Late Barry strike exposes Newcastle’s fragility as Everton snatch dramatic win

Resilient Everton required only one decisive moment to reclaim the lead and deliver a crushing blow to Newcastle United, as substitute Thierno Barry struck late to seal a 3-2 victory at St James’ Park, Sport360NG reports.

For Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, it was an unwelcome sense of déjà vu. The manner of Saturday’s defeat mirrored the recent 3-2 loss to Brentford on home soil, another contest in which his side surrendered control at critical junctures.

“I have a similar feeling,” Howe admitted afterwards, acknowledging the broader concerns that have dogged his team’s Premier League campaign.

Earlier this month, Howe openly conceded he was not performing “well enough” and embarked on a period of reflection. His players responded positively, winning four of their next five matches in all competitions. Yet this latest setback felt like regression rather than recovery, leaving Newcastle marooned in mid-table and struggling for consistency.

“In relation to the Premier League, our form hasn’t been good enough for a while,” Howe said. “We know that. We take responsibility. It’s been frustrating, and that’s the perils of Europe.

“We’ve tried to approach every game with the same focus, but with the volume of fixtures, that concentration can shift.”

Defensive Frailties Punished

Newcastle may have a tantalising Champions League last-16 tie against FC Barcelona on the horizon, but domestic matters are becoming increasingly urgent.

Howe rotated heavily following the midweek win over Qarabag, making six changes in a bid to refresh his squad. However, the reshuffle produced imbalance. Joelinton operated on the left, Nick Woltemade featured in midfield, and Anthony Gordon led the attack, adjustments that appeared to blunt cohesion.

There was a sluggish edge to Newcastle’s play, and Everton capitalised ruthlessly on defensive lapses.

The hosts conceded from a corner for the opener, and goalkeeper Nick Pope’s inability to hold Dwight McNeil’s dipping effort allowed Beto to convert the rebound for Everton’s second. Though Jacob Murphy briefly restored parity at 2-2, Newcastle’s defensive vulnerability remained exposed.

Rather than retreating under pressure, David Moyes’s side sensed opportunity. Gordon was dispossessed by Iliman Ndiaye in the build-up to the decisive goal, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivering a precise cross for Barry to finish at the back post.

“We probably never gave Newcastle the chance to settle after their goals,” Moyes said. “We responded quickly both times. Great credit to the players, their mentality was excellent.”

Clean Sheets a Distant Memory

The contrast with Newcastle’s early-season defensive solidity is stark. They registered five clean sheets in their opening seven league fixtures but have since conceded 23 goals in all competitions since their last shutout, a 3-0 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.

Ironically, Newcastle’s initial struggles came at the opposite end of the pitch amid uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future. Now they pose a greater attacking threat, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a superb late save to deny Sandro Tonali, yet defensive instability continues to undermine them.

Howe acknowledged the risk of his team “self-imploding,” while Murphy urged composure in response to the growing scrutiny.

“There’s a time for stern words, but now we reflect,” Murphy said. “We know where the mistakes were. We can’t become hyper-emotional, that just creates panic.”

Saturday’s defeat marked Newcastle’s third consecutive home league loss, the first such run since Howe assumed charge in 2021.

A midweek meeting with Manchester United now looms, followed by daunting fixtures against Manchester City and Barcelona in cup and European competition.

Yet unpredictability remains Newcastle’s defining trait.

“We can raise our level when needed,” Howe said. “But that’s not the hallmark of a top team. We have to reach that standard consistently.

“The Premier League is relentless. If you’re even slightly off, you’ll be punished.”

On this evidence, Newcastle’s margin for error has already all but disappeared.