OPINION
Newcastle United earned a point from their trip to Goodison Park on Wednesday after they drew 1-1 with Everton.
Salomon Rondon put the Magpies ahead in the 19th minute but his side couldn’t hold on to the lead and the Toffees got a goal back before the half-time break through Richarlison.
Both sides then proceeded to have opportunities in the second half to snatch all three points but neither were able to and both teams ended up having to settle for a point a piece.
Nothing But Newcastle has rounded up three things learned about Newcastle after their draw to Everton.
Murphy seizes opportunity
Jacob Murphy certainly made a positive impression on manager Rafa Benitez with his display against the Toffees, even if he was subbed in the 63rd minute of the match. The 23-year-old winger played a major part in Rondon opening the scoring as he carved out the opportunity for the Venezuelan forward. Murphy charged down the wing and put in an accurate cross which his teammate had no problem firing his home. Murphy continued to show glimpses of his talent in the first-half and seized his opportunity to make a case for why he should at least make the bench for matchday squads. This season Benitez has at times left Murphy out of his squad completely but against the Toffees, he certainly showcased his worth.
Dubravka is priceless
Martin Dubravka may one day go down as one of the smartest signings the Magpies have ever made, that’s how good he is. The goalkeeper rocked up at St James Park last January and has continued to put in excellent display after excellent display. Against the Toffees Dubravka was once again at his best and proved that he is absolutely priceless due to his ability to make sensational stops that basically see his side able to pick up points. It’s unthinkable that the 29-year-old could one day soon leave the club, as he is arguably the Magpies’ best player as it stands as he is not only excellent, he is consistent.
Yedlin was exposed
DeAndre Yedlin had a fantastic game against Burnley and then has had two stinkers in a row since. The 25-year-old struggled against West Ham at the weekend and was exposed during the clash with Everton on Wednesday evening. Yedlin clearly is able to be a threat when going forward due to his blistering pace but when asked to defend, it seems Premier League attackers are able to get the better of him. The Toffees were constantly exploiting Yedlin’s side of defence in order to create great opportunities for themselves and it is a cause for concern. It is especially worrying when you consider Yedlin is the Magpies’ best right-back as that’s more a damning assessment of Benitez’s other options than praise for the American. Following his troubles at Goodison Park, it’s clear the club need to upgrade their options at right-back in the January window, as the Magpies can do better than Yedlin.
