LONDON • Steve McClaren branded Newcastle United's performance at Goodison Park "unacceptable" as the biggest spenders in the January transfer window remained embedded in the relegation zone following a 3-0 defeat by Everton on Wednesday.
Aaron Lennon's first-half strike and two late penalties from Ross Barkley, who sealed his 100th league appearance for his boyhood club with a "Panenka" past goalkeeper Rob Elliot, gave Roberto Martinez's team their first home win since November.
Newcastle stay third from bottom of the Premier League.
Magpies' manager McClaren started with two £12 million (S$24.5 million) signings in Andros Townsend and Jonjo Shelvey, and fellow January recruit Henri Saivet, who cost £5 million.
But he was left demanding a reaction against West Bromwich Albion at St James' Park tomorrow following a spiritless display.
"You can't waste a game now and that's what we've done," said the former England manager.
"We felt we could come here and get a result but we had to perform at our level and there were a lot of players below that level and that is why we lost.
"Some of them know they have fallen short. That is not what we have come to expect and you can't afford to do that with games ebbing away."
Newcastle will be without the suspended Jamaal Lascelles against West Brom, after the defender was dismissed for denying Barkley a clear scoring opportunity in stoppage time. McClaren also lost defenders Chancel Mbemba and Paul Dummett to injury.
For Martinez, there was the rare sight of Everton turning superiority into three points on home soil with his team winning in the league at Goodison for only the fourth time this season.
The Everton manager, celebrating his 100th league game in charge, said Barkley's impressive contribution was evidence the England international is maturing into a leader for the team.
"(To have played) 100 games in the Premier League at 22 is remarkable," he said.
"He is ready to lead the team, his decision-making has gone to a different level and he represents Everton in incredible style."
Barkley took the two late penalties because the regular taker, Romelu Lukaku, had been withdrawn at half-time with a back injury that is likely to keep the striker out of tomorrow's trip to Stoke City.
THE GUARDIAN
