Ah, Newcastle United.
Just when you think they might be building up a head of steam, Newcastle manage to shoot themselves in the collective foot.
Indeed, despite Alexander Isak’s fine opener at St James’ Park on Tuesday night, Eddie Howe’s side managed to throw two points away at home to an Everton side who looked toothless at times.
The defence continues to prove an issue, albeit Newcastle had largely kept their visitors at bay.
Still, Paul Dummett – who may need to be increasingly called upon now given the spate of fresh injuries Newcastle have sustained in defence – gave away a late penalty, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin duly dispatched.
It was a frustrating end to what could have been a good few days for Newcastle after their win over West Ham as they hunt for Europa League qualification.
As has so often been the case this season, they were architects of their own downfall.
That is not to say, however, that they weren’t somewhat unlucky towards the end of the game.
What Eddie Howe was complaining about during the closing stages of Newcastle vs Everton
Newcastle were pushing for a winner towards the closing stages and won a succession of corners.
One had to be retaken after some pushing and shoving in the Everton box and it’s fair to say Howe wasn’t impressed one particular incident did not get closer inspection.
According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh on X (formerly Twitter), Howe told fourth official Anthony Taylor that Fabian Schar “had his shirt pulled”, though VAR did not intervene.
Newcastle can complain – but they only have themselves to blame
It might have been since to see that given closer inspection but Newcastle only have themselves to blame.
Yes, it cannot have been easy for Dummett to come in to the situation having played such little football but his challenge on Ashley Young was sloppy at best. And that’s being very generous.
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