A poor performance but it did not matter in the end, as Man Utd did us a favour at Old Trafford to ensure Newcastle beat Aston Villa to Champions League football for 2025/26.
For one final time this season, here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved:
Starting 11
Pope (8) – Made some crucial saves but could do nothing to stop Alcaraz’s powerful header. Will he still be first choice in August?
Schar (6.5) – Looked much more assured when we switched to a back four. Had a couple of opportunities to equalise late on, but was one of few taking responsibility late on
Botman (6) – Still nowhere near where he needs to be fitness wise and will hope for a full pre season. Struggled with the physicality of Beto early but showed some classy touches.
Burn (6) – Lost his footing twice, first time led to Alcaraz having a free header and that second time should have resulted in Calvert-Lewin making it 2-0. Not his best game but ultimately no harm was done.
Murphy (5) – Seemed hampered by his defensive duties in the first half and often occupied the space Barnes wanted to be in. Terrific season overall but was poor today. Ears will still be ringing after a talking to by Schar in the first half.
Guimaraes (6) – Didn’t happen for Bruno today and looked a little weary. Played every game this season and will be looking forward to an extended rest. Picked up a bit late on but not much came off.
Tonali (7.5) – Never seen a player with an engine like his. Perpetual motion and always tidy in possession. Has become our most complete player and already one of our greatest midfielders.
Livramento (8) – Our most dangerous player in the first half as his ball carrying ability came to the fore. Defensively sound as always and can be proud of his performance.
Barnes (5) – Looked lost in the first half, as if he wasn’t sure what was expected of him. Was switched to his preferred left wing at the start of the second half but that did nothing to improve his performance levels.
Isak (5.5) – Clearly labouring and looked a shadow of the player we’ve seen for most of the season. Had one great opportunity but skied a volley high and wide. Tremendous season but not at the races today.
Gordon (4) – Hasn’t happened for Gordon lately and has to consider this season as a mild disappointment. Was hooked at half time and can have no complaints. Nothing came off for him, his passing was wayward and his seemed slow to react.
Subs
Willock (5) – Barely made an impact in the 45min he was on. Will need a huge pre season as his stock has dropped dramatically this season.
Trippier (6) – Could’ve done more to close down the cross for the winning goal but offered a decent outlet on the right, adding some calm in possession whil
Wilson (5) – Emotional scenes after the full time whistle as he appeared to say goodbye to the fans as his contract runs out. Great servant but it’s time to part ways.
Osula (7) – Lively on the right wing and made things happen with his quick feet and direct play.
Livramento, Pope and Tonali were the only ones who turned up today.
We not only have to thank Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Villa, Tottenham and Man Utd for gaining the extra place (plus Man Utd for beating Villa today) for scraping into the extra Champions League place they secured for us.
In truth we don’t have the strength of squad to be in the Champions League with the unwanted assistance of PSR.
Pleased we are in it but the transfer window must be a great one.
Joseph(Quote)
The problem with the Champions League is that we have absolutely no chance of winning it, whereas – as Tottenham have proved – this time next year we could have been celebrating another trophy…..so what do we want, money, kudos, attracting players….or another trophy? A difficult one.
The Panther(Quote)
The Panther:-
Unfortunately the only way to progress by improving the team, through increasing revenues, be that new stadium, sponsorship and the champions league.
A trophy is a nice monkey to get off your back but it is all about growth and investment.
We can see clearly the downside of PSR with no investment allowed over two seasons and a weakened reserve of squad members.
Joseph(Quote)
Osula has looked very quick,in the brief time he’s been on the pitch,he always tries to unbalance defenders with his direct play. IMO he achieved more yesterday in the brief time he was on than Isaac did in 90 plus minutes.He certainly should have been brought on instead of Wilson. In fact he should have started when we take an honest look at the contribution Isaac,who is obviously injured made. Joe Willock proved once again that he’s nowhere near good enough to play for a team with our ambitions . How Eddie prefers him to Lewis Miley is beyond me ? Also can anyone tell me what is wrong with Anthony Gordon ??? Oh and could we cancel Nick Pope’s break and get him in every day to work on his distribution which has to be the worst in the Premier League.We’ve got the nucleus of a very good side here at The Toon. Livramento,Hall,Tonali,Isaac,Bruno,Botman( when he’s fit) Gordon,Joelinton are all more than capable. I would include Dan Burn in there but he’s coming to the end of his career. 3 more proper players should be enough to take us up this league and hopefully have a real go in the Champions League.
UP THE TOON !!! 🤪
Tommy Tantrum(Quote)
Sell:- Willock,Wilson, Longstaff, Targett Barnes and YES Isak ( he is either carrying an injury or injury prone) money received will Buy:- Mbueno, a top class striker and a top class centre back. Is a goal keeper needed, get Pope in training for distribution! Might do well next season?
TigerMax(Quote)