In many respects, it can be seen as a frustrating night for both sets of supporters. It should have been a big win for Newcastle in their European push, while Everton fans were left disappointed by a lazy performance – particularly in the first half. However, both displayed 45 minutes of good football and intent to win the game – as shown by the scoreline.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the obvious hero for Everton, breaking his run of 23 matches without a goal, which begun in late October. However Jordan Pickford deserves a shoutout – making four key saves in a match where his every touch was booed and whistled. A section of Newcastle fans even came dressed as dinosaurs for the occasion, leading to the irony of Martin Dubravka narrowly failing to save the Everton penalty. Selected by TNT Sports, Jordan Pickford appears to be the undisputed Man of the Match against his nemesis Newcastle.
It would appear that Newcastle’s veteran substitute Paul Dummett forgot he was on a football pitch and not a wrestling arena, in his challenge on Ashley Young. He brought him down in a headlock off the ball in a completely unnecessary head loss. Not initially spotted by the referee, it took some time of Young’s screaming complaints to finally get it given. A stonewall penalty and Everton’s first penalty goal of the season.
It could and probably should have been a comfortable win for Newcastle United, regarding the Pickford saves, a Mykolenko clearance off the line and a disallowed goal for Dan Burn following a narrow offside. Everton fans cannot believe it, getting a VAR decision in their favour, never mind two in one game!
Both of these clubs badly need wins for their respective European and relegation fights, and can take a lot of encouragement from the game, Newcastle in the first half and Everton from their character in the second half.