"I haven't seen anything today other than what we've done here today," Eddie Howe responded after being asked whether Newcastle United were in a title race. It was a question well avoided but in truth, a question rarely asked over the weekend just one where Newcastle reclaimed third spot at the expense of Manchester United.
The debate since Manchester United's win over Manchester City - is whether they are now in the title race. Pundits from Sky Sports to the BBC largely agreed that the form of Manchester United and their move to within one point of their neighbours leaves them very much in a race for the top.
The conversation has largely excluded Newcastle United - despite, on goal difference, actually being above Erik ten Hag's men. But the focus on Man United rages on. They face Crystal Palace tonight in the Premier League which draws them level with Newcastle for the number of games played this season, with a victory putting them three points ahead of the Magpies.
Eagles boss Patrick Viera in his pre-match press conference was asked about Man United's title challenge. "When you look at the last couple of games [Manchester United have] played," he said. "The number of wins they had and how close they are to the top, I think they can be [in a title race]."
The Magpies face Crystal Palace on Saturday evening, and some Toon fans will watch with intrigue to see whether Viera is asked a similar question in the build-up. The praise for Ten Hag has come in abundance - one show earlier this week pointed out that he had gotten the better of Mikel Arteta, Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola, and Jurgen Klopp - there was no mention though that Howe's Newcastle had managed to stop them.
Similarly, the debate has been raging as to whether Tottenham can qualify for the top four, and for some pundits, their answers focused on Liverpool and Chelsea turning their seasons around and pushing Tottenham hard. Newcastle, for some, are not even an afterthought.
But does it really matter that much? Howe has been consistent in his approach to what this season can bring. He's modest and focused on the next game, not allowing himself to dream ahead to May and potential European qualification. And while the lack of praise may irritate some, for Howe the rewards will come with Newcastle's position in the league table not kind words from pundits.
And for fans, it may not be surprising that the old top six still grab the headlines, but nor does it seem that many care all that much. They are watching their team week-in and week-out and can see the improvements in the side, and the actual league table is the only proof you need of how well it's going. Toon fans know just how well it is going.
Having asked fans whether Newcastle being excluded from the conversation is annoying, most see it as a positive, allowing the club to go under the radar, build quietly and strike without pressure to do so. One fan, Chris Kelly wrote in response to my question: "I couldn’t care less.
"Let them talk about their precious ‘big 6’ and we’ll quietly go about our business. If NUFC get the top 4 this season, we’re probably two years ahead of schedule. We’re coming for them regardless!"
And this is the consensus across most of the fanbase. Let Newcastle go quietly about their business - on and off the pitch. After all, no one anticipated such a rise to the top. Of course, there have been debates where Newcastle are tipped for European qualification. Jason Cundy on talkSPORT earlier this week said Newcastle have the top 4 secured and are in the title race.
Yet Howe won't win titles on the back of pundits' words, but by continuing the work he is undertaking at the moment. Fans are not claiming a title race, nor is Howe - the focus is just improving game by game with the belief the rewards - and honours - will come. Toon fan Steve Wallwork perhaps puts it best: "I quite like the phrase 'ignore us at your peril.'"
"We'll just keep ticking along and being ignored while the other sides continue to beat each other. Maybe come April they will HAVE to include us in the conversation."
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