Newcastle United secured Champions League qualification, despite losing 1-0 at home to Everton in their final Premier League game of the season.
Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat against Manchester United spared the Magpies’ blushes as they sealed a top-five finish on goal difference.
Newcastle were bolstered by the return of top scorer Alexander Isak as Eddie Howe made one change from last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal. Kieran Trippier returned to the matchday squad after two matches out with a groin issue.
The Magpies went into the game knowing a win would guarantee Champions League qualification for next season. They sat fourth at the start of the afternoon, ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference and just a point clear of seventh-placed Nottingham Forest.
Carlos Alcaraz’s goal in 67th minute threatened the party but Manchester United came to Newcastle’s rescue.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’ Park - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Nick Pope - 7
Made two excellent saves to deny Carlos Alcaraz but could do little about Carlos Alcaraz’s opener. Quick off his line to claim some dangerous Everton corners. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Jacob Murphy - 4
Got both barrels from Fabian Schar on numerous occasions after some poor decision-making and positioning. Gave away the ball in the build-up to Everton’s opener. A frustrating watch both defensively and offensively. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Fabian Schar - 7
Walked a disciplinary tightrope for an hour after bailing out Murphy. Managed the rest of the game well. Missed a sitter late on. | Getty Images
4. Sven Botman - 6
Struggled to get to grips with Beto early on but improved as the game wore on. A threat in the opposition box after forcing a couple of saves from Jordan Pickford. | Getty Images