Newcastle beat Brighton 4-1 on Thursday to strengthen its third place hold in the Premier League. Three more points will guarantee Newcastle a top-four finish and an automatic spot in the Champions League. 

“It is still so far away,” said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who hasn’t talked about his team’s Champions League chances. Brighton striker Deniz Undav had an eventful game at St James’ Park, glancing Kieran Trippier’s inswinging corner into his own net to give Newcastle the lead in the 23rd minute.