Dire defending gifted Everton three points at St James’ Park and leaves Newcastle United’s European ambitions in tatters. After 20 minutes, following Dan Burn’s concession of a corner, James Garner whipped in the set-piece from the left with Jarrad Branthwaite drawing Sandro Tonali across the six-yard box before a glancing header struck the post and gave Everton the advantage.

Newcastle then manufactured an equaliser on 32 minutes when Sandro Tonali’s pass across the penalty area found Jacob Ramsey, who dispatched a deflected strike beyond Pickford. However, Everton restored their lead two minutes later as Dwight McNeil’s long-range attempt was spilled by Nick Pope and Beto converted the rebound. The second half began in peculiar fashion as Jacob Ramsey was withdrawn after being sick on the pitch and instructed off by the club doctor. The second half proved eventful as Jacob Murphy swept home a second Toon equaliser before substitute Thierno Barry immediately responded to restore Everton’s lead. Express Sport rates and slates the Newcastle players…

Never truly recovered from the howler that enabled Beto to score. It established the pattern for an anxious display from Newcastle.

Grafted tirelessly to test Everton before tiring. Substituted for the final 15 minutes.

Left standing too many times. Easily brushed aside by Beto in a dreadful moment in the second half.

Abandoned position for first Everton goal as Branthwaite flicked into open space. Received a yellow card on an afternoon where he struggled.

Involved in the second equaliser and accumulated over 100 touches.

A solid performance after netting the equaliser, but was substituted as the second half started, feeling unwell.

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Allowed Branthwaite to break free and score the opener but bounced back well with an assist and kept Newcastle in rhythm. Nearly levelled with a blistering attempt that Pickford deflected onto the bar. Carried his team.

No influence in either midfield or attack. Managed just 14 touches and no shots.

Fought hard and assisted in setting up the second equaliser.

No surprise his number was called. Failed to manage a shot or an accurate cross.

Didn’t score but was a real nuisance for Everton’s defence. His substitution was met with boos.

Substitutes

Joe Willock (for Ramsey 45) – 5

Jacob Murphy (for Anthony Elanga 55) – 7

Harvey Barnes 6 (for Woltemade 55) – 6

William Osula (for Gordon 87) – N/A