Everton played host to Newcastle United at Goodison Park this evening.
The Toffees - still unbeaten in the Premier League - were looking to climb into fourth place, while the Magpies were gunning for just their second win at Goodison in 11 attempts.
Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley did the damage in the first half for the hosts, who had to hang on for the last few minutes following second-half goals from Yohan Cabaye and Loic Remy.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action.
Match statistics:
Everton:
Shots 18
On target 7
Possession 50%
Corners 1
Fouls 7
Newcastle:
Shots 15
On target 6
Possession 50%
Corners 1
Fouls 15
Was the result fair?
Yes. The hosts were utterly dominant in the first 45 minutes but Newcastle showed resolve in the second half. However, there can be no doubt that the Toffees deserved the points.
Everton's performance
Roberto Martinez will be well pleased with his team's fluent first-half display. They dropped off in the first 15 minutes of the second half but regained control thereafter. Lukaku was a big presence up front, scoring two goals and assisting another. Ross Barkley continued his impressive development, capping another fine display with his first goal at Goodison Park. Still, it was a nervy finish due to a lapse of concentration at the back to allow Loid Remy to score. There was nothing that could have been done about Yohan Cabaye's thunderous effort, though.
Newcastle's performance
The Magpies were just about as bad as they could have been in the first 45 minutes and were rightly punished for it. Alan Pardew made a few changes at half time and they looked a totally different team in the second half. Yohan Cabaye, the heartbeat of their team, got the first with a spectacular strike, before Loic Remy poked home with two minutes remaining. Too little far too late.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Romelu Lukaku: The Belgian has to take this award for a fine display on his home debut. An honourable mention to Ross Barkley, though, who was superb.
Biggest gaffe
Tim Krul. The Dutch goalkeeper rather gifted Lukaku his second of the evening, although the Newcastle defence were static to Tim Howard's long punt down field that allowed the Belgian through on goal. Krul was weak in his challenge on Lukaku.
Referee performance
Phil Dowd was inconspicuous this evening, which is the most that you can ask of a referee.
What next?
Everton: Martinez takes his team to the Etihad Stadium for an early kickoff against Manchester City next Saturday.
Newcastle: The Magpies travel to the Welsh capital for a meeting with Cardiff City, also on Saturday.
Michael Penkman
