The last few days have provided something of a major boost to Newcastle United’s hopes of securing a place in European competition for the second successive season.
Memories of that stunning 4-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain and visits to the San Siro, Parc des Princes and Signal Iduna Park remain fresh in the memory of Magpies supporters - and although an immediate return to the Champions League is out of reach, a place in next season’s Europa League and Europa Conference League remain firmly up for grabs.
When Bruno Guimaraes fired home the only goal in Saturday’s win at Fulham, the Brazilian midfielder reignited hopes that continental opponents will visit St James Park once again next season. Those hopes were further raised when Manchester United and Chelsea both dropped points over the weekend.
But how many points will the Magpies need to secure a top seven finish and a place in Europe? We look back at the last ten Premier League seasons to see what totals were achieved by clubs finishing in the top seven of the table.
5. 2017/18 - 54 points
A memorable season for the Clarets as they landed seventh place with just 54 points. That earned a place in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. Photo: OLI SCARFF
6. Season 2018/19 - 57 points
Wolves ended the 2018/19 season in seventh with 57 points and qualified for a place in the Europa League second qualifying round. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Season 2019/20 - 59 points
And the Molineux club did it again in 2020 as they ended a Covid-impacted season with 59 points. However, they missed out on a place in European competition. | Getty Images
8. Season 2020/21 - 62 points
It may have been viewed as an underwhelming season for Spurs in the league as they were left in seventh place with 62 points. That put the North London clubs into the play-off round of the new look Europa Conference League. | Getty Images