Newcastle United showed their battling side in the 3-1 win over Southampton as they fought to come from behind in front of packed holiday crowd at St James' Park.
The Magpies could be toasting Champions League football within a fortnight if they keep up their superb form and others slip up. But there was an air of calmness around the club as they close on their best finish for 20 years.
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The feeling from the boardroom appears to be that Newcastle have reached Europe's biggest stage at least one year early. But victory over Arsenal next Sunday could leave them needing just one more victory to clinch their spot - something unthinkable just a year ago.
Callum Wilson sends huge message ahead of big summer in the transfer window
Eddie Howe stated recently that he wouldn't want to lose his number 9 and the former Bournemouth star showed exactly why in the second half against Southampton.
His second half introduction gave Howe exactly what he was looking for in the final third on a day when Newcastle had squandered some big first half chances. Wilson should not be talked about as a back-up man, but with £63million star Alexander Isak almost certain to be joined by another forward, it's hard to see the number 9 being the main striker.
Whatever happens, Wilson should be kept at the club next season and with plenty of three-game weeks ahead Newcastle will definitely need him. That's 15 goals for Wilson now and he has another five matches to make his tally even better.
His contributions could invaluable next season and his experience is exactly what Newcastle are looking for in the next phase of the club's ambitious project.
Bookies close to suspending betting on Newcastle United finishing in the top four
The Magpies could be in the Champions League very soon and there is a 94% chance they will dining at Europe's top table next season. The odds are no longer worth having and the bookies could soon shut shop as far as Newcastle are concerned.
Sky Bet and Uni Bet were offering odds of 1/20 on Newcastle qualifying for the top four. Putting the bookies aside, it would take a spectacular collapse by United and title winning form for somebody outside the Champions League spots to be able to sneak in.
It feels like a done deal. Newcastle won't celebrate until it's mathematically possible but they know they can do it with a couple more victories.
