From the highs of the Champions League — beating Paris Saint-Germain 4-1, to the lows of injuries and missing out on Europe, it has been another rollercoaster season for Newcastle United.
The 6-0 hammering of Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League campaign promised more hope and excitement. A top four finish on again? After that result, not many will have tipped Villa to achieve that feat.
Instead, Eddie Howe’s side were left to dwell on what if. The constant cycle of injuries took its toll with United falling short in their battle for European qualification, and in all three cup competitions.
In the Carabao Cup, only a Kieran Trippier mistake denied Newcastle a spot in the last four. In the FA Cup, the Tyne-Wear derby returned and Howe’s men advanced to the quarter-finals, only to be drawn away to Manchester City.
And in the Champions League, there was a sense of injustice. United wiped the floor with PSG on Tyneside and almost claimed a famous 1-0 win in Paris but for that pathetic penalty decision. Via Milan and Dortmund, Newcastle fell short in the Group of Death, fairly or unfairly.
Preparation for next season is already underway. The summer transfer window is massive and the removal of European football offers some encouragement that Howe’s side can reach their 2022-23 levels.
But while the recent season is still fresh in the memory, our writer Jordan Cronin dishes out his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Martin Dubravka - 6
Sounds simple but Dubravka did OK. The Slovakian conceded 42 goals in 23 league games, which isn’t a great statistic, but the defence must take some of the blame. | Getty Images
2. Nick Pope - 7
Missed a large chunk of the season but when Pope did play, he was quite often top draw. Take PSG away for example. Kept more clean sheets than Dubravka, despite less appearances. | Getty Images
3. Loris Karius - 5
Couldn’t challenge Dubravka in Pope’s absence with sole appearance coming in a 4-1 defeat at Arsenal. Will leave when his contract expires at the end of June. | Getty Images
4. Sven Botman - 4
An extremely frustrating season for the Dutchman blighted by a knee injury. Didn’t look fit and surgery in March was well overdue. Back later this year, and hopefully that’ll make back to his best. | Getty Images