Newcastle 1 Everton 1
The Magpies came into this game facing an Everton side who had now gone twelve games without a win. In front of a packed St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s side must have fancied their chances of getting a win to try and improve their current league position.
Anthony Gordon missed the chance to face his old club after his silly red card on the weekend against West Ham. It was an electric atmosphere in the North East and Newcastle had the first chance of the game as Harvey Barnes’ close range effort was blocked by Jordan Pickford.
Barnes then turned provider as he played a superb pass into the path of Isak. He weaved his way past the Everton defence before bending the ball into the bottom corner. St James’ Park erupted as the ball nestled in the back of the net.
Everton then had a rare attack as McNeil picked out Onana on the edge of the box. He spotted Doucoure in the middle and the midfielder looked to bend one in the top corner. It was well saved by Dubravka but provided a warning to The Magpies.
Credit: @premierleague
Hall did well to dig out a cross on the left, with Isak only able to get a glancing header to it. The ball dropped to Murphy on the volley but his shot was saved by the feet of Pickford. It was a big chance for the hosts to double their lead.
Newcastle were getting a lot of joy down the left flank, with Hall often finding himself in acres of space. The ball was worked to Anderson who tried a shot from distance but it deflected behind for a corner despite the attempts from the Everton keeper to prevent it.
Due to his Sunderland links, Pickford gets a torrid time from the Newcastle fans but this is all a part of the game we love. Don’t feel sorry for the keeper, he gives as good as he gets and famously celebrated victory over them last season in a manner that caused a post-match brawl.
As the corner came in, Tarkowski sliced at the ball as he tried to clear. Time seemed to stand still as it headed towards his own net, only to see it come back off the post. After the event the Everton defender could smile but his heart was in his mouth there.
The Magpies thought they had doubled their lead as Isak ran onto a quick free kick and crossed for Burn to slot home. Celebrations were short-lived as it was ruled out by VAR. Isak was adjudged to have been in an offside position before setting up the chance.
Dyche made some changes and one of them nearly altered the course of the game. Garner received the ball in the box and cut inside onto his right foot before getting a shot away. Dubravka was beaten but the ball rebounded off the post and back into play.
Credit: @Everton
Then came the miss of the game. Barnes did brilliantly to get to the byline and picked out Isak in the middle. With Pickford at the near post, he had the whole goal to aim for. Somehow, the Newcastle striker managed to hit it straight at Mykolenko who headed clear.
Everton launched a ball into the box but it was headed clear and Newcastle broke. However, VAR was reviewing the incident for a possible penalty. Play was stopped as they sent the official to the monitor to look at the incident again.
After review, he changed his decision and awarded an Everton penalty. Calvert-Lewin stepped up and scored with Dubravka getting a big hand to it. The Newcastle keeper could only palm the ball into the roof of the net. It was a massive goal for Sean Dyche’s side.
Newcastle paid the price for missing their chances to put the game to bed and the points were shared. Wins still elude The Toffees but they move four points away from the bottom three. Something to build on for Everton.
Did you enjoy this article? Please share to your social media. With one click you can help spread the word and make Solid at the Back the one-stop shop for all Premier League fans.