Miguel Almiron‘s spectacular first-half strike was the difference at St. James’ Park, propelling Newcastle United to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a struggling Everton side. The result extends the Magpies’ impressive unbeaten run to six Premier League matches, solidifying their position as a rising force under Eddie Howe. For Frank Lampard’s Toffees, it’s a third consecutive defeat, highlighting the profound issues plaguing the Merseyside club. Jaya9 brings you an in-depth tactical analysis of a match that, while often scrappy, provided significant insights into both teams’ trajectories.
Newcastle’s Joelinton and Everton’s Idrissa Gueye engage in a fierce midfield duel, a recurring theme throughout the tense encounter at St. James’ Park.
A Contest of Grit Over Grace
The match was never destined to be a free-flowing spectacle. From the outset, it was a physical, often fractious affair, with both teams battling for midfield supremacy. The tone was set remarkably early when Everton’s returning striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, received a yellow card in just the 7th minute for a late, sliding challenge on Newcastle’s talismanic midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes. This sparked a series of heated exchanges, with Callum Wilson and Amadou Onana also clashing before Joelinton saw yellow for a crude challenge on the Everton midfielder.
Amidst the scrappiness, clear chances were at a premium. Everton, despite boasting a recognized center-forward for the first time in weeks, looked utterly devoid of creative ideas. Calvert-Lewin’s only half-chance was a headed effort from a Demarai Gray corner that sailed harmlessly over Nick Pope’s crossbar. It was a performance that left fans and pundits alike questioning the team’s direction and attacking philosophy.
The Moment of Magic: Almiron’s Ascendance
In a game desperately lacking quality, Miguel Almiron provided a moment of pure, unadulterated brilliance to light up the evening. The 30th-minute breakthrough was a thing of beauty. Found by Bruno Guimaraes on the edge of the Everton penalty area, Almiron took a touch to set himself before unleashing a sublime, curling effort that arced over a helpless Jordan Pickford and nestled perfectly into the top corner of the net.
This was Almiron’s fifth goal of the season and his fourth in a remarkable month of October, a period that has seen the Paraguayan winger transform from a hard-working enigma into a clinical match-winner. His confidence is visibly soaring, and it’s becoming a central component of Newcastle’s success.
“Miguel is playing with immense confidence right now,” stated Newcastle boss Eddie Howe in his post-match interview. “He’s always been incredible out of possession, but now he is producing the goals. Some of them have been spectacular and game-changing for us. I’m really pleased for him because he’s getting the recognition he deserves.”
Everton’s Attacking Impotence Laid Bare
For all the discussion about Newcastle’s defense, which registered its league-leading fifth clean sheet of the season, the most alarming statistic of the night belonged to Everton. The Toffees failed to register a single shot on target over the 90 minutes. Since detailed shot data became available in 2003-04, Everton have only managed as few as one shot in a Premier League match on one other occasion.
Frank Lampard attempted to downplay the statistic, calling it a “slight red herring,” but the underlying issues are undeniable. The service to Calvert-Lewin was non-existent, and the midfield trio of Onana, Idrissa Gueye, and Alex Iwobi offered no penetration or creative spark. Anthony Gordon, returning from suspension, was frustrated throughout, lucky to avoid a second yellow card, and produced no meaningful end product.
England World Cup Watch: Who Helped Their Cause?
With the World Cup squad selection looming, several English players were under the microscope at St. James’ Park.
- Newcastle’s Contingent: Nick Pope secured another clean sheet with minimal fuss, strengthening his case as a reliable option. Kieran Trippier was his usual dependable self, both defensively and from set-pieces, earning three Fantasy Premier League bonus points. Dan Burn was solid at the back, while Callum Wilson had a relatively quiet evening.
- Everton’s Hopefuls: It was a night to forget for those in blue. Jordan Pickford could do nothing about the goal and had little else to do. Dominic Calvert-Lewin looked understandably rusty and will need a string of performances to force his way back into contention. Connor Coady and James Tarkowski were generally solid in defense but will be disappointed with the space afforded for Almiron‘s winner.
Jaya9Analysis: What This Result Means
Newcastle’s project under Eddie Howe continues to gather astonishing momentum. Their organization, work rate, and team spirit are undeniable. They are no longer a team that can be out-fought; they are a disciplined, aggressive, and increasingly confident unit. With Bruno Guimaraes pulling the strings in midfield and players like Almiron finding a rich vein of form, a push for European qualification is becoming a realistic ambition.
For Everton, the problems run deeper. The lack of attacking threat is a chronic issue that three consecutive defeats has pushed into a full-blown crisis. The team looks devoid of ideas and confidence in the final third. Frank Lampard has a monumental task on his hands to address this creative bankruptcy and steer the club away from a second successive relegation battle.
Jaya9 experts believe the Toffees’ midfield lacks a true playmaker, and their over-reliance on individual moments from Gordon or Gray is not a sustainable strategy. The January transfer window cannot come soon enough for the Goodison Park faithful.
Up Next: A Tale of Two Tests
The fixture list provides a clear contrast in challenges for these two sides. Newcastle face their toughest test of the season so far, traveling to the capital to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Super Sunday, live on Jaya9. A positive result there would truly announce their top-four credentials.
Everton, meanwhile, host Crystal Palace at Goodison Park in a match that already feels like a six-pointer near the bottom of the table. It is a must-win game for Lampard to stop the rot and ease the growing pressure on his position.
A Jaya9 Tactical Breakdown: Almiron’s Stunner Seals Newcastle’s Rise While Everton’s Woes Deepen
The narrative from St. James’ Park is one of a club soaring on a wave of belief and another searching desperately for answers. Miguel Almiron’s moment of quality decided a gritty contest, but the implications of the result stretch far beyond the scoreline. Newcastle are a team transformed, riding high on confidence and a clear tactical plan. Everton are in a familiar rut, lacking identity and a cutting edge. Where do you think each team will finish this season? Share your predictions with the Jaya9 community below
