Everton breeze past lacklustre Newcastle in Murrayfield friendly
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- Everton eased past Newcastle 3-1 in a pre-season friendly at Murrayfield on Wednesday 12 August 2026, with Barry (27th), Ndiaye (36th pen) and George (73rd) all finding the net.
- Harvey Barnes netted a late consolation in the 85th minute, but Newcastle had already made 10 changes at half-time as Jaissle used the fixture to assess his squad.
- Matthias Jaissle, in only his second friendly as Newcastle boss, watched his side overrun by a 'ruthless and unforgiving' Premier League opponent, according to the match report.
- David Moyes' Everton produced a 'disciplined, organised and efficient' display, with new signings Barry, Hayden Hackney and George all impressing ahead of their Premier League opener at Crystal Palace on 22 August.
- Sky Sports News' Keith Downie warned from Murrayfield that Newcastle 'desperately need some experience,' having lost Trippier, Tonali, Guimaraes and Gordon to youthful replacements, with only Hornícek and Touré looking ready among new arrivals.
- Newcastle now have 11 days to shape up before hosting Liverpool at St James' Park on the opening Premier League weekend, live on Sky Sports.
Why it matters: With 11 days until Newcastle host Liverpool on opening weekend — live on Sky Sports — Jaissle faces the toughest possible Premier League opener short on experience after losing Trippier, Tonali, Guimaraes and Gordon. Moyes, by contrast, heads to Crystal Palace on 22 August with a settled, organised squad and three new signings already looking sharp.
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