From the highs of the Champions League, and beating PSG 4-1, to tough cup draws, and a grim Christmas period with multiple injuries and a slump in form, it was a rollercoaster season for Newcastle.
After two years of rapid progress, and fourth place last term, finishing seventh in a knock back, as Eddie Howe concedes. But it is far from a disaster, and given the extra demands of games, Euro travel and horrible cup luck, it was probably par for the course and could have been a lot worse.
However, after Manchester United defied the odds and beat City in the FA Cup final, there will be no European football for the Toon Army to look forward to next term.
It keeps Newcastle knocking on the door of the elite, but is still way short in terms of revenue to compete properly and grow faster on the pitch. Howe says this season represents progress in terms of having a stronger squad, battle-scarred by a difficult campaign.
A group of lads who he says “gave everything,” stayed together and showed they can take a step forward next season. The head coach is not wrong. But there are big questions and issues to seal with this summer and next season. Looking back here’s how the players rated:
Premier League odds and betting tips
Bruno Guimaraes remains the shining light for NewcastleGoalkeepers
Nick Pope 6
Season curtailed by a dislocated shoulder in December. Conceded 16 goals in 15 games and is likely to be challenged by a new signing.
Martin Dubravka 5
Good servant but a No2 or to be moved on this summer. 42 conceded in 23 league games and four clean sheets.
Defenders
Kieran Trippier 7
High-profile mistake in the cup against Chelsea and a penalty miss was the low point, and missed key games at the end. Remains top right back and a leader, and delivered ten goal assists in league.
Sven Botman 3
Blighted by injury this season after brilliant last term. Played with a damaged knee, then chose rest to cure it rather than have the operation he eventually needed. Back in November.
Fabian Schar 7
Mr Cool and a valuable passer out from defence. Needs hamstring issues to clear up this summer, and will be pressured by new signing.
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
Jamaal Lascelles 7
Club skipper did well when called on for 16 league games and five clean sheets. Looked sharp and aggressive, but season ended by cruciate knee surgery. Back in November.
Jamaal Lascelles performed admirably, before injury ended his seasonEmile Krafth 6
Good utility defender to have in the squad covering several positions. Played 17 league games but could be shoved down pecking order further by summer signings.
Dan Burn 7
Was much criticised for a rocky patch when he got targeted at left back, but he was recovering from a broken back! More solid at left central defence lately, and when fully fit a vital part of the squad.
Tino Livramento 6
Deputised well for Trippier and showed some promise, but has loads to work on. Will be the future one day.
Lewis Hall 4
Will become a £28m permanent signing imminently, but questions remain why the Toon paid so much. Teenager shows promise going forward, but has to learn defensively. Time on his side.
MIDFIELD
* Bruno Guimaraes 9.5 *
Hard to fault his contribution, passion, effort and reliable fitness. A superstar. Has played 58 games for club and country and more minutes in the Premier League than any player. Got seven goals for the Toon and ten league assists. Just brilliant. Must stay.
Sean Longstaff 7
Played through injury to help the team. Great goal contribution with eight in 46 games. Reliable, athletic and valuable part of the team, but seems fed up with the harsh fan criticism he gets.
Sandro Tonali 2
Bought for £54m in July and banned for betting for ten months from October. Looked OK in his 13 games, and should return stronger for a year of training. Owes the club, fans and teammates big time next season.
Sandro Tonali's campaign was curtailed after being banned for breaching betting rules (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images))Lewis Miley 6
Breakthrough campaign shortened by injury. Big potential to nurse into a regular. Can the 17-year-old become a monster holding midfielder? Patience, and maybe a loan, required.
Joe Willock 3
Blighted by injury to his calf and Achilles, so a shadow of the contribution he made in the previous two seasons. Side missed his running power.
Joelinton 4
Makes a huge difference locking down the left of midfield when fit, but missed too many games. New contract should inspire the enforcer next season.
Joelinton signed a new contract to remain at St James' ParkElliott Anderson 5
Breakthrough season. Showed he is more than a clever attacker by playing some tighter, more defensive midfield roles. It will be interesting to see him unleashed in an improved more front-footed side next year.
Matt Ritchie 3
Loved by Howe for setting the tone in training and pulling the squad together, despite a lack of games. Probably moving on.
ATTACKERS
Alexander Isak 9
First Toon striker since Alan Shearer 25 years ago to reach 25 goals. 21 in the league. Great return and the one star Newcastle can’t afford to lose, but who will be courted by Champions League rivals. Just brilliant when fully fit.
Anthony Gordon 9
What a 12 months. Becoming a superstar. Should go to the Euros for England. Eleven goals and ten assists and plays across the three-man front line. Season to be proud after winning the U21 Euros.
Anthony Gordon enjoyed a brilliant season for Newcastle (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)Callum Wilson 6.5
Scored goals… when fit. Has a year left on contract. Club may want to sell him. Howe wants to keep him. It’d be expensive to replace his ten goals in 27 appearances. Big dilemma.
Jacob Murphy 6
Howe loves his tactical acumen. Has flashes of brilliance, and plays in several positions.
Miguel Almiron 5
Smiling assassin’s goal count was down this term to three and one assist in the league. Might be cashed in this summer, after passing his Toon peak.
Harvey Barnes 5
Quiet first season hampered by a foot injury in September. Part of unfulfilled transfer signings last summer that didn’t really improve the squad. Five goals and set for a big season next time if fully fit
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