It was a high-stakes afternoon with everything on the line.
Newcastle went into the final day needing a result to confirm their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. Their task was straightforward—win, and qualification would be guaranteed. However, they made a sluggish start in a match where tension outweighed quality.
Their shape lacked balance, their attack lacked rhythm, and their defensive unit looked exposed each time Everton countered. A tactical shift at half-time brought little improvement. The goal Newcastle conceded felt inevitable.
In the closing minutes, frustration mounted. The crowd grew restless, knowing that they had failed to take matters into their own hands. But then, elsewhere, the landscape changed.
Their qualification hopes were rescued—not by their own doing, but by a result in another match involving a long-standing rival. The cheers inside the stadium came not for a goal scored, but for a goal scored by Amad Diallo for Manchester United against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
It was not the way Eddie Howe and Newcastle fans envisioned securing European football. But it was earned across a season in which they often exceeded expectations.
Newcastle United are back in the Champions League. And here is how their players fared on a day of mixed emotions.
Newcastle player ratings vs Everton - Premier League
GK: Nick Pope (8/10)
Outstanding. Made multiple key saves to keep the score level in the first half. Denied Alcaraz with a reflex header stop and later denied Calvert-Lewin brilliantly. Could do nothing about the goal. Man of the Match by a distance.
CB: Fabian Schar (5/10)
Caught in two minds early on with Everton targeting his flank. Improved as the match progressed and came close with a header. Still not fully convincing.
CB: Sven Botman (3/10)
Struggled throughout. Physically overmatched by Beto and repeatedly caught out by Ndiaye. Subbed off just after the hour mark. A day to forget.
CB: Dan Burn (2/10)
Positionally poor. Lost Alcaraz for the goal and was slow reacting to danger. Shifted to left-back briefly but looked out of place. Fortunate Pope was behind him.
RWB: Jacob Murphy (3/10)
Worked hard but exposed repeatedly. This is clearly not his natural position, and it showed. Offered little going forward even after returning to a more familiar role in the second half.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes (6/10)
Tried to make things happen. Played with urgency and flair, especially with a clever back heel in the first half. Let down by poor movement ahead of him.
CM: Sandro Tonali (6/10)
Drove forward with purpose. Looked more comfortable in a deeper role after the formation change. Set-pieces created some danger. A decent outing overall.
LWB: Tino Livramento (6/10)
Lively down the left. Made sharp runs and smart passes in the first half. Defensively alert too, covering well when needed.
RW: Harvey Barnes (2/10)
Poor touches, overhit passes, and missed opportunities. Frustrated the home crowd. A difficult afternoon.
ST: Alexander Isak (4/10)
Not fully fit. Managed a few long-range shots but was kept quiet by Everton’s backline. Struggled to get involved.
LW: Anthony Gordon (3/10)
Started brightly but faded. Hooked at half-time. May feel unfortunate not to get more minutes, but did not do enough to stay on.
SUB: Joe Willock (3/10)
On at the break. Struggled to impose himself on the game.
SUB: Kieran Trippier (4/10)
Did not get close enough to the crosser before Everton’s goal. Provided some attacking intent.
SUB: Callum Wilson (4/10)
Put himself about well in possibly his last appearance. Had little service but showed good attitude.
SUB: Will Ousla (4/10)
Late cameo. Missed a couple of half-chances. Still finding his feet.