Newcastle United

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Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey says it is "pleasing" to hear that Sven Botman only picked up a knock on his knee in the Magpies' 2-0 win over Chelsea, after the centre-back suffered with two anterior cruciate ligament injuries last season.

Botman made his first start for three months last weekend before needing to be substituted off 10 minutes into the second half at St. James' Park.

Howey voiced his relief for the defender, after manager Eddie Howe confirmed it wasn't a "serious injury" in his pre-match news conference.

"I think he has been unlucky," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle. "Obviously the ACL injury was the ACL injury, but I think his first injury came from a knock as well.

"You are going to get knocks, bangs and bruises in the position that he plays, but I think he's just been really unlucky on the last two occasions.

"As soon as it comes out that it's his knee, unfortunately people fear the worst because of what has happened previously with him. In a weird way, it is pleasing that it's just a knock."

On the mental impact of lengthy injuries, he added: "It is tough. You have to be mentally strong to get through them because you do feel as though you're not part of things.

"That comes as no surprise because you aren't part of things, you're just watching the lads out of the window training every day and playing games.

"But Eddie Howe seems to realise how difficult it is for players. Back in the day, managers didn't care because they thought: 'What's the point of you being that involved if I can't use you?'

"You have to be lucky to have good physios and other people who are helping you through your recovery.

"Botman has been through tough times but I'm sure he has been made a lot stronger because of them, psychologically as well."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

This is a big game with second place up for grabs, and it is a bit of a grudge match too.

Newcastle have beaten Arsenal three times already this season and their meetings have been quite spiky since the Magpies grabbed a controversial win over Mikel Arteta's side in 2023.

Arsenal will be absolutely desperate to put one over them this time, but I can see this turning into a real battle and I would not be surprised if it ends up in a draw.

That is a better result for the Gunners, because a point would all but guarantee them a Champions League place - their goal difference is much better than the other teams in that race - even if their fans will want more.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal (kick-off 16:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Howe said he "wasn't sure" about Sven Botman's availability for the game but added: "We don't think it's a serious injury and we'll give him a chance to be fit."

• On Joelinton: "He's working away behind the scenes. Typical Joe he's absolutely foot to the floor trying to get fit because he wants to be involved. The biggest possibility is that we don't see him again this season and we'll get him ready for next year."

• With Kieran Trippier not "fit for this weekend" Howe admitted his squad "can look thin very quickly" when exposed to a "run of injuries".

• On Champions League qualification: "It's not done yet and the picture can change game-to-game. Nothing is achieved until its achieved so we have to be really single minded in that and not get distracted."

• On a manager of the season nomination: "I always think it's nice to be nominated for different things because ultimately it hopefully means you've had a successful season so I'm proud to be on that list."

• Howe confirmed he had "no idea" before the club's announcement to change its crest, adding: "I am a great believer in respecting tradition and history but you have to move forward if something needs to be changed for the betterment of the football club."

• When asked about players being linked with other clubs, Howe said: "It is a frustration because I don't see why our players are getting linked here, there and everywhere with other clubs. I'd like to think the players are happy here."

• He added: "I'd like to think again that they're seeing us grow and develop into a team that hopefully can compete at the top end of the division. We have no divine right to do that, but I think we're going in the right direction, so yes, it's a source of frustration."

• On 'needle' between Newcastle and Arsenal: "Needle is your word but I would say competitive. We've been physical, aggressive and I think we have to be when we are at our best. We'll be competitive to try and win and I want to see that motivation run through our team in every game that we play regardless of the team."

• On results against Arsenal: "It bodes well for us, but these games we've played against Arsenal this year have been very difficult. We've come out on the right side of them but the games have been tight and so we go in to Sunday with confidence but with a realisation that we need to be at our best as we have been against them this season."

Listen to full match commentary of Arsenal vs Newcastle United on BBC Radio 5 live from 16:30 BST on Sunday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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The race for Champions League football is heating up with only four spots up for grabs. Only confirmed team in Europe's premier competition for next season are the champions Liverpool.

Arsenal have been chasing the champions all season long but a deep run in Europe has seen them take their eye of the ball domestically. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Newcastle United closed the gap on the North London club and are within striking distance.

Clubs like Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all very much still in the race but one team will miss out. Let's have a look at which clubs can decide their faith this weekend -

Arsenal will clinch a Champions League spot if they beat Newcastle on Sunday.

A draw will also be enough unless Chelsea and Aston Villa both win on Friday, and Manchester City avoid defeat on Tuesday. But because the Gunners' goal difference is significantly better than the sides below them, a draw will realistically ensure a top-five spot, regardless of results elsewhere.

If they lose, Arsenal will qualify for Europe's elite competition should Villa fail to win or if both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest fail to win. This takes into account that Forest host Chelsea on the final day and both sides cannot catch the Gunners.

Because of Arsenal's goal difference, the only scenario in which they could retain a realistic chance of missing out on Champions League qualification would be if they lose and both Chelsea and Villa win.

A win will guarantee Newcastle a Champions League place UNLESS Chelsea and Aston Villa both win and Manchester City avoid defeat. But because of their goal difference advantage over Villa, a win will realistically ensure a top-five spot for Eddie Howe's side, regardless of results elsewhere.

A draw will be good enough if:

- Aston Villa lose (as Forest play Chelsea on the final day and both sides wouldn't be able to overtake the Magpies)

- Chelsea lose and Nottingham Forest fail to win

Should Newcastle and Villa both draw, Eddie Howe's side would be realistically assured of Champions League qualification because of their goal difference. The same applies if the Magpies lose, Villa also lose and either Forest or Chelsea fail to win.

Manchester City will qualify for the Champions League if they defeat Bournemouth and Villa fail to win, OR City claim victory and both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest fail to win.

Because of City's goal difference, a point against the Cherries will realistically be enough if Chelsea or Forest fail to win and Aston Villa lose.

Chelsea can't mathematically clinch a top-five spot before the final day – but if they win and both Villa and Forest lose, their superior goal difference would make it all but certain. Should Chelsea win, Villa lose and Forest draw, the Londoners would have to lose their last game (against Forest) by at least four goals to be caught.

Note - Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest currently occupy sixth and seventh in the Premier League table and will need results to go their way even if they win the remainder of their matches.

Newcastle United have scouted Borussia Dortmund's 20-year-old English winger Jamie Gittens and could also make a summer move for his 27-year-old teammate, Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. (Mail - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

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The Premier League have announced the nominations for Premier League player of the season award.

After winning the league title, Liverpool have three representatives with Mohamed Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch.

Forward Salah has scored 28 goals and provided 18 assists, and is just one goal or assist away from matching the all-time record for most goal involvements in a single campaign.

Nottingham Forest have two nominees in Morgan Gibbs-White, who has netted six goals, made eight assists and created 50 chances, and Chris Wood, who has enjoyed the best season of his career in scoring 20 goals.

Arsenal, who had been Liverpool's closest challenges for much of the season, are represented by Declan Rice, after the midfielder reached double figures for combined goals (three) and assists (seven).

Newcastle United have one player on the list with Alexander Isak, who is nominated for the second season running after scoring 23 times - the second-most goals in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.

Bryan Mbeumo becomes the first Brentford nominee for the award having reached 25 direct goal involvements - the third-most in the Premier League - thanks to 18 goals and seven assists.

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The Premier League 2024-25 manager of the year shortlist, external has been announced.

Nottingham Forest's Nuno Espirito Santo, Brentford's Thomas Frank, Newcastle United's Eddie Howe, Wolves' Vitor Pereira and Liverpool's Arne Slot have all been nominated.

Voting closes 12:00 BST on Monday 19 May.

The votes from the public will then be combined with those of a panel of football experts to decide the winner.

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Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles said it was a "huge relief" to recover from his knee injury.

The centre-back was sidelined for more than a year after picking up a knee issue in their 4-3 win over West Ham in March 2024.

Speaking to NUFC TV, the defender spoke about the delight in being back around the group despite suffering setbacks along the way.

"Huge relief really, it's been tough obviously. I had a few setbacks on the way as well but I stuck with it, it's been hard, really challenging mentally and physically as well.

"Credit to physio I've been working with Alex, she's fantastic. Finally I got my reward now, I was on the bench against Chelsea which was amazing."

"I'd have like to been on the bench the other day, hopefully I'll be on the bench or involved on Sunday and the Everton game as well.

"To be fair, what I've been through, I was just so happy to be on the bench. I got a great reception from the fans, it was quite emotional for me. Just travelling and being around the boys is such a huge reward and I'm happy with that."

Listen on BBC Sounds as Radio Newcastle discuss Lascelles' return

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Newcastle have won three games against Arsenal this season; 1-0 in the Premier League and 2-0 in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final. No team has ever beaten the Gunners four times in a single campaign.

Newcastle United have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign 24-year-old defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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For the players and fans, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi getting this injury in a situation where the offside flag should have been raised is so frustrating.

The frustration is when it is clear and obvious. Officials have been overseeing games for many years and they would always flag whether they were right or wrong.

Now technology has come into it, they are very reliant on VAR to make the right decision, the factual decision, about an offside. But, I think when an offside is so clear and obvious, it should be the duty of the assistant referee to put their flag up and stop play from the off.

When it is marginal, I understand we are a bit more hesitant when there are really fine margins, and we have seen those fine margins when goals have been given and it is a toenail to keep them on-side. I would understand it from that point of view, but it was on the halfway-line where the offside happened on Sunday, only for play to be allowed to continue.

It has been a matter of time. It has been a time bomb waiting to go off for somebody to get seriously injured. Awoniyi is the one that has got that injury - that horrific injury - because of it. Some will say it is only the first time it has happened in the duration of this rule, but it should never happen. That is how players will be looking at it, how fans and managers will be looking at it and saying 'it should never happen'. We should not wait for something to happen to reassess rules like this.

I don't like the ruling of it - it is on the halfway-line, it is clear and obviously offside, everybody in the stadium could probably see it. It should be for the assistant referee to make the decision. There are small margins in the box, I understand why they are a bit hesitant, but in open play, if somebody is sprinting, you could cause hamstring, quad, and all types of muscle injuries.

I am totally against this rule of waiting to put up the flag and I think most players and managers are as well. It's disappointing. I think it's a rule that nobody likes, and I'm sure in the summer off the back of this injury, one that will probably be reassessed.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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BBC Sport's football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella has been answering your questions on the transfer window.

Chris: Is Bryan Mbeumo a realistic target for Newcastle? Will Eddie Howe have a war chest this summer, after three seasons of no first-team signings?

Nizaar: Newcastle have always had money to spend, but PSR has restricted how quickly they have been able to spend it. But every year, every new sponsor, every qualification for Europe - particularly the Champions League - unlocks more "PSR headroom" which can be used to buy players.

I've heard from some sources that Newcastle are interested in Bryan Mbeumo, although this has yet to be verified by the club.

Brentford are certainly braced for offers but they will hold out for a substantial sum. The Bees are in a wonderful financial position, but that is counterbalanced by Mbeumo having two years left on his current contract.

Read more of Tuesday's transfer Q&A with BBC Sport's football experts

The i Paper's northern football correspondent Mark Douglas has covered Newcastle United since 2008 and spoke of his dealings with previous Magpies managers on BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport podcast.

Drinking wine with Alan Pardew:

"Pardew was quite a character, a bizarre guy in a few ways. I remember one time we were sat in the board room with him drinking red wine and he came up with an analogy that Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba were the Madonna and Lady Gaga of the Premier League.

"You felt like he was someone you could fall out with but it wouldn't be a problem further down the line.

"I remember him looking at me and saying 'you know what I thought when I first met you? You look just like John Hartson' and that became my nickname at work."

Talking tactics with Rafa Benitez:

"The club use to invite the media up [to St James' Park] during the international breaks and briefings with Rafa would go on for six hours.

"He'd sit there with ketchup and water bottles on the table and ask what you'd do from a corner. He would always sit there and run you through it because he was such a football obsessive but he was brilliant.

"He was a character and I'm gutted he ended up leaving. He was the pick of Amanda Staveley and the pick of the PIF (Public Investment Fund) but he just got tired of waiting."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has been answering your questions on the upcoming transfer window.

Simon: Is there any reason Newcastle would sell Alexander Isak? £120m is a lot, but there's no known release clause, no appetite to sell to a rival in the Premier League, no readily available replacement, and over the next three years - if they do get three more Champions League campaigns - then the lack of a fee pays for itself surely?

Sami: The crux of the matter here is that Isak will have three years left on his contract at the end of the season. Therefore, Newcastle have virtually no jeopardy heading into the window with regards to selling Isak.

They will be able to demand more or less the same amount of money this summer than they will be able to next summer when the striker will have two years on his contract, particularly if the player continues to excel.

It is my information that Isak would be intrigued by the prospect of joining, say, Liverpool or Arsenal but there are absolutely no indications that the Swede would actively agitate a move.

So if there is any chance Isak goes, and I think those chances are remotely slim, it would be on Newcastle's terms - and they would be astronomical terms.

Their stance may be weakened slightly if they miss out on Champions League football this season but, even then, it's hard to see a scenario in which Isak goes.

Next summer, when Isak has two years left on his deal, would provide his suitors with a more realistic opportunity of luring him away from St James' Park.

Read more from a transfer Q&A with our experts

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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I was exactly where I wanted to be at midday on Sunday, sitting on the halfway line as the Newcastle v Chelsea game kicked off. Too close a game to call before the whistle, it looked anything but that after just a couple of minutes.

‌Eddie Howe spotted a weakness in the Chelsea line up and the chink in their armour was their player of the year, Moises Caicedo. Enzo Maresca wanted his best players on the field. Romeo Lavia had been brilliant recently and Enzo Fernandez is seen as a leader, so just like last week there wasn't a midfield spot for Caicedo. No problem, stick him in at right back, he is an excellent player and a tenacious tackler. The problem is, he isn't a specialist right full-back and Howe knew it, so did Antony Gordon and the rest of his team.

‌The majority of the early Newcastle attacks pressured that precise area. You might get away with a stand-in full-back sometimes but against a specialist top-class winger, even a single positional error of a couple of yards can be costly and it was. It was mostly good luck that Howe's left-wing overloads didn't give Newcastle an unassailable lead by half-time. It should have been over as a contest when Nicolas Jackson was correctly red carded in the 34th minute.

‌Reece James and then Malo Gusto, both specialist right-backs, were brought on in the second half, and Caicedo was back to being brilliant and effective where he belongs in the midfield. With round pegs in round holes, even if there were only 10 of them, Chelsea dominated.

‌It was too late, those three dropped points may ultimately cost Chelsea a top-five position and many tens of millions of pounds. It was the quality and work rate from Newcastle, Howe's good tactics and a brilliantly noisy crowd that contributed to the win. But, the defeat was also in great part due to major mistakes by Jackson and his coach.

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Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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It is hard to write anything about Newcastle United other than - are we really going to get back into the Champions League again?

The second time in three years? And in the same year we broke our trophy drought too? Ambassador, you are spoiling us!

But to go past that initial excitement, with two games to go we need three points. Not a given, but much closer since we got under Chelsea's skin and took three off them this weekend (and had one of their players sent off). It also seems like we as fans share this goal with players. Sandro Tonali, our star midfielder this season, has done another interview this week with the club's media in which he stresses the importance of the Champions League - even going as far to say that he doesn't want Conference League football.

I like that mentality. I like the idea that we're allowed to say what we want, and what we don't want, and not feel ungrateful for whatever we do get. I want my team to win. I want my players to be class, and to love being here. I want those glorious European nights at St James' Park - atmospheres that envelop you and leave you almost dizzy leaving the ground having watched your team smash PSG 4-1.

I also like the idea that we remain an attractive club to stay at for some of our best players. I am not ready to see Tonali leave Newcastle. I feel so lucky almost every time I get to watch him play. I'd love to see more players like him head our way, confident they can play in Europe and win cups.

Regardless of what happens, this has been Newcastle's best season in the modern era. Two more games to go. Let's get it done.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle, reacting to the Magpies' 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday:

"In the first half, we were excellent. We dominated the first half and the only disappointment was that we hadn't added to the scoreline, as the sending-off changes the complexion of the game.

"I have to say, in the second half we looked like the team that had 10 men. Chelsea had lots of the ball but they just didn't create a great deal.

"In the end I thought we were the better side. It was a huge game and the atmosphere was unbelievable.

"We said all along that [the race for Champions League qualification] would go to the final game of the season and that's the way it's looking."

Listen to more reaction on BBC Sounds

Newcastle defender Sven Botman wants to stay at at the club despite interest in the Netherlands international, 25, from Paris St-Germain. (The I), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Sunday's win over Chelsea has put Newcastle United in the driving seat in the race to secure Champions League football for next season.

The Total Sport team have spoken to sports journalist Mark Douglas about the job Eddie Howe has done and the importance of a top five finish.

"After last season being quite difficult, it felt very much nine months ago like the momentum was in danger of being lost, but they've regained it," Douglas told the Total Sport Podcast.

"They've got through the difficult second album if you will, every club has it. Now we are on to a body of work and Eddie Howe has established a supergroup.

"Jason Tindall is the really good backing singer who some people think could be the lead [singer] but Howe is the studious frontman. They are now in to a body of work where you realise these guys are serious, serious people.

"Not many clubs have a manager that you would implicitly trust to do the right thing. You look in to this summer and think they will try and build and to do that with the Champions League behind you means the sky is the limit.

"If it's another platinum record this season, you start to think, everything these guys touch turns to gold."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Newcastle and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Jon: At this stage of the season, it's not about being pretty or performing at your best. It's about points. What is clear to me, especially after a few dormant transfer windows, is that good coaching, man management, and team ethic go a long way. There is a real hunger in this team. Win the next two games and we end the season as runners-up. Incredible!

Andy: A good solid performance from Newcastle. I thought we stepped off the gas in the second half, and should have tried to kill the game off earlier, but a win's a win, and I am chuffed with our determination and team spirit.

Ian: Excellent result, but not the performance we were hoping for. At times, it was like watching Newcastle of old trying to preserve a 1-0 lead. Even worse given Chelsea were down to 10 men. I did feel like at times we were watching a team from the 1980s with Chelsea being very physical in the first half. Definitely a red card. I can't see us not qualifying now. Roll on Champions League football next season!

Mark: It was a nervy second half but the result is a 2-0 victory and that's what counts. Puts the team in a fantastic position moving onto the past two games. It's an incredible race for the Champions League positions.

Alan: You can't really underestimate how tough that must have been for the players. A must-win game at the end of the season against a top side. In the first half, Newcastle were close to their best and should have been further ahead. The second half was always going to be hard. It's very difficult to keep that intensity up for a league match at the end of the season.

Ritchie: We have had a few games this season where the two halves are chalk and cheese. It was a good first half, abysmal second... yet the strength and depth of the squad yet again shone through. Good win but roll on the Champions League and a crucial summer in the transfer market.

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Eddie Howe for manager of the year?

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards says the Newcastle boss deserves the accolade after leading the club to the "most successful season in living memory".

The Magpies are guaranteed European football next season and not only is Champions League qualification in their hands, but so is the chance to finish in second place.

"It has been an incredible campaign, especially given the fact they didn't sign a player last summer to improve the first team," said Edwards on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "At the start of the season they were really struggling and inconsistent, so they were as low as 12th.

"There was some small murmurings at the beginning of December about whether Eddie Howe had ran his course and needed to be replaced - but look at them now.

"Over the past 20 games, only Liverpool have taken more points than them, plus they have won the Carabao Cup and ended their 70 year wait for a domestic trophy. It is in their hands to now finish second and equal their record for a highest finishing position in the Premier League era.

"It has been a brilliant season and I give loads of praise to Howe because it was in danger of unravelling at one point.

"Howe has cleared those problems up and he has turned it into the most successful season in living memory for Newcastle.

"He is my manager of the year."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds