Pickford outstanding, 5/10 dud dreadful – Everton player ratings v Newcastle
Everton ended their Premier League campaign on a high as they defeated Newcastle United 1-0 at St James’ Park courtesy of Carlos Alcaraz.
The Toffees did not have anything to play for in terms of positions, with the North West club marooned in 13th position.
As for the Magpies, they knew a win would ultimately secure Champions League football for the following season.
Eddie Howe’s side piled on the pressure in the first half, but Everton came closest through a rifling Alcaraz header.
Lifelong Sunderland supporter Jordan Pickford was kept busy and made some smart saves, while James Garner came close with another header.
However, it was Alcaraz who eventually found the net with a thunderous header into the bottom corner, with Nick Pope motionless.
Here is how Goodison News rated the performance of each Blues star.
Pickford shines for Everton against arch nemesis
Jordan Pickford – 9
Ashley Young – 8
Jake O’Brien – 7
Michael Keane – 7
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 7
James Garner – 7
Idrissa Gueye – 6
Iliman Ndiaye – 8 (for Dwight McNeil 76′)
Jack Harrison – 5
Carlos Alcaraz- 9 (for Abdoulaye Doucoure 76′)
Beto – 7 (for Dominic Calvert-Lewin 88′)
Subsitututions
Dwight McNeil – 6 (for Ndiaye 76′)
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6 (for Alcaraz 76′)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 5 (for Beto 88′)
Alcaraz looks a smart signing for the Toffees
Alcaraz has not been with Everton long, but he is already looking like an astute signing by the Toffees.
The Spaniard had previous experience in the Premier League with Southampton, where he showed promise before leaving for Flamengo.
After joining the Goodison Park club on loan, the move from the Brazilian outfit will become permanent this summer.
At 22, Alcaraz is a player with huge potential, and he can march the Toffees forward at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
| Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 16 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Touches | 26.8 |
| Accurate passes | 14.1 (82%) |
| Big chances created | 6 |
Credit must go to Moyes and Everton for securing such a transfer as they prepare for a new chapter in the North West club’s history.
Alcaraz will be the first of several new signings in what will be a summer of change for the Toffees.