NEWCASTLE UNITED 2 EVERTON 1

Newcastle United came into today’s clash with Everton in high spirits after a convincing win away at Stoke, Something that is incredibly hard to do. Everton will not be as cheerful sat just three points above the drop zone. Newcastle made one change with Sylvain Marveaux coming in for Gabrial Obertan who is likely to be out for a month with a toe infection.

Newcastle started the better team and was soon rewarded when John Heitinga turned a dangerous low cross from Danny Simpson into his own goal after twelve minutes. Osman and Rodwell forced saves out of Tim Krul as Everton tried to grow into the game. They were however undone again as an unbelievable strike from Ryan Taylor scored a stunning goal from a good 7 yards outside in style. A great way to celebrate the birth of his new born child.  Taylor nearly scored again hitting the bar with a cross, he seemed in the mood for a few.  Everton however had not came forward and Drenthe and Coleman looked very dangerous, It was ex magpie Saha who would however come closest with his strike deflecting off the inside of the post.  Worrying signs for Newcastle though as their number 4 Yohan Cabaye had to come off, Dan Gosling was his replacement that was unsurprised given a rough reception from the Everton fans due to him rejecting a contract at Everton in order to join Newcastle the summer before last.  Everton did get a goal back however through Jack Rodwell with the last touch of the half with his powerful header leaving Tim Krul no chance. 2-1 at the break, anybody’s game in the second half.

Newcastle started the second half okay but a game changer was when Marveaux went down injured forcing him to be replaced.  Sammy Ameobi stepped up but he lacks experience in the midfield. This move forced Jonas to move out wide right and Newcastle did not look they. The midfield was however still battling with Danny Guthrie deserving a special mention for his determination and all round play. Leon Best did not have the best of games being caught offside an uncountable amount of times. He was the next to go off for Newcastle bringing Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa on who will have had fond memory’s of Everton scoring a wonder goal at Goodison last term.  Moyes knew Everton had control and brought McFadden and Cahill into it as they went in search of an equalizer but it was not to be. The Geordie’s held on somehow after taking nothing less from a battering in the last half an hour.  They can take great pride from this performance.

Danny Guthrie or Danny Simpson were fantastic today but you cannot go further then Coloccini and Steven Taylor who as always looked solid as a rock at the back. Dutchman Tim Krul showed why he is becoming one of the best Premier League keepers with some excellent shot stopping however his kicks were not something to be admired. Moyes will know he was unlucky but they just were not clinical enough over the course of the game. Newcastle move up to second and will stay there if their bitter rivals Sunderland can get anything at Old Trafford. A wonderful attendance of over 50,000 shows that the whole of Newcastle is pulling together and who knows what they could achieve in the next three games.

By Ste

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew:

“We were unfortunate today as injuries cost us our rhythm but the guys who came on did a great job.

“If we were at Goodison Park we would have got beat today. But the fans helped us.

“Our defending was a different class in the second half and it was one of our best displays. When Everton scored just before half-time it affected us but our discipline and defending has got us a victory.

“I hope the Toon enjoy it tonight. We are a new team, we didn’t expect to be on this run but we are enjoying it. We’ve got Manchester City next, who are also unbeaten, so that could be a great game.”

Everton manager David Moyes:

“It was a penalty we didn’t get today but we’ve had a lot of that.

“We were very fortunate against Fulham the other week and you earn your luck.

“Our defending in the first half wasn’t good enough, especially in the opening 20 minutes. It was a terrible own goal to concede.

“We created enough chances in the first half to get something from the game.

“We’ve got to do better and win some football games.”