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:
21. Joe White - 5.5
Made the odd substitute appearance after returning from his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra in January. Helped Newcastle get a point against Bournemouth. | Getty Images
22. Joe Willock - 4
A season ruined by an ongoing Achilles injury. Similar to Botman, never looked fit when he did play. Newcastle missed him at full capacity. | Getty Images
23. Miguel Almiron - 5
Can never fault the Paraguyan’s work rate but his goal contributions were limited to five goals and three assists. More was needed. | Getty Images
24. Jacob Murphy - 7
Always did a job when called upon and kept Almron out of the team for most part. Ended the season with five goal contributions in the same number of games. | Getty Images