Jeff Stelling makes U-turn on Newcastle prediction after what he saw against Tottenham

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite the moans and groans about their lack of transfer activity, Eddie Howe’s squad are silencing their critics by doing their talking on the pitch.

It certainly wasn’t pretty for Newcastle United, but they defended resolutely against Tottenham at St James’ Park and picked apart Ange Postecoglou’s side on the break.

Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak scored for the hosts either side of half-time to lift Newcastle into fifth in the Premier League table ahead of the international break.

However, Jeff Stelling has gone back on his ambitious Newcastle prediction after what he saw from the Magpies against Tottenham.

READ MORE: £38 Newcastle player produces ‘world-class’ moment in 2-1 win over Tottenham

Jeff Stelling makes U-turn on Newcastle United prediction

Newcastle narrowly missed out on European football this season because of Manchester United’s FA Cup success, but many expect the reduced number of matches to play into their favour.

It is no secret that Newcastle struggled with injuries last season after qualifying for the Champions League. Only playing once a week could see Newcastle rediscover the league form that propelled them into the top four in the first place.

Jeff Stelling predicted a top-four finish for Newcastle before the start of the season but he has now changed his mind after their win against Tottenham.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Stelling said “I’m just going to say one thing and Newcastle fans don’t get on my back about it, because I had you finishing top four.

“Having seen yesterday [against Tottenham], actually having looked at your bench yesterday, I don’t think you can finish top four.

“Because the lack of activity, not just during this transfer window, but the previous transfer window as well, means that squad is pretty much threadbare.

“So I might just have to change my mind about Newcastle finishing in the top four. But a great, great win.”

Newcastle United can upset the odds this season

Newcastle are doing a great job of ignoring the negativity around their transfer window.

Their failed attempts to sign Marc Guehi and Anthony Elanga in the final few hours of the window put a huge dampener on the mood around St James’ Park, but the best way to bring the buzz back is through winning games.

READ MORE: Newcastle could still sign ‘world class’ forward compared to Anthony Elanga on a free transfer

That is exactly what Newcastle have been doing and they have already put themselves in a great position to be in the race for the top four.

Plus, with European fixtures coming up soon for their competitors, Newcastle can expect a few of their rivals to drop off while they continue to charge ahead.