Newcastle United’s attempt to qualify for Europe were dealt a huge blow on Wednesday night.
While Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United was a tightly-contested affair, Newcastle really should not have lost that game given their record against the hosts this season.
Having drawn with Brighton last time out, Eddie Howe’s side are now relying on other teams on the final day of the Premier League season to finish in the top six.
Indeed, it felt like a huge chance to win at Old Trafford. Newcastle have already beaten the Red Devils twice this season but failed to win when it mattered.
Given all the problems Erik ten Hag’s side have endured this season, the Magpies really should have tried to exert more dominance at the Theatre of Dreams.
They did have chances, with the likes of Alexander Isak going close but lacked conviction going forward. Anthony Gordon was of course unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty before taking his goal well but composure was dearly lacking amongst Newcastle ranks.
The less said about some of the defending, the better…
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane was not impressed.
Roy Keane aims ‘cocky’ dig at Newcastle vs Manchester United
Assessing the first-half action at Old Trafford during his half-time analysis, Keane said Newcastle were taking too many touches and trying to overplay their way into the hosts’ goal.
“[They] almost got too cocky with themselves and think they’re a better team than what they are,” he told Sky Sports at half-time.
Speaking after the game, Keane added: “We spoke about Newcastle doing well and their mentality but their record is poor here.
“So maybe they’re not as tough as they think…”
Newcastle’s season could end with a whimper
Beating Burnley and Sheffield United is all well and good of course but Newcastle are not exactly doing all too much to convince at the moment.
They were pretty poor against Brighton on Saturday and did appear to lack belief on Wednesday night.
Given their pretty patchy away form all season (only having won five times on their travels to date), it’s hard to say with any great confidence they will go to Brentford and win on the final day.
Fail to do that and the season would end with a whimper.
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