The modern Manchester City have a tradition of dramatic 3-2 comeback victories in title-winning campaigns. Oscar Bobb’s decider did not have the finality of Sergio Aguero and Ilkay Gundogan’s last-day goals but it may help City win more than just a thriller at St James’ Park. Yet the immediate significance may have been for Newcastle United.
Eleven points off fourth, with a double-digit distance to fifth, Newcastle’s return to the Champions League this year will not be a one-off but nor will it contain a sequel next season. A club with grand ambitions but a realistic trajectory aimed for a top-six finish this season. Now they are 10th and, by the time this round of fixtures ends next week, they could be eight points adrift of sixth. The trophy drought on Tyneside famously dates back to the 1960s: now there is an added onus to end it, with the FA Cup potentially offering the Magpies’ best chance of European football next year.
