Newcastle United player ratings v Everton: ‘Terrible’ 2/10 & 3/10 Nick Pope plus four 4s in 3-2 loss
Newcastle United once again proved to be the architects of their own problems as a disjointed and error-strewn display on a rain-soaked afternoon at St James’ Park ended in another damaging defeat for Eddie Howe’s side. What should have been an opportunity to build momentum from their recent European success instead turned into a frustrating chapter in a season that is beginning to unravel on home soil.
The clash marked the second of five consecutive home fixtures for the Magpies and came just days after their uplifting Champions League victory over Qarabag. However, Howe opted for significant rotation, making six changes to his starting XI for the visit of Everton, managed by David Moyes. Among those returning were Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey, both absent in midweek due to suspension and injury. While the changes were understandable given the fixture congestion, they appeared to disrupt Newcastle’s rhythm.
The hosts began sluggishly, struggling to retain possession and lacking cohesion in the early exchanges. A careless moment from Thiaw while attempting to initiate an attack gifted Everton an early opening, but Dwight McNeil’s effort sailed comfortably over Nick Pope’s crossbar. Joelinton responded with a speculative strike of his own, yet he too failed to trouble the target as the pattern of wastefulness continued.
Everton’s growing confidence was rewarded in the 20th minute. A well-delivered corner caused chaos in the Newcastle box, and Jarrad Branthwaite flicked the ball past a stranded Pope to hand the visitors a deserved lead. Sandro Tonali was caught ball-watching, losing his marker at the crucial moment, and Newcastle were left chasing the game once more.
Sensing the need for change, Howe reshuffled his system around the half-hour mark, pushing Nick Woltemade further forward into a striker’s role. The adjustment brought an immediate response. Ramsey, Newcastle’s brightest spark in the first half, saw his deflected effort loop over Jordan Pickford to restore parity. The equaliser briefly lifted the atmosphere, but the joy proved painfully short-lived.
Within moments, Everton were back in front. McNeil unleashed a long-range effort that should have posed little danger, yet Pope spilled the tame shot into a dangerous area. Beto reacted quickest, tapping home from close range to punish the error. It was a costly mistake from the Newcastle goalkeeper, particularly coming so soon after his side had fought their way back into the contest.
Newcastle attempted to respond before the interval but lacked precision in the final third. Pickford was rarely tested, and the half-time whistle was greeted by audible frustration from the stands. Boos echoed around St James’ Park as the players trudged off, reflecting the growing unease among supporters.
Any hopes of a strong second-half resurgence were dented before play even resumed. Ramsey, who had been Newcastle’s standout performer in the opening 45 minutes, was forced off with a problem sustained before the restart. Joe Willock replaced him, but losing their most influential player dealt a psychological blow.
The Magpies laboured in search of another equaliser, pushing forward with urgency but limited clarity. Beto nearly extended Everton’s advantage just after the hour mark, capitalising on another slip from Thiaw. Fortunately for the defender, the striker’s effort thundered off the crossbar, sparing Newcastle further embarrassment.
Despite their struggles, Newcastle managed to claw their way level once again. Jacob Murphy, introduced from the bench, connected sweetly with a volley that took several deflections before finding its way beyond Pickford. The goal reignited hope among the home crowd, but the sense of déjà vu was almost immediate.
Moments after equalising, Newcastle gifted Everton another opportunity. Anthony Gordon, facing his former club, lost possession in a dangerous area. The Toffees broke swiftly, and after a scramble inside the box, Thierno Barry bundled the ball home to restore Everton’s lead. It encapsulated Newcastle’s afternoon — flashes of promise undermined by costly individual mistakes.
The final stages saw Howe’s side throw men forward, but their efforts lacked conviction and composure. Everton held firm, condemning Newcastle to a third consecutive Premier League defeat at home — a worrying trend for a team that once prided itself on making St James’ Park a fortress.
Player Ratings
Nick Pope – 3
Read the early phases well but was heavily culpable for Everton’s second goal with a glaring error. Struggled with crosses and looked uncertain throughout.
Kieran Trippier – 4
Sloppy in possession and ineffective from set-pieces. Failed to provide the leadership and quality expected.
Malick Thiaw – 5
Inconsistent display. Competed physically with Beto but made key errors and was fortunate not to be punished further.
Dan Burn – 5
Strong in the air early on but appeared uneasy against Everton’s direct approach.
Lewis Hall – 6
Offered energy going forward and generally defended well, though was caught out for Everton’s equaliser.
Jacob Ramsey – 7
Newcastle’s standout performer in the first half. Positive, direct and deserved his goal. His early withdrawal was a major setback.
Sandro Tonali – 5
Worked hard and showed flashes of quality but lost his man for the opener and couldn’t assert control.
Nick Woltemade – 4
Struggled to impose himself in midfield and had limited impact even after moving up front.
Anthony Elanga – 4
Energetic but lacking end product. Failed to make decisive contributions.
Anthony Gordon – 2
A torrid afternoon against his former club. Wasteful in possession and directly responsible for the turnover that led to Everton’s winner.
Joelinton – 4
Quiet and ineffective, unable to influence proceedings from either flank or midfield.
Substitutes:
Joe Willock – 5: Industrious but short on quality.
Jacob Murphy – 5: Took his goal well.
Harvey Barnes – 5: Missed a golden chance to level.
Yoane Wissa – 5: Limited involvement.
Will Osula – N/A: Late cameo.
Unused: Aaron Ramsdale, Sven Botman, Alex Murphy, Leo Shahar.
In the end, this was a self-inflicted setback for Newcastle — a performance littered with defensive lapses and missed opportunities. Unless Howe can restore discipline and consistency quickly, the pressure at St James’ Park will only intensify.