Eddie Howe warns Newcastle United of what he’s noticed Everton doing so well, ‘the challenge is a big one’

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Everton players are now just hours away from jetting off for their summer holidays after a long 2024/25 campaign.

A turbulent start to the season saw the new Everton owners make some major changes earlier this year.

David Moyes had one job and that was to keep the Toffees in the Premier League for next season.

It would be fair to say the Scot has done more than that by taking Everton to a 13^th-place finish following a stunning turnaround in form.

Money is going to be there to be spent for Everton in the summer transfer window, with some clear areas for improvement.

The Friedkins want to make a statement signing with Richarlison being tipped as a potential addition despite his recent Europa League success.

Although there is going to be a lot of change on Merseyside this summer, Eddie Howe has shared what has really impressed him about Moyes and his side this season.

• READ MORE: Encouraging Everton transfer boost as the Friedkins handed £70m optimism after development

Eddie Howe impressed by one thing Everton do

Everton have proven a lot of pundits wrong since Moyes was handed the reins back on Merseyside in January.

The Toffees have shown a considerable turnaround under their 62-year-old manager.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Howe admitted he’s been so impressed with how difficult it has proven to beat Everton since January.

“I don’t think we can ask for any more at this moment. Then, of course, you have to do the difficult part and take the opportunity. It’s by no means a given,” he said.

“Everton are in good form, they are difficult to beat. They have not conceded a lot of goals so we know the challenge is a big one.

Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of Sunday's season finale with Everton 🎙️

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“They’ve got threats in their team as well so we’re going to need to be focused and concentrate on what we need to do to win the game. Hopefully, then, the crowd can carry us through.”

Arne Slot praised Everton earlier in the season after the 2-2 draw in the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.

Everton have caused some real upsets this season under Moyes having beaten the likes of Nottingham Forest away from home.

Despite having nothing on the line, the pressure being taken off could well play into the hands of the visitors.

• READ MORE: Everton ready to battle Liverpool for ‘one of the best strikers’ in real show of ambition from the Friedkins

Eddie Howe shares Alexander Isak injury update ahead of Everton

Paul Merson thinks Everton could upset Newcastle’s Champions League hopes this weekend as the Toon require a win to guarantee their spot.

One major question mark remains over the fitness of Alexander Isak who has proven such a tricky customer for teams across the Premier League.

“We will leave it until tomorrow, but this week he has been training just individually and building up his load,” Howe said.

“He has been running and feels OK at the moment, but running is one thing and kicking a ball is another.”

Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury last weekend is not what Everton will have wanted going into the final game of the season.

But they may not be the only side to suffer a major injury loss ahead of the game.