Everton reignited their push for Champions League football with a thrilling victory at St James Park. Three brilliant goals by the Blues was far too much for Newcastle as Roberto Martinez’ men made it four successive Premier League wins to move back into fifth place in the table.
Martinez made two changes to the side that had beaten Swansea at the weekend with Leon Osman and Gerard Deulofeu replacing Aiden McGeedy and Kevin Mirallas and both players had a huge influence on proceedings. Barcelona loanee Deulofeu was outstanding, terrorising the Newcastle defence and was rightly a popular choice for man of the match. Leon Osman was also impressive in the midfield, justifying his managers faith and adding a late third goal to put the seal on the Everton victory.
After a nervous start the Blues soon settled into the game and it was no surprise when Everton took the lead. The goal when it did arrive was quite superb. Ross Barkley picked up a cleaver flick from Deulofeu in his own half and powerful ran forward beating two men before firing into the top corner at the Gallowgate End of the ground.
From that moment forward Everton were in relative control of the game and it was no surprise to see Lukaku double the advantage shortly after the half time interval. A good Everton move put Deulofeu in acres of space and the Spaniard picked out Lukaku to prod the ball past Krul in the Newcastle goal.
There was only one winner now and the victory was capped by a late Leon Osman goal. Another good team build up let in the Everton captain who finished his chance superbly.
The win leaves Everton six points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. This weekends fixtures will play a huge roll in deciding the final outcome but Roberto Martinez will be aware that his Blues must return home from Fulham with another three points.
