Newcastle have been eliminated from Europe for this season after falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to AC Milan.
The Magpies went into the clash with the possibility of still making the Champions League knock-out stages but end the campaign bottom of the group, meaning they also miss out on the chance to play in the Europa League.
Raff Tindale highlights some of the key talking points on a disappointing night for Newcastle…
Wilson off his game
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter returning to action in the 4-1 loss to Spurs last Sunday, Callum Wilson earned his first start since returning from an injury that has seen the England forward sidelined since early November. Though Wilson did provide the assist for Newcastle’s only goal in north London last weekend, he looked far off the mark against AC Milan. Wilson struggled to impact the game, lacking the energy and intensity that usually sees him leading Newcastle’s press from the front. The 31-year-old stated earlier this week that he feels “ready to start”, and whether his performance versus AC Milan was simply a bad day at the office or not, Eddie Howe will be hoping his star striker returns to form sooner rather than later.
Livramento shines again
Embed from Getty ImagesSince being deployed as a make-shift left-back in the midst of the club’s worst ever injury crisis, Tino Livramento has shone for the Magpies. The 21-year-old followed up his string of impressive performances once more versus AC Milan, nullifying any potential threat on the right flank and frequently helping advance the Newcastle attack in the first half of the game. Under the mentorship of the world-class hybrid fullback that is Kieran Trippier, Livramento has adapted to the left-back role seamlessly. With Dan Burn soon to make his return from an injury which has kept him side-lined since early November, he may have a harder time winning his spot back in the starting eleven than he might have originally hoped.
Brazilian duo dominate the midfield
Embed from Getty ImagesBrazilian duo Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton have been nothing short of exceptional for Newcastle this season. The pair once again ran the midfield alongside 17-year-old Lewis Miley against their Italian opponents, with Miley and Joelinton combining for Newcastle’s opening goal. The pair ran the show in the middle of the park, comfortably controlling possession and frequently playing Newcastle into dangerous avenues. Both have often been the key to Newcastle’s most impressive wins this season, and Eddie Howe has been full of praise for his Brazilian dynamic duo. And with performances such as these, it is easy to see why the Newcastle manager holds both in such high regard.
Newcastle have proven themselves
Despite narrowly missing out on round of 16 qualification, Newcastle have certainly proved they belong in the big leagues. In the so-called group of death, the Magpies have held their own and proved that they have the quality and heart to compete in Europe’s premier club competition. In the midst of an injury crisis which has seen Eddie Howe missing up to 14 first-team players, Newcastle have shown great desire in each and every of their group stage games. While the Magpies may have bid goodbye to European football for this season, their performances have certainly demonstrated that they have the quality to compete, and it will surely not be long until Newcastle are back competing at the highest level once more.
AC Milan’s experience shines through
Embed from Getty ImagesWith their backs against the wall in a must win game to continue their quest for European glory this season, a trip to St. James’ Park would have been far from what AC Milan manager Stefano Poli would have wanted. Despite the fact that Milan were the more passive team on the day, with only 42% possession, the Italian outfit’s experience in the competition remained evident. Milan were patient and took their chances when the opportunities arose. The visitors grew into the game and drew themselves level with a scrappy equaliser and put the game to bed with a well taken go-ahead goal from Samuel Chukwueze in the 84th minute, booking their place in this season’s Europa League knockout stages.
