Richarlison’s 38th-minute strike cancelled out Salomón Rondón’s early goal as Everton and Newcastle shared the spoils at Goodison Park. Despite Everton bossing possession and most of the game, Newcastle fans will no doubt be pleased to see their side pick up a valuable point away from home at a difficult ground to travel to.
The Magpies now sit in 14th and their recent run of form which has seen them pick up seven points from a possible 12 could be crucial come the end of the season. Everton however will feel that they have wasted a chance to pick up a vital three points in the hunt for the European places and they now sit level with both Bournemouth and Manchester United in sixth place.
Do Everton lack the finishing touch?
Marco Silva’s side dominated the game with 77% possession and mustered up 19 shots throughout yet only three of those efforts were on target. The Newcastle defence also did well to stand resolute with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Cenk Tosun both being denied by a superb defensive display. The Toffee’s are now eight points off Arsenal in fifth and Wednesday’s fixture is one they would really expect to win.
The result leaves them with a goal difference ten fewer than the Gunners and Silva will be disappointed with his sides finishing and scoring of goals in recent outings. Their efforts against Newcastle and Gomes’ miss against Liverpool in the derby provide examples of Everton lacking that clinical edge. Despite their performances impressing recently, they seemingly lack the ability to go ahead in games and to close them out once ahead and this is certainly something Silva needs to concentrate on.
Richarlison the man once more
The Brazilian’s goal last night increased his tally to seven for the season and he has now scored three goals in his last three home games. There were some doubts when Silva decided to make the youngster Everton’s lone striker and somewhat of a goal drought could have resulted in him moving back to the wing. However, Silva’s perseverance and faith in Richarlison paid off and it is not only his goals that make him an impressive striker. Where he lacks in strength he makes up for in pace, skill and an ability to make chances for himself and the Brazilian is proving vital for the Toffee’s this campaign.
Newcastle’s superb defence
Marco Silva described Wednesday’s game as ‘difficult’ and thought Newcastle would wait for Everton to make mistakes to capitalise upon. The Magpies were demolished at home against West Ham at the weekend and this could have been extremely denting on their confidence yet this was not the case at Goodison and the Newcastle defence were resolute in their duties and performed like they scored three at the weekend and not conceded.
Benitez’s players did what was asked of them in a gritty performance away from home. After stopping Everton from taking the lead in the first half, the Magpies defence eventually made the Toffees struggle to create chances and run out of ideas. Newcastle fans will be very appreciative of the job that the whole side did and if their side shows that type of resiliency throughout the season then they stand in good stead to survive relegation.
Is Rondón key to Newcastle survival?
Salomón Rondón has netted four times this season and assisted once. His goal against Everton and two against Bournemouth have earned the Magpies four points in recent fixtures and his recent performances have been pivotal in the Magpies move away from the relegation zone.
Last season Ayoze Perez was Newcastle’s top goalscorer but only ended on a tally of eight and after a dismal start to the season Newcastle fans may have already been fearing the worse and looking to the January transfer window for inspiration. Yet once again Benítez has got his side to click and perform for him when the going gets tough with his striker being one of his best performers and currently his most prized asset.
Rafael Benítez continues to impress
Benítez was initially hired in a panicked attempt to survive relegation to the Championship but despite his best efforts, he could not avoid the drop. The Spaniard’s side answered back with a title-winning season and a return to the top flight. He then led his side to a tenth place finish last season and is now looking to end this campaign in a similar position.
Despite having a relatively low budget, an unpopular owner and being amidst a potential shift in ownership, Benítez continues to get his side to perform. One of the hardest Premier League tasks a manager can be asked to do is to make a team survive in a very competitive division yet Newcastle’s boss manages to do so and will be looking to push his side to new heights during the Christmas period. The faith that Newcastle’s demanding fans have in their manager is a testament to his performance as the gaffer and they are without a doubt lucky to have him at the helm.
Man of the Match – Fabian Schar
Newcastle’s defensive outfit was very impressive and Schar was the best out of the lot, making the most clearances, tackles and interceptions on the pitch.
Next Up
Everton meet Watford next on Monday night as Marco Silva faces his old club. Meanwhile, Newcastle face a Wolves side who will be riding high after their 2-1 victory against Chelsea.
