‘Places like that’ - Sean Dyche explains how Everton can shock Newcastle United

Sean Dyche believes Everton should use their win over Newcastle United in December as inspiration at St James’ Park tonight.

The Magpies succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at Goodison Park earlier this season - a result that triggered a run of six defeats from seven games. A late collapse saw Everton bag a flurry of goals - with Kieran Trippier at fault - and Newcastle given a humbling on Merseyside.

Eddie Howe’s men went into that clash in fifth spot but hit a slump over the festive period. As for the Toffees, they are currently the Premier League’s out-of-form side, failing to win in their last 12 matches.

Beto bagged an 87th-minute equaliser against Bournemouth on Saturday - only for a Seamus Coleman own goal to restore the Cherries’ advantage in stoppage time. Everton now sit three points above the relegation zone and could face another deduction for alleged FFP/PSR breaches this week.

Ahead of the clash, Blues manager Dyche urged his players to take solace from December’s demolition job. He said: “They’ve (Newcastle) had a great result and they’re a good outfit. We know that. We did a really good job tactically and with the delivery of the performance against them earlier in the season.

“We can’t rely on that (December’s win), but it’s a good marker that it’s achievable to take these games on. We need to play well because there are no gimmes in the Premier League, and there are certainly not when you go to places like that.

"A lot of respect goes out to Eddie and what he’s done there, and his staff. I know a couple of players there. Good people, obviously. It’s no easy task. We’ve got a pretty experienced group. A few are learning as they go, but we expect to go there and deliver a performance. 

“We’ve had a knock ourselves and now it’s about correcting that.We have to make sure the details are correct because we haven’t been doing that, and that’s quite obvious in both boxes. That’s what has to certainly be intact when you go to places like St. James’.”