MusaEverton secured another important victory over Newcastle United after Thierno Barry’s second-half strike earned the Toffees a narrow 1-0 win at St James’ Park.
The result gave David Moyes’ side back-to-back victories over the Magpies, following their impressive 3-1 triumph in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Hill Dickinson Stadium the previous week.
After a tightly contested first half ended without a goal, Everton eventually found the breakthrough shortly after the restart through a well-executed free-kick routine.
Tyrique George’s effort was spilled by Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, allowing Barry to react quickly and guide the loose ball into an unguarded net.
However, the goal was not immediately accepted, with VAR conducting an offside check before the referee eventually confirmed that Everton’s opener would stand.
While the travelling supporters celebrated the breakthrough, Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle was left unhappy with the circumstances surrounding the goal.
The Magpies boss believed there had been a foul on Fabian Schar during the build-up, arguing that Barry had made contact with the Swiss defender moments before finding the net.
Schar subsequently went to ground holding his head and required treatment after the incident, adding to Newcastle’s frustration over the decision.
Jaissle questions referee’s decision to allow Everton’s goal
Speaking after the defeat, Jaissle admitted that Newcastle had made several mistakes in the build-up to the goal but insisted that the apparent contact involving Schar should also have been considered.
The German coach was particularly disappointed with how his players reacted to Everton’s quick free-kick, suggesting that the defensive organisation was not good enough.
“From my perspective in the game, I think we did an unforced error in the build-up, which led them to a free kick. Then we were, to be honest, we were just sleeping,” Jaissle told the Gazette.
“It’s too easy that they make a quick free kick and we are surprised. Also, part of the truth is that in my eyes it was a foul, at least if he’s bleeding, then assume that there is something. And of course, on a good day Lukas will save it.”
His comments reflected his frustration with both the defensive lapse and the decision to allow Barry’s goal to stand.
Although Jaissle acknowledged that Newcastle should have dealt with the situation more effectively, he clearly felt the contact on Schar was an important part of the incident.
Newcastle manager criticises players after disappointing performance
Beyond the controversy surrounding Everton’s winning goal, Jaissle was also unhappy with Newcastle’s overall performance.
The Magpies had entered the match hoping to respond positively after their Carabao Cup elimination, but their display fell below the standards their manager expected.
Jaissle revealed that his players had performed impressively during training in the build-up to the fixture, making their inability to reproduce those preparations on the pitch particularly difficult to understand.
“Big frustration, big disappointment because we couldn’t transfer what we saw during the week,” he explained.
“The team was really training on a high level in the approach how we actually wanted to play.”
The Newcastle manager admitted that the difference between what he witnessed during training and what happened during the match was difficult to comprehend.
“Since the referee started the game, not much was seen. That’s difficult to understand, first of all. And then, of course, the fans, they’re frustrated like we are.”
Jaissle also accepted responsibility for the disappointing result, making it clear that he would not attempt to shift all the blame onto his players.
“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.
Jaissle admits Newcastle failed to follow tactical instructions
The Magpies boss went further by identifying several areas where his team failed to execute the tactical approach prepared for the Everton encounter.
He explained that Newcastle were expected to dominate possession more effectively while also applying aggressive pressure whenever Everton attempted to build attacks.
However, those instructions were not carried out consistently, leaving the manager disappointed with what he witnessed.
“We need to do things better, like I just mentioned. There were many, many things only in possession, which was not on the level we expected to see, also out of possession,” Jaissle said.
He also explained that Newcastle had planned to press Everton high up the pitch and force their opponents into uncomfortable situations.
“We wanted to press them high, we wanted to stress them as soon as possible, and then also make a clear distinction.
“If that was overplayed from the opposition team, that we defended a contact block, but nothing in between. So, again, it was not much seen today on the pitch.”
His assessment highlighted the extent of his dissatisfaction with Newcastle’s tactical discipline and their inability to impose themselves on the game.
Newcastle face important fixtures after Everton defeat
The defeat leaves Newcastle with plenty to consider ahead of their next Premier League assignment.
Jaissle’s side will travel to face Fulham on Saturday before the November international break, with another difficult encounter against reigning Premier League champions Arsenal awaiting them afterwards at St James’ Park.
Following the loss to Everton, Newcastle dropped to 13th in the Premier League table.
With nine matches played, the Magpies are four points above the relegation zone, meaning there is already pressure to improve their consistency and avoid allowing the disappointing result to develop into a longer run of poor performances.
For Everton, meanwhile, the victory represents another valuable result against a Newcastle side they have now beaten twice in quick succession.
Barry’s decisive finish proved enough to settle the contest, but the controversy surrounding the goal and Jaissle’s post-match criticism are likely to remain major talking points following the encounter.
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