The cloud that Anthony Gordon left Goodison Park under has not lifted. A prominent role for the Newcastle forward was inevitable on his return to Everton but being denied from the penalty spot and missing several chances to silence the jeers was not how he envisaged the script. A highly entertaining goalless draw could not distract from his torment.
Jordan Pickford won the battle of wits with his England colleague to save Gordon’s spot-kick as Eddie Howe’s team struggled to build on their encouraging display against Manchester City. Newcastle produced their best defensive display of the season, according to Howe, and controlled much of the contest. But wastefulness in front of goal cost the visitors, who escaped a strong Everton claim for a penalty of their own when Dan Burn brought Dominic Calvert-Lewin crashing down when he appeared certain to score. VAR found the Everton striker guilty of initiating contact.
