Newcastle United finally broke their Premier League away-day hoodoo with a resounding 4-1 victory against Everton at Goodison Park. The win, Newcastle's first on the road in the league this season, was secured on Saturday evening and marked a memorable 48th birthday for manager Eddie Howe.
The Magpies started the game explosively, with Malick Thiaw scoring the fastest goal of the Premier League season after just 52 seconds, heading home from a Lewis Miley corner. Miley himself added a second in the 25th minute, his shot squirming past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Nick Woltemade further extended Newcastle's lead with a delightful lob on the stroke of half-time.
Everton tried to respond after the break, with substitute Carlos Alcaraz hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot, but Newcastle quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback. Thiaw grabbed his second goal of the night just before the hour mark, heading in Newcastle's fourth. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall managed to pull a goal back for Everton with 21 minutes remaining, but it proved to be a mere consolation.
The victory was comprehensive, with Newcastle displaying a ruthless attacking edge that had been missing in their previous away games. Newcastle had previously taken the lead in their three prior away games this season, only to lose each time. This time, however, they maintained their focus and intensity throughout the match, capitalizing on some poor Everton defending.
Former Everton defender Phil Jagielka, analyzing the game for Sky Sports, noted Newcastle's dominance. He said that Newcastle controlled the match for all but about 10 minutes where Everton showed something, and that this performance was just what Eddie Howe needed.
The win lifts Newcastle to 11th place in the Premier League table, level on 18 points with Everton, but ahead on goal difference. It also eases the pressure on Eddie Howe, who can now celebrate his birthday with a much-needed away win. Newcastle face Tottenham at home in their next match on Tuesday night, while Everton travel to Bournemouth.
For Everton, the defeat was a disappointing follow-up to their win at Old Trafford earlier in the week. They struggled to create clear-cut chances, and their defense was repeatedly exposed by Newcastle's attacking trio. They will need to improve quickly if they are to get a result against Bournemouth.
This result marks a significant turning point for Newcastle, demonstrating their ability to perform away from home and providing a platform to build on for the rest of the season. The dominant performance and emphatic scoreline will give the team confidence as they look to climb further up the Premier League table.
