Everton got back to winning form in the Premier League by claiming a battling 1-0 triumph against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Thierno Barry netted the sole goal soon after the interval, making the hosts pay following a first half in which neither team could take charge.
With this result, the Toffees completed a second win over Newcastle within four days, having previously secured a 3-1 Carabao Cup victory. For the Magpies, though, another loss added to their growing disappointment, as Jacob Ramsey was dismissed late in the match and fans expressed their anger at the final whistle.
Newcastle unable to build momentum in the opening period
Newcastle altered their lineup with two changes from the earlier clash against Everton, introducing Anthony Elanga and Joelinton into the starting eleven. The away side also adjusted their personnel, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Harrison Armstrong coming in for two players.
Harvey Barnes posed the main attacking danger for the home team in the early stages, curling an attempt wide before delivering a looping cross that went beyond the far post. Will Osula also challenged Everton’s defensive shape, though Jordan Pickford comfortably collected his deflected ball from a narrow angle.
Joelinton had an effort blocked by James Tarkowski, while Merlin Rohl could not keep his shot down. On the opposite end, James Garner sent a free-kick directly into the Newcastle wall before Barnes tested Pickford with a threatening cross that hit Branthwaite.
Both teams kept looking for a way through as the first half drew to a close. Joelinton missed from range, while Everton threatened through Jake O’Brien, who was unable to convert Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s ball, and Armstrong, whose attempt went off target.
Thierno Barry puts Everton ahead after the interval
The deadlock was broken just four minutes into the second period, as Everton penetrated Newcastle’s backline with a well-worked free-kick move. Tyrique George was played in down the left and fired a low strike goalward, which Lukas Hornicek could not keep out.
The goalkeeper let the ball slip beneath him, giving Barry an easy chance to convert from close distance. The goal underwent a brief VAR check for two tight offside calls before Everton could celebrate their opener.
Barry’s goal, his fourth Premier League strike of the season, handed the visitors the lead and forced Newcastle to respond under pressure.
Everton almost extended their advantage when Branthwaite’s header was kept out by Hornicek. Newcastle then attempted to fight back, with Fabian Schar shooting over and Joe Willock heading straight into Pickford’s hands.
Hornicek again kept his team in contention by stopping Dewsbury-Hall before denying O’Brien’s attempt from the following corner.
Newcastle strike the post as Everton stand strong
The home side ramped up their attacking push in the final stages, with Barnes delivering another dangerous ball that nearly brought an equaliser. Elanga met the cross, but his effort hit the post and rolled along the goal line before Everton cleared it away.
Pickford stayed active as Newcastle searched for a late leveller, punching clear a corner from Jacob Murphy. Ramsey then volleyed wide, while the Everton keeper made two more stops to deny Yoane Wissa.
Regardless of the growing pressure, Newcastle could not break through the visiting defence. Their frustration deepened during eight minutes of added time when Ramsey picked up two yellow cards in rapid succession and was sent off.
Jacob Ramsey’s dismissal compounds Newcastle’s woes
Ramsey’s red card capped a dismal night for Newcastle, who ended the match with 10 men and dropped to 13th in the Premier League table.
The home fans had already shown their discontent by booing the team at half-time, and the same reaction followed at the final whistle. The latest loss also intensified the pressure on manager Matthias Jaissle, whose side had now been beaten twice by Everton inside four days.
For Everton, Barry’s second-half goal was sufficient to claim three important points and bring an end to their wait for another Premier League win.