A bad night for Newcastle United as late errors, some tired defending and a few missed chances cost us dearly at Everton; who scored three in the final 15 minutes to seal a brutal 3-0 win.
We never reached the levels that saw us blow away Chelsea and Man Utd over the past fortnight and looked like a side struggling to hit those heights with the same 10 outfield players that have been forced to go again and again due to injuries.
No panic is needed on a poor night for a knackered Newcastle squad unable to rotate, but we must improve our away form after two defeats (Everton and Bournemouth) and two draws (2-2 at Wolves and West Ham) in our last four on the road.
Our finishing was poor, we lacked cutting edge in the final third, we were uncharacteristically weak in duels and didn’t defend well enough against a physical Everton side who still gave us chances. Whether it was two rare slips from Trippier, Schar cutting a frustrated figure throughout, Gordon struggling with the occasion, Almiron’s wastefulness or Isak’s lack of involvement, we just weren’t at it. It could’ve been different without those late errors, but our game management from that point onwards was awful.
The result leaves us in 7th after midweek wins for Man Utd, Aston Villa and Liverpool, adding to the importance of Sunday’s trip to Spurs; who are currently 2-1 down at home to West Ham in tonight’s 8.15pm kick-off.
Howe made one change and it was an enforced one, with the injured Nick Pope replaced by Martin Dubravka; who came in for his first Premier League start since May. With no outfield players returning from injury, the same XI were forced to go again.
It was a scrappy but competitive first half, where they started well and we just about weathered an early storm. We had a couple of chances – Trippier curled a free-kick too close to Pickford and Almiron should’ve done better after being slipped in by Joelinton – before Calvrert-Lewin forced Dubravka into a couple of routine saves.
Tarkowski made a big block to deny Bruno and Isak glanced Trippier’s teasing cross just wide, but Calvert-Lewin missed the chance of the half, taking one touch and blazing over from just a few yards out after shaking off Schar.
We were below our best in the first 45. Calvert-Lewin was causing problems, they were getting plenty of balls into the box and our front three were on the fringe of the game, with Gordon booed by the home crowd with each touch of the ball.
After a ropey start to the second half that started with another spell of Everton pressure, we settled into it again with a spell of possession. However, we couldn’t make the most of it and wasted a few big openings. First, Gordon fired straight at Pickford after picking Tarkowski’s pocket, then our number 10 curled an effort high and wide after Isak did brilliantly to burst down the left and slip him in behind.
What a goal from Dwight McNeil! 🔥
Kieran Trippier's mistake allows the Everton man in, and he capitalises with a fantastic strike – will that be enough for the Toffees? 🤔#PLonPrime #EVENEW pic.twitter.com/1JUD1YD4su
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 7, 2023
Then, moments after a break in play for Pickford, Everton’s goal came. A rare lapse from Trippier allowed McNeil to break free and run straight at our centre-backs. They stood off and the winger did what Gordon couldn’t, smashing his edge of the box effort past Dubravka and into the top corner.
The crowd were up and Goodison Park was rocking. We had to respond and nearly did through Almiron, who became the latest Mag to miss a good chance as he headed over. Soon after, Everton went down the other end and capitalised on another Trippier error, as a simple ball across the box was dispatched by Doucoure. 2-0 and game over with less than five minutes left to play.
Howe made two late changes as Krafth and Ritchie replaced Lascelles and Miley. Isak almost pulled one back just after 10 minutes of added time was signalled, but it wasn’t to be as he was crowded out after rounding Pickford. Instead, it was the Toffees who scored in the dying stages, as Beto burst past Schar and slid under Dubravka to make it 3-0 on a night to forget on Merseyside.
On the plus side, Lewis Miley was one of the few who coped well once again. He was the best of a pretty bad bunch in dire need of help from all those sidelined through injury. Hopefully we get a few back ASAP, rest up over the next 48 hours and respond, as we always seem to.
Next up, a trip to Spurs on Sunday, followed by our Champions League decider with AC Milan next Wednesday.
STARTING XI: Dubravka – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento – Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
SUBSTITUTES: Karius, Gillespie, Dummett, Ritchie, Krafth, Hall, Diallo, A.Murphy, Parkinson.
Tired! five days since the last match?
Another Bournemouth display for me, away form poor this season.
Trippier needs a rest a long rest, Livramento has to go right back, and Hall at left back.
People keep saying uncharacteristic mistakes by Trippier but he makes quite a few and he doesn’t have the legs.
Joseph(Quote)
Tough watch where yet again nufc unable to see out a tight game to the end.
So that’s wolves, West Ham and Everton where nufc let go reasonable results in the last 10 mins to a total of 5 lost points .
That’s a trend that needs looking at, whether it’s tiredness or mentality.
Both Everton and nufc were profligate in finishing and all of nufc’s forward line missed gilt chances tonight so especially disappointing m.
Defendive/ midfield investment feels less of a priority than at CF in jan and summer
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Yes – same 10 outfield players have played just about every minute lately. If a team is 10-20% below where they need to be physically, you notice the difference at this level and can be punished.
Away form is clearly an issue, regardless of fatigue, but can’t deny that injuries have caused a huge issue.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Bournemouth hammering Manure at OT. Hahahahaha 0-3
Gilly Toon(Quote)