Everton FC's Jordan Pickford claims the high ball under pressure from Newcastle United's Dan Burn during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St. James's Park in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on May 25, 2025. (Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Newcastle United were given an almighty scare on the final day of the season as they were beaten 1-0 by Everton.
Just 24 hours after Sunderland had won promotion back to the top-flight, the fact that a boyhood red and white and Black Cats fan was standing in the way of Champions League football was always going to make for a nervous affair. And so it proved at St James' Park as Pickford pulled out all the stops and for a short spell had Newcastle out of the Champions League places.
Pickford made saves to deny the likes of Sven Botman, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak as the Toffees pulled off a 1-0 win. Despite being taunted by Newcastle fans with anti-Sunderland songs, Pickford showed after the final whistle he took the majority of the crowd reaction in the spirit of the occasion and left the field grinning.
But he showed there was no animosity by heading over to the Newcastle backroom team and shaking hands. Pickford also embraced Newcastle's long-serving Toon staff member and former Sunderland and Man City player Craig Russell. The pair made light of the situation as the soft tissue therapist celebrated Champions League action and Pickford enjoyed his clean sheet.
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Everton's Jordan Pickford leaves the pitch at St James' Park
Eddie Howe's message for Sunderland after promotion
Newcastle boss Howe was still burning with emotion after the defeat against Everton and while he was happy about Champions League qualification, he was frustrated by the defeat.
He was then asked about Sunderland's play-off win over Sheffield United and the prospect of the Tyne-Wear derby making a return after 10 years without a top-flight battle.
Howe's derby record is 100% after beating the Wearsiders 3-0 in the FA Cup last season but he said: "I'd almost forgotten about that, to be honest, in amongst today. But of course, that was there yesterday.
"Does it make it more difficult? I think the derby games are obviously very intense games and they are challenging for bot teams, but I think we'll have the attitude that we'll look forward to them.
"I think it's great for the area, I think it brings more energy and drama to the games, so let's bring it on."
Carabao Cup gets another airing
In the aftermath of all the Champions League drama and the near miss caused by the Everton defeat, the fact Newcastle ended the season with the Carabao Cup was almost forgotten for a moment or two.
But club staff brought the trophy out for players to show off as family members posed with the piece of silverware that changed history.
The likes of Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak and Nick Pope were all pictured on the field with the trophy.