Everton secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James' Park, with Jordan Pickford producing a stunning late save to preserve all three points. The win, sealed by Thierno Barry's goal shortly after the break, marked Everton's second consecutive league victory and extended their recent resurgence under David Moyes.
Pickford, who had little to do for most of the match, was called into action in the 90th minute to deny Yoane Wissa with a smart stop using his feet after committing to a dive in the opposite direction. The England goalkeeper's heroics were celebrated long after the final whistle by the travelling Everton supporters in the Leazes End.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
Everton controlled large parts of the first half, taking twice as many shots as their hosts and accumulating 1.13 xG to Newcastle's 0.24. The Blues won 64% of the first-half duels, including 75% of the aerial duels, with Jarrad Branthwaite particularly impressive. The No.4 won 11 of 14 aerial duels over the course of the game, limiting Newcastle striker William Osula to just seven touches in the opening period.
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle, who was appointed to implement a high-pressing style, saw his side struggle to follow his instructions. Speaking after the match, Jaissle said: "We played with a double six today who should hold our centre-backs and also to break the first line. Like with many occasions, where we were in Everton, we couldn't bring them in the game."
"We were not brave enough, not courageous enough to break that line to play on the ground as well. We need to, of course, analyse that now in detail. It's also clear that I have the responsibility and I also take that as a manager of this club," he added.
Moyes' Tactical Calls Pay Off
Moyes made notable changes for the match, reverting to Merlin Rohl on the right and Harrison Armstrong in central midfield after Tyler Dibling and Hayden Hackney impressed in the Carabao Cup clash between the two teams on Thursday. The decision paid off, with Rohl and Tyrique George causing problems for Newcastle's defence throughout.
George won five of his eight duels and completed three successful dribbles from four attempts, while Rohl won four of his eight duels and completed two from three. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was also influential, finishing with more touches (77) than any other Everton player, creating three chances and maintaining a 96% passing accuracy.
Barry's goal, scored just three minutes after the break, came from a mistake by Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. The striker was in the right place to tap in, showcasing his instincts and quick thinking.
Right Side Combination Shows Promise
With Jake O'Brien back at right-back and Rohl ahead of him, Moyes deployed a right-sided combination last seen in the final day of last season at Tottenham. O'Brien won four of his six aerial duels and attempted five crosses, while the pair combined well with Armstrong to work attacks down the wing.
Everton used the right flank when attacking 36.2% of the time, showing greater threat from that side after several games where almost all attacks came from the left. O'Brien's performances suggest he deserves more regular minutes, with the right-back berth potentially the best place for those to come.
Building Momentum
These two wins against Newcastle have shown Everton can get the basics right consistently and enjoy their football again. With only Arsenal and Brighton having kept more clean sheets than the Blues' four, it has been a solid start to the season, despite a difficult period after the international break.
With back-to-back wins now under their belt, Everton have an opportunity to go into the next international break on a high if they can beat newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday night at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Blues have come together to produce these results despite the absence of Jack Grealish, and there is every reason for supporters to be hopeful of a positive result.
