Danny Murphy has predicted who will qualify for the final Champions League places after Newcastle United’s loss to Arsenal.
It was a disappointing loss for the Magpies, who could have been as many as three goals up in the first half had it not been for some sensational goalkeeping from David Raya.
Newcastle United lost 1-0 against Arsenal, meaning the race for Champions League qualification will go down to the final day of the season.
A positive for Eddie Howe’s side is that their last game is against Everton. The Toffees have nothing to play for, and their energy was sapped by a lively crowd at Goodison Park in what was their final game at the ground.
Former Everton winger Anthony Gordon will be in line to start against his former club for Newcastle on Sunday. Gordon was criticised by Newcastle fans for his performance against Arsenal, with many claiming he has not looked anywhere near his best this season.
With Champions League qualification still uncertain, former Premier League star Danny Murphy has predicted whether Newcastle will return to Europe’s top competition next season.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Danny Murphy backs Newcastle United in Champions League race
Newcastle fans will hope that the final day of the Premier League season does not bring any surprises. A game at home to Everton should be a straightforward one, but the added pressure of Champions League qualification will surely make for a nervy atmosphere at St James’ Park.
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Alan Shearer backs Newcastle to qualify for the Champions League, and so does Murphy, who believes the Magpies will get the job done against Everton.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day 2, Murphy was asked whether he expects Newcastle to be fine on the last day.
“Yeah, (Newcastle) at home to Everton, I would say so with those fans behind them. Man City have got it all in their own hands, but I’d tip them as well.
The race for the Champions League is going right down to the wire… 😬
Danny Murphy and Martin Keown have their say on who they think will qualify.#MOTD2 pic.twitter.com/WklGugbhvx
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 18, 2025
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“It is (a tough week), but this City squad has resilience, it’s got experience.”
“That Chelsea Forest game is going to be the pick of the bunch. That’s going to be a hell of an atmosphere down here.”
The clip also showed the Opta statistics for the final Premier League table. Newcastle had an 83.1% likelihood of finishing in the top five.
Champions League qualification means much more to Newcastle United
It is fair to say that Newcastle fans would be disappointed if they missed out on the Champions League now after performing so well in the second half of the season.
At one point, Newcastle were mid-table and looked lost. Very few could have predicted that the next few months would see them win a cup and be on the cusp of Champions League football.
From Newcastle’s perspective, failure to qualify for the Champions League could be dreadful ahead of the summer transfer window. Newcastle’s top targets want Champions League football; they are at a serious risk of missing out on signings if they miss out.
Jamie Redknapp said Newcastle need much more depth next season. The need for that is even clearer given what the Magpies will be competing for next season.