Three Premier League home defeats in a row. In a season where away performances have been the regular critique, Newcastle United can no longer bully teams in their own backyard.
Newcastle now sit 12th - and could be as low as 14th by the time the gameweek finishes. Whatever the mitigating factors behind the current campaign, even Eddie Howe will acknowledge that is simply not up to scratch.
On a miserable afternoon, Jarrad Branthwaite fired home from James Garner’s corner to fire the visitors ahead. Nick Pope was rooted to the spot - and his afternoon would get even worse 15 minutes later.
Before the howler that dominated the half-time discussion, Jacob Ramsey pulled the Magpies level. Joelinton’s brilliant wing play allowed him to slip through Tonali, who fizzed a pass to Ramsey.
His effort gave Newcastle momentum but any bubble of positivity burst just two minutes later. Dwight McNeil’s long-range effort appeared comfortable for Pope until he parried the attempt straight at Beto.
Eddie Howe rang the changes at half-time, with Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes bringing much-needed energy in attack. A frenetic half followed, with Malick Thiaw’s heart in his mouth shortly after the hour mark.
Beto bullied the German on the touchline and, with the St James’ Park turf ar his mercy, charged towards pope’s goal before rattling the crossbar. This was the let-off Newcastle desperately needed.
As the Magpies pushed for a winner, an ominous feeling emanated around St James’ Park when Barnes spooned a chance over. Yoane Wissa - Howe’s final ace up his sleeve - soon arrived.
After pushing relentlessly, the leveller finally came when Joelinton floated a cross to Murphy. His volley bundled into the corner via several deflections to send St James’ Park into raptures.
Tyneside smelled blood but, like the first equaliser, the scoreline lasted a matter of seconds. Gordon gave possession away cheaply, allowing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to break free before laying off Thierno Barry for a simple tap-in.
Ultimately, Everton deserved it. Jordan Pickford defied the pantomime act once again with a genuine world-class save to deny Tonali in stoppage time as he claimed another scalp at St James’ Park. As for Newcastle, there will be more soul-searching in the aftermath as the ground begins to crumble under their once-formidable fortress.
Here are your player ratings following Newcastle United’s defeat to Everton.
Flat-footed for the opener and another disastrous clanger for the second. Parried Dwight McNeil’s long-range effort straight at Beto just as Newcastle were getting back into the game. Goalkeeper is an area Newcastle must improve in the summer.
1. Nick Pope - 3
Flat-footed for the opener and another disastrous clanger for the second. Parried Dwight McNeil’s long-range effort straight at Beto just as Newcastle were getting back into the game. Goalkeeper is an area Newcastle must improve in the summer. | Getty Images
A calming and experienced presence - that is unquestionable. However he probably no longer, at 35, has the ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat for Newcastle. Hooked before the madness.
2. Kieran Trippier - 5.5
A calming and experienced presence - that is unquestionable. However he probably no longer, at 35, has the ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat for Newcastle. Hooked before the madness. | Getty Images
A sloppy pass in the opening 10 minutes set the tone for his game. Had his heart in his mouth when Beto bullied him on the byline. One of his worst showings for Newcastle.
3. Malick Thiaw - 5
A sloppy pass in the opening 10 minutes set the tone for his game. Had his heart in his mouth when Beto bullied him on the byline. One of his worst showings for Newcastle. | Getty Images
Dealt with his aerial duels well, as expected. McNeil troubled him a few times from the right. To his credit, this result was not on Burn’s toes.
4. Dan Burn - 5.5
Dealt with his aerial duels well, as expected. McNeil troubled him a few times from the right. To his credit, this result was not on Burn’s toes. | Getty Images