Two goals in a five minute span of the first half gave David Moyes and Everton a happy ending to a rough week - three points earned at St. James' Park without two of their best players, on the heels of a disappointing, mid-week loss to Reading. Goals from Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka overcame an opener from Leon Best, sent the Toffees into half up 2-1, a lead Everton held through the final 45 minutes.
Newcastle Vs. Everton: Two Goals In Five Minutes Send Toffees Tenth
Best opened the scoring just after the 20 minute mark when a Kevin Nolan shot ended-up coming to the Ireland international standing in the six yard box. The striker headed the ball into Tim Howard's mepty net, giving the Magpies an early lead.
It was the end to a slow start for the Toffees, playing without Maraoune Fellaini and Tim Cahill. Near the half hour mark, Everton started ascending, a rise that culminated with Mikel Arteta bringing the ball into the attacking third from the left flank, setting up Leon Osman near the spot. The midfielder put his shot under a lunging Fabricio Coloccini and past Steve Harper, equalizing for the visitors.
Just five minutes later, one of the best crosses you'll see this season gave Everton their winner. From a dead ball 35 yards up the pitch, Leighton Baines bent a ball beyond the Newcastle line, in front of Harper, bouncing is just outside the six yard box. Phil Jagielka was the first to it, redirecting the ball with his right foot, putting Everton up to stay.
With the Toffess in the lead, the uncertain moments of the match's opening were forgotten. Everton exhibited a confidence through midfield that helped them control the rest of the match, and while Newcastle pressed for an equalizer - eventually seeing Shola Ameobi return with a face mask - the Magpies ended up dropping valuable hope points against a wounded opponent.
The loss keeps Newcastle ninth when a win would have sent them into seventh. For Everton, they’re in the top half for the first time this year, siting 10th. Their goal difference is even, and they’re six point clear of the drop.
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