Newcastle United finally ended their seven-month Premier League away drought with a commanding 2-0 victory at Everton on November 29 2025, a result that felt like the spark this season has desperately needed. The win, only their second on the road all calendar year, lifted them to 15 points and 14th place while closing the gap to the European spots. Yet the celebrations were tempered by confirmation that Nick Pope will miss the next three weeks with a groin injury, handing Aaron Ramsdale an extended run during the most congested period of the campaign. Tonigh,t Spurs visit St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup, the first of nine games in 33 days that will define Newcastle’s 2025. This article recaps the Everton triumph, details Pope’s absence, previews the Spurs clash, and assesses the brutal schedule ahead.
Everton Victory: The Monkey Finally Falls
Goodison Park had become a graveyard for Newcastle’s away form, but goals from Bruno Guimarães and Harvey Barnes delivered a statement 2-0 win that ended a sevenmonth wait for Premier League points on the road. Guimarães broke the deadlock with a trademark 25yard curler in the 52nd minute before Barnes sealed it with a backpost finish on the counter. The second half performance, built on relentless pressing and quick transitions, produced 18 shots and complete control after a frantic opening 45 minutes.
The result marked backtoback league wins for the first time this season and Newcastle’s third victory in nine days across all competitions. Eddie Howe called it a potential turning point: “The league is very tight this year and a consistent run of victories can propel you up the the league very quickly. We’re in a better position than we were in terms of a points gap. It is a key time because you cannot let yourself get detached.” Social media erupted with relief, one fan declaring “the away hoodoo is finally buried.”
Pope Blow Hands Ramsdale the Gloves
Nick Pope’s absence from the Everton squad initially sparked speculation that Howe had finally dropped him after three costly away errors. Instead, the club revealed a groin injury sustained in Friday training had ruled him out entirely. Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie confirmed on December 1 2025 that Pope faces three weeks on the sidelines, missing five crucial fixtures: Spurs (home, Carabao Cup, December 2), Burnley (home, Premier League, December 7), Bayer Leverkusen (away, Champions League, December 10), Sunderland (away, Premier League, December 14), and Fulham (home, Carabao Cup quarterfinal, December 17).
Ramsdale delivered a confident clean sheet at Goodison and now has a clear run until at least Boxing Day against Manchester United. Howe had previously resisted rotation in goal, saying “changing goalkeeper is a big thing” and praising Pope’s “incredible” shotstopping. Yet the injury forces his hand, and Ramsdale’s inclusion in the Champions League squad looks a masterstroke with only youngsters Max Thompson and Adam Harrison as backup options in Europe.
Spurs Preview: Capitalise on Home Fortress
Tottenham arrive at St James’ Park tonight on a downward spiral, having lost three of their last four away games and suffering a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at the weekend. Thomas Frank is under intense pressure, with Spurs supporters chanting for his dismissal after the midweek Europa League exit. Newcastle, by contrast, have won their last six home matches across all competitions and will fancy extending that streak.
Team news favours the hosts. Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Will Osula, and Yoane Wissa remain out, though Wissa is close after a behindcloseddoors friendly. Emil Krafth is doubtful with a knee issue. For Spurs, Cristian Romero returns from suspension, but James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke are still missing.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Schär, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon. The return of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall adds width and energy, while Nick Woltemade is fresh after recent rotation. Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga will look to exploit a Spurs defence that has conceded 11 goals in their last three away games.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham. The home fortress, Spurs’ travel sickness, and Newcastle’s newfound confidence point to a comfortable evening and a place in the Carabao Cup semifinals.
Nine Games in 33 Days: Squad Depth Under Test
December’s fixture list is brutal especially for fans, with so many games and travel expenses a lot of supporters will need some fast cash for match-day experience. The Toon have nine matches before the January break, spanning Premier League, Champions League, and both domestic cups. After Spurs come Burnley (home), Bayer Leverkusen (away), Sunderland (away), Fulham (home, Carabao Cup), Chelsea (home), and Manchester United (away, Boxing Day). Newcastle currently sit ninth in the Champions League league phase with nine points; top-eight finish remains achievable, but Leverkusen away will be pivotal.
Howe has already been forced into striker rotation, resting Woltemade in Marseille and playing Gordon as a false nine. With Osula out for another month and Wissa only just returning, January reinforcements up front look increasingly likely. Pope’s absence further stretches resources, though Ramsdale’s form offers reassurance.
Verdict: Momentum Must Become Consistency
The Everton win banished the away demons and proved Newcastle can dominate when fullbacks Livramento and Hall are fit. Pope’s threeweek absence is a blow, but Ramsdale has waited patiently and now has the stage to make the position his own. Tonight against a wounded Spurs side offers the perfect chance to make it four wins in 10 days and send St James’ Park into raptures.
Howe’s message is clear: “It’s vitally important we find the consistency we’re searching for.” After seven months without an away league win, backtoback victories have arrived at the perfect moment. If Newcastle can navigate this punishing December with Ramsdale solid, Woltemade fresh, and the home crowd roaring, 2025 could end with genuine optimism rather than relief.
