Season synopsis
Premier League final position: Fifth
FA Cup: Fifth round, lost to Brighton 2-1 (H) AET
League Cup: Winners, beat Liverpool 2-1 in final
A historic campaign for Newcastle United which finally saw them end their 56-year trophy hoodoo and seal a spot in next season's Uefa Champions League.
With no midweek European distractions and the lengthy injury list that had hindered last season's efforts, the Magpies were focused on domestic battles only.
A nine-game win streak across competitions from December to January proved the launchpad for Newcastle's season after a stalled start, a run that included beating Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate in the League Cup semi-finals.
In the final, a 2-1 victory for Newcastle secured their first silverware since lifting the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 and a first domestic trophy since the 1955 FA Cup.
Despite a final day slip-up at home to Everton, Eddie Howe's side sealed fifth spot in the Premier League and a Champions League place, albeit only thanks to their superior goal difference to Aston Villa with both teams finishing on 66 points.
Best performance of the season
Liverpool 1 Newcastle 2: The dismantling of Arsenal over both League Cup semi-final legs was impressive, as was the home (4-1) and away (2-0) defeat of Manchester United – their first double over the Red Devils since 1930/31.
There were also excellent league wins over Nottingham Forest (3-1, away), Aston Villa (3-0, home) and Crystal Palace (5-0, home), but the League Cup final win has to be the standout.
Liverpool would go on to win the league title by 10 points, but were outplayed and out-pressed by a relentless Newcastle side. The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Merseysiders.
Worst performance of the season
Brentford 4 Newcastle 2: The 4-1 home thumping by a superb Bournemouth side was a shock to the system that ended Newcastle's hopes of a club record 10 straight victories in all competitions.
There were comprehensive batterings away to Manchester City (4-0) and Aston Villa (4-1), but it was a dreadful loss at Brentford that would actually prove a turning point in the season.
Captain Bruno Guimaraes described the performance as “a mess,” but it would actually provide the spark for their season-defining win streak.
Thriller of the season
Newcastle 3 Liverpool 3: The 4-3 home win over Nottingham Forest was certainly a goal-fest but not one Newcastle will look back on fondly, having been 4-1 up with less than half an hour to play.
But December's roller-coaster draw with Liverpool was a match to remember. Newcastle twice took the lead through Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon only for Curtis Jones and a Mohamed Salah double to put Liverpool on the cusp of victory.
But a last-gasp leveller from defender Fabian Schar earned the Magpies a deserved point after a breathless encounter on Tyneside.
Player of the season
Alexander Isak: Local hero Dan Burn was a colossus in defence and would write his name into Geordie folklore at Wembley (see below) in March.
Sandro Tonali put his ban for breaching gambling rules last season firmly behind him, producing a barnstorming second half of the campaign with the Italian a driving force from the base of Newcastle's midfield.
An honourable mention should go to winger Jacob Murphy and his 23 goal contributions across competitions, but striker Isak takes the honours, having reached the 25-goal mark for a second successive season.
Goal of the season
Isak's stunning long-range strike in the draw with Liverpool was certainly up there, as was Murphy's blistering effort from the tightest of angles in the home destruction of Palace.
But big Dan Burn's towering header to open the scoring in the cup final win against Liverpool was an unforgettable moment for a player born and bred on Tyneside – and the Newcastle fans watching.
Ratings
All marks out of 10.
Manager
Eddie Howe – 9
Silverware and a top-five finish despite having not strengthened the squad in three transfer windows is testament to Howe, who missed three games with pneumonia.
Goalkeepers
Nick Pope – 8
Made several vital saves – as well as the odd inevitable blunder – keeping nine clean sheets in 32 games during a campaign interrupted by a knee injury.
Martin Dubravka – 7
Provided solid cover when Pope was out injured which coincided with Newcastle's nine-game victory streak over the new year.
Defenders
Kieran Trippier – 7
The veteran right-back was in and out of the team but deserved his moment in the spotlight, lifting the League Cup trophy with regular captain Bruno Guimaraes after starting the match at Wembley.
Sven Botman – 6
Another tough campaign for the slick Dutch centre-half who has had a nightmare run of knee problems and made just 10 appearances. Newcastle will need him fighting fit next season.
Fabian Schar – 8
Formed an excellent partnership with Burn at centre-back – despite the odd struggle against pacey forwards – and the Swiss also chipped in with six goals.
Matt Targett – 5
Former Aston Villa left-back barely featured due to injury, playing just 19 minutes of Premier League football.
Emil Krafth – 6
Another defender who struggled with injury, making 16 appearances in total. But the versatile Swede was still awarded a one-year contract extension in February.
Lewis Hall – 8
A breakthrough season for the 20-year-old who established himself as first choice left-back and made his England debut . His season ended in February due to a broken foot.
Tino Livramento – 7.5
Became first-choice right-back ahead of Trippier, and he even covered well on the opposite flank when Hall was out injured. Also made senior England debut.
Dan Burn – 9
Ran Isak very close for player of the season. A dream campaign for the big Geordie whose goal at Wembley came days before his England debut, aged 32.
Midfielders
Joelinton – 8.5
Brazilian man mountain whose presence is always missed when absent. Missed the run-in due to a knee injury.
Sandro Tonali – 8
Slotted into the number six role in some style and formed a formidable midfield trio with Joelinton and Guimaraes.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8
Not as impressive as previous seasons but made more appearances than any other player and will go down in club history as captain of the team that ended Newcastle's long trophy drought.
Sean Longstaff – 5
Lost his starting place and restricted to cameo appearances off the bench. Could leave this summer.
Lewis Miley – 6
Progress stalled due to a back injury, but manager Howe insists teenage midfielder has a big part to play in the club's future.
Harvey Barnes – 7.5
Winger hit his stride in 2025 with his form keeping Anthony Gordon out of the team. Finished the season with nine goals and five assists.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Ended the season poorly after losing his place following a senseless sending off against Brighton in the FA Cup, which meant he was banned for the League Cup final.
Jacob Murphy – 8
The best season of the winger's career. Scored nine goals and supplied 14 assists, while his understanding with Isak has been a bonus.
Forwards
Alexander Isak – 9
Striker notched 27 goals in 42 games with his 23 goals in the Premier League beaten only by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.
Callum Wilson – 3
Another injury-ravaged season. Failed to score in 18 Premier League appearances, made largely from the bench. Another who could leave in the summer.
William Osula – 6
The 21-year-old opened his Newcastle account with a cracker against Bromley in the FA Cup and scored his first Premier League goal against Ipswich.
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%3Cp%3EBy%202030%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%20aims%20to%20achieve%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2039.3%20million%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20nearly%2064%25%20up%20from%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20Dh90%20billion%20contribution%20to%20GDP%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20about%2084%25%20more%20than%20Dh49%20billion%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20178%2C000%20new%20jobs%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20bringing%20the%20total%20to%20about%20366%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2052%2C000%20hotel%20rooms%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20up%2053%25%20from%2034%2C000%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%207.2%20million%20international%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20almost%2090%25%20higher%20compared%20to%202023's%203.8%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%203.9%20international%20overnight%20hotel%20stays%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2022%25%20more%20from%203.2%20nights%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Read more from Johann Chacko
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The Laughing Apple
Yusuf/Cat Stevens
(Verve Decca Crossover)
HIV on the rise in the region
A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.
New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.
Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.
Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.
Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
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%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
