Thierno Barry's second-half goal earned Everton a 1-0 victory over 10-man Newcastle United at St James' Park, condemning the home side to a second defeat in five days and deepening the pressure on head coach Matthias Jaissle.
The goal came early in the second half when goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek let a shot from Tyrique George squirm under his body, allowing Barry to tap the ball into an empty net. Newcastle's hopes of a late equaliser ended when substitute Jacob Ramsey was sent off in stoppage time for two yellow cards.
Unrest grows among Newcastle supporters
Newcastle fans had already voiced their disapproval after the 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat away to Everton last Thursday, and many of the 7,732 travelling supporters headed for the exits before the final whistle at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Jaissle has found himself under pressure early in his tenure following a summer of transition at the club.
Eddie Howe's achievements in his first four years as head coach at St James' Park set a high bar, but the summer departures of Bruno Guimarães, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Kieran Trippier, along with Jaissle's own 11th-hour arrival, have made the job harder. Jaissle will be hoping for reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Everton cope without Grealish
David Moyes's side continued to perform well without Jack Grealish, who was again left out of the squad after missing a training session without permission. Moyes did welcome back Jarrad Branthwaite, with the defender having missed two games due to concussion protocols.
The first half was scrappy, with neither team convincing on the ball. Harvey Barnes twice cut in from the left for Newcastle without making the space count, and Joelinton had a shot blocked by James Tarkowski. Jake O'Brien and Harrison Armstrong had chances for Everton late in the half, but both shot wide.
Second-half drama and late red card
After Barry's goal, Everton pressed for a second before Yoane Wissa and Sean Steur were sent on in place of Joe Willock and Nico González. Steur, who impressed early in the season following his move from Ajax, found himself on the bench in recent games to the bemusement of some supporters. Soon after his introduction, Barnes delivered a ball from the left met by Anthony Elanga at the back post, but the ball rolled along the line without fully crossing it, and Everton cleared the danger.
Jaissle sent on Jacob Murphy and Jacob Ramsey for the last 15 minutes, but Newcastle were pinned back by an energised Everton team. Ramsey's sending-off in stoppage time all but ended Newcastle's hopes of a late equaliser. Some home fans are questioning how high this team can finish above the Premier League's relegation zone, with issues for Jaissle to address at both ends of the pitch ahead of a challenging winter.
