Everton beat Newcastle United 1-0 at St James’ Park on Monday night. It was their second win over Newcastle in five days, after a 3-1 win in the League Cup fourth round last Thursday.
Thierno Barry scored the only goal four minutes after half-time. The win lifts David Moyes’s side to seventh in the Premier League with 13 points. Newcastle stay 13th on 11 points.
A goal from a goalkeeping mistake
The goal came from a bad moment for Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Tyrique George hit a shot that was not very hard, but it went through Hornicek’s hands and under him. Barry was waiting and tapped the ball into an empty net from close range.
It was Barry’s eighth goal of the season. Barry also scored the late winner when Everton won 3-2 at St James’ Park in February.
Everton had the better of the first half. Harrison Armstrong and Jake O’Brien both missed good chances, and Armstrong put one free shot wide just before the break.
Newcastle push late
Newcastle came closest midway through the second half. Anthony Elanga’s shot hit the post and ran along the goal line before Everton cleared it.
The night got worse for the home side in stoppage time. Substitute Jacob Ramsey was sent off for a second yellow card after a foul on Armstrong. The Newcastle fans booed at the final whistle.
Hard weeks for Jaissle
Matthias Jaissle took over at Newcastle in the summer after Eddie Howe left. The German coach used to manage Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli. This was Newcastle’s fourth defeat in their last five games in all competitions.
Newcastle go to Fulham on Saturday, and Jaissle needs a better result there.
For Everton it was their first away league win since that February night on Tyneside. Jordan Pickford and the back line held firm after the goal.
Our take
Moyes has Everton hard to beat again. They kept Newcastle quiet for long spells and took their chance when it came. Barry is scoring often, and that gives them a real threat up front.
Newcastle look a long way from the team of the last few seasons. One error decided this game, but they did not create enough to deserve more. The trip to Fulham now feels like a big one for Jaissle.
Can Everton stay in the top seven, and can Newcastle turn things round at Fulham? Tell us in the comments.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: David Moyes by Timmy96 (CC0), Matthias Jaissle by Werner100359 (CC BY-SA 4.0), St James’ Park by Ardfern (CC BY-SA 4.0), Jordan Pickford by Timmy96 (CC0).
