NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Thierno Barry of Everton celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Thierno Barry turns away in celebration after scoring Everton's winner at Newcastle United
Everton showed terrific resolve to secure a hard-fought 3-2 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park as the hosts twice pegged them back.
David Moyes’ men took a deserved lead on 19 minutes when they scored with their first corner kick of the game as James Garner curled an inswinging cross to Jarrad Branthwaite at the near post and the defender headed into the net. Newcastle equalised on 32 minutes as Jacob Ramsey’s shot was deflected into his own net by Branthwaite but the Blues restored their lead less than two minutes later as Dwight McNeil’s shot was spilled by Nick Pope and Beto fired in the rebound.
The recalled striker should have put the result beyond doubt in the second half but rattled the crossbar when through on goal and the let off allowed the Magpies to draw level for a second time as Jacob Murphy fired in from the edge of the area on 82 minutes.
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However, this time Everton went back in front even quicker as a minute later, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found substitute Thierno Barry with a low pass for the substitute to bundle over the line.
And this is how we rated the Blues...
Jordan Pickford 8
Incredible save to push Sandro Tonali’s shot onto the crossbar in stoppage time, he started confidently and dealt well with an Anthony Elanga shot but the deflection off Branthwaite wrong-footed him for the first equaliser for Jacob Ramsey and then the second goal from Jacob Murphy hit Idrissa Gueye on its way in.
Jake O’Brien 7
Embroiled in a muscular duel against Joelinton, he held his own and got forwards when he could, although it was increasingly a rearguard action.
Vitalii Mykolenko 7
Recalled at left-back, he looked more solid than of late, although tracking the tricky Anthony Elanga kept him busy rather than surging forwards as he focused on his off-the-ball work.
James Tarkowski 8
Appears more comfortable with Branthwaite alongside him, the captain deceived Nick Woltemade with a slick drop of the shoulder and also made some timely headed clearances plus another hacked clear as Newcastle pushed for an equaliser.
Jarrad Branthwaite 8
Back in his natural centre-back role, he delivered a towering header to fire Everton in front and looked assured in defence, making several crucial interceptions and was unfortunate to deflect the ball past his own keeper Pickford for Jacob Ramsey’s equaliser.
Idrissa Gueye 8
Livelier than he’s been of late, he combined well with compatriot Ndiaye and offered more going forwards in addition to the usual fire-fighting in front of his back four and was unfortunate to get the final touch on Newcastle’s second equaliser.
James Garner 8
Back in his favoured central midfield role, it was his delivery from the inswinging left-wing corner kick that provided the assist for Everton’s opening goal and he combined such silk with steel in the engine room, picking up a booking for catching Anthony Gordon.
Dwight McNeil 7
Recalled – surprisingly in the right wing berth – for his first playing time since his deadline day move to Crystal Palace collapsed, he put a shift in for the team and like at Aston Villa, his shot helped set up a goal, playing a neat interchange with Beto before testing Nick Pope who made a hash of his effort enabling the Everton striker to score from the rebound.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 8
Tried to knit things together between Everton’s midfield and the attack, he was energetic throughout, always offering an outlet and surging forwards.
Iliman Ndiaye 7
More like his old self, he drove forwards with purpose and looked a threat when Everton broke forwards, while working hard when his side had to defend.
Beto 8
Fired Everton back in front but should have put this game to bed, rattling Pope’s crossbar when he had time and space to make it 3-1 after shrugging off Malick Thiaw. Starting a Premier League game for the first time since the trip to Burnley on December 27, he looked up for this one from the start, holding the ball off well and providing a focal point for the attack while also being alive to restore Everton’s lead by following up the rebound when Pope spilled McNeil’s shot.
SUBS
Thierno Barry (on 74 for Beto) 8
Everton’s super sub who came off the bench to poke in the winner after Beto’s earlier miss had let Newcastle off the hook.
Harrison Armstrong (on 81 for McNeil)
Disciplined late cameo from the youngster.
Michael Keane (on 89 for Dewsbury-Hall)
Shored things up in the latter stages.
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