Second-half frustrations doom Newcastle United at Everton

Newcastle United were unable to keep their winning streak alive at Goodison Park.

One of the most frustrating type of games for teams to deal with are the ones that just do not let you have much control, and things just do not seem to go your way. Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez had won their previous four matches before Monday’s fixture at Everton, though the result did not work out as planned for the Toon.

The Toffees secured a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park, with Theo Walcott’s second-half goal providing the difference. It was a match that was short on quality, but was not short on controversy.

Overall there may not have been much to play for, and both sides took much of the first half to grow into the game.

Opportunities in the final third were not seen often, but the breakthrough would come soon after the half-time break.

A cross into Newcastle’s penalty area deflected into a space that allowed a sharp angle for Walcott, and the English international was able to put the ball past goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Referee decisions

Referee Robert Madley will want to forget his evening’s work, with a penalty shout for the Magpies bringing him plenty of attention.

While Benitez’s side did push forward more positively late in the contest, it was a match where the team simply did not have the proper attacking instincts.

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Still tenth in the Premier League table, the Toon should be proud of their four-match winning run and look to improve the term’s output against West Brom this coming weekend.

Scoring woes continue to be a concern, as the club now have 35 goals through 34 matches.

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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez were unable to secure three points at Everton on Monday. However, they will be expecting more from their next game on Saturday.