Pundit issues ‘absolutely huge’ Newcastle United claim after critical development
Alan Hutton has suggested Newcastle United will be relieved to be out of the FA Cup.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said Newcastle’s priority will now be to finish in the top four.
Eddie Howe’s were eliminated from the FA Cup on Saturday (7 January) after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
The Magpies boss made eight changes from the side that held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw.
As quoted by Sky Sports after the game, Howe said it was a “disappointing result” for his side and said they were “desperate” to win the game.
Newcastle managed to secure a place in the Carabao Cup semi-final last night (10 January) with a 2-0 victory over Leicester City.
When asked if may be relieved to have exited the FA Cup to focus more heavily on the league, Hutton told Football Insider: “At the start of the season they were probably hoping for a good finish in the Premier League, a cup run but it kind of changed a little bit for them.
“They hit the ground running and they are up towards the top end of the league. That is probably priority, can they finish in the top four?
“Champions League football would be absolutely huge so that takes priority.
“But if they can get to a final it would put the icing on the cake.“
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