‘If Arsenal did that’: Paul Merson stunned by what Newcastle have done

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Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that Newcastle United deserve enormous credit for winning three games in a row in the Premier League, insisting that any side in the top-flight would be delighted with that achievement.

The Magpies went into the final stages of the January transfer window seemingly still in some disarray. The 1-1 draw with Watford appeared to be a particularly worrying result.

It left Eddie Howe’s side second-bottom two points adrift of safety. And they had played a game more than the Hornets, who were just above the bottom three.

Since then however, there has been a huge turnaround at St James’ Park. Several new signings have joined the club, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Chris Wood all having an impact.

And they are now four points clear of the relegation zone. They have also played one game fewer than 18th place Norwich.

They have secured victories over Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa in their last three.

Remarkably, only Liverpool have also won their last three in the Premier League. And Merson suggested that it could be a massive moment in the relegation battle.

“Credit where credit is due, winning three games on the trot is some going when you’re virtually bottom of the league,” he told Sky Sports.

“If Arsenal did that, it’s a result. If West Ham were to do that now, they’ve got every chance of playing Champions League football next year. The Premier League is hard, so to win three straight games is impressive.”

Picture much brighter for Newcastle amid Merson praise, but relegation battle not yet won

It must be noted that Norwich had taken seven points from their three league games before facing Manchester City at the weekend. So it would be wrong to suggest that Newcastle are the only side capable of putting such a run together.

But clearly, Newcastle have put themselves in the driving seat. Not only do they find themselves outside the bottom three. But they also have the momentum.

Certainly, there are a lot of sides who would be desperate to put such a run together in the coming weeks – particularly if Newcastle are about to remove themselves from the relegation battle.