Pickford Stands in Newcastle’s Path as Champions League Race Reaches Final Day
Everton’s number one, Jordan Pickford, may have a key role to play in the Premier League’s dramatic final day — and as a known Sunderland fan, he’s unlikely to be doing Newcastle United any favours.
As the 2024–25 Premier League season heads into its final weekend, Newcastle still control their own destiny when it comes to qualifying for next season’s Champions League. However, they missed the opportunity to lock it in early after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday — a result that has raised the stakes heading into their last fixture.
Despite the setback, the equation remains straightforward for Eddie Howe’s side: beat Everton at St James’ Park on Sunday, and a top-five finish is guaranteed. Anything less than a win will leave them vulnerable, relying on other results to go their way in what is a tightly contested European race.
Champions League Race: Tight Margins and Final Day Drama
The Premier League table remains incredibly congested heading into the season finale. Just a single point separates third-placed Newcastle from seventh-placed Nottingham Forest. Newcastle are currently level on 66 points with both Chelsea and Aston Villa, but edge ahead thanks to their superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, Manchester City and Forest sit just behind with 65 points, although Forest could leap into third place if they manage a win in their game in hand against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday.
The final day will see plenty of high-stakes matchups: Chelsea and Forest go head-to-head at the City Ground, Villa visit Manchester United, and Man City travel to Fulham. But Newcastle won’t need to watch any of that — a win on home turf seals their Champions League place, no matter what happens elsewhere.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford Ready to Spoil the Party
Standing in their way, however, is Jordan Pickford—Everton’s star goalkeeper and a well-known Sunderland supporter. Given his ties to Newcastle’s fiercest rivals, there’s no doubt Pickford would relish the chance to derail their top-four hopes.
Pickford has long been a target of chants and taunts from Newcastle fans every time the sides meet. In fact, Everton supporters have recently embraced the rivalry, creating a chant celebrating Pickford’s fiery attitude toward both Newcastle and Liverpool—ending with the line: “Jordan Pickford’s dynamite.”
Expect to hear that chant echo around St James’ Park this Sunday.
Pickford on Dealing with Newcastle Fan Abuse
Pickford has had mixed fortunes when facing Newcastle over the years, but one of his standout moments came back in October when he saved a penalty from Anthony Gordon, helping Everton secure a 0-0 draw.
After that match, when asked about the constant jeering from the home crowd, Pickford responded:
“I just crack on with my game. I know they give me stick, but I stay focused. I’ve learned from the past. I stay focused and I just want to do my best for the badge. They can give me stick if they want, I’m only up the road from them.”
Who Will Have the Last Laugh?
As Newcastle prepare for one of the most important games of their season, they’ll be hoping that this time, it’s them who get the last laugh over Pickford and Everton. But with Champions League football on the line — and a passionate rival between the posts — the final day at St James’ Park promises drama, tension, and possibly fireworks.
Leave a Reply