'We were sleeping' - Matthias Jaissle delivers scathing Newcastle United verdict moments after Everton defeat
Newcastle United 0-1 Everton: Thierno Barry scored the only goal of the game as Matthias Jaissle’s side fell to another defeat against the Toffees.
Thierno Barry’s strike early in the second half was enough to secure a 1-0 win for Everton against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The Toffees made it two wins against United in quick succession following their 3-1 Carabao Cup triumph at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last week.
After a goalless first half, a free-kick routine saw Lukas Hornicek spill Tyrique George’s shot only for Barry to tap the ball into an empty net to ultimately secure three points for Everton. The goal was subject to a VAR check for offside before being given.
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But Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle felt it should have been ruled out for a foul on Fabian Schar in the build-up. The Swiss centre-back appeared to be hit by Barry moments before the Everton forward found the net.
Schar went down holding his head before the ball hit the net and had to leave the pitch to receive treatment in the aftermath.
Reflecting on the goal, Jaissle told the Gazette: “From my perspective in the game, I think we did an unforced error in the build-up, which led them to a free kick. Then we were, to be honest, we were just sleeping.
“It's too easy that they make a quick free kick and we are surprised. Also, part of the truth is that in my eyes it was a foul, at least if he's bleeding, then assume that there is something. And of course, on a good day Lukas will save it.”
Jaissle then took aim at his players for failing to follow the game plan he had prepared for his side.
“Big frustration, big disappointment because we couldn't transfer what we saw during the week,” Jaissle said. “The team was really training on a high level in the approach how we actually wanted to play.
“Since the referee started the game, not much was seen. That's difficult to understand, first of all. And then, of course, the fans, they're frustrated like we are.
“We need to, of course, analyse that now in detail. It's also clear that I have the responsibility, and I also take that as a manager of this club.
“We need to do things better, like I just mentioned. There were many, many things only in possession, which was not on the level we expected to see, also out of possession. We wanted to press them high, we wanted to stress them as soon as possible, and then also make a clear distinction.
“If that was overplayed from the opposition team, that we defended a contact block, but nothing in between. So, again, it was not much seen today on the pitch.”
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Fulham on Saturday before the November international break. After the break, they then host Premier League champions Arsenal at St James’ Park.
Jaissle’s side dropped to 13th in the table following Monday’s defeat, four points above the relegation zone with nine games played.