Everton played Newcastle United in a pre-season club friendly at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. This warm-up match gave Moyes and new Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle a key look at their squads ahead of the new Premier League season which is now only 10 days away.
Team News
Mark Travers started in goal for Everton’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle United. David Moyes set up his squad with a back four consisting of Nathan Patterson, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, and Vitalii Mykolenko.
The midfield was anchored by Harrison Armstrong and Hayden Hackney, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall playing in a more advanced central role. In the attack, Tyrique George and Iliman Ndiaye took up positions on the wings, supporting lone striker Thierno Barry upfront.
Match Report
The bagpiper led the teams out onto the pitch in Edinburgh as the sun shone down. Everton were in all blue with Newcastle in a lovely light mauve. The travelling supporters were in full voice for both teams. An early ball over the top from Newcastle saw Joelinton try and lob the ball over Travers but the big keeper handled it nicely.
Everton drove forward with Ndiaye leading the way but KDH’s control was poor. Newcastle’s first corner was taken by Elanga but it was well defended. Newcastle were controlling the play and Mykolenko almost gifted Newcastle a goal but Elanga could not get his shot on net.
Everton’s first counter attack saw Patterson deliver a lovely cross to KDH who had his shot saved well by the Newcastle keeper Lukas Hornicek. Everton were moving the ball nicely but George’s touch at the last moment saw a chance missed. Newcastle
The deadlock was broken when Thierno Barry broke forward and was dispossessed by Hall but Armstrong stole it back and laid the ball off to Barry who’s low shot to the far corner bulged the old onion bag to give Everton the lead.
It should have been 2-0 when Everton cut open the Newcastle back line as Armstrong broke in behind and his lovely pass back to Barry was then bettered when the young striker slid a ball into the path of KDH but his shot was nicely saved. Everton recycled the ball and KDH was then taken down by Joelinton. The resulting penalty was cooly slotted home by the returning Ndiaye.
Newcastle were frustrated and when George went by Wissa, the striker hacked him down which had Tarkowski coming in to support his young winger. Everton were bossing the game with Newcastle unable to create much of anything as the half ended.
Newcastle changed all 10 outfield players with Moyes choosing to stick with his first half team. The Magpies were lively and Jacob Murphy’s shot required a good leg save from Travers. Seconds later, Mykolenko needed to make another good defensive play to deny Murphy.
Everton took five minutes to get on the ball and when they did, their one touch passing led to a curling shot from George that was well wide. Patterson was then withdrawn for Merlin Röhl. The German was immediately into the action as he drove forward. Barry was taken down on the edge of the box. KDH and Hackney lined up with KDH forcing a good save. The resulting corner saw George have his shot blocked but George then backheeled the ball into the path of Hackney who looked to have been fouled by the ref waved it away. It should have been a penalty.
Moyes brought on Beto, Alcaraz and Dibling for Ndiaye, Barry and Dewsbury-Hall. Hackney was again pulled down in the box and stayed down after a lovely move by the Blues. Again, nothing from the ref. Tyler Dibling forced a corner after dipsy doodling on the wing. His corner was well delivered but a blue shirt could not get on the end of it.
The game was put out of reach when George drove forward, slid the ball into Armstrong who then passed it back to George who swivelled and shot a low drive into the corner of the Newcastle goal. A lovely piece of play by the two youngsters.
Aznou was brought on for Mykolenko and then Hackney and Keane were withdrawn for O’Brien and Foster. Newcastle fans were finally given a chance to cheer with five minutes to go when Jacob Murphy’s lovely cross was met by Barnes who slammed it home.
The match wandered to a conclusion and the travelling Evertonians gave the team a lovely reception when the team went over to thank them for the support. A solid victory and a good result heading into the final warmup against Lille at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Everton Man of the Match
Thierno Barry – An excellent display from the young striker from start to finish. He held up the ball, made a number of balls to those around him and earned the goal with some tireless play. The goal was created by Barry and finished nicely. He has to be the starter moving forward.
Instant Reaction
An excellent result today. We are starting to see our young team being given the chance to express themselves and show the quality of their play. This was anchored by a solid display from Tarkowski and Keane. When you think who we are still missing; Pickford, Garner, Johnston and Norgaard, there has to be some optimism going into the season.
Today showed everyone that Thierno Barry gets the start against Crystal Palace. I would also say that the rotation of Barry with Beto must stop. Beto might be okay as a 10 minute sub but not more than that for me. If we pick up a striker before the window closes, I would sell Beto.
Nathan Patterson’s last start for the club was against Leeds in January. He had been excellent in the Villa victory in the previous week. This summer he played several matches for Scotland in the World Cup. When will Moyes give this lad a chance. With no RB buys so far, it was good to see him get a chance today and the 25 year old didn’t put a foot wrong.
Player Ratings
Travers – Made a couple of neat saves and showed that we have a keeper that could step up if Pickford was injured.
Patterson – A lovely cross for KDH on the counter attack and a solid display until he was withdrawn on 55 minutes. Another game where you wonder why he is not getting a sniff.
Keane – Solid display again showing that he is a calm and able support from the bench.
Tarkowski – Made a great tackle to deny Will Osula when Hayden Hackney coughed up the ball in the box. His pace was not a detriment today after Newcastle stopped pressing the ball after 10 minutes.
Mykolenko – Loose play early almost gave Newcastle the first goal. Was Everton’s weakest player in a strong performance.
Armstrong – The young midfielder had another solid match. His vision and touch was excellent and the interplay with Dewsbury-Hall was at the heart of Everton’s attacking play.
Hackney – Protected the back line with aplomb. When he left the match, that cover was lost and we conceded a late goal.
Dewsbury-Hall – No matter who is playing with him, KDH gets them involved and pulls the strings going forward.
George – Played the full 90 and looked bright and willing from start to finish. His goal was well taken and he pushed Barry for Man of the Match.
Ndiaye – More minutes in the legs and more chances to see the quick feet and impact that Ndiaye can have on a match. His penalty was calmly slotted home.
Barry – The young striker was again showing signs of improvement in terms of his hold-up play. His goal was calmly taken and he worked tirelessly for the team.
