With a defeat at the hands of Arsenal in North London, the race for the Champions League places has come down to the final day.

When they welcome an Everton side with nothing to play for to St James’ Park on Sunday, Newcastle know that a win would confirm their status as players on Europe’s biggest stage next season.

However, they may still be without their star Swede, Alexander Isak, who missed out at the Emirates due to a groin injury, even if hope exists that he could be OK after a call-up to the Sweden squad earlier today.

With a raucous Tyneside behind them, can the Magpies end the season on a celebratory high, returning to the world’s greatest club competition. If they have to do so without Isak, their task may not be as straightforward as they would like.

As always, I’m Sam and welcome to the final Toon Review of the 2024/25 season!

A case of what could’ve been at the Emirates 

This game could have turned out very differently if it weren’t for the heroics of David Raya. Both goalkeepers made some huge saves in the match, but it was Arsenal’s shot-stopper who effectively secured the Gunners’ place in next season’s Champions League. In a slightly underwhelming affair, the two goalkeepers shone brightest.

Very early on, a chance gifted to United as a result of a questionable clearance from Raya ended in Bruno Guimaraes’ effort being palmed away by the Spanish keeper. This would turn into a common theme throughout the first half, as a flurry of Newcastle chances were thwarted by Raya in the Arsenal goal. Nick Pope also made some strong saves of his own to keep the match scoreless, most notably tipping a close-range header from Thomas Partey over the bar after a devlish delivery from Bukayo Saka.

Raya continued to turn away United shot after United shot. Harvey Barnes went close but saw his effort turned just past the post. Dan Burn saw his header from a corner saved, and then could only watch on as Raya also kept out his centre-back partner Sven Botman on the rebound. The Magpies huffed and puffed, but they could not blow the house down.

Ten minutes after the restart, the home side took the lead. A beautiful sweeping long-range finish from Declan Rice proved to be just out reach for Pope’s fingertips. Newcastle still had over half an hour, however, to show the hosts what they were made of. However, they never really threatened the way they did in the first period, and aside from a lunging Barnes strike that sailed over Raya’s bar, they never really looked like equalising. Willock too went close against his former employers, but he also saw his effort find the stands.

Overall, it was a gutsy performance from a United side missing their talismanic forward, and they just so happened to run into an Arsenal goalkeeper who never looked like letting anything in. Play like that against Everton at the weekend, and there will likely be Champions League football to look forward to on Tyneside yet again.

What Howe Said

“We didn’t take our chances today, but the good thing is we still had them.”

On the second half: “The crowd came into the game and Arsenal started with good energy. We were a bit flat and passive at the start of that second period, but we weathered the storm until the goal.”

On making changes: “We looked like we needed more energy on the pitch. We looked a bit flat at the beginning of that period.”

On injury to Isak that kept him out: “It’s nothing major, but enough to rule him out of this game. Callum [Wilson] came in, so we lost a bit of power on the bench, but I thought Callum contributed and all the guys contributed in a positive way.”

On final game on Sunday: “We know what we have to do. We have to keep very calm and focus on the game and not get too emotional at this stage.”

The Rumour Mill

Newcastle are among the clubs set to hold talks with Ipswich Town’s 22-year-old striker Liam Delap this week. (Talksport)

Newcastle are one of several Premier League clubs eyeing Jorrel Hato of Ajax (Mark Douglas)

Toon target Joan Garcia will see his £25m release clause drop to £12.5m if Espanyol are relegated this weekend (Sport)

Newcastle are ready to spend £150 million in the summer transfer window with a right winger, forward and goalkeeper high on Eddie Howe’s wish-list. (Chronicle)

The Magpies have scouted Borussia Dortmund’s young English winger Jamie Gittens, and could also make a move for his teammate, Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. (Mail)

On This Day…

On this day in 2011, United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with West Bromwich Albion at St James’ Park on the final day of the 2010/11 Premier League season. Newcastle’s goals came courtesy of defender Steven Taylor and forward Peter Løvenkrands, with a third Magpies goal coming courtesy of an own goal from Baggies defender Jonas Olson.

On the other side, West Brom relied on a hat-trick from attacker Somen Tchoyi to complete a comeback which saw United throw away a three goal lead. It didn’t matter though, as Newcastle were sitting comfortably in 12th place and had just finished a solid first season back in the top flight.

What’s Next?

Everton (H)

It’s the big one. Eddie Howe’s side know that three points will definitely be enough to book their place in the Champions League next season.

We’ve won six league games in a row at St James’ Park, scoring 20 in the process and face a Toffees side who’ll be without starting centre-backs James Tarkowski and Jarred Branthwaite

For one last time this season, let’s get behind the lads!

Toon Trivia

A couple of weeks ago, I asked you at which English club did Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca begin his playing career many years ago. The correct answer was West Bromwich Albion.

This time, with the huge game against Everton on the horizon, let’s honour the ancient and world-famous stadium that they have just left this past week. When did Goodison Park first open its doors for football?

That’s all for this week and indeed for this season… but don’t worry! I’ll be around all summer to break down the weekly goings on for Newcastle United. There’ll hopefully be a lot to report on anyway.

HWTL!