Newcastle up to third spot after beating Man Utd
Newcastle avenged their League Cup final loss against Manchester United as Joe Willock and Callum Wilson clinched a 2-0 win that lifted the Magpies into third place in the Premier League on Sunday. Eddie Howe's side were beaten 2-0 by United at Wembley five weeks ago in their first major final for 24 years. But Newcastle might swap silverware for a lucrative Champions League berth and second half goals from Willock and Wilson at a raucous St James' Park moved them closer to that ambition. Newcastle's third successive league – and their first against United since 2019 – took them above their fourth placed opponents on goal difference. They sit one point ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham, who visit Everton on Monday, as the race hots up to qualify for next season's Champions League via a top-four finish. It is 46 years since Newcastle last finished above United, but the Magpies, fuelled by Howe's astute management and the financial backing of their Saudi owners, now have a rare chance to emulate that feat. "We were frustrated not to lead at half-time, but I felt if we performed the same way it would come. Thankfully it did," Howe said. "If you're playing well that's the most important thing. That gives us a great chance of achieving a special season. If we can maintain our position I'll be very happy." United are without a win in their last three league games. They were thrashed 7-0 at Liverpool and then held to a goalless draw by lowly Southampton before this setback on Tyneside. United's first major trophy in six years was supposed to be the start of a new golden era, but instead they have failed to score in three successive league matches for the first time since February 2020. "I hate to say it but they were better today, especially their determination, passion and desire. They wanted to win more so they won," Ten Hag said. "It wasn't good enough. We allowed them too many chances. You have to be hungry and give everything every game. We have to deal with the setback and learn a lesson. I believe we'll bounce back." In Sunday's other game, West Ham scrambled out of the relegation zone as Nayef Aguerd's first goal for the club sealed a crucial 1-0 victory against fellow strugglers Southampton. David Moyes' side kicked off at the London Stadium languishing second bottom of the table, with Southampton in last place. But Morocco defender Aguerd's maiden goal since signing from French club Rennes last year lifted the Hammers up to 14th. (AFP)