Newcastle United secured their place in next season’s Champions League for the first time since 2003 with a dominant display against Leicester City. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with Leicester having just one shot and on the brink of relegation. Newcastle controlled the match, rattling the woodwork three times and chalking up 23 shots and an xG of 2.05. Leicester only managed one effort that came in the 92nd minute when Nick Pope sharply saved from Timothy Castagne’s volley to deny them a crucial smash-and-grab victory and leave their survival fate out of their hands.
Newcastle’s best chances came late in the opening period as Callum Wilson hooked an effort against a post before seeing his header from the re-bound cleared off the line by Wilfred Ndidi. Miguel Almiron volleyed against the woodwork two minutes later, and then Wilson saw another headed effort go off-target with the goal gaping at a corner. Leicester finally started to string some passes together late on before Castagne connected with Maddison’s cross, forcing Pope into a diving save.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe expressed his relief and gratitude to be managing the team, while Leicester manager Dean Smith praised Newcastle’s performance and the job that Eddie Howe has done this season. The final day of the Premier League season is on May 28, with every game kicking off at 4.30 pm.
Keywords: Newcastle United, Leicester City, Premier League, Champions League, Eddie Howe, Dean Smith.