Newcastle United 2-1 Everton
It’s been a sad few days for English football.
The passing of England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles – remembered in a tribute before kick-off in addition to commemorating those who lost their lives serving in conflict for their country – came less than 48 hours before the news was announced that the father of English football has been diagnosed with dementia.
In an era where the Premier League and big money takes centre stage, it has been a sobering reminder to times where these two football institutions were regularly at the top echelons of the game.
Following years out of the limelight, both clubs again appear to be making some progress in the right direction under their respective managers. Indeed, while far from title challengers, Everton knew victory on Tyneside would take them back to the Premier League summit after they were leapfrogged by their Merseyside rivals.
Newcastle, on the other hand, were chasing a victory which would move them up into the top half of the table.
Highlights of the game
On the pitch, the big news pre-match was the omission of England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
After being the focal point of some unfounded abuse in recent weeks, presumably boss Carlo Ancelotti was taking him out of the spotlight rather than dropping him for erratic form. And so it proved with Ancelotti saying he was being ‘rested’ and would be back in the side for next weekend’s clash with Manchester United.
With or without Pickford, (Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen came in for his debut), the Merseysiders had a point to prove after over the top criticism came their way in recent weeks.
They would have to do it the hard way though with new fans’ favourite James Rodriguez, the suspended Richarlison and Lucas Digne missing, though only for one game.
Newcastle, meanwhile, made one change to the team that drew 1-1 at Wolves last Sunday as Sean Longstaff came into midfield in place of Ryan Fraser.
Fellow midfielder Isaac Hayden also made the bench after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Few Premier League highlights duly followed during the opening 45 minutes with only one opportunity of note as Callum Wilson threaded a perfect ball through to Allan Saint-Maximin who could only produce a tame shot straight at Olsen.
There was more excitement in the opening 10 minutes of the second period than the entire first half (not that it was difficult) as the visitors created a couple of half chances with Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading wide and Gylfi Sigurdsson seeing a shot blocked.
Then the crucial moment as Wilson was clumsily fouled by Andre Gomes before dusting himself up and sending Olsen the wrong way from the spot.
Without Rodriguez and Richarlison, Everton continued to struggle to craft openings after falling behind and, but for a brilliant save from Olsen who tipped a Longstaff shot over the crossbar, Newcastle would have quickly doubled their lead.
The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds on an Everton win were diminishing with every passing minute and, as they piled men forward, Wilson proved his worth to clinch victory.
It was a 1-2 from Bournemouth days as sub Fraser drove down the left and saw his cross loop off Yerry Mina straight into the path of the lively frontman who made no mistake.
After equalling their best record after six fixtures of a Premier League campaign, emulating the 2004-05, 2012-13 and 2016-17 seasons, it was game over for injury and suspension-hit Everton who, for the moment, appear to have lost their mojo.
They still have battling characteristics, none more so than Calvert-Lewin who pulled one back in stoppage time as he showed his predatory instincts to stab home a cross from substitute Alex Iwobi.
Remarkably they could have earned a dramatic point but Karl Darlow ensured the hosts held on with a top save to deny another visiting sub, Bernard, in the final seconds.
Key statistics
Wilson has scored six goals in seven Premier League games for Newcastle, more than he scored in his final 30 appearances in the competition for Bournemouth.
He has been directly involved in seven of his side’s eight 10 Premier League goals this season, scoring six and setting up one.
This was the first time Pickford has been on the bench in the Premier League for Everton after starting 120 successive games since joining in June 2017.
Ancelotti has lost consecutive league matches for the first time since September 2014 with Real Madrid in La Liga.
This was only Newcastle’s third victory over Everton in the past 16 Premier League meetings.
There have been 50 Premier League matches between Newcastle United and Everton. The Toffees lead by 21 wins to 19, with 11 draws.
What’s next?
Newcastle have a Friday night date on the south coast next as they travel to Southampton. Everton host Manchester United the following lunchtime (November 7).
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