PLAYER RATINGS – Newcastle 1-2 Everton: One 8, two 7's, several 5's & 6's + a 4
Another frustrating day for Newcastle, with us being punished for missed chances against a beatable Everton side.
Here’s an assessment of each player’s performance along with our marks out of 10:
STARTING 11:
Dubravka – 7 - Solid after his error at Man Utd. Blameless for their goals and made a few key saves to keep us in. the game in both halves.
Yedlin - 6 - Lots of energy down the right flank, but poor end product and suspect positioning from the USA international.
Schar – 6 - Scored a good goal but failed to track Calvert-Lewin for the winner and gave the ball away cheaply at times - even if some of his cross-field passes to Carroll had plenty success.
Fernandez – 5 - Lots of important headers won and clearances made, but struggled against the pace and movement of Kean and Richarlison at times. Some very tired and sloppy clearances late on.
Lejeune – 4 - He's usually a class act on the ball but he struggled today in all areas. 2 games in 3 days was always going to be tough for a player returning from a serious injury. Sluggish at times and beaten very easily in the build up to their second but will improve with game time.
Willems – 6 - Some fantastic moments going forward but sometimes chose the wrong option and was suspect positionally at the other end, leaving Lejeune isolated out wide at times.
Hayden - 5 - Worked hard and won tackles but very limited on the ball, and he faded after Delph came on and Everton took back control of the midfield.
Shelvey - 6 - Started well and was always looking to get us on the front foot in the first half but he faded, particularly in the second half. Looked a bit leggy for a player that was rested on Boxing Day.
Almiron – 6 - The usual hard work and endeavour but lack of end product; although he came much closer on one occasion, hitting the inside of the post. Had 3 occasions when he should have at least tested Pickford but snatched at his chances. Looks better in the no.10 role, but must compose himself in front of goal.
Joelinton – 7 - Excellent first half without getting any real chances but caused Everton problems. OK, he never looked like scoring (and that's a worry), but he seems so much better when he can drop deeper and run at players from wide positions, which is natural position.
Carroll - 8 - The goal came from his brilliant knock down and he put himself about and battled away for the whole 90 as usual. He won 24 aerial duels - the most any PL player has won since 2006 - and put the fear of god into the Everton defenders, winning everything and holding up the ball very well. One small criticism which I’ve mentioned before; he needs to stop his moaning at the ref and flinging his arms when he doesn’t get his own way.
SUBS
Atsu – Did nothing when played out wide and was then put to left-back when Willems was out on his feet late on. Frustratingly ineffective.
Gayle - Tried to profit from Carroll flick ons but saw so little of the ball. It's not easy for any forward in this team, but he needs to offer more.
S. Longstaff - Wasn't on long enough to make an impact. Barely touched the ball.
