After a few incredible months for Newcastle United, during which they had been one of the most in-form teams in all of Europe, The Magpies have suffered consecutive defeats. The loss against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was disappointing but then, they are the defending European champions. Thus, it was nothing to be upset about. On the other hand, the result against Everton was a blow for Eddie Howe’s side.
Everton had been in terrible form coming into the game but a 99th-minute goal from Alex Iwobi handed The Toffees a 1-0 win and all three points.
This was also the second straight game where Newcastle United have suffered defeat as a result of a late goal. On top of that, Everton were down to 10 men, after Allan had been sent off earlier on.
Newcastle United had looked decent in the first half but appeared to fade away after the break. Howe gave an honest verdict of the performance. As reported by The Shields Gazette, the manager said:
"“Not a great second half from our perspective.“I think that’s what’s cost us the game. First half, we were good, controlled the game.“The only thing that was missing was a goal, being really clinical in the final third, and I think that was missing the entire game. We got into some good positions, but the normal rhythm wasn’t there. But the second half was a big disappointment.”"
Howe makes honest Newcastle United admission after losing to Everton
This is a game that most Newcastle United fans would have expected to get a result out of. A draw at least, if not a win.
But football is not played on paper and form often goes out of the window in games like this. And that is exactly what appeared to have happened as Everton, who have struggled for quite some time now, managed to get a win against one of the best teams in Europe since the turn of the year.
The fact of the matter is that Newcastle United were not good enough on this occasion to get a win. They controlled things in the first half but appeared to let that slip in the second and ultimately, ended up conceding at the worst time possible.