Newcastle beat Brentford to secure seventh place

Given that Newcastle have suffered more than most with injuries this term, a top-seven finish – and a possible place in Europe for the second season in succession – should be deemed a satisfactory campaign for Howe’s side.

Newcastle’s away form has left a lot to be desired, and when Toney slotted in Bryan Mbeumo’s cross in just the third minute it looked like being another frustrating afternoon away from St James’ Park for Howe and his players.

However, Mbeumo was adjudged to be in an offside position in the build-up and after that reprieve Newcastle never looked back.

They could easily have been further ahead at the interval, Joelinton missing a glorious opportunity to put the visitors in front with the score still 0-0 and Flekken denying Isak a second goal shortly before half-time.

Janelt and Wissa gave Brentford hope as the Bees threatened to mount a second-half fightback, but the Magpies held their nerve and restored their two-goal advantage through Guimaraes late on.

Remarkably, there have been 147 goals in matches involving Newcastle this season, the most in the Premier League since Liverpool’s fixtures produced 151 goals in 2013-14.

Having watched their side finish above Manchester United for the first time in the Premier League era, Newcastle fans must now hope Erik ten Hag’s side suffer further disappointment at Wembley on Saturday.