If Newcastle wants to make a comeback to the Champions League, they need to win these matches.
It wasn’t only because they were up against relegation-threatened Everton but also because of the opportunities they generated. Eddie Howe’s team made 14 attempts, but only three hit the target, including a missed penalty by Anthony Gordon in the first half.
Their expected goals (xG) exceeded 2, significantly influenced by the saved penalty. Clearly, this was more of two points lost for the Magpies than one point earned.
Perhaps an improvement over their 3-0 loss here last season, but if they aim to be serious contenders for a spot among Europe’s elite again, they need to secure three points.
“We know when we get opportunities, we need to take them,” said winger Harvey Barnes. “For sure, being clinical is part of that, and to win games, you need to be clinical.
“The top teams do it; they’re so efficient in the final third, and it is something we will keep working on and keep trying to bridge that gap.”
Gordon had a first-half penalty expertly saved by Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford. At the same time, Joelinton missed several opportunities in the box during what was a crucial point for Everton and Sean Dyche.
Howe’s team could not turn their possession into more effective scoring opportunities.
It would be simple to blame Newcastle’s lack of ruthlessness on the absence of Alexander Isak, who is recovering from a broken toe but is expected to return soon, and Callum Wilson, who is out with a back injury.
“It changes the way we set up for sure when you’ve not got a natural No 9 up there,” said Barnes. “I thought Ant did well but there but it is not his natural position.
“The team operates a bit differently and maybe in them final actions that natural instinct of a No 9 can make it happen. I think today we still created some good chances but were just not clinical.”
However, Isak has only been absent for this match and last weekend’s draw against Manchester City. Even so, with the center-forward, they have won all three matches this season by just a one-goal margin.
In the nine matches they have played across all competitions, they have only scored more than once against Tottenham and Wolves.
Howe’s team will return from the international break with a challenging schedule. They will face Brighton at home, followed by consecutive matches against Chelsea in the league and the Carabao Cup, before hosting Arsenal.
“I don’t think it’s a problem [lack of goals],” said Barnes. “It’s just something we are working on week on week.
“Last year, we had a lot of games when we were scoring a lot of goals, which is great, but our aim every game is to win, whether that’s by one goal or five.
“It’s the points that matter. Of course, we would like to be scoring four or five goals every week, but it’s not feasible.”
They have earned 12 points from their first seven games, but Barnes recognizes the challenge they face in breaking back into the top four this season.
“I think we are in a good place,” he said. “Other teams have strengthened, we’ve strengthened. It’s going to be a good battle; we know that.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world, and if you want to get in the top places, you’ll have to play well all season. We’re ready for that battle.”
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