Sven Botman stuns as Jacob Murphy dismal – Newcastle ratings in loss vs Everton
Newcastle had Man United to thank for their Champions League qualification after a dismal performance against Everton.
The Magpies got the job done, just. They will be playing in UEFA’s most prestigious competition next season, but they did it by the skin of their teeth.
The first half was a turgid affair, with neither side offering much going forward.
However, a misplaced pass from Jacob Murphy kick-started the game, as Vitaliy Mykolenko made the most of the error by setting up Carlos Alcaraz for his headed opener.
What followed was a nail-biting, nervy affair, as Newcastle simply could not find a way through, in spite of creating chance after chance for 35 minutes.
But thanks to Man United and their win against Aston Villa, the Magpies can enjoy what has been their most successful season this century.
Newcastle lose to Everton but still claim Champions League football
Nick Pope – 4
Little to do for most of the game, until he did little when it was needed most. Pope was rooted to the spot for Alcaraz’s opener.
Fabian Schar – 5
The weakest of the back three, Schar had an opportunity late on to claim an equaliser but fluffed his chances. Looked uncomfortable defensively.
Sven Botman (off for Trippier 63′) – 8 – Player of the Match
Powerhouse. The Dutch defender was a rock at the back, making Eddie Howe’s decision to remove him on the hour mark hard to understand.
Dan Burn impresses in loss vs Everton
Dan Burn – 7
Strong performance. Burn performed well alongside Botman but should have done more from the set-piece opportunities the Magpies had.
Jacob Murphy (off for WIlson 70′) – 1
Switched off. Murphy has enjoyed a brilliant season, but it all came tumbling down as his errant pass led to Everton’s opener.
Bruno Guimaraes – 5
Guimaraes has been linked with a move to Arsenal, an off game when his side needed him most, disappointing performance from the Brazilian.
Sandro Tonali – 7
Tidy. Tonali seemed the only player capable of creating any danger going forward against the Toffees.
Valentino Livramento – 4
Lucky. Livramento was fortunate not to give away a penalty for a handball at the start of the second half and struggled to create much going forward.
Harvey Barnes (off for Osula 88′) – 4
Newcastle could be forced to sell Barnes due to PSR concerns, created one chance and was largely absent for the rest of the game.
Anthony Gordon hooked at half-time after awful performance
Anthony Gordon (off for Willock 46′) – 2
Gordon is a target for Arsenal, and whilst he had the chance to put his former side to the sword, the 24-year-old posed no danger and was hooked at half-time.
Alexander Isak – 2
Huge let down. Isak may be on his way to Liverpool this summer, and the striker looked mentally checked out and seemed to still be suffering the effects of his groin injury. Fans needn’t have worried about his fitness.
Substitutes
Joe Willock (on for Gordon 46′) – 4
Off the pace and much like Gordon, struggled to find space to operate from.
Kieran Trippier (on for Botman 63′) – 6
Almost scored from a free kick, but whilst he was not bad, Trippier’s introduction upset the balance of the side.
Callum Wilson (on for Murphy 70′) – 4
In his final outing for Newcastle, he posed little threat and finished the season with zero goals in the Premier League.
William Osula (on for Harvey Barnes 88′) – 6
Did not have enough time on the pitch to have a significant impact on proceedings.