Jamie Carragher’s comments about Newcastle United will boost West Ham in the battle for the European spots in the Premier League.
West Ham sit three places and three points above Newcastle United in the Premier League table.
The Magpies – by virtue of a superior goal difference – had the chance to leapfrog the Hammers when they played Chelsea on Monday night.
That was after West Ham were held to a disappointing and hugely frustrating 2-2 draw at home by strugglers Burnley.
But Newcastle were beaten 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, keeping West Ham in seventh spot.
Who will end up in seventh heaven?
That will be rewarded with a European place this season. For West Ham that would mean qualification for Europe four seasons in a row.
Depending on which European league lands UEFA’s extra Champions League spot and who wins the FA Cup, eighth or even ninth place could also be good enough for the likes of West Ham and Newcastle.
With 11 games to go – and West Ham going to Newcastle soon – it promises to go down to the wire.
So what Jamie Carragher has claimed about Newcastle is great news for West Ham in the European tussle.
West Ham could have edge in Euro tussle if Carragher is right
Speaking on Sky Sports after Eddie Howe’s side were beaten by Chelsea, Carragher slammed Newcastle’s defending.
And the pundit believes Newcastle look demotivated and like ‘they’re almost ready for the season to end’.
“I adored Newcastle last season. It was their intensity, and it took me back to when Jurgen Klopp first came in at Liverpool where people were running everywhere,” Carragher said.
“They didn’t have as many games and they’ve had injuries this season so what happens is you’re using the same players who are fit, then that sort of intensity drops also.
“It looks like a team who are almost ready for the end of the season. If I just looked at that performance and I didn’t know this team, that is not acceptable the way they defended. This is an average Chelsea team, let’s not forget that.”
Motivation for final push key
That will be music to West Ham’s ears given Newcastle are on of their main competitors for a Euro place.
But West Ham’s problem is that they could be accused of something similar.
Performances against Freiburg and for the first half against Burnley were more like the turgid fare that was served up during a winless eight-game run that ushered in 2024 for the Hammers.
And while West Ham took their chances well, they were a touch fortunate to beat Everton – by David Moyes’ own admission.
It seems it will be the manager who can best motivate his side for one final push will be the one celebrating European qualification come what May.
READ ALSO
Moyes says most infuriating ref blunder of draw went completely unnoticed
Moyes sends very clear message to fans about what he expects from them for Freiburg
Sullivan has already made feelings clear on 55-year-old managing West Ham
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
