From the highs of the Champions League — beating Paris Saint-Germain 4-1, to the lows of injuries and missing out on Europe, it has been another rollercoaster season for Newcastle United.
The 6-0 hammering of Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League campaign promised more hope and excitement. A top four finish on again? After that result, not many will have tipped Villa to achieve that feat.
Instead, Eddie Howe’s side were left to dwell on what if. The constant cycle of injuries took its toll with United falling short in their battle for European qualification, and in all three cup competitions.
In the Carabao Cup, only a Kieran Trippier mistake denied Newcastle a spot in the last four. In the FA Cup, the Tyne-Wear derby returned and Howe’s men advanced to the quarter-finals, only to be drawn away to Manchester City.
And in the Champions League, there was a sense of injustice. United wiped the floor with PSG on Tyneside and almost claimed a famous 1-0 win in Paris but for that pathetic penalty decision. Via Milan and Dortmund, Newcastle fell short in the Group of Death, fairly or unfairly.
Preparation for next season is already underway. The summer transfer window is massive and the removal of European football offers some encouragement that Howe’s side can reach their 2022-23 levels.
But while the recent season is still fresh in the memory, our writer Jordan Cronin dishes out his Newcastle United player ratings:
5. Dan Burn - 8
Suffered a broken back in November but rushed himself back for the sake of the team. Criticism at left-back was sometimes unfair but silenced his critics with an outstanding string of performances at centre-back. A warrior. | Getty Images
6. Paul Dummett - 5
Performed heroically in the Carabao Cup wins against both Manchester clubs but a moment of madness cost Newcastle a crucial three points vs Everton in April. Nevertheless, a fantastic servant for the club. | Getty Images
7. Lewis Hall - 6
Barely kicked a ball in the opening six months of the campaign but ended it as one of Newcastle’s bright sparks. Will join in a permanent £28m deal this summer. Has time on his side to develop. | Getty Images
8. Emil Krafth - 6
Largely reliable when called upon, whether that be covering at right-back or left-back. A good player to have in the squad. | Getty Images