Everton secures victory over Newcastle, escapes relegation zone
Everton scored three times in the final 11 minutes of an intense battle to defeat Newcastle and climb above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
The Toffees found themselves in the relegation zone due to a 10-point deduction for violating the Premier League’s financial rules. However, they moved back to safety with late goals from Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and summer signing Beto.
Exploiting mistakes from Kieran Trippier, McNeil capitalized on a poor touch to drive forward and score with a deflected effort. Doucoure calmly slotted home seven minutes later, taking advantage of another error from Trippier.
Beto secured the points during 10 minutes of stoppage time, sliding home his first league goal, prompting wild celebrations from the home supporters.
Before the late surge, Everton appeared to be having a challenging night in front of goal, missing several opportunities in the opening period.
Despite the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he couldn’t convert the best chance, volleying over from four yards out after controlling Jarrad Branthwaite’s flick-on with his chest.
Newcastle created opportunities in the first half as well, but Jordan Pickford thwarted Kieran Trippier’s free-kick and Miguel Almiron’s scuffed attempt after a darting run.
In the second half, Anthony Gordon, who faced continuous jeers from the home supporters following his January transfer to Newcastle, had a chance to quiet the Goodison crowd. He intercepted James Tarkowski’s loose touch on the edge of the area but could only direct a low shot straight at Pickford.
The trio of late goals enabled Everton to climb out of the relegation zone, surpassing Luton and securing the 17th position. Meanwhile, Newcastle maintains their seventh-place standing, trailing behind Manchester United.
Everton turn the tide on home form
This result would have propelled Everton into 10th place if not for the Premier League sanctions, shifting fans’ focus from relegation concerns to aspirations of European qualification.
Before the Magpies arrived on Merseyside, Everton’s performance at Goodison Park this season had been dismal. Sean Dyche’s men had secured just one victory in their seven previous home games.
However, they rectified that record in an emphatic manner with this decisive victory.
Calvert-Lewin displayed some wastefulness in front of goal during the first half, with a saved header and low shot by Martin Dubravka, followed by a missed glorious chance that was sent high into the Park End.
However, the hosts persevered in a start-and-stop contest, managing to score three late goals and secure their fourth win in the last six games.
McNeil’s powerful strike and Doucoure’s composed finish brought much-needed joy to the home fans, creating a lively atmosphere before Beto’s poised finish added a touch of excellence to their well-deserved victory.
There is a cause for concern regarding Seamus Coleman, as the Everton captain limped off during the second half, marking his first start since May.
Newcastle’s away despair continues
Newcastle entered this match with momentum from a spirited victory over Manchester United on Saturday, but their dismal away performance persisted at Goodison.
Eddie Howe’s squad, dealing with the absence of 11 first-team players due to injuries, has only secured one away win this season, notably in the 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United.
Although the Magpies had opportunities to take the lead, with Tarkowski making a superb block to deny Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak heading wide from eight yards out, they ultimately ran out of steam.
The visitors also faced another injury setback as captain Jamaal Lascelles limped off, and Gordon exited the stadium amidst chants of ‘what’s the score?’
This outcome marks Newcastle’s fifth loss this campaign, equaling the total number of defeats they experienced throughout the entirety of the 2022-23 season.
Their fate in the Champions League will be determined next Wednesday, requiring a victory against AC Milan and hoping for Paris St-Germain to falter against Borussia Dortmund to progress to the knockout rounds.