Ayoze Perez capped a stellar performance with an 84th-minute winner, poking the ball past Jordan Pickford as the visitors failed to clear. Newcastle stormed back from two goals down at half-time to secure a vital victory over Everton in a captivating match at St James’ Park.
The Newcastle striker had levelled three minutes earlier after Pickford spilled Miguel Almiron’s stinging drive into his path, while Perez also set up Salomon Rondon’s fine volley to get the hosts back into the game.
Until then, Rafael Benitez’s side had felt aggrieved at referee Lee Mason’s decision not to send Pickford off for a foul on Rondon, with the England goalkeeper saving a poor subsequent penalty from Matt Ritchie.
The Magpies’ mood darkened when, moments after that save, Richarlison tapped in his side’s second after Martin Dubravka parried Andres Gomes’ low cross straight to the Everton winger.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin got the opener on 18 minutes with a fine glancing header from Lucas Digne’s superb cross.
But the Toffees faded badly in the face of Newcastle’s second-half onslaught and are now only three points in front of Benitez’s side.
More to follow.
Source: BBC News
