Barcelona fans tuning in on Saturday to scout Newcastle and decipher the kind of team they will face in the Champions League would have received a pleasant surprise, witnessing the 'Magpies' disappointing performance against Everton, who secured a 3-2 victory.

Just hours after being drawn against Barcelona in the Champions League last 16, Newcastle starkly demonstrated why they have struggled for form in the Premier League this season. Following this result, they now sit 12th in the table, 12 points adrift of the European places.

Eddie Howe's side conceded three goals against an Everton team who had suffered two consecutive defeats, and remarkably, had not scored three goals in a match since December 6th, nor away from home since May last year.

Jarrad Branthwaite opened the scoring for the 'Toffees', outpacing everyone to a corner. Beto then doubled their lead, capitalising on a dreadful goalkeeping error from the much-maligned Nick Pope. Finally, Thierno Barry slotted home the third on a counter-attack.

Newcastle managed to draw level twice, first through Jacob Ramsey to make it 1-1, and then via Jacob Murphy for 2-2. However, on both occasions, their advantage proved fleeting. Everton restored their lead to 2-1 just two minutes later, and then grabbed the 3-2 winner mere seconds after Newcastle's second equaliser.

This defensive frailty at home proved unacceptable for the 'Magpies' faithful, who now view the tie against Barcelona as their opportunity to salvage the season. However, it will be no easy feat, and with Bruno Guimaraes injured for the entire fixture, the challenge becomes significantly harder.

The victory virtually secures Everton's Premier League survival, as they now sit eighth in the table with 40 points, eight points shy of the European qualification spots.

J. Branthwaite

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