Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates
Newcastle United's task to gain Champions League football next season remains largely unchanged despite Manchester City leapfrogging them in the Premier League table on Tuesday night.
On a poignant night at the Etihad Stadium with Kevin De Bruyne playing his last match for the club, City put in a professional display against AFC Bournemouth to put themselves within touching distance of the Champions League. Omar Marmoush got the Blues off to a flyer with a superb long-range effort before intricate play was capped off by Bernardo Silva.
De Bruyne missed a golden chance to wrap up his last home appearance with a goal but the result was never in much doubt. Mateo Kovacic was sent off with just over 20 minutes remaining after a tactical foul which in turn spelt the end of De Bruyne's night as he was substituted.
Both teams would end the match with ten players after Lewis Cook's forceful challenge moments later earned him a straight red card too. With the two sides level on the pitch, Nico Gonzalez bagged his first Premier League goal to seal the three points despite the away side's late consolation from Daniel Jebbison.
The result moved City up to third and above Newcastle to 68 points. For the Magpies, the task at hand against Everton in the Premier League is simple - win and they will qualify for the Champions League.
Fifth-placed Chelsea could finish above Newcastle even if Eddie Howe's side win, but they would need to beat Nottingham Forest by a scoreline that was more than the three better than United's effort. Aston Villa could theoretically pass Newcastle if both teams win but that would require an unprecedented goal swing in Unai Emery's side's favour.
If Newcastle do not win, then a nervous wait will begin for the Magpies. Howe's men will only remain in the top five if they draw and Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea ends in a draw or if there is a winner at the City Ground, and Villa fail to win.
Should the unthinkable happen and Newcastle lose to Everton, they will remain in the top five if Villa lose to Manchester United. Any other result at Old Trafford and Newcastle would drop out of the top five.