We may never say this again but - Thank you Mikel Arteta and Arsenal

Tuesday night was another good night for Newcastle United without the lads even having to kick a ball.

Arsenal managed a shock 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League last night thanks to two stunning free kicks from Declan Rice and a sumptuous sweeping finish from former Magpie Mikel Merino.

In fact, if it weren't for Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois being in inspired form, it could have been a much higher score.

But why would we as Newcastle fans care about this? Well, their win guaranteed England will be one of the two nations handed an extra Champions League spot next season thanks to the coefficient.

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A fifth-place finish in the Premier League will secure Champions League football

That means that it is now confirmed that fifth place will guarantee a spot in the Champions League making Newcastle's job just that little bit easier.

Eddie Howe's boys are still in the driving seat for fourth spot thanks to their game in hand and the fact they are currently on the same points as fourth-placed Chelsea.

We still have Chelsea and Aston Villa to play this season, two games that could massively affect the final standings and having that cushion of an extra place being available could be massive.

We still expect Newcastle will take fourth spot

We still back our lads to nab fourth place but it can't hurt to have a contingency plan.

Our next three games will set the tone. Expecting nine points may be a bit optimistic, but at the same time, it's 100% achievable.

As long as we bring the intensity back that was so sorely lacking on Monday, but let's be honest, it wasn't needed on Monday, then we'll be fine.