William Gallas poses pressure question on Newcastle after Arsenal defeat

Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has questioned whether Newcastle United can handle the pressure of their final three games with Champions League football at stake. If the Toon were to finish in the top-four, it would be their first foray in the Champions League in two decades.

It’s the first time Eddie Howe would lead a side into Europe in his managerial career and Gallas has question marks over the Magpies’ response to defeat to Arsenal. In truth, the Gunners were deserving of all three points at St. James’ Park at the weekend, but they’re just the second side to beat the Toon on home soil in the Premier League this season.

Howe and his men have been imperious at home this season and have proven many doubters wrong. Finishing in Europe alone is a huge step in the right direction having been relegation candidates the year prior, but the Magpies’ destiny remains in their own hands.

Speaking after the defeat to Arsenal, Gallas told Sky Sports: “The crowd was just unbelievable. Newcastle, today, I don’t think they played the same football they used to play.

“Today, for me, I think it was about the manager and the player he put up front. That’s what we were talking about during the game.

“Maybe Isak should have been up front and put another player on the left. My question is after that result – what will be their reaction for the next game if they can deal with the pressure?

“Because they’re going to have pressure on their shoulders.”