Everton's preparations for the new Premier League season are looking well ahead of Newcastle United's after a comfortable 3-1 victory at Murrayfield. On a sobering evening for new Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle, who changed all 10 outfield players at half-time, Everton's one and two-touch attacking play proved difficult to contain.
Everton took the lead through Thierno Barry after a defensive error from Sven Botman, before Iliman Ndiaye scored a penalty that was won cheaply by summer signing Hayden Hackney. Newcastle's raft of half-time changes helped David Moyes's team strengthen their grip further, with Tyrique George adding a stylish third and 19-year-old Harrison Armstrong providing his second assist of the game.
Among the Newcastle players introduced at half-time was 18-year-old Sean Steur, the exciting midfield prospect signed from Ajax this summer. Aladji Bamba and Bazoumana Toure also flickered with promise, but a sharp start from Jaissle's team faded. They pulled a goal back late on when Jacob Murphy's cross found Harvey Barnes at the back post, but they offered little as an attacking force throughout the second half.
Newcastle have two more friendlies, against Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg, before they begin their Premier League season at home to Liverpool. The club are reeling from the summer departures of Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and manager Eddie Howe, but David Hopkinson, the chief executive, struck a bullish tone when he spoke of this being the start of "Newcastle 2.0".
Everton look the more settled side and club, and the performances of new arrivals Hackney and George were encouraging, while Thierno Barry was sharp in the centre-forward position that has proved so difficult for the club to fill in recent seasons. Everton kick-off their new season at home to Crystal Palace, and keeping Ndiaye at the club beyond the end of the transfer window will be a priority.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 13th in Premier League, 49 pts, 13W-10D-15L from 38 games, recent form LLDDL. Goals this season: 47 scored, 50 conceded (-3 goal difference). Title race: 36 points behind leaders Arsenal. Last result: Tottenham 1-0 Everton (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 0W-1D-4L (LLLLD, most recent first); lost the last 4. Next fixture: vs Ipswich (at home, 2026-09-19).
