Newcastle United were handed a sobering pre-season defeat at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium on Wednesday evening, losing 3-1 to Everton. Goals from Thierno Barry, Tyrique George, and Iliman Ndiaye put the Magpies to the sword, with Harvey Barnes' consolation strike proving insufficient.
Jaissle's side exposed by Everton
Matthias Jaissle made 10 changes at half-time, limiting the takeaways, but the loss underscored the new head coach's need for reinforcements before the September 1 transfer deadline. The defeat served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing this young squad in the Premier League this season.
Jaissle, dressed in a smart black shirt and trousers with white trainers, was animated on the touchline, barking instructions throughout. He witnessed another Sven Botman error, as the Dutchman was slow to challenge Barry on the halfway line, allowing the striker to race through. Despite Lewis Hall's last-ditch tackle, the ball was recycled to Barry, who rifled the opener past Lukas Hornicek.
Botman's struggles boost Burn's case
Botman's error follows a difficult outing at Bristol City, where he was culpable for three of four goals conceded. Dan Burn, yet to feature in pre-season after his World Cup exploits, saw his case for starting against Liverpool strengthen with each Botman struggle.
Everton fans taunted Newcastle with chants of 'Going down, going down, going down' as they raced into a two-goal lead. While pre-season results shouldn't be overread, it served as a warning that this summer of change could go wrong. Newcastle officials were 'energised' about the future under Jaissle, but it is clear the side needs more experienced steel and more from the experienced players who remain.
New signings' first test
Bazoumana Toure was a rare bright spark, earning his first start after a lively cameo against Valencia. The left-footer repeatedly beat Everton right-back Nathan Patterson, and his cross almost set up Yoane Wissa, who blazed a volley over. Aladji Bamba showed languid calmness in midfield, while Sean Steur put in his quietest display of pre-season, though his forward pass started the move for Newcastle's goal, with Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy combining for Barnes to tap in at the back post.
Hornicek made several decent stops, denying Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye from point-blank range and tipping a free-kick around the post. Ewen Jaouen missed the trip with a minor back injury.
Captain question remains open
Malick Thiaw wore the armband on Saturday, but Joelinton was handed it on his return. Jacob Murphy has also captained in pre-season, and Dan Burn's return this weekend could give him a chance too. Jaissle's earlier comments about not having selected a new captain appear truthful.
Around 10,000 Newcastle fans made the 121-mile trip north for the 5:15pm kick-off, filling the lower bowl of Murrayfield while the upper bowl remained empty. They enjoyed a bagpipe rendition of Local Hero as the teams emerged.
