If it hadn't already, this season has now slipped into pretty terrifying territory for Everton.
This was something of a wake-up call for Frank Lampard after his arrival at Goodison Park - one that he didn't need, but one that he was probably expecting all the same.
Because, the real fact of the matter is, this was a defeat of the Blues' own making.
It was their mistakes that cost them dearly throughout this match. They lost their heads at key moments and couldn't regain that composure in time to salvage anything.
Mis-kicks were prevalent from the visitors, while sloppy passes and taking too much time in possession were qualities held by the majority of players on the pitch in royal blue.
The second half in particular showed this off in stark fashion. A frantic first period at least yielded some opportunities for the Blues, with Anthony Gordon looking expectedly vibrant in a free role in the final third.
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But it all changed seemingly after Everton took the lead, with the visitors conceding a completely avoidable goal just a minute later after leaving Jamaal Lascelles completely free on a corner kick.
Either side of the break the gameplan of the visitors went flying out the window. Newcastle had their tails up, the raucous crowd was behind them, and there was realistically only one way the match was going to go.
When it came down to the crunch the hosts had more fight, more composure and seemingly more ability to go on and secure a three points which will give them ultimate confidence heading into the final matches of the season.
These are all things that are, unfortunately, not exclusive to this match for Everton. The Newcastle players knew it, too.
In his programme notes, captain Lascelles said: "I don’t think the occasion is any different because of Everton changing managers - we’re still approaching it the same way; we know it’s going to be a difficult game but, at the same time, Everton are where they are in the table for a reason.
"If we beat them, things are going to look a lot better."
The Blues couldn't really have a leg to stand on in terms of arguing with that. Their form is the worst in the division, the mistakes they are making keep cropping up, and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting further away as each match goes past.
Lampard's honeymoon period was about as short as it possibly could have been, but it must be stressed that really isn't his fault.
These mistakes can't be ironed out in such a brief period of time. Everton's system still doesn't look right, injuries keep disrupting their flow and there are far too many individuals in the squad who can't seem to string two good performances together.
But the sad reality is that the Blues are in a truly terrifying position as things. Quietly dropping like a boulder towards the relegation zone while others below begin to clamber out.
This might not have been a must-win game, but it was certainly a must-not-lose affair.
Everton lost. And it was all their own fault.
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