Everton manager David Moyes delivered a blunt assessment of his side’s 4–1 home defeat to Newcastle United, admitting the visitors were “much better than us” and highlighting the influence of Champions League experience on Eddie Howe’s rejuvenated team. The result marked Everton’s heaviest loss since moving into the Hill Dickinson Stadium — and the scoreline could easily have been worse.
Newcastle were ruthless from the opening whistle, leading within 60 seconds through Malick Thiaw’s first header of the night. Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade struck on the counter before Thiaw added his second. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall curled in a superb consolation goal, but Moyes conceded the defeat was entirely deserved.
A glance at the match statistics only reinforced his verdict: Newcastle won the big-chances battle 5–1, finished with higher xG (1.92 to Everton’s 1.00), and allowed Everton just three shots on target despite the hosts having more of the ball.
Moyes: “They were much better than us”
“They were much better than us. They played better and were much more physical, much more experienced than we are. You can see that Newcastle are learning from their Champions League games.” — David Moyes
Moyes emphasised Newcastle’s ability to defend in blocks and then break at frightening speed — a combination Everton repeatedly failed to cope with.
He added:
“When they have to defend they are hard to play against, and they are really quick on the counter attack. We were beaten by the better team, there’s no doubt about that.”
Everton undone by set pieces and counter-attacks
Moyes accepted that conceding from a corner “can happen”, but was deeply frustrated with the goals that followed — both scored in transition.
Despite Everton enjoying 49% possession and long spells of territorial control, Newcastle repeatedly cut them open after turnovers.
“The second and third goals were really poor for us to give away. We could have dealt with them a lot better… Every time we risked the ball or gave it away, they were quick to get on us.” — David Moyes
Having followed Everton closely this season, this weakness is becoming a pattern. Their high-possession phases leave them exposed against fast, direct sides — and Newcastle, sharpened by European football, exploited it perfectly.
Everton vs Newcastle United stats 2025
| Stat (Everton vs Newcastle) | Match Data |
|---|---|
| Ball Possession | Everton 49% – 51% Newcastle |
| Expected Goals (xG) | Everton 1.00 – 1.92 Newcastle |
| Big Chances | Everton 1 – 5 Newcastle |
| Total Shots | Everton 10 – 13 Newcastle |
| Goalkeeper Saves | Everton 3 – 1 Newcastle |
| Corners | Everton 8 – 7 Newcastle |
| Goalscorers | Everton: Dewsbury-Hall (69’) Newcastle: Thiaw (1’, 58’), Miley (25’), Woltemade (45’) |
source: Sofascore match data – 1 December 2025
Why Newcastle looked a level above
In our view, Moyes’ Champions League point is spot on. Because Newcastle have spent the last two seasons learning to manage elite opponents, their compactness and transition efficiency have improved dramatically. Although some critics argue Howe’s team have lacked consistency domestically, other indications — like this display — show their European lessons are now bleeding into league performances.
It’s worth questioning whether Everton’s midfield structure can be sustained against top sides. They circulate the ball well, but their rest-defence — the players covering behind possession — is too easily exposed. Against a Newcastle team that breaks with precision, those gaps become fatal.
Why this defeat matters for Moyes
Beyond the scoreline, this match is a warning signal. Everton’s progress at their new stadium has depended on defensive discipline and narrow margins. But if they cannot manage transitions, even mid-table stability becomes fragile. Newcastle provided a blueprint other teams will copy: sit, absorb, and strike quickly into the space behind Everton’s advancing midfield.
Key Insights
- Moyes said Newcastle were “much better” and far more experienced.
- He believes their Champions League education is showing in domestic games.
- Everton’s biggest weakness was defending transitions and counters.
- Newcastle created five big chances to Everton’s one.
- Moyes still saw positives in possession but called two goals “really poor” concessions.
What’s Next
Everton must regroup quickly before facing a run of fixtures that will test whether this thrashing was a one-off or part of a larger trend. Newcastle, meanwhile, look increasingly confident — and increasingly European — in their approach.
👉 Everton fans — was Moyes right about the Champions League gap, or were the goals simply unforgivable errors?
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