Everton taking survival hopes out of lawyers' hands after Newcastle dismantling
In the tenth minute of this game, there was another card-waving protest against the Premier League’ s brutal punishment of Everton’s financial misdemeanours.
But in all honesty, it was little more than a token gesture on this occasion because Everton fans know. They know the 10-point hammer-blow will almost certainly have to be fought on the field.
They know survival will be won not by lawyers but by tenacity on the pitch, by bodies being put on the line and by moments such as the one that led to this precious victory. Yes, it was sparked by a rare mistake from Kieran Trippier but Dwight McNeil’s determination, his drive and a left-footed finish that was struck almost with a sense of anger and injustice set up this remarkable win for Sean Dyche’s side - a win topped off by Abdoulaye Doucoure’s side-footed finish shortly after and Beto’s cracker in additional time.
Goodison Park celebrated as though a relegation battle had just been won and the Premier League suits who gave them the penalty never existed. The appeal against that penalty has been lodged but Everton have got to play their way out of trouble, simple as that.
This was substantial evidence that they can do just that. And if Dyche can find a finisher in the transfer window - or if one of his current attacking options can find some sort of finishing groove - Everton will stay up, regardless of what happens in legal offices.
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But spending money is what got Everton into this sizable spot of bother in the first place. So, the likelihood is that Dyche will have to bank on Calvert-Lewin staying fit and connecting cleanly with the sort of chances he missed here.
Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrates his goal against Newcastle (Getty Images)Will Everton stay up this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
Mind you, Howe’s men hardly gave a clinical exhibition of finishing, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon snatching at opportunities to make Everton pay for their profligacy. Gordon had an eventful return to Goodison Park, taking verbal flak from the stands and physical flak on the pitch.
Creditably, though, he never looked like shying away from confrontation and his pace became more of a factor as the game wore on. His ambush of James Tarkowski should have led to a Newcastle opener but Gordon opted to strike too early and Jordan Pickford saved with the minimum of fuss.
And Gordon’s ill-judged attempt proved to be costly for the visitors and for Tripper in particular. Caught in possession by McNeil, the England full-back could then only watch as the Everton midfielder’s slightly-deflected but fierce hit beat Martin Dubravka.
And it was not long before Trippier was tripping himself up again, losing out to Jack Harrison whose cross was missed by McNeil but tucked away with the minimum of fuss by Doucoure. By now, it was carnival time and, in added minutes, substitute Beto got in on the act with a fine solo effort that shook the grand, old stadium.
The idea that the Premier League sanction would create a siege mentality was an obvious one - and a correct one. Here was proof. After a VAR check, the third goal stood, the locals wondered if Gordon knew what the score was and those ten points were forgotten. The fightback on the field is well and truly underway.
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