Eddie Howe set for busy summer as Newcastle United grab final Champions League spot

NEWCASTLE – A first domestic trophy in 70 years and a return to the Champions League made Newcastle United’s season a very successful one. But their final-day 1-0 English Premier League defeat by Everton illustrated the job facing Eddie Howe, if his side are to be real contenders next term. 

With proven goalscorer Alexander Isak leading the line, the Magpies have played some thrilling attacking football this season, but listless performances like the one that saw them lose to Everton on May 25 cost them dearly this term.

It took a 2-0 win for Manchester United over Aston Villa for them to secure the fifth and final Champions League spot. 

With a reported €100 million (S$146 million) from playing in Europe’s premier club competition next season, Howe has some decisions to make.

He said: “We were too desperate to win today – I’ve said that maybe before in games, where that desperation can sometimes lead to poor decisions and a disjointed performance.” 

The news of the final whistle at Old Trafford brought unbridled joy to St James’ Park, closing out a season that exceeded expectations for Howe and his squad. 

“(This is) hopefully a turning point in our history, and yes, today was horrible in many ways, we didn’t play well, it was a disappointing performance. But we got the end result that we all craved and we’ve got Champions League football coming back,” Howe said. 

The guaranteed influx of Champions League money will have a major effect on what the Magpies can do over the coming months. 

“For the club, of course, it benefits the summer and what we’re looking to do. It builds, I think, a real anticipation and excitement for the season ahead, which is always great for any football club,” Howe said, adding that it was no more than their fans deserved.

Also securing a final-day Champions League spot were Chelsea.

Manager Enzo Maresca had strong words for his team’s doubters after they secured their first Champions League berth in three seasons on May 25.

Levi Colwill struck in the second half in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest in a make-or-break final game that saw Maresca’s team finish fourth, and left Forest in seventh with a Conference League berth next season.

The average age of Chelsea’s starting XI this season was 24 years and 36 days – the youngest ever by a team in a single EPL campaign, according to Opta Sports.

“I didn’t have any doubt about the players... the doubt was from outside, all the ones (who think) that they have the answer, or all the ones that they have the truth, they were saying that we are too young.

“We are not good enough,” Maresca said. “And unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong.”

Chelsea, who started the day in a five-team battle for the three remaining Champions League positions, return to Europe’s top club competition for the first time since 2022-23.

Forest’s defeat was a disappointing ending to an otherwise remarkable season. They were tipped for a potential relegation battle when the campaign kicked off, but parked themselves in the top five for much of the season.

“We are disappointed, but it’s a couple of hours then when you’re going to look back and realise that it’s been good,” Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said.

“It’s tough to take, we knew that the last game was going to be very difficult for all the (five) teams involved in this fight, and we came up short. There was a point when we knew that one goal could change everything, and this is what the perception does to you – what if?”

There was also a feeling of “what if” for Villa. They will make a complaint to the Premier League over the appointment of “inexperienced” referee Thomas Bramall for their 2-0 loss at Old Trafford.

Villa were furious that a goal which would have put them in front was ruled out for a foul by Morgan Rogers on United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Bramall blew for a foul on Bayindir before Rogers put the ball in the net, meaning the video assistant referee could not then review the decision.

United then struck twice as Villa missed out on a Champions League spot on goal difference. REUTERS, AFP