Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for Everton-1
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
What a win for Everton. It's not been the easiest of seasons for the Mersyesiders, but they have shown such durability after a tough summer transfer window, and that result against Newcastle United at St. James' Park was resounding.
Thierno Barry bundled home after the interval to secure for the Toffees all three points. This is a tough ground to come to and avoid defeat, so for Everton to have done so without being breached is a fine illustration of the togetherness David Moyes has created, with Everton now seventh in the Premier League, three points behind Chelsea in the top four.
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The likes of Iliman Ndiaye were sold by a rotten hierarchy this summer. No matter, Everton are enduring, and they are finding ways to win.
How Everton defeated Newcastle
From the get-go, Everton brought the fight to a Newcastle side who are showing themselves to be brittle and vulnerable when pressed this season.
Newcastle had their moments, but Everton were the better team on Tyneside. Jarrad Branthwaite, impressive as ever, came close to scoring, with Jordan Pickford also in inspired form between the sticks.
Barry is imperfect, but he's certainly playing his part at Everton this season. That's four goals from nine Premier League matches this season, and a whole clutter of involvements in the Carabao Cup besides.
David Moyes and Thierno Barry
David Moyes and Thierno Barry
However, he's not the only one catching the eye. In fact, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is very quickly establishing himself as the main man of Moyes' side.
Why Dewsbury-Hall is becoming Everton's main man
Jack Grealish was absent once again for Everton; the English playmaker was absent from training last week, and has been internally disciplined.
Without him, Everton have needed someone to step up, and Dewsbury-Hall has done that, ensuring the Toffees picked up their second win over Newcastle in five days, having knocked Matthias Jaissle's side out of the Carabao Cup on Thursday evening.
Dewsbury-Hall was immense last season, a real player after joining from Chelsea for around £30m. After his Man of the Match display, journalist Ian Darke commented that he "can't be far off the England squad".
Absolutely right. The midfielder created three chances, attempted seven crosses, completed both of his dribbles and won six duels across the evening. He's a talisman, alright, stepping up in the absence of Grealish.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for Everton
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for Everton
With Ndiaye also gone, that maverick who brought something dangerous and unique to the Hill Dickinson, this has been vital for an Everton side who lost so much quality and depth this summer.
But Dewsbury-Hall is not Ndiaye, and another member of the Everton persuasion is quickly emerging as that guy.
Moyes has unearthed Everton's new Ndiaye
Ndiaye was quite the player for Everton. Across two exciting seasons, he brought flair to the club, the kind of vim and vigour that raises supporters from their seats each game, leaves rival fans groaning after a tricksy run or flashy finish.
Irreplaceable? It felt like it when he left for Manchester City for £65m in August, but Ndiaye has already been replaced by Tyrique George, who is quickly becoming one of the star forwards in Moyes' team.
Technically, George has not been awarded the assist for Barry's goal, but he was the architect all the same, the silent partner whose contribution has ensured Everton return home with all three points.
Last season's loanee became a permanent resident this summer, completing a £24m move to sign the Chelsea youth product. He's not the finished product, but there's no question that he has so much to offer within this team, and he showed once again on Monday night that he has what it takes to become an Ndiaye-esque superstar, flashy and ferocious down either wing.
George, 20, was sloppy in possession at times, but so to was he a thorn in the sides of the Newcastle defenders all evening. Like Ndiaye, he lacks end product, but that will come, that will allow him to rise and cement himself as one of the most talented and dangerous wingers in the Premier League.
Raw or not, he was instrumental in picking up a win here.
Tyrique George for Everton
Tyrique George for Everton
Everton will have many more stern tests in the Premier League this season, but there's no question that this was a big win for Moyes and his squad.
If Everton can follow it up with a win over Coventry City on Merseyside this coming Friday, they will be in quite the position heading into the final international break of the calendar year.