Graeme Souness has told Chelsea and Liverpool that they're 'in danger' of losing out on top-four in the Premier League to Newcastle United. The Magpies creeped into a Champions League qualification spot over the weekend after having extended their unbeaten run to seven games.
Eddie Howe's side snatched three points from Tottenham Hotspur with a 2-1 win in north London. Meanwhile, the Blues settled for a disappointing point against Manchester United and Liverpool lost to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.
The west Londoners dropped into fifth while Jurgen Klopp's side held onto a place in the top-half of the table. With Newcastle's impressive form beginning to pay dividends, Souness has warned Chelsea and Liverpool that a place in the top-four shouldn't be taken for granted with new competition on the block.
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Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Liverpool defender said: "The normal order [at the top of the Premier League] is changing. You’d have to say Liverpool and maybe Chelsea are in danger. There could be an opening for Newcastle, definitely in the top six.
"But the team I’m watching right now, if Newcastle maintain this form in terms of performances and attitude and they don’t suffer a load of injuries, they could easily end up in the top four. You have to give them credit.
"It’s looking very good for them. I know how difficult that job is. I know how difficult it is to get everyone onside up there. They’re a frustrated lot and it’s born out of years and years of what they see as underachievement. That was the most difficult job I had."
Souness continued by warning Chelsea and Liverpool that Newcastle are growing into a side to be reckoned with. He added: "When I saw them play against Liverpool I saw a team that went to Anfield, which is hostile, a difficult place to play and a lot of teams get intimidated going to Anfield, but Newcastle turned up and wanted to take Liverpool on at their own game, and I thought they were fabulous.
"What I saw yesterday against Tottenham was a team that appeared to have no fear and they were fabulous again. On the front foot, aggressive and watching the game they looked a fitter team than Spurs.
"Newcastle right now are absolutely on fire, they’re a delight to watch and they’re a team you do not want to play. Right now if you’re a Newcastle supporter you should be enjoying this."
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