Newcastle 0-0 Leicester: Newcastle United will play in the Champions League for the first time since 2002/03 next season. The Magpies secured a final ranking in the top four of the Premier League with a draw against Leicester City on Monday evening. A draw was enough for Newcastle to stay ahead of number five Liverpool anyway.
Newcastle grab Champions League ticket on night of misses
On a swirling St. James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s team nevertheless opted for the attack. It became one-way traffic in Newcastle. The home team had no fewer than fourteen goal attempts in the first half, compared to zero from Leicester, who were battling against relegation.
Just before the break, the home team came closest to an opening goal. Leicester goalkeeper Daniel Iversen got away very well after a struggle under pressure from Dan Burn when the ball hit the post. Wilfried Ndidi then came to the aid of his goalkeeper when Callum Wilson almost hit the header. An attack later, Miguel Almiron hit the aluminum with a loud bang.
The tweet Newcastle icon Alan Shearer sent to Leicester figurehead Gary Lineker at half-time was telling: “Did you get excited Gary when your team crossed the halfway line?” In the second half, Leicester manager Dean Smith brought in a little more creativity by bringing in James Maddison and Harvey Barnes. It changed little in the game image. Bruno Guimarães, who was lucky to still be on the field after a foul against Boubakary Soumaré, seemed to open the scoring, but he also hit the post. For example, Newcastle was simply not in the finish.
The missed opportunities seemed to be immediately forgotten when the final whistle sounded. They were showered with applause and singing. It was a preview of what the atmosphere will be like at the European evenings next season. Euphoria was far away at Leicester. The fear of relegation is still huge after the draw. Leicester must win at home against West Ham United on Sunday to catch up with Everton. The Toffees are allowed a maximum draw in the home game against AFC Bournemouth. Only then can Leicester avoid the fall to the Championship.
