an Aston Villa side locked in on securing Champions League qualification this weekend, but the hosts will be tired from midweek European action. Then there’s the visit of Leeds United, who are another side breathing down the necks of Newcastle.
A London derby with Chelsea is an unpredictable affair given ongoings at Stamford Bridge, while Everton may host Spurs with European football up for grabs in the curtain closer.
Victory in all four would take them to 44 points, and only if Newcastle continue their losing run, the impossible could become reality.
In other news, ‘So Much Potential’: Glenn Murray praises Newcastle United star despite 4/10 Arsenal display.
