Heading into this match, the talk was all about Newcastle's terrible form on the road. Pundits were lining up to predict another slip-up, with one expert describing their away performances as being "as reliable as a toddler walking past a puddle. This brings us to " Everton, licking their lips at the prospect, were expected to capitalize. But football, as we know, loves to rip up the script.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Malick Thiaw scored twice, including the quickest Premier League goal of the season just 52 seconds in.
- ✓ Newcastle emphatically ended their eight-game winless away run with a crushing 4-1 victory over Everton.
- ✓ Youngsters Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade also scored, with Woltemade putting in a majestic performance.
- ✓ Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored a stunning consolation goal for Everton, praised for its "unbelievable first touch. "
- ✓ The win saw Newcastle jump from 14th to 11th in the Premier League table, a perfect birthday gift for manager Eddie Howe. This brings us to
A First-Half Blitz Silences the Toffees
Anyone who arrived a minute late to Hill Dickinson Stadium missed the entire opening chapter of this story. Newcastle came out of the blocks with an intensity that completely blew Everton away. Before anyone had settled into their seats, just 52 seconds into the game, Malick Thiaw rose to head in the fastest goal of the Premier League season. It was a beautiful corner from Lewis Miley that set it up, and just like that, all the pre-match chatter about Newcastle's travel sickness felt a bit foolish.
Everton looked shell-shocked, and Newcastle were in no mood to let them recover. They were sharper, hungrier, and simply better in every department. Recent reports indicate that The second goal came at the 25-minute mark, and it was the youngster Miley who got it, punishing an error from Everton's keeper, Jordan Pickford. The home side were complicit in their own downfall, with unusually poor defensive work making it all too easy for the visitors.
Just when Everton thought they might produce it to halftime to regroup, Newcastle twisted the knife. On the stroke of halftime, Nick Woltemade produced a moment of pure class, teasing a "sensual lob" over Pickford to produce it 3-0. It was a finish that showcased his incredible touch and composure. The German striker has been a revelation, and you can see why he already feels at home on Tyneside.
No Let-Up After the Break
The second half started quietly, but Everton briefly flickered into life. This brings us to Charly Alcaraz, on as a substitute, rattled the crossbar with a ferocious shot from the edge of the box. For a fleeting moment, it seemed like a comeback could be on the cards. But this was Newcastle's day, and they quickly slammed the door shut on any such hopes.
Just before the hour mark, Thiaw struck again. After some penalty box chaos where Woltemade had a shot blocked on the line, the ball was worked out wide. Industry experts suggest that Lewis Hall delivered a fabulous cross to the far post, and Thiaw got above his man to head emphatically past Pickford for his second and Newcastle's fourth. It was a dominant, powerful finish that perfectly summed up his performance.
Everton did believe they'd pulled one back through Thierno Barry, but the goal was correctly disallowed. VAR showed he headed the ball onto his own hand before finishing, and the law is clear on that. It was another frustrating moment for the young striker, who is still searching for his first goal for the Toffees.
A Moment of Sheer Brilliance
Despite the dire scoreline, the match produced one moment of absolute magic from an Everton player. At the 70-minute mark, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored a goal that was, frankly, breathtaking. A long, angled pass from James Tarkowski dropped over his shoulder, and with barely any space to work in, he cushioned the ball perfectly before tapping it past Aaron Ramsdale.
The first touch was described as having "boots a mixture of velvet and velcro" and evoking "the sensual genius of Roberto Baggio. " Pundit Paul Robinson went as far as to say, "That alone is worth the entrance fee. " It was a stunning piece of individual skill and a small consolation on an otherwise miserable evening for the home side. It was also a personal milestone for Dewsbury-Hall, who scored in consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time in his career.
The Final Whistle and the Fallout
As the game wound down, the story was written on the faces of the fans. Or rather, in their absence. With ten minutes still to play, "thousands and thousands of empty blue seats" painted a grim picture of the home supporters' feelings. There were boos for former Toffee Anthony Gordon when he came on as a late substitute, adding to the sour atmosphere.
This was an attacking masterclass from Newcastle, who registered twelve attempts, with seven on target, leading to four goals. They were decisive and punished every mistake. For Everton, it was a performance branded as "poor" and bordering on "unprofessional. " After the high of their win over Liverpool earlier in the week, this was a brutal comedown. What's particularly interesting is
For Thiaw, it was a moment to savor. "I'm just grateful, it's a great moment for me," he said afterward. "Since I've been here, the fans have treated me like this is my new house. " That sentiment was echoed by Woltemade, and it's clear there's a special feeling building within this Newcastle squad. They played with a confidence and swagger that has been missing on their travels for a long time.
Conclusion
In the end, Newcastle didn't just win; they made a statement. They dismantled an Everton side at their own ground and put an end to a miserable away run in the most emphatic way possible. With standout performances from Malick Thiaw, Lewis Miley, and the majestic Nick Woltemade, it was a near-perfect day for the Magpies. For Everton, a truly special goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was the only bright spot in an evening they'll want to forget very, very quickly. Another important factor is
