Everton claimed their first Premier League away win of the season with a hard-fought victory over Newcastle United at St James' Park. For the second time in four days, the Blues beat the Magpies, with Thierno Barry's second-half goal proving decisive.
Barry's goal came four minutes into the second half after quick thinking from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall released Tyrique George, whose effort was saved. Barry was on hand to turn the ball home from a couple of yards out. Jordan Pickford also played a key role, producing a great save in the closing stages to deny Yoane Wissa.
Defensive resilience and midfield control
Jordan Pickford was rated 8/10, dealing well with a deflected cross in the first half before producing an outstanding block and another great save in the second half. Jarrad Branthwaite also earned an 8/10 for a commanding display on his return, making vital blocks and interventions with outstanding positional play.
Jake O'Brien scored 7/10, despite giving away a free-kick for pushing Lewis Hall and needlessly giving the ball away on several occasions. James Tarkowski continued his impressive form with a commanding display, not giving Will Osula a sniff and making several blocks. Vitalii Mykolenko also earned 7/10, linking up well with George and producing vital interventions, including a block that denied a certain goal.
Midfield energy and attacking threat
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was the best player on the pitch with an 8/10 rating. His quick thinking enabled his side to open the scoring, and he was unlucky not to claim another assist. Harrison Armstrong was rated 7/10, should have opened the scoring with the last kick of the first half, and did the ugly side of the game well in the second half. Merlin Rohl offered plenty of energy down the right, but his final ball could have been better. James Garner showed signs of returning to his best, but should have done better with a first-half free-kick.
Tyrique George, rated 7/10, showed flashes of real quality and played a key role in Barry's goal, though he was guilty of giving the ball away on several occasions. Barry himself struggled against Dan Burn but produced a moment of quality to set up a chance for Rohl and took his next chance to score. Among the substitutes, Brennan Johnson almost got in behind within seconds of coming on, while Michael Keane was solid and Hayden Hackney came on in stoppage time.
