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.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Specs
Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 405hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 562Nm at 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.2L/100km
Price: From Dh292,845 (Reserve); from Dh320,145 (Presidential)
On sale: Now
RESULTS
Men – semi-finals
57kg – Tak Chuen Suen (MAC) beat Phuong Xuan Nguyen (VIE) 29-28; Almaz Sarsembekov (KAZ) beat Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) by points 30-27.
67kg – Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Huong The Nguyen (VIE) by points 30-27; Narin Wonglakhon (THA) v Mojtaba Taravati Aram (IRI) by points 29-28.
60kg – Yerkanat Ospan (KAZ) beat Amir Hosein Kaviani (IRI) 30-27; Long Doan Nguyen (VIE) beat Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) 29-28
63.5kg – Abil Galiyev (KAZ) beat Truong Cao Phat (VIE) 30-27; Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Norapat Khundam (THA) RSC round 3.
71kg – Shaker Al Tekreeti (IRQ) beat Fawzi Baltagi (LBN) 30-27; Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Man Kongsib (THA) 29-28
81kg – Ilyass Hbibali (UAE) beat Alexandr Tsarikov (KAZ) 29-28; Khaled Tarraf (LBN) beat Mustafa Al Tekreeti (IRQ) 30-27
86kg – Ali Takaloo (IRI) beat Mohammed Al Qahtani (KSA) RSC round 1; Emil Umayev (KAZ) beat Ahmad Bahman (UAE) TKO round
Profile
Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
Employees: 22
Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
Funding to date: $5.5 million
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
The view from The National
Company Profile
Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount
Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia
Total Clients: Over 50
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SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Lecce v SPAL (6pm)
Bologna v Genoa (9pm)
Atlanta v Roma (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Hellas Verona (3.30pm)
Juventus v Brescia (6pm)
Sampdoria v Fiorentina (6pm)
Sassuolo v Parma (6pm)
Cagliari v Napoli (9pm)
Lazio v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Torino (11.45pm)
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'
Rating: 1 out of 4
Running time: 81 minutes
Director: David Blue Garcia
Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
The schedule
December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club
December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq
December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm
December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition
December 13: Falcon beauty competition
December 14 and 20: Saluki races
December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm
December 16 - 19: Falconry competition
December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am
December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am
December 22: The best herd of 30 camels
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
