Everton Secures Narrow Victory Against Newcastle United at St James’ Park
Premier League
Newcastle United 0 – 1 Everton FT
Thierno Barry found the net against Newcastle for the second time in just five days, leading Everton to a narrow victory at St James’ Park in the Premier League.
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In the 49th minute, Tyrique George made an unmarked run into the penalty area, firing a low shot that slipped underneath Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Barry was on hand to tap in the rebound from close range.
This goal marks Barry’s eighth in 12 matches across all competitions this season, following his earlier strike in Everton’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Newcastle on Thursday.
Newcastle’s situation worsened in the 98th minute when midfielder Jacob Ramsey received a second yellow card, just 84 seconds after his first, for a foul on Harrison Armstrong.
Everton showed superiority during a rainy Monday night and nearly extended their lead with a header from Jarrad Branthwaite, which was superbly saved midway through the second half.
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The visitors also sought a late penalty when Fabian Schar appeared to catch Barry in the box, but video assistant referee upheld referee John Brooks’ decision not to award a penalty.
Newcastle’s best chance to level the score came in the 66th minute, with Anthony Elanga powering a shot from Harvey Barnes’ cross that was saved by a combination of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and the post, narrowly avoiding the goal line.
Pickford also displayed remarkable skills in the 90th minute, saving a low shot from substitute Yoane Wissa with his feet.
However, Newcastle struggled overall, leaving Barry’s goal to inspire Everton to their first league victory since September.
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Everton Thrives Without Grealish
While Everton enjoyed a successful double header against Newcastle, the absence of Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish dominated off-the-pitch headlines.
Grealish did not feature in Everton’s squad for Thursday’s cup win due to a “breach of club discipline” and was again absent on Monday.
Although Everton has not disclosed full details, the decision reportedly stems from an unauthorized training absence.
With midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Merlin Rohl stepping up, Grealish may find it challenging to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven.
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Consecutive victories have revitalized Everton after suffering two 2-0 losses to Chelsea and Arsenal, following a draw at Hull. The team currently occupies seventh place in the Premier League standings, trailing fifth-placed Liverpool by two points.
Newcastle Lacks Form Amid Fan Discontent
Newcastle is in 13th place in the Premier League, grappling with form, having lost four of their last five matches across all competitions.
Much of their struggle has occurred at St James’ Park, where they have managed just one win out of five league fixtures this season and have yet to secure a clean sheet.
The defenders faltered for Everton’s opening goal, allowing George to advance into the box and unleash a shot that should have been better contained by keeper Hornicek.
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Barry was left unmarked to tap in the rebound.
Offensively, the home side performed poorly for the first hour but created a flurry of opportunities as they sought an equalizer.
Ramsey will miss the next match, away against Fulham on Saturday at 15:00 GMT, after receiving a poor challenge and his second yellow card just moments after his first.
Ramsey and his teammates faced boos from sections of the crowd at both half-time and full-time, with their position just four points clear of the relegation zone.
