Newcastle labelled unconvincing following draw against Bournemouth, but former Premier League stars Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy believes Magpies should be ‘aiming for seventh’

Newcastle have been told they ‘should be aiming for Europe’ this season by talkSPORT Phone-In hosts Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy.

After being taken over last season after years of discontent under former owner Mike Ashley, expectations have been high for the Geordies this season due to their new cash-injected budget.

Last season the north east outfit showed the takeover had given them a boost on the field, rising up from the relegation zone to finish 11th.

This season, the Geordies sit 10th after seven games. However, after drawing 1-1 at home to newly promoted Bournemouth on Saturday, O’Hara has said Eddie Howe’s side need to be setting higher standards for themselves.

And the ex-Tottenham Hotspur player stated they needed to be working towards playing in Europe next season.

“I’m not sure about Newcastle this season so far, I’m not convinced. There’s not been enough big results for them,” he said.

“They’ve spent some money, they’ve got some top players in their team now. They need to be pushing on, Europe’s got to be the aim.”

Meanwhile, Cundy agreed the Magpies needed to have all eyes on finishing in the top seven.

But whilst O’Hara thinks Newcastle are underperforming, the ex-Chelsea star said Newcastle aren’t far off where they need to be when looking at the table.

“Look at the teams that are above them, [Manchester] City, Arsenal, Spurs, Brighton – okay we’ll see what happens after [Graham] Potter leaves.

“Manchester United, Fulham – who are the big surprise this season – Chelsea are above them, Liverpool are above them.

“All of those teams I’ve just mentioned other than Fulham, other than Brighton and Brentford, mean they should be about seventh.

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