Newcastle United qualified into the Champions League at the cost of Aston Villa on the last day.
Roy Keane has stated that ‘the table doesn’t lie’ after Newcastle United advanced to the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Magpies were dramatically upset by Everton at St James’ Park, leaving Unai Emery’s side with only one point to finish ahead of them and qualify for the coveted European competition for the second year in a row.
However, the Villans were lost away at Old Trafford in controversial fashion, with Morgan Rogers’ initial goal being called out, causing a major point of controversy.
Villa have subsequently written to the PGMOL to complain over the decision, but Keane believes Newcastle were well deserved of their last place.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Manchester United captain said: “The table doesn’t lie, over the course of the season, they have earned that right.
“They deserve it. A little bit of luck with the goal going against Villa, but you can’t begrudge them that little bit of success.
“They have had injury problems like everybody else. They mentioned they need players – every club will be saying that at the end of the season. But the table has taken care of itself and they have just about deserved it.
“The way he’s [Eddie Howe] managed it, the recruitment side of it, his hands have been tied a little bit. He was not well a few months ago.
“He’s had a lot of challenges like lots of managers out there. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, but his temperament for that job suits him down to the ground.
“He never seems to get too high or too low. The results have been fantastic. He has done an amazing job up there.”
