Newcastle United 0-1 Everton: result and report

The Pundit picked Newcastle United (43%): wrong

Report

Everton won 1-0 at Newcastle United, and the scoreline undersells how much of the attacking threat came from the away side.

There was only one goal, but it came early in the second half. Thierno Barry scored on 49 minutes, and Everton held that lead to the end. Newcastle United finished with ten men after Jacob Ramsey was sent off for a second yellow card in the eighth minute of stoppage time. That came too late to change the game, though it does leave Newcastle United a player down for what follows.

Everton did not win this by soaking up pressure and taking a single chance. They finished with 2.38 xG to Newcastle United's 1.65. They also had 12 shots to eight, five on target to two, and four big chances to two. Newcastle United had slightly more of the ball, 52% to 48%, yet Everton created more of the dangerous moments.

That makes the margin the notable part. Everton missed three of their four big chances, while Newcastle United's goalkeeper made four saves. On the chances created, a wider away win would not have looked out of place.

Barry was the difference. He came into the game as Everton's leading scorer with three goals. His finish separated two sides who both created openings.

Newcastle United still had chances to take something. Their 1.65 xG is a respectable total. They had two big chances and hit the woodwork once, so one better finish could have earned a point. But they put only two shots on target all night, which is too few to trouble a goalkeeper consistently.