Everton 1-0 Newcastle: One to forget as NUFC run out of steam against an uninspiring Everton
Well, that is 90 minutes of our life we aren't getting back.
An awful game in truth and the definition of a game of few chances (there was just three shots on target in the entire game). That being said, there was several moments where we could and really should have done better (cough cough Ayoze Perez).
Our defensive solidarity and ability to dig in, out-graft the opposition and nick a goal or two at the other end has been outstanding of late and the reason why we've climbed into the top half, but tonight was a reminder to Rafa just how a lack of composure in the final third can go on to cost you.
A draw would've been about fair, but, shock horror, an arrogant Allardyce reckons it was a game they 'dominated' and one where there only looked like being one winner (you had one shot on target Sam).
You can see why Everton fans desperately want rid of him. Yes they've done the double on us, but they really have looked awful (which doesn't say much about our performance in each!).
It's a frustrating one to take, as they've looked one of the poorest sides we've played this season both home and away, but that's him - ugly ugly points.
https://twitter.com/MsiDouglas/status/988511217558917122
Back to ourselves and it was a below par performance all round really. Aside from Diame (who was everywhere once again, sharp on the ball and quick into the tackle), Lejeune (who won plenty in the air and was measured on the ground) and Kenedy (who won the ball back several times and was one of few to keep a calm head in the final third), we didn't play well at all and never really got going.
With Southgate said to be present, Lascelles and Shelvey picked an awful time to put in one of their poorest displays since the turn of the year. Lascelles looked shaky on the ball and made more errors than he usually does, whilst Shelvey was unusually sloppy after several more measured performances of late.
Slimani showed glimpses of what he'll offer, being surprisingly mobile, a clear handful and a player happy to come short of make runs in behind, but you could see it was his first start for over 3 months. He had his moment but he looked rusty (as you'd expect).
One to forget for NUFC tonight, but context is vital after such a brilliant 2018.
On we go to West Brom on Saturday!
