Newcastle United’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Everton on Saturday has drawn widespread attention, and the comments from so-called “neutrals” on BBC Sport offer a fascinating insight into how the club is now viewed outside its own fanbase.
Traditionally, Newcastle supporters have been used to hostile commentary, with neutral sections often turning into platforms for criticism aimed at the fans or the club’s ownership.
For years, the coverage has reflected a sense of prejudice, with the Magpies’ recent success often overshadowed by media narratives surrounding who owns the club and what the fans represent.
This time, however, the tone of the neutral comments was strikingly different. Instead of the usual torrent of negativity, readers’ posts focused largely on the performance on the pitch.
A mix of Everton fans, Sunderland supporters, and a handful of Newcastle followers chimed in, and while some cheeky rivalry banter surfaced, the overall mood was one of grudging respect for Newcastle’s dominance.
Some of the early comments reflected disbelief at the scale of the result. One user wrote that Newcastle were “probably still thinking they are a big club” and suggested that Everton would have won if the first-half score had gone differently.
Others were quick to challenge the hypotheticals. Responses included pointed observations like, “It wasn’t one nil at half time though, so your comment is completely irrelevant,” and humorous retorts such as, “And if my Aunt had balls she would have been my Uncle lol. Loser!”
A number of Everton fans were particularly harsh on their own side, noting that their team showed little ambition or awareness throughout the match. One commenter vented their frustration: “An absolutely shocking performance.
Tim Irogebunham made my blood boil with that display. Zero intent, zero awareness, zero desire. Should have been taken off after 30 minutes. Dibling should have been given a chance in the second half. Game was already dead and buried. Credit to Newcastle for showing us how to finish chances.”
Even Sunderland supporters, who are usually more vocal about their rivalry with Newcastle, praised the Magpies’ display. “As a Sunderland fan it’s hard to say this, but well done Newcastle. You were brilliant tonight, and Everton were as pathetic as they were brilliant on Monday.
Just don’t play this well on December 14,” one wrote. Others highlighted the significance of having two strong North East clubs competing in the Premier League, showing a growing respect for Newcastle’s consistency and squad depth.
Many comments were lighthearted, reflecting on the upcoming local derby and the intensity of December’s fixtures. Observers noted Newcastle’s demanding schedule, including eight matches in the month and a crucial Boxing Day game.
Fans from both sides speculated about the toll of so many games, but the excitement for the Newcastle-Sunderland clash was palpable, with predictions of goals and thrilling encounters.
The celebrations inside the Newcastle dressing room also captured readers’ attention. Observers pointed to key moments, such as the pivotal errors that allowed goals to be scored and standout performances by players like Livramento.
Everton’s struggles were repeatedly highlighted, with several comments mocking the early departure of their fans from Goodison Park. “Seeing Everton fans leaving by 58 minutes and blue seats everywhere by 75 was embarrassing. Everton fans and club have a losers’ mentality,” one wrote, echoing the frustration many neutral observers felt.
Statistical details from the match reinforced the narrative of Newcastle’s dominance. The Magpies registered 51 percent possession, 13 total shots with eight on target, and seven corners, compared to Everton’s 49 percent possession, ten shots with just two on target, and eight corners.
The ability to convert chances and maintain composure underlined Newcastle’s superiority. Goals were scored by Thiaw at 1 and 58 minutes, Miley at 25, and Woltemade at 45, while Dewsbury-Hall scored Everton’s only goal at 69 minutes.
The Newcastle lineup featured Ramsdale, Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall (Schar 90), Joelinton, Bruno (Tonali 90), Miley, Barnes (Ramsey 71), Elanga (Willock 71), and Woltemade (Gordon 90). Unused substitutes included Ruddy, Jacob Murphy, Alex Murphy, and Neave.
Howe’s rotation and tactical decisions were praised by neutral observers, who noted that the team’s fitness, pace, and ability to take chances had clearly paid off.
Overall, the BBC Sport comments revealed a significant shift in perception. Newcastle United’s performance earned recognition from a variety of neutral voices, demonstrating that results on the pitch can overcome longstanding bias and that the Magpies are increasingly respected for their quality, discipline, and resilience.
The 4-1 victory over Everton was not just a statement of intent but also a clear signal to the rest of the league that Newcastle United are a force to be reckoned with.
