Newcastle United 0–1 Everton Player Ratings: Carlos Alcaraz Dashes Newcastle Who Reach the Champions League Despite a Defeat

A defeat couldn't have been sweeter for Newcastle United as they breathed a sigh of relief after the full-time whistle. The Magpies lost 1-0 in a must-win contest to Everton at St James' Park as Carlos Alcaraz scored the winner. Despite the defeat, Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League by finishing 5th on goal difference, thanks to Aston Villa losing on the final day as well. Everton signs off the season with three wins in a row.

The hosts had a simple job coming into this game. A win would directly ensure their entry into the Champions League. Anything less than three points would've made it completely reliant on other results. Eddie Howe's men faltered in their last few steps but knew they had no margin of error on the day. Howe was using the newfound three at the back formation and had the services of Alexander Isak available after an injury last time out.

Everton, on the other hand, are on a bounce after ending their Goodison Park chapter with a fine win. They hope to close the season on a high by winning three straight games. They know they'd also spoil the Magpies' party if they can pull off an upset. David Moyes' timely return truly did save their fortunes, but they were guaranteed to finish 13th irrespective of the result.

The hosts started the game with great urgency, knowing they needed the goals first to relax later. However, they couldn't lay a glove on Moyes' well-drilled defence. Despite having plenty of the ball, they couldn't create any chances. Everton sat back and then showed what they were capable of on the breaks. Carlos Alcaraz and Ndiaye went the closest as they persisted with good breaks.

However, the best chance of the game came to James Garner when his throw-in was partially cleared towards him again. Nick Pope parried the resulting effort and set his side away on a counter. Harvey Barnes then needed a decent connection to guide Valentino Livramento's teasing cross, but he barely managed to touch it. The hosts increased the pressure towards the end of the half again.

Jordan Pickford produced a fabulous double save to keep Sandro Tonali and Isak away. Alcaraz once again had a great header turned away by Nick Pope before the break to ensure it ends 0-0. As things stood, Newcastle were finishing 4th as results in other grounds were in their favor at halftime. They couldn't rely on such odds again as they needed to up the attacking ante in the second half.

An early Chelsea goal sent a massive roar across the stadium as they urged their players to raise their level. But it was the Toffees who were threatening to take the lead as Jack Harrison had a great chance. Their worst fears came true as Alcaraz timed his jump to perfection to head a Vitaliy Mykolenko cross home.

At that moment, Newcastle United were out of the Champions League places as they were sixth with a quarter of the game to go. They needed to score to have a chance. The hosts received an unlikely assist from Manchester United as they took the lead against Aston Villa, lifting Newcastle to fifth on goal difference.

Despite their desperate attempts, the hosts failed to score even after sending everyone forward. They peppered Everton's goal with attempts as they sent all the centre-backs into attack. Their life became easier when they learned United doubled their lead against Aston Villa, condemning them to sixth place and sealing Newcastle's UCL spot. The contest ended 1-0 to Everton as there was no trouble for the goal scorers late in the game.

Newcastle United have made it into the Champions League again despite a defeat on the final day. They have left it late but have got the job done thanks to Manchester United as Howe guides them to Europe's big table in yet another productive season. They face a big summer now to keep their top players whilst also trying to improve. Everton, meanwhile, won three in a row after ages as they guaranteed safety in a difficult season thanks to Moyes. They would love to have a big summer and lead a successful era at the new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. Here are the Newcastle United vs Everton Player Ratings.

Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Everton

GK - Nick Pope-7/10

Fingertipped a fine goal-bound header from Carlos Alcaraz to keep the score at 0-0. Couldn't do it against as Alcaraz scored with a header again. Had to be alert throughout the second half as Everton threatened to double their lead.

CB - Fabian Schar-6/10

Played a lot of ambitious diagonals for his wingbacks to chase. Picked up a yellow card for his side while trying to stop a counter.

CB - Sven Botman-7/10

Was engaged in proper duels with Beto, and the pendulum was swinging constantly as two giants went head-to-head.

CB - Dan Burn-6/10

Put his body on the line to block efforts early on in the game. Joined the attack multiple times in the hunt for an equalizer but couldn't help his side.

RM - Jacob Murphy-6/10

The man in the form of his life was looking to add an assist to become the Toon's highest assist maker in the Premier League era. But he was anonymous in the game,

CM - Bruno Guiamaraes-6/10

Used his smart physicality to dominate the game early on and was playing intricate passes to break down the opposition.

CM - Sandro Tonali-7/10

Took the goalscoring burden on his shoulders as he ventured into a dangerous area. Had a fine shot saved by Tonali in the first half.

LM - Valentino Livramento-6.5/10

Was full of making dangerous runs on the left side. Sent teasing crosses into the area.

RW - Harvey Barnes-6/10

Needed a decent touch to convert a cross, but he couldn't find the finish. Played a couple of dangerous crosses later on.

ST - Alexander Isak-5/10

Had a chance to convert the rebound from close range, but Pickford was in his way. Failed to make an impact outside of it.

LW - Anthony Gordon-5/10

Took a long-range punt that was well blocked early in the game. He was hooked off at halftime as he failed to hurt his ex-side.

Sub - Joe Willock-6/10

Sub - Kieran Trippier-6/10

Sub - Callum Wilson-6/10

Sub - William Osula-6/10

Manager - Eddie Howe-4/10

His side had the urgency but lacked in crucial moments as they failed to take the lead in the first half. Needed a monumental second half to turn it around. Only managed to do it thanks to Manchester United.

Everton Player Ratings vs Newcastle United

GK - Jordan Pickford-8/10

The ex-Sunderland keeper was well booed in the light of their recent promotion. He thrives in these types of games as he produced brilliant saves with a double save in the first half standing out.

RB - Ashley Young-7/10

The veteran full-back did well to keep up with Livramento despite being given the slip once or twice.

CB - Jake O'Brien-7/10

Put on an inspired show in the box as he won multiple duels on the ground and in the air.

CB - Michael Keane-7/10

Cleared away a few dangerous crosses and did well to hang in with Isak.

LB - Vitaliy Mykolenko-8/10

His offensive play caught the eye as he played a fantastic cross for Alcaraz. The pair worked to perfection as they got the goal this time. Did his job defensively as well.

DM - James Garner-7.5/10

He could've released the ball earlier to release his forwards once or twice. Had a good shot parried away by Pope.

DM - Idrissa Gueye-7/10

Was defensive-minded of the pivot and stayed back as they built out from the back. Took one for his side as he stopped a counter.

RW - Jack Harrison-6.5/10

Was a constant outlet on the right and had neat moments in the attack with his ball carrying.

CAM - Carlos Alcaraz-8/10

Timed his leap to perfection as he headed home to give them the lead. Had a great game as he had plenty of chances to put his side ahead. Constantly caused trouble with his runs.

LW - Iliman Ndiaye-6.5/10

The man who scored the final goals at Goodison Park could've scored one here as well, but it was well blocked. Showed up in defence when needed as well.

ST - Beto-6/10

Enjoyed a melee with the Magpies' centre-backs with his physicality. Failed to produce the finish when he was 1v1 against the keeper.

Sub - Dwight McNeil-6/10

Sub - Abdoulaye Doucoure-6/10

Sub - Dominic Calvert-Lewin-6/10

Manager - David Moyes-8/10

His side's low block was near impossible to penetrate. Motivated his players to spoil Newcastle's party and reaped the rewards.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Carlos Alcaraz.