Everton defeat Newcastle United 3-1 in a comfortable victory as both sides prepare for the return of Premier League action.
Are we winning the lot? Where will the Champions League final be held in 2028? Shall I look at hotels near Wembley on FA Cup final weekend?
It’s important not to focus too much on results and performances during pre-season, positively or negatively, but it’s hard as a supporter not to get dragged back in. Good job, Everton.
The performance against Newcastle was excellent. 3-1 victory over a Premier League outfit as we edge closer to the season returning. Sign a right-back in the coming days and beat Lille, and the positivity will rise again.
Everton defeat Premier League opposition
Thierno Barry opened the scoring in the first half. The French striker beat Sven Botman to the ball before powering through on goal, using his pace to carry towards the box. Lewis Hall somehow managed to intercept, perhaps fouling Barry, but the ball fell to Harrison Armstrong.
The young midfielder picked out Barry, who had made a clever run to peel off the left, and he took a touch before firing home with his left foot. It was a goal that Barry fully deserved after an impressive start to the game.
Shortly after, Everton were awarded a penalty after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was brought down inside the box. Iliman Ndiaye, making his first start for Everton during pre-season, stepped up to the spot to dispatch into the bottom corner, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
After the break, Everton continued to look bright and were rarely threatened by Newcastle.
The Toffees found their third as a smart run from Armstrong meant he was picked out in the box, before firing into the path of Tyrique George. The former Chelsea man took a perfect touch and quickly fired low and hard, beating the goalkeeper as it nestled into the corner.
Towards the end of the game, Harvey Barnes picked up a consolation goal for the Magpies, but it was a well-deserved victory for Everton.
Observations
There are a few observations we can take away from the game, even if we shouldn’t read much into the result itself.
Firstly, Everton’s young talent. Our best-performing players were undoubtedly some of our young stars. Armstrong, Barry, and George mainly. As depressing and frustrating as Everton can be, we do have some exciting talent emerging. Tyler Dibling and Adam Aznou on that list too.
These players have had a bedding-in period, and it’s now time for them to show it. I’m not getting my hopes up based on pre-season, but I’ve always backed them to do well and, fingers crossed, they can show that this season.
Secondly, let’s focus a little more on Barry. Another goal for the lad, and his overall play was fantastic. Hold up play has improved, much sharper, looking to move the ball quicker, fantastic acceleration to get in behind. He needs to be our starting striker. Stick with him, back him, and let him develop.
He might be frustrating at times, but he’s a young lad settling into a new league and country. He’s had a great pre-season, and fingers crossed he continues that heading into the new season.
Another point is Hayden Hackney. I think it's clear to see that he needs to be playing a little higher. At times he can be caught out defensively, and he's at his best when playing in the opposition half, looking to carry the ball and pick out a pass.
We did benefit from his positive play in terms of breaking lines with his passing, but I'd still like to see him given more attacking freedom. Maybe it's just due to there being no James Garner, but at least he's being given a chance to impress and build his fitness. It's certainly not a concern, as it was expected, but I think we'll see the best of him in advanced roles.
The final point is competition for places. Armstrong is staking a claim to stay at the club and start regularly, Dibling impressed once again off the bench, George is looking to make that left-wing position his own.
Come the start of the Premier League season, Moyes is going to have some really tough decisions to make, and that's far from a bad thing.