If you’ve spent any time watching English football, you know that some games just feel "heavier" than others. Not because they are global derbies like Liverpool vs. United, but because of a specific, lingering tension. Everton vs Newcastle United F.C. is exactly that. It's a fixture defined by noise, late-game collapses, and a shared sense of "we should be doing better than this."
Honestly, it’s a bit of a chaotic pairing. You have two massive clubs from proud northern cities—one on the Mersey, one on the Tyne—who both view themselves as giants but have spent much of the last decade trying to remember how to walk.
The Anthony Gordon Factor (And Why It Still Stings)
You can't talk about Everton vs Newcastle United F.C. lately without mentioning Anthony Gordon. It’s basically mandatory. When he forced his move from Goodison Park to St James' Park in January 2023, it wasn’t just a transfer. It was a messy breakup. Toffees fans felt betrayed by a local lad who they thought would be their future. Newcastle fans saw it as a statement of intent—taking a rival's best young asset because they simply could.
The drama hit a fever pitch recently. Picture this: October 2024 at Goodison. The boos are deafening every time Gordon touches the ball. Then, the scriptwriter gets lazy. Newcastle get a penalty. Gordon steps up. He misses.
Jordan Pickford, a former Sunderland man (Newcastle's biggest rivals), saves it. The stadium erupted like they’d won the league. It wasn't just a save; it was a moment of pure, unadulterated narrative. It's these weird, personal subplots that make this game so much more than three points.
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A History of Total Chaos
Statistically, these two are remarkably close. If you look at the all-time record, Everton has 77 wins to Newcastle’s 72, with 38 draws between them. That is incredibly tight for two teams that have been playing each other since the late 1800s.
But stats don't tell the story of the "Lejeune Game" in 2020. Everton were 2-0 up in the 93rd minute. Everyone was heading for the exits. Then Florian Lejeune, a center-back who barely ever scored, bagged two goals in about 60 seconds to snatch a 2-2 draw. It was statistically impossible. Yet, in this fixture, it’s almost expected.
More recently, on November 29, 2025, Newcastle went to Everton and absolutely dismantled them 4-1. Malick Thiaw scored twice, including a header after just 52 seconds. It was the fastest goal of the season. Everton looked lost. But that's the thing with Everton vs Newcastle United F.C.; just when one team looks like they've taken control of the "rivalry," the other finds a way to humiliate them six months later.
The Manager Merry-Go-Round
Both clubs have a weird habit of sharing managers too. David Moyes, the man who defined an era at Everton, is now back in the dugout at Goodison Park as of January 2025. On the other side, Eddie Howe has become the face of the "New Newcastle."
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There's a lot of mutual respect there, but also a massive clash in styles. Moyes wants grit and defensive solidity. Howe wants high-pressing, high-octane energy. When these two philosophies meet, you usually get a game that is either a 0-0 tactical stalemate or a 4-3 absolute flyer. There is no middle ground.
Why the Atmosphere Matters
St James' Park and Goodison Park are two of the most intimidating places to play in the Premier League.
- Goodison Park: It’s tight. The fans are right on top of you. When Everton are under pressure, the "Goodison Growl" is real. It can rattle even the most experienced Newcastle players.
- St James' Park: It’s a literal cathedral on a hill. 52,000 Geordies screaming can make you feel like the pitch is tilting.
Players like Bruno Guimaraes have spoken about how much they feed off the Newcastle crowd. Conversely, Jordan Pickford seems to love being the pantomime villain when he goes back to the Northeast. He thrives on the abuse from the stands. It’s weirdly wholesome in a very aggressive way.
Tactical Trends to Watch
Newcastle have evolved. They aren't just a "counter-attack" team anymore. With players like Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade stepping up, they control games through the middle.
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Everton, under Moyes, have reverted to what they know best: being "horrible" to play against. They sit deep, use the physicality of James Tarkowski, and try to nick goals from set-pieces. In their 4-1 loss in late 2025, Everton’s only goal came from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, a late runner into the box. That’s the Moyes blueprint.
Newcastle’s vulnerability is often their own aggression. They commit so many bodies forward that a disciplined Everton side can actually pick them apart if they stay patient.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Everton vs Newcastle United F.C. or planning to bet/watch the next clash on February 28, 2026, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the First 15 Minutes: This fixture has a bizarrely high rate of early goals. If someone scores before the 10th minute, the game usually turns into a blowout.
- The "Pickford" Effect: If Jordan Pickford is having one of his "on" days, Newcastle will struggle to score regardless of how many shots they have. He has a point to prove every time.
- Home Advantage is Dying: Interestingly, the away team has won or drawn a significant portion of the last five meetings. Don't assume the home crowd will carry the day.
- Check the Injury List: Both squads have struggled with depth. In the November 2025 clash, Everton were missing Jarrad Branthwaite, and it cost them dearly in central defense.
To really get the most out of this fixture, look past the league table. These two teams could be 1st and 20th, and it would still be a bloodbath. It’s about pride, regional identity, and usually, someone getting a red card for something stupid.
Keep an eye on the team news for the late February return leg. If Gordon is fit, expect the drama to start long before kickoff.