Everton beat 10-man Newcastle as Hornicek error proves decisive
A goalkeeping mistake by Lukas Hornicek gave Everton their first Premier League away win since February, while 10-man Newcastle suffered a fourth defeat in six top-flight games.
Everton secured their first Premier League away victory since February by beating Newcastle United, whose run of poor top-flight results continued with a fourth loss in six games. The decisive moment came from a Newcastle goalkeeping error, which allowed Everton to take the lead and ultimately claim the win. Newcastle finished the match with 10 men after Jacob Ramsey was sent off, having come on as a substitute.
Lukas Hornicek was heavily criticised in the player ratings after Tyrique George's routine attempt slipped under his body, presenting Thierno Barry with what was described as an easy goal. The mistake proved costly for a Newcastle side that struggled to find an equaliser. Anthony Elanga came closest, kneeing the ball onto the post before Everton cleared, while Joelinton saw a clever shot on the turn blocked by James Tarkowski and also went close from distance.
Everton's performance drew praise across the side. Captain James Tarkowski was described as commanding, and Jarrad Branthwaite made a winning return after missing two matches under concussion protocols. James Garner received the highest rating for a gritty display of the kind the ratings said manager David Moyes values, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was noted for having the last laugh after enduring relentless taunts from the home supporters.
For Newcastle, Lewis Hall earned the best rating for a tidy performance, and Harvey Barnes was lively early on as he approached a milestone appearance and career goal. But the ratings singled out other contributors for criticism: Amar Dedic's passing accuracy was highlighted as a problem, and substitutes Ramsey and Jacob Murphy were judged to have had little impact, with Ramsey sent off.
The result lifted Everton from 14th to seventh in the table, according to the ratings, and marked a third straight Premier League win at St James' Park. Newcastle's substitutes were unable to change the game, with Yoane Wissa and Sean Steur failing to influence proceedings after coming on. The player ratings reflected a stark contrast between Everton's cohesive, hard-working display and Newcastle's error-strewn afternoon.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
