‘Killing the game’ - Sean Dyche sends message to Newcastle United ahead of Everton clash

Toffees fans could be forgiven for fearing the worst in the dying embers of their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Previous weeks have seen Everton blunder a two-goal lead - twice - before losing the game.

A nervy Goodison Park watched on as the Blues edged out Palace to secure all three points. Newcastle travel to Merseyside next weekend looking for vengeance following the dismal 3-0 drubbing last season.

Late hiccups from Kieran Trippier cost the Magpies a year ago but they still go into the game as favourites. Eddie Howe, a boyhood Toffee, did mastermind a thrilling 4-1 win at Everton in April 2023.

Visit our newsletter page here and sign up for NewcastleWorld’s free emails

Dyche - who succeeded Howe at former club Burnley - is hoping his team can continue to adopt the “professional things” when the Toffees face Newcastle on Saturday. He said post-match: “I think it’s good that the players have earned the right (to celebrate) because of previous results and the question marks about seeing the game through.

“I thought we handled the second half very well. Two great moments from and, after that, I felt we managed the game well, which had come into question this season. We debrief games and you learn, showing them ways of killing the game off, professional things. I appreciate the fans want glorious football constantly but it’s hard to deliver that. 

“Do the professional things, turn the game around and defend resolutely. Do the absolute basics: head it, clear it, kick it. We kept them to a minimum in terms of clear-cut chances.”