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:
5. Dan Burn - 6
Strong in the first-half but looked totally unsettled in the second-half after starting it at left-back. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Tino Livramento - 7
Drove his side forward on multiple occasions and delivered an excellent cross for Harvey Barnes. Newcastle’s biggest threat throughout the 90 minutes. | Getty Images
7. Sandro Tonali - 6
Grew into the game after a somewhat shaky beginning. Forced an awkward save from Jordan Pickford. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Bruno Guimaraes - 6
Clever in retaining the ball but often lacked that final killer pass. Tried to drag NUFC back into the game. | AFP via Getty Images