The Battle for Europe rages on as Newcastle and Spurs produce impressive displays to close in on Arsenal

As the season edges ever closer to its dramatic climax, there are still battles being fought from the top of the table right down to the bottom.

Never has the battle for the Champions League places been as fiercely contested as it has this year.

This evening saw the two main contenders for fourth spot in action, as Newcastle looked to bounce back from their recent drubbing at Wigan against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Tottenham faced a stern test at the Reebok as Bolton attempted to avoid the drop.

This year’s biggest success story, Newcastle United, defied expectations yet again as they claimed a 2-0 victory, putting daylight between them and Chelsea thanks to two more strikes from super signing Papiss Cisse.

It looks like winning the Champions League or bust regarding qualification for next year’s tournament for the Blues, who will hope tonight is just a blip before they return to winning ways in their two cup finals.

Tottenham’s recent return to winning ways appears to have coincided with the issue of the vacant England manager’s job being resolved, ensuring Spurs can focus on recapturing their league form under the continued guidance of Harry Redknapp.

They put four past a Bolton side slipping ever closer towards Championship football.

Tonight’s results have turned the fight for the last two Champions League positions into a three horse race between Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham. However, there is a bit of extra spice due to the fact if Chelsea win the Champions League there will only be one spot for these three to fight for.

Based on upcoming fixtures, you’d have to say Tottenham and Arsenal have a far easier ride than Newcastle, who have Manchester City and Everton yet to face.

No matter what, the Magpies can be proud of their best season in over a decade, and it’s fair to say they have exceeded expectations.

I would put my money on Arsenal to do the business; with their experience and points advantage they should just edge it come the end of the season.

Then again, in a season full of twists and turns, who knows what the remaining fixtures have in store.

Dan Cain