After 11 games played, both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are separated by two places and two points in the Premier League.
Ange Postecoglou and Eddie Howe have similar aspirations of taking Tottenham and Newcastle back to the Champions League, perhaps eyeing fourth spot.
Neither club will want to stop there, both have big ambitions for the future, but a regular spot in Europe’s top competition would certainly provide a crucial platform for success.
Of course, it’s been a long time since either club won a trophy of any significance, two sides with expectant fan bases who have tasted success in the past.
Spurs last won the 2008 League Cup, whilst Newcastle haven’t lifted a trophy since the 1955 FA Cup final, unless you count winning the Championship.
Alan Shearer thinks Tottenham and Newcastle should be chasing a trophy
That being said, when speaking on the ‘Rest is Football’ podcast, Alan Shearer responded to a fan questioning why both clubs mentioned don’t chase cup competitions more intently.
It was proposed that Tottenham and Newcastle could rid some unwanted baggage by winning a trophy – something that doesn’t seem to be at the top of their priorities.
Shearer responded: “No I agree, totally agree. I do find it frustrating at times.
“I understand it to a certain degree from the manager’s point of view, because he’s got to keep all of his squad happy and finish higher in the league, which is then more beneficial to the chairman and the football club, which is a huge bonus as well.
“So I understand all those things, but I’m of the same opinion of that, particularly teams like Tottenham and Newcastle, who could really do with a trophy.”
What has Eddie Howe said about winning a trophy at Newcastle?
Postecoglou’s comments about winning silverware at Tottenham in his second season are pretty famous by this point.
But Howe has also spoken about his desire to win a trophy for Newcastle, even if some perceive that his approach to domestic cup competitions doesn’t suggest so.
Speaking in October when he was being linked with the England job, Howe stated his determination to make history at St James’ Park.
Howe said: “I genuinely think about Newcastle and trying to lift a trophy here would be my goal and I immerse myself with what I’m in currently. So no other thoughts [of leaving for the England job] have entered my head.”