Thierno Barry's Late Heroics Secure Dramatic Everton Victory at St James' Park
In a thrilling Premier League encounter, Everton's Thierno Barry emerged as the super-sub hero, scoring a dramatic late winner to secure a 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at St James' Park. The match concluded in chaotic fashion, with Barry striking just seconds after fellow substitute Jacob Murphy had seemingly rescued a draw for the struggling hosts.
Newcastle's Home Woes Continue Amid Defensive Lapses
This result marks Newcastle's third consecutive league defeat at their home ground, compounding a difficult period for Eddie Howe's side. The Magpies have now managed just one victory in their last seven Premier League fixtures, leaving them languishing in the bottom half of the table as they face a challenging March schedule across three different competitions.
By contrast, Everton's committed display propelled them into eighth position in the standings, reaching the 40-point mark and moving within five points of the coveted top six positions. The victory represents their second successive Premier League win at St James' Park, with Barry coming off the bench to decisive effect on both occasions.
Match Analysis: Early Lead, Swift Response, and Goalkeeping Errors
Everton began confidently, pinning Newcastle back in their own half during the opening exchanges. The visitors took a deserved lead in the 20th minute when defender Jarrad Branthwaite rose highest to glance James Garner's corner across goalkeeper Nick Pope and into the far post.
Newcastle responded thirteen minutes before halftime through Jacob Ramsey, whose shot took a deflection off Branthwaite before looping over Everton keeper Jordan Pickford. However, the home side's parity lasted just two minutes as Everton restored their advantage through Beto, who pounced from close range after Pope fumbled Dwight McNeil's shot directly into his path.
Second Half Drama and Substitutional Impact
The second half saw Newcastle manager Eddie Howe attempt to spark his team into life with tactical adjustments and substitutions. Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy entered the fray as Howe sought fresh inspiration, with Murphy delivering what appeared to be the equalizer with a fine volley eight minutes from time.
Yet Everton responded immediately through their own substitute, Thierno Barry. After Anthony Gordon lost possession, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall surged into the Newcastle penalty area before squaring for Barry to bundle home what proved to be the winning goal. The drama wasn't finished, however, as Pickford produced a stunning late save to tip Sandro Tonali's blistering volley onto the crossbar and preserve Everton's advantage.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Several critical incidents shaped this entertaining contest:
- Branthwaite's early header gave Everton the initiative and exposed Newcastle's defensive vulnerabilities from set pieces.
- Nick Pope's costly error gifted Beto Everton's second goal, highlighting the goalkeeper's difficult afternoon.
- Beto himself missed a golden opportunity to extend Everton's lead when he struck the crossbar with only Pope to beat.
- The rapid exchange of goals between Murphy and Barry in the closing stages created a frenetic finale.
- Pickford's exceptional late save ensured Everton departed with all three points.
The result leaves Newcastle facing serious questions about their home form and defensive solidity, while Everton can look ahead with confidence as they continue their push for European qualification.
