Alan Shearer
(Credit: BBC Sport)
Alex Charlton
Sun 25 May 2025 19:17, UK
Everton did all they could to ruin Newcastle United’s final Premier League game of the season by defeating them 1-0 at St James’ Park.
The match had little meaning for the Toffees, but it meant everything for Newcastle United as they chased Champions League football.
A superb headed goal from Carlos Alcaraz was the difference, but the real hero was Sunderland supporter Jordan Pickford, who pulled off a series of incredible saves.
Favours elsewhere meant Newcastle secured a top-five finish, which Alan Shearer quickly reacted to.
Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz scored the winning goal for Everton (Credit: Imago)
Shearer responds to Toffees win
Perhaps nerves got the better of the Magpies on the final day, as the Toffees could relax and enjoy the occasion with nothing to play for.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
Despite having to withstand heavy pressure, Moyes’ side had the best opening, with Alcaraz having his header well tipped over by Nick Pope.
As the game progressed, Pickford was kept busy, but was hellbent on securing a result for his beloved Sunderland.
Jordan Pickford’s statistics against Newcastle United Total
Saves 6
Goals prevented 2.15
Punches 3
High claims 4
Accurate passes 22/44 (50%)
Clearances 4
Pickford was outstanding (Sofascore)
However, it was the away side who took a shock lead when Alcaraz expertly headed into the bottom corner with Pope stranded.
Newcastle were not done, though, and laid siege on the Everton goal, but for Pickford to make some extraordinary saves.
Eddie Howe’s men had to rely on results elsewhere and were given a helping hand by Manchester United, who defeated Aston Villa 2-0.
Magpies legend Alan Shearer was watching the game and reacted on his X account following full time.
He said: “I knew our good friends at Man Utd would do the Toon a favour. Phewwww.”
Alan Shearer
(Credit: X)
Everton were clinical against Newcastle
Moyes knew that his side would have to do a lot of defending against one of the league’s best sides, and that is what transpired.
However, to get a win, the Toffees would have to be clinical, and they were.
Alcaraz was in superb form throughout the game and on another day could have had a couple of goals to his name.
His goal was phenomenal, and his leap to hammer home his header into the bottom corner was a match-winning moment.
Of course, credit must go to Pickford, who was outstanding, but Moyes has managed to put together a lethal attack.
Related Posts