3 Positives and 3 Negatives to take from Newcastle 0 Everton 1

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·26 mai 2025

3 Positives and 3 Negatives to take from Newcastle 0 Everton 1

Sunday afternoon’s match ended Newcastle 0 Everton 1.

Ahead of each game we ask one of our writers to come up with three positives and three negatives following the game.

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An interesting afternoon at St James’ Park…

Plenty to talk about after this one.

On this occasion it is David Punton:

POSITIVES

A dream come true

The wider achievement of this entire season was the key thing to bear in mind at the end of this forgettable game of football.

Over the 38 games we have done enough to earn a seat at Europe’s top table – back into the UEFA Champions League we go.

It’s the cherry on a very nice cake, coming just a couple of months after we won our first domestic trophy for 70 years.

Never forget – Eddie Howe ended the club’s trophy drought.

There was clearly pressure on against Everton after a long hard season, one final push was needed. It wasn’t our day.

Full time still had to be celebrated though, as Howe’s miracle work came to the fore again.

Since December he has overseen 46 points from 20 games. Absolutely phenomenal. The man is turning water into wine.

Pope saves and Callum’s tears

Our custodian had a good game.

It was a reminder of how important Nick Pope is to the cause. He’s nearing his peak and I expect he will be our number one next season – and rightly so.

He made some good saves, capping off a good season after previous injury problems.

A final mention for Callum Wilson. This appeared to be his final game for Newcastle United, with his emotional goodbye at the end a hint that he’s going to be leaving the football club after five years.

He’s done his bit. He arrived when Ashley was still owner and played a vital role in two seasons of Premier League survival when Steve Bruce was in charge.

Without that contribution, the takeover of the club may never have happened.

The injury problems have blighted him, which was a big shame. He’s a great finisher when he’s fully fit. All the best to him on his next challenge.

Results elsewhere

Of all the permutations on the final day, not many will have seen a Newcastle loss allied to that Man Utd side seeing off Aston Villa, as the final act of this unreal football season.

Yet that’s exactly what has happened. You couldn’t make it up.

There was huge controversy with the VAR at Old Trafford, so you’d have to say that the final twist really did go our way.

With the Villa keeper also sent off – another huge moment – Emery’s side have slipped up, big time, allowing us to pinch that Champions League spot.

I’m sure the Villa board are now assessing the financial implications of that. Our last gasp draw at Brighton a few weeks ago also now looks absolutely huge.

Sunday wasn’t the way anyone wanted the final day to play out but it’ll certainly live long in the memory.

NEGATIVES

Tactical misfire?

Three at the back didn’t work. Murphy needed to be higher up the pitch and we seemed to miss the extra man in midfield.

One for the manager to review and learn from.

Form, injuries and burnout

We ended the season with a few questions.

The form of Anthony Gordon is a slight concern – is he carrying a knock? Is he unsettled?

There was much talk about the fitness of Isak too. He made the starting line up but is that groin injury nagging away at him?

Joelinton has been a huge miss since he succumbed to a knee problem. How bad is that one?

Finally, after such a hard season, there was maybe some burnout. Tired minds and legs in the final lap just let it slip against an Everton side having a mini revival under Moyes.

Squad depth

We desperately need some fresh blood this summer.

A phase two of the project since the takeover – if you want to call it that.

We just seem to be lacking in a few areas in terms of depth. An extra attacking option, something new in midfield, and more bodies at the back to share the load.

After three transfer windows of standing still it’s a huge summer. Finances permitting, the club has to invest.

Howe’s post-match quotes about working quickly on deals was significant.

He clearly wants the board to work faster – like many other clubs do – to get deals done.

It’s a case of over to the Sporting Director, Paul Mitchell.

The Champions League is going to be so tough. It will stretch that squad. We need at least three of four players in. Maybe even a few loans?

The hard work starts here.

Newcastle 0 Everton 1 – Sunday 25 May 4pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Everton:

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