‘Like a downward spiral’: Jaissle is critical of his own team’s performance and the referee

Newcastle have also lost the ‘second leg’ of their recent League Cup tie against Everton FC, marking their second defeat to the Toffees in the space of five days. After the match, manager Matthias Jaissle was critical of the goal conceded – but above all of his own side’s performance.

It was only last Thursday that Newcastle United suffered a defeat against Everton FC and were ultimately knocked out of the League Cup. Just five days later, the Magpies suffered another defeat against the Toffees in the Premier League.

Everton won what was, on the whole, a low-quality match in which the visitors were just that little bit better at St James’ Park. Former German Under-21 international Röhl was one of the standout performers; the Berlin-born player aimed just centimetres too high with a good shooting opportunity (21st minute). He later watched as his team-mate Barry scored the goal of the day with a tap-in following a shot by George (49th minute).

“Our style of play was nowhere to be seen”

With “just” eleven points from nine matches, Newcastle sit 13th in the table; the current run of form – with only two wins from their last seven competitive matches – clearly speaks against the Magpies.

“ “You couldn’t recognise our style of play in today’s performance, and that mustn’t happen,” said manager Matthias Jaissle, finding harsh words for his side’s display in an interview with the BBC – a performance for which he himself had no answers. “It’s not easy to explain, as things looked so good in training during the week. The lads seemed committed and the confidence was there.” However, according to the 38-year-old, that was completely absent from the start against Everton. It wasn’t until the final half-hour that his team managed their first noteworthy shots on goal.

Criticism of Jaissle is also growing within the Newcastle camp; the crowd already seemed impatient during the match, and after the final whistle, there were even numerous boos from the supporters. “After a performance like that, I can understand it,” Jaissle told Sky Sports. “That’s the reality – and I take responsibility for it. We need to work on the things we need to improve.” After the Everton match, he said, there was “quite a lot” to work on.

“Definitely a foul” before Everton’s goal

However, Jaissle was not only frustrated by his own team’s unsatisfactory performance; he also took issue with the goal conceded and the referee’s (John Brooks) decision. In the build-up to the goal, Everton’s goalscorer Barry had struck United defender Schär – who was subsequently left lying on the ground with a slightly bleeding wound – in the face with his arm, thereby taking him out of the play. However, even the VAR had no objection to the goal.

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“In my opinion, that’s clearly a foul and therefore a disallowed goal,” said Jaissle. “I’m not happy with the referee’s decision.” The fact that the goal stood, however, is symbolic of the current situation, which feels “almost like a downward spiral”.

Newcastle are hoping to put an end to this run this coming Saturday (4 pm) away at Fulham. Ramsey, who came on as a substitute against Everton, will be missing from the line-up after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession and being sent off (90+8).