Following Saturday’s highs, Eddie Howe and Newcastle United were frustrated on Tuesday.
The thrilling triumph over West Ham United was magnificent, with St James’ Park shaking as Harvey Barnes completed a remarkable comeback to rekindle the Magpies’ European hopes.
Eddie Howe had hoped to follow up that victory with another three points against Everton, but had to settle for one. Newcastle threw it away on Tuesday night, giving up a late penalty that allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to equalize.
It was quite disappointing, especially considering the number of opportunities we made. Jordan Pickford was in fantastic form, making numerous saves, and Newcastle even struck the post and had a goal ruled out for offside. Dan Burn, who was superb against Everton, thought he had made it 2-0, but VAR determined that Alexander Isak was offside throughout the buildup.
As the game progressed, Newcastle came under increasing pressure, and Everton snatched a point.
Shay Given notices Eddie Howe’s reaction after Newcastle draw with Everton
Given prior outcomes, the draw has neither enhanced nor damaged Newcastle’s chances of qualifying for Europe, but it will feel like two points dropped, especially if Brighton defeat Brentford tonight and leapfrog us in the Premier League rankings.
That’s according to Toon great Shay Given, who couldn’t believe how many chances Newcastle lost against Everton.
He was on punditry duties for TNT Sports and reported on Howe’s reaction right after the final whistle at St James’ Park.
“You could see Eddie Howe’s face at the end there, real frustration.” He went on to say.
“That’s exactly what he’d be thinking: this game should have been out of sight.
“I know Lucy [Ward] named Jordan Pickford Man of the Match on commentary, and he had a fantastic game, but from a Newcastle perspective, it was incredibly frustrating. They had really good chances, some great chances, but even the one in the second half that Isak saved from Mykolenko should have been a goal.”
Newcastle must be more clinical against Fulham on Saturday
Newcastle needed to exploit after gaining the lead in the 15th minute thanks to the magnificent Alexander Isak. They needed to put Everton to the sword and extend their lead; otherwise, they would face considerable pressure in the closing moments.
Given Newcastle’s lack of depth, this was unavoidable, hence the game had to be won early on. They attempted to accomplish so, but a second goal was not met.
Isak probably had the best chance, but it was cleared off the line. While the defending was great, it should have been a goal, as Given points out.
Newcastle were simply not clinical enough against Everton, which cost them two points. They’ll need to be considerably more ruthless against Fulham on Saturday, when Anthony Gordon returns from suspension.
