A royal collapse from Everton at St James Park saw the Blues lose for just the second time in their history when leading 2-0 at half-time (3-2 v Sheffield Utd, April 1975).
Everton looked to come out the gates fast looking to improve on a respectable performance in last weekends Merseyside derby & that certainly seemed to be the case as the 18 minutes into the game, Dominic Calvert-Lewin rising to meet a Lucas Digne cross with a brilliantly executed glancing header beyond the reach of Dubravka- his sixth goal of this season.
The wheel of fortune looked to be turning in Everton’s favour after 30 minutes & Marco Silva’s luck seemed to be in, as what could only be described as a rugby tackle from Jordan Pickford on Solomon Rondon in the box was atoned for as the England goalkeeper saved the resulting spot-kick with his legs. Over 60 seconds later, the visitors had worked the ball down to the other end of the field- as Andre Gomes’ pullback was put in by Richarlison despite the initial parry from Dubravka.
Everton’s influence on the game wained after the hour mark as the half-time lead could not be built on. Having won their last three games on home turf Newcastle pushed forward, forcing a few good saves out of their north east rival’s former goalkeeper.
Solomon Rondon volleyed home Newcastle’s after being teed up by Ayoze Perez. Yerry Mina being substituted for an ineffective Richarlison was the beginning of the end as Newcastle’s comeback ensued.
With an unbalanced 11 on the pitch, Everton subdued to the increasing pressure from the home side, Perez turning goalscorer as Jordan Pickford failed to deal Miguel Almiron’s long distance effort, Perez poking home the equaliser under the keeper.
Far too late in a last ditch attempt to recover the result, Ademola Lookman was sent on with 10 minutes to go, only for Everton’s dire state to be confirmed as Perez completed the turnaround six minutes from time, latching on to a knock down despite shouts of offside.
STATS
Possession: 46%-54%
Shots: 13-5
Shots on target: 7-3
Corners: 8-2
(@Max_Carlyle)
About The Author
