Hayden Hackney's surprise responsibility, 'soft' penalty claim: Three things missed in Everton vs Newcastle

Everton beat Newcastle United 3-1 with another fine pre-season performance this Wednesday.

The Toffees tasted victory at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in another pre-season run-out that will have done David Moyes' players the world of good.

It was a back-and-forth contest in the opening half an hour of the game, with both sides going close, but Thierno Barry put the Blues ahead with a precise left-footed finish.

Iliman Ndiaye should have given Everton a two-goal lead from open play but was denied by Lukas Hornicek, though the Senegal international converted a penalty moments later after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall took a tumble.

Tyrique George scored Everton's final goal of the contest before Jacob Murphy tapped-in a consolation for Newcastle.

However, Evertonians may have missed a couple of key moments from the match.

Hayden Hackney may have surprise responsibility after Newcastle match

Hayden Hackney has been one of the names of the summer for Everton, signing from Middlesbrough in a deal worth up to £24million.

There are big hopes for the 2025-26 Championship Player of the Season, who has already shown glimpses of his ability in royal blue.

However, Moyes could have the midfielder playing with more defensive responsibility than expected.

Hackney was spotted dropping as far back as between James Tarkowski and Michael Keane on occasions, and was not driving forward with the ball as much as he was for Middlesbrough.

Harrison Armstrong appeared more advanced at times than the 24-year-old, with the former registering an assist for Barry's goal, and another later on for George's finish.

Perhaps this could change once James Garner plays next to him, but Hackney may not play as attack-minded as Toffees fans thought he would.

Iliman Ndiaye's penalty came with its drama

Ndiaye gave Everton a two-goal lead before the break, sending Hornicek the wrong way with his spot-kick.

However, the foul given against Joelinton on Dewsbury-Hall was not agreed upon by some viewers.

While speaking at halftime on Premier Sports, Kevin Nolan gave his thoughts on the decision.

Nolan said: "I thought it was soft; you'd be disappointed if you were on the other team."

He went on to explain how Ndiaye redeemed himself for missing an easy chance moments before.

Premier Sports co-commentator Neil Lennon also described the penalty as "soft", but Everton won't care.

What Everton fans had to say about Jordan Pickford from stands

Mark Travers got another chance in goal for Everton, with Jordan Pickford yet to return to train with the squad after his World Cup campaign with England.

However, he's clearly in the thoughts of Toffees fans, as Patrick Boyland shared on X that supporters sang the 32-year-old's usual chant at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.

While commentating on the match, Lennon explained that Pickford is set to rejoin the squad later in the week.

Travers is still likely to leave Everton this summer.