Features
2021/22 season review - May
In a season that would live long in the memory of Newcastle supporters, the Magpies completed their 2021/22 campaign in winning fashion to equal their highest Premier League points tally since 2013/14.
The Magpies faced a tricky test at Premier League champions Manchester City before clashes against Arsenal and Burnley, both of whom were fighting for respective spots at opposite ends of the table, would end in successful fashion.
The eagerly-awaited returns of Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier, following long spells on the sidelines through injury, were a welcomed boost to a side which had not suffered as much as intended without the duo's unavailability during the latter stages of the term.
Sunday, 8th May
Manchester City 5 Newcastle United 0
Newcastle endured a forgettable afternoon at the Etihad Stadium after registering their heaviest Premier League defeat of the season against Pep Guardiola's side.
Chris Wood missed a key opportunity to send the Magpies ahead in the early stages before trailing by two goals at half-time through Raheem Sterling's header and Aymeric Laporte's close-range rebound.
The second-half substitutions of Wilson and Trippier would prove little consolation for the travelling away supporters as goals from Rodri, Phil Foden and Sterling confirmed the rout.
Monday, 16th May
Newcastle United 2 Arsenal 0
Under the lights at St. James' Park, Newcastle saved arguably their best performance of the season until their final home game of the campaign after brushing aside Arsenal in a memorable 2-0 triumph.
With Wor Flags' display creating an incredible atmosphere before kick-off, the Magpies dominated the Gunners, targeting a top-four finish, and took the lead through Ben White's second-half own goal.
After Callum Wilson, making his first start since December, went narrowly close to scoring a sensational 40-yard strike, Bruno Guimarães wrapped up maximum points for the hosts after tucking the ball home in front of the Gallowgate End before the squad and staff completed an emotional lap of honour after full-time.
Sunday, 22nd May
Burnley 1 Newcastle United 2
In a game which had been deemed a relegation decider at the beginning of the year, Newcastle headed to Turf Moor targeting a top-half finish.
Callum Wilson's composed penalty opened the scoring against the Clarets, requiring a win to avoid the drop, before the Coventry-born striker turned home Allan Saint-Maximin's cross to double his and United's tally on the hour-mark.
Maxwel Cornet halved the deficit for the hosts before United withheld a late fightback from the Lancashire outfit to seal a 13th win of the season, 12 of which were recorded in the final 19 matches.
