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:
9. Harvey Barnes - 3.5
Worked his way into some promising positions but lacked quality. Slow and lethargic. | AFP via Getty Images
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10. Anthony Gordon - 4
Lively in moments but not enough. Withdrawn at half-time for Joe Willock. | Getty Images
11. Alexander Isak - 5
Barely got a kick. When he did, his first touch let him down. | AFP via Getty Images
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12. Joe Willock (on for Gordon, 45) - 5
Struggled to get into the game in an unbalanced left-hand side. | Getty Images