Shay Given disappointed by 29-year-old Newcastle’s player first touch during Everton game tonight

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Shay Given has claimed that Miguel Almiron’s early miss for Newcastle against Everton on Thursday was simply not good enough at this level.

Newcastle missed far too many chances against Everton and ultimately paid the price as the Toffees capitalised on their profligacy in front of goal to win 3-0.

Former Newcastle man Given was on Amazon’s punditry team for the game and claimed that Almiron’s poor touch before his effort at Jordan Pickford in the first half was simply not good enough.

Newcastle were wasteful in front of goal against Everton

Both teams had a whole host of chances before Everton’s opener in the 79th minute, but there was a very poor standard of finishing in the game, with Almiron’s shot the unfortunate highlight for Newcastle.

Newcastle had the chance to go 1-0 up in the first half after some brilliant work from Alexander Isak to get it out wide to Almiron who struggled to get the ball under control and eventually fired a tame effort straight at Pickford.

Far too many times have we seen Almiron struggle in those positions and, while he can score the odd unbelievable long-range effort, it’s not good enough for a team who want to be at the very top of the table.

Given was very disappointed with what he saw from the Paraguayan on the night.

Speaking at half-time, Given said: “His first touch just wasn’t good enough, he needs to get it out of his feet. He’s been in good form as well, you talk about Isak but Almiron’s been good form off the right.

“It was just stuck under his feet and then it was a simple save for Pickford, it was too close to him and he bobbled it into the ground.”

Newcastle have to sort out their away form

In seven away games, Newcastle have picked up just four points in the Premier League, a terrible record for a team who once again have hopes of finishing in a Champions League position.

Failing to win against bottom half teams like Everton, Bournemouth and Wolves will ultimately cost Newcastle and they certainly cannot afford for Almiron to be missing chances like that week in week out.

Fans can blame the tiredness in the squad and the lack of players who can come off the bench to make an impact due to injuries and rightly so, but there also has to be some blame on the players who are struggling to compete away from home.