Everton win at St James' Park as Hornicek error gifts Thierno Barry goal - player ratings
Everton beat Newcastle United at St James' Park in a Premier League match on 2 November 2026, with Thierno Barry scoring after a goalkeeping error by Lukas Hornicek; 10-man Newcastle slipped to a fourth defeat in six top-flight games. BBC Sport has published player ratings for both sides following the game, including assessments of the key moments that decided the contest.
Everton recorded their first Premier League away win since February and registered a clean sheet as they climbed the table, while Newcastle failed to recover after the error that led to the only goal. Jacob Ramsey was sent off after being introduced as a substitute, and BBC Sport invited user ratings which are now averaged and displayed alongside the editorial assessments. The report names individual contributors across both squads, noting substitutions, unused bench players and brief match-impact comments.
Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek was judged harshly after what the report described as a "Horrible mistake to allow Tyrique George's routine attempt to squirm under his body and present Thierno Barry with the goal," earning a 4. Amar Dedic received a 4 with a passing accuracy of 59.1% in the opening 70 minutes, while Fabian Schar was given a 5 after getting forward and having three attempts. Dan Burn was rated 6 after being booked for a foul on Barry at the edge of the box, and Lewis Hall earned a 7 for a tidy performance attributed to the England player.
Nico Gonzalez was rated 5 and was substituted as Newcastle continued to struggle; Joelinton received a 6 after producing a clever shot on the turn that looked destined for the net before James Tarkowski intervened and another effort from distance went close. Anthony Elanga was given a 5 after nearly equalising when he kneed the ball onto the post, Joe Willock was rated 5 before being replaced, and Harvey Barnes earned a 6 after a lively start and an attempt that would have been a milestone goal. William Osula, who had been doubtful following an ankle twist last week, started but managed only seven touches in the first half and was rated 5; Yoane Wissa, Sean Steur and Jacob Murphy were rated 4, 4 and 3 respectively, while Jacob Ramsey, brought on in the hope of rescuing the game, was sent off and rated 3.
Everton's Jordan Pickford was graded 7 and noted for enduring criticism from the home fans yet emerging with the victory; Jake O'Brien also received a 7 for helping his side to a third straight Premier League win at St James' Park. James Tarkowski was given a 7 for a commanding captain's display as Everton secured their first away league win since February, and Jarrad Branthwaite returned to the side with a 7 after missing the previous two matches because of concussion protocols. Vitalii Mykolenko was rated 7 and described as neat and tidy, with the team moving up the table from 14th to 7th.
Merlin Rohl was assessed at 7 for providing energy and getting into dangerous positions, while Harrison Armstrong, rated 7, covered his face with his shirt after missing a great chance on the stroke of half-time. James Garner was awarded an 8 for "a gritty performance, the type which David Moyes loves," and Tyrique George received a 7 for his heavy involvement in the goal that led to the breakthrough. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was rated 7 after having an effort tipped over the bar, Thierno Barry earned a 7 with the scorer noted as "cannot stop scoring" despite the strike coming from an opponent's error, Brennan Johnson (on 80) was rated 5, and Michael Keane (on 82) was given a 5; Everton's unused substitutes were listed as Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Mark Travers, Tyler Dibling, Christian Norgaard, Charly Alcaraz, Hayden Hackney and Braiden Graham.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users. Play BBC Sport's Match of the Day Predictor game and follow your club with BBC Sport for further coverage and updates.
