Everton salvaged a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United as Dominic Calvert-Lewin slammed home an 88th-minute penalty at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak’s early goal looked set to prove decisive but, having had a reprieve when Dan Burn's goal was overturned following a VAR review, Everton made their good fortune count late on through Calvert-Lewin's spot-kick.
It was the forward's first goal in 19 Premier League matches, having last scored against West Ham in October, as Everton halted a three-match losing streak to move four points clear of the relegation zone.
The Toffees have a crucial home match next up, hosting relegation rivals Burnley on Saturday.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 |
Everton
EVE
|
38 | -11 | 40 |
| 16 |
Brentford
BRE
|
38 | -9 | 39 |
| 17 |
Nott'm Forest
NFO
|
38 | -18 | 32 |
| 18 |
Luton
LUT
|
38 | -33 | 26 |
| 19 |
Burnley
BUR
|
38 | -37 | 24 |
| 20 |
Sheffield Utd
SHU
|
38 | -69 | 16 |
How the match unfolded
Having relied on Jordan Pickford to make a smart save in the opening two minutes, Everton could not capitalise on a key early chance through James Tarkowski, who headed over from point-blank range after latching onto a cross from the left.
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Everton swiftly paid the price for their captain’s profligacy.
The in-form Isak was played in brilliantly by a rejuvenated Harvey Barnes and cut back onto his right foot, got the better of Jarrad Branthwaite and duly slotted home his 15th Premier League goal of the season.
Newcastle pushed for a second goal and Tarkowski almost sliced the ball into his own net in the 49th minute, with the crossbar coming to Everton’s rescue.
Burn then put the ball in the back of the net from Isak's cross following a clever set-piece routine, only for the goal to be overturned following a VAR review, with Isak offside in the build-up.
Everton boss Sean Dyche immediately rang the changes – Calvert-Lewin one of three players to come on. Another of those substitutes, James Garner, struck the base of the right-hand post as the Toffees looked for an equaliser.
Newcastle nearly moved out of sight as Vitalii Mykolenko blocked Isak’s effort on the line while Barnes lashed over. But there was to be a late twist.
Everton were awarded a penalty following a VAR review as Paul Dummett was adjudged to have fouled Ashley Young, and Calvert-Lewin's penalty had too much power for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Newcastle remain eighth in the fight for European qualification.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 |
Chelsea
CHE
|
38 | +14 | 63 |
| 7 |
Newcastle
NEW
|
38 | +23 | 60 |
| 8 |
Man Utd
MUN
|
38 | -1 | 60 |
| 9 |
West Ham
WHU
|
38 | -14 | 52 |
| 10 |
Crystal Palace
CRY
|
38 | -1 | 49 |
| 11 |
Brighton
BHA
|
38 | -7 | 48 |
Club reports
Newcastle report | Everton report
Next Premier League fixtures
Key facts
Isak has scored in each of his last five Premier League home matches for Newcastle. Only Alan Shearer (15), Andrew Cole (8) and Les Ferdinand (6) have scored in more consecutive games in the competition for the Magpies at St James’ Park.
Everton remain winless in 13 Premier League matches. Only once in their league history have they gone more consecutive games without a win - a run of 14 matches in September 1937.
Barnes has been directly involved in three goals in his last two Premier League games, with two goals and one assist. That is as many as in his first 11 appearances in the competition for Newcastle, when he got two goals and one assist. All six of his goal involvements for the Magpies have come at St James’ Park.