A long and gruelling season has finally come to an end for Newcastle United.
It has been a complicated campaign, there is little doubting that.
Indeed, Eddie Howe is believed to have understood the many challenges to have arisen during it and is pointing towards them behind the scenes for context as to the adversity.
Newcastle have thrashed the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham and Chelsea at home. They’ve beaten both Manchester clubs at St James’ Park too, as well as Arsenal.
They even ended their hoodoo against Sunderland.
Still, few would doubt it has been challenging. Sandro Tonali’s ban from football hasn’t helped, nor have the unrelenting injury crisis and freakishly difficult cup draws.
It has been a season full of ups and downs. One with great moments that will no doubt be remembered for many years to come but a season to have lacked a great deal of consistency.
There are reasons for that of course but it doesn’t mean supporters cannot be disappointed. Some of the defeats, such as Luton away, Nottingham Forest at home and Everton away were bleak, after all.
Sunday’s win at Brentford means Newcastle have finished seventh in the Premier League.
It it the first time Newcastle have finished above Manchester United since 1977 and they will be hoping for more Old Trafford woe later this month. Given all the problems Erik ten Hag has endured this season, ensuring his team finish eighth for the first time in their Premier League history will no doubt have made it worse.
With former Man United captain Roy Keane slating Newcastle earlier this week, it feels particularly sweet.
Will Newcastle play in Europe next season?
With Chelsea beating Bournemouth, Newcastle still aren’t guaranteed European football.
Only if Manchester City beat Man United in the FA Cup final at Wembley will Newcastle reach Europe.
What European competition will Newcastle play in next season?
Were that to happen and City lift the FA Cup, Newcastle will be playing in the Europa Conference League.
The post Newcastle have just made Manchester United's season even worse appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.