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:
9. Jamaal Lascelles - 7
From captaining Newcastle in the Championship to the Champions League, Lascelles deserved those moments. Solid when called upon. Should be appreciated more. | Getty Images
10. Tino Livramento - 7
Impressed at left-back and showed flashes of quality at right-back in Kieran Trippier’s absence. Held back by an ankle injury during the latter part of the season. Will be an exciting player for years to come. | Getty Images
11. Fabian Schar - 8
Newcastle’s Mr Consistent! Such a unique defender and one that wouldn’t look out of place in any top team. An unsung hero. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Matt Targett - 3
Hasn’t featured since November, first because of a hamstring injury and then because of an Achilles issue. Unfortunately it turned into a bit of a nightmare campaign for him. | Getty Images