Everton secured a deserved away victory against a listless Newcastle side, with the absence of Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish proving inconsequential for the visitors. Grealish was left out following a breach of club discipline.
Newcastle, managed by Matthias Jaissle, appeared to lack energy and direction, failing to register a shot on target until injury time. Their performance drew boos from the home crowd, highlighting frustrations with the team's direction. Everton, conversely, displayed greater skill and composure throughout the match, ultimately winning thanks to Thierno Barry's goal shortly after halftime.
The first half saw both managers express frustration. Jaissle was visibly displeased with his team's inability to retain possession, while Everton's David Moyes lamented his side's missed opportunities, including a glaring miss by Harrison Armstrong. The home fans' discontent was evident by halftime, with fears growing that the team was regressing.
Newcastle's offensive struggles were underscored by a free-kick routine that resulted in the ball being kicked out of play, and a comical 'effort on target' that was actually a fan winning a competition. The home team's lack of incisiveness was a stark contrast to Everton's effective play.
The decisive goal came in the 49th minute. A precise pass from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall set up Tyrique George, whose shot was mishandled by Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, allowing Barry to tap in the rebound. Despite Newcastle's appeals for offside, the goal stood, reflecting Everton's superior sharpness.
Jaissle's promised high-energy, pack-hunting style was absent, with players appearing disengaged. Substitutions, including the introduction of Sean Steur, briefly injected some life into Newcastle's attack, but the team could not find an equalizer. Further compounding Newcastle's misery, substitute Jacob Ramsey was sent off for a second yellow card late in the match.
The result saw Everton climb to seventh in the league standings, while Newcastle missed an opportunity to move into sixth place.