After securing only their third ever victory at Old Trafford in the Premier League era, Everton faced Newcastle on a cold, wet Saturday afternoon. The visitors were yet to win away from home, although they were no doubt buoyed by their impressive result against Manchester City last weekend. During the week, the players set up a mock boxing ring for Idrissa Gana Gueye and Michael Keane after their bust-up. However, David Moyes presumably wasn’t laughing when he looked at his available squad for this tough encounter, especially in the centre of the park. Tim Iroegbunam and Jake O’Brien were called upon to deputise for Rocky Balboa and Seamus Coleman.
Everton have been praised for their quick starts this campaign, especially on Monday night. That would not be the case this time, as an early corner led to Malick Thiaw heading the Geordies in front. Reminiscent of Spurs at home, the defenders seemed four feet tall and were bullied against stronger opposition. Everton struggled to settle in the opening exchanges, as Newcastle played through midfield with ease, prodding the ball between the lines inside the Gueye-shaped hole, with Iroegbunam struggling.
Eventually, the Blues were able to keep the ball, but didn’t question Aaron Ramsdale. It was Jordan Pickford who was still the busier of the two, and in the 25th minute, the Sunderland-born goalkeeper failed to keep Lewis Miley’s strike from slipping underneath his arms. An uncharacteristic error ensured Newcastle took control.
In reality, Everton were unable to carve any real opportunities all half, yet were still only a goal away from lifting the crowd. Surviving at 2–0 was imperative, but Iroegbunam capped his torrid half with a naïve mistake and was easily dispossessed by Anthony Elanga, who fed Nick Woltemade. The German lofted the ball over Pickford and took his team into the break 3–0 to the good.
Carlos Alcaraz was sent on for Iroegbunam in the hope of creating a bit of magic to send some hope to the fans. On 53 minutes, he nearly did just that, as a stray ball from a corner was struck furiously by the Argentine, only to rise and hit the bar. Newcastle regained control, and Harvey Barnes threatened to make it four as he ran away from the defence, only for Pickford to deny him. That threat was realised shortly after with Thiaw heading in once again at the back post. Woltemade’s initial attempt was blocked on the line by James Tarkowski, but Lewis Hall swung the ball back into the box and Pickford was caught in no man’s land.
To make matters worse, Thierno Barry thought he had scored his first goal in Royal Blue, as he celebrated with pure relief, only for VAR to intervene after the Frenchman accidentally handled the ball. Those fans who remained were rewarded with an exquisite goal from Monday night hero Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Tarkowski pinned the ball upfield towards the midfielder, who took it down expertly on his left, leaving two defenders behind and finished. That goal deserved to be on the winning end; however, it wasn’t to be, as Everton were swept aside with ease.
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