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Arsenal's hopes of signing Alexander Isak this summer have been all but dashed after Newcastle secured their spot in next season's Champions League on the final day.
The Magpies were beaten at home by Everton on Sunday afternoon, but Aston Villa were unable to capitalise on the Toffees' upset victory. The Villans were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United in what was a controversial outing at Old Trafford.
While Unai Emery could have no complaints with Thomas Bramall brandishing his red card in the direction of Emiliano Martinez after the Argentine goalkeeper crashed into Rasmus Hojlund with the Dane having a sight of goal. Matty Cash's underhit back-pass allowed Hojlund to pounce, and Martinez opted to take the striker out after taking a touch around the onrushing 'keeper.
However, Emery was understanding seething with another decision from Bramall which could've cost Villa a place in the Champions League (and Arsenal a shot at signing dream striker target Isak).
Arsenal's hopes of signing Alexander Isak lessened as Newcastle secure Champions League spot
Man Utd opted for competence to conclude a humiliating Premier League season, and they should've been at least a couple of goals up by the time Martinez was sent off at the end of the first half. The hosts sustained pressure at the start of the second period, but there hadn't been an opener by the time the game entered its final quarter.
Villa were woeful at the Theatre of Dreams, but it looked like they'd stolen the lead when Morgan Rogers finished into an empty net. The midfielder poked possession away from Altay Bayindir, who should've claimed the ball with ease as he slid to meet a harmless Villa pass into the United box. However, the goalkeeper muffled his attempt, allowing Rogers to pounce.
Bramall, though, believed Rogers had stolen the ball away from Bayindir while the Turkish goalkeeper had two hands on it. Before the Englishman got his shot off, the referee blew for a free-kick. As a result of this whistle, the VAR couldn't intervene despite replays clearly showing that Bayindir never had complete control of the ball. It was a legitimate goal, and one which could've been enough to earn Villa Champions League football.
Instead, they'll play in the Europa League and Newcastle are back in the big time. Our hopes of signing Isak this summer seemingly rested on the Magpies falling out of the top five, but the striker is now unlikely to force a move away.
David Ornstein said ahead of the final round of fixtures that Isak will not leave St. James' Park if Newcastle secure their place in the Champions League. Now that reality has come to pass, courtesy of a shoddy Villa performance and a big refereeing error, we'll go back and forth with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.