Match Coverage

Shay Given shares what he noticed about Eddie Howe immediately after Newcastle’s draw with Everton

Add as preferred source on Google

After the highs of Saturday, there was frustration for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United on Tuesday.

The dramatic win over West Ham United was magical, and saw St James’ Park rocking as Harvey Barnes completed a remarkable comeback to breathe new life into the Magpies’ quest for Europe.

Eddie Howe was hoping to follow that win with another three points against Everton, but had to settle for one. Newcastle threw it away on Tuesday night, conceding a late penalty that allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to equalise.

It was hugely frustrating, especially given the number of chances we created. Jordan Pickford was in inspired form and made multiple saves, while we even saw Newcastle hit the woodwork and have a goal ruled out for offside. Dan Burn, who was outstanding against Everton, thought he had made it 2-0, only for VAR to determine that Alexander Isak was offside in the buildup.

As the game went on, Newcastle fell under more and more pressure, and it inevitably resulted in Everton snatching a point.

Newcastle United v Everton FC - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Shay Given notices Eddie Howe’s reaction after Newcastle draw with Everton

Given other results, the draw has neither strengthened or weakened Newcastle’s quest to qualify for Europe, but it will feel like two points dropped – especially if Brighton beat Brentford to leapfrog us in the Premier League table tonight.

That is the view of Toon legend Shay Given, who could not believe how many chances Newcastle missed against Everton.

He was on punditry duty for TNT Sports, and commented on Howe’s expression immediately after the full time whistle inside St James’ Park.

“You could see Eddie Howe’s face at the end there, real frustration.” he said.

“That’s exactly his thoughts, he’d be thinking that this game should have been out of sight.

“I know Lucy [Ward] picked Jordan Pickford as Man of the Match on commentary, and he had a brilliant game, but from a Newcastle point of view, so frustrating. They had really good chances, some great chances, but even the one in the second half Isak off the line from Mykolenko, should have been a goal.”

Newcastle must be more clinical against Fulham on Saturday

After taking the lead through the outstanding Alexander Isak in the 15th minute, Newcastle needed to capitalise. They needed to put Everton to the sword and extend their lead, otherwise they would fall under serious pressure in the latter stages.

That was always going to happen given the Magpies’ lack of depth, so it was imperative that Newcastle killed the game off early. They tried to do just that, but a second goal was not forthcoming.

The best chance probably fell to Isak, but his effort was cleared off the line. While it was incredible defending, it should have been a goal as Given says.

Newcastle simply were not clinical enough against Everton, and it cost them two points. They will need to be much more ruthless against Fulham on Saturday, in a game that will see Anthony Gordon return from suspension.