Newcastle United secured a Premier League top seven finish with a 4-2 victory at Brentford.
And for the first time in Premier League history, the Magpies finish above Manchester United. European football will be coming back to St James’ Park next season if Manchester City beat the Red Devils in the FA Cup final on May 25.
Eddie Howe’s side led 3-0 at half-time following goals from Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak but the hosts pulled it back to 3-2 through Vitaly Janelt and Yoane Wissa.
But Bruno Guimaraes put the result beyond doubt as United ended the 2023-24 campaign with only their sixth away league victory.
Newcastle were without Anthony Gordon because of an ankle injury. Harvey Barnes replaced him in one of four changes, with Nick Pope, Fabian Schar and Joelinton coming in for Martin Dubravka, Kieran Trippier and Elliot Anderson.
Ivan Toney had the ball in the net for Brentford just two minutes in but the goal was ruled out by VAR with Bryan Mbeumo offside in the build-up. Moments later, Toney was played in again but Nick Pope produced a big save.
The Magpies responded with a golden chance of their own. Superb work by Alexander Isak down the left set up Joelinton but the Brazilian missed the target from eight yards out.
But United weren’t to be denied much longer. Another attack down the left in the 21st minute saw Barnes head home from Bruno Guimaraes’ delivery. Sean Longstaff then thought he’d added a second but the offside flag quickly went up.
Longstaff was denied but Murphy wasn’t as the visitors doubled their lead in the 36th minute. Isak capitalised on an error by Ethan Pinnock to brilliantly pick out Murphy at the back post.
And in a blink, the Magpies were 3-0 up. Guimaraes grabbed his second assist via the pass through to Isak, who found the bottom left corner with a first-time finish.
Newcastle threatened to undo their hard work when Vitaly Janelt pulled one back in 48th minute before Yoane Wissa made it 3-2 in the 70th minute. But Guimaraes removed any late nerves when he pounced on Isak’s free-kick that was parried by Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was the Gtech Community Stadium - and here’s how he rated each Newcastle United player:
1. Nick Pope - 8
Made two great stops to deny Ivan Toney at 0-0 and 3-1. Put the Brentford defence under pressure with straight balls over the top. A welcome return after five months out injured.
2. Emil Krafth - 6
Neither a good or bad display.
3. Fabian Schar - 7.5
His excellent distribution is something Newcastle missed against Brighton and Man Utd. Very good defensively in the first-half at least.
4. Dan Burn - 7
Gifted Brentford an early chance with a poor pass to Lewis Hall but recovered from his shaky start. Played a role in Murphy’s goal with a long ball forward.