Newcastle struggle for answers as Carragher warns of tough season after another Everton defeat

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Newcastle’s defeat by Everton prompted a warning from Jamie Carragher that Matthias Jaissle’s side face a difficult season, as the head coach admitted his players had failed to carry their preparations into Monday’s match.

Thierno Barry’s winner condemned Newcastle to a fourth defeat in five games in all competitions. Supporters booed at half-time and full-time as Everton followed Thursday’s Carabao Cup victory with another win over the same opponents.

Newcastle are 13th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation places, before Saturday’s trip to Fulham.

Carragher questions Newcastle performances

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football coverage, Carragher questioned the lack of intensity in Newcastle’s display.

“But I fear a little bit for Newcastle, it could be a long, tough season,” he said.

The former Liverpool defender felt Jaissle’s side were failing to show the aggressive, attacking approach he had expected. He contrasted their recent performances with the encouraging early-season win at Tottenham.

Jaissle says long-ball approach was not the plan

Jaissle’s own assessment centred on the gap between training and matchday. In his post-match press conference, reported by Reuters, he said Newcastle had intended to press Everton high and create overloads in possession.

Instead, they repeatedly played long, an approach he said had not been part of the plan.

Newcastle have won only one of their five home league matches this season and have 11 points from nine games.

Burn points to problems at both ends

Defender Dan Burn said Newcastle were falling short in the decisive areas of the pitch, despite passages of reasonable play between the penalty boxes.

Speaking to Sky Sports, in comments carried by BBC Sport via AOL, Burn acknowledged the supporters’ frustration but said the nervous atmosphere made rebuilding confidence more difficult.

Jaissle also accepted responsibility for the performance and said he understood the reaction from the stands.

Newcastle have now conceded in 14 consecutive home league matches, the longest such sequence in the club’s league history.

Fulham next after two defeats by Everton

Barry scored the only goal four minutes into the second half after Newcastle goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček failed to hold Tyrique George’s shot.

Anthony Elanga later struck the post, while substitute Jacob Ramsey was sent off in stoppage time. Our Newcastle vs Everton match report covers the key incidents.

Saturday’s visit to Fulham gives Jaissle one more opportunity to improve results before the international break. After another frustrating home display, his immediate task is to get Newcastle playing with the conviction he says they have shown in training.

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