Substitute Thierno Barry scored a dramatic late winner as Everton stunned Newcastle United in the Premier League to maintain their push for a European place.
Everton manager David Moyes insisted beforehand that his side were not about to give up on their dream of qualifying for the Europa League or the Europa Conference League, but the Scot acknowledged they needed to “win some really big games on the journey”.
This trip to St James’ Park certainly fitted the bill and Everton rose to the occasion – just as they have so many times on the road this season.
Even when it looked like Everton might have to settle for a share of the spoils after winger Jacob Murphy drew Newcastle level in the 82nd minute, Barry stepped up with a close-range effort to leave Moyes punching the air on the touchline.
Moyes reacted similarly after defender Jarrad Branthwaite opened the scoring with a glancing header at the near post in this topsy-turvy clash after stealing a march on marker Sandro Tonali to get on the end of James Garner’s corner.
Disjointed Newcastle found a way to equalise after Jacob Ramsey’s shot took a deflection off the sliding Branthwaite and looped over goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
But Newcastle were only level for a couple of minutes after keeper Nick Pope spilled Dwight McNeil’s swerving long-range effort, and Beto reacted quickest to tap home on the rebound.
It was the perfect way for Beto to repay the faith of Moyes after being handed his first start since December.
Newcastle, who were fresh from booking their place in the last 16 of the Champions League in midweek, looked stunned.
Head coach Eddie Howe demanded a response after the break as he turned to his bench, and substitute Murphy drew his side level with a deflected volley from Joelinton’s scooped cross.
But Everton showed their powers of recovery once again to immediately retake the lead after the falling Barry managed to connect with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross.
The visitors managed to see the game out after Pickford made a flying save to palm Tonali’s volley on to the crossbar.
They move up to eighth in the table, while Newcastle stay 12th.
