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:
25. Harvey Barnes - 5.5
Quiet first season hampered by a foot injury but scored some important goals. To that end, five goals isn’t a bad return. Will hope for bigger and better next term. | Getty Images
26. Anthony Gordon - 9
Crowned Newcastle’s player of the season and deservedly so. An electric campaign with 12 goals and 11 assists to show for us. His form over the last 12 months has been nothing short of exceptional. | Getty Images
27. Alexander Isak - 9
Became the first Newcastle striker since Alan Shearer to hit 25 goals for the season. A superstar, and one of the best in world football. The closest player the Premier League has seen to Thierry Henry. | Getty Images
28. Callum Wilson - 6
There aren’t many better Premier League strikers than Wilson but keeping him fit felt impossible at times. Makes his 10-goal tally even more impressive. Newcastle have a big decision to make on his future. | Getty Images