The three most important victories of Newcastle United’s season as Champions League place finally sealed

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It’s been a massive season for Newcastle United, full of big, memorable and crucial victories.

Newcastle United brought their most successful season in decades to an unfitting end on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Everton at St. James’ Park.

It was a terrible display from Eddie Howe’s side, with Carlos Alcaraz’s header the decisive goal.

Yet, Newcastle still qualified for the Champions League after Manchester United controversially defeated Aston Villa 2-0.

A referee howler saw Morgan Rogers’ goal disallowed at 0-0 and has sparked an official complaint from Aston Villa, with Newcastle the fortunate party as they finished fifth in the Premier League table on goal difference.

As a result, it’s been an amazing season after Newcastle also defeated Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final to bring their long wait for a trophy to an end.

The Wembley final is obviously the biggest victory of the season but it isn’t the only great and important Newcastle win from the campaign.

Below, the Geordie Boot Boys writers have named their most important wins of the season in securing a Champions League place.

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Liam Brusby – Newcastle United 4-3 Nottingham Forest

Billed as one of the most important games of the season at the time, Newcastle simply had to win this game to build momentum for the Carabao Cup final and boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

It wasn’t the most entertaining game, but four goals in 11 minutes from the Magpies were enough to secure the three points and put them firmly in the race for a top-five finish.

It was also the return of Elliot Anderson, who joined Nottingham Forest last summer. Fans gave him a warm reception despite his change of allegiance.

Jonathan Gorrie – Newcastle United 2-1 Brentford

The first game after the Carabao Cup final, Newcastle proved there would be no drop-off.

It is a sign of a good side when they follow up one big victory with another.

While it wasn’t pretty and needed Sandro Tonali’s freak goal to win it, claiming three points after the Carabao Cup victory was a statement of intent in the Champions League race.

James Rutherford – Newcastle United 4-0 Leicester City

The Carabao Cup final against Liverpool is the obvious answer, as this Newcastle team ended 70 years of domestic hurt. They are now legends, just as Bruno Guimaraes predicted.

Away from that victory, Newcastle picked up what proved to be a pivotal three points at home to Leicester City in December.

Coming into that game, Alan Shearer had questioned Newcastle’s attitude after a loss against Brentford, with Howe’s side under severe pressure to get a result.

They did exactly that, as the Magpies kicked off what ended up being a nine-game winning run.

That string of results truly transformed Newcastle’s season, as they became Champions League contenders and hurtled towards the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.