
Everton 1-4 Newcastle
by James Nalton
at Goodison Park
EVERTON are now without a win in six games after a deflating result against Newcastle saw them fall closer to relegation from the Premier League.
There was a real effort from Everton fans prior to this game, but their team just didn't have the quality on the pitch when it mattered.
Fans had previously been using home games to march in protest against the club's board, but they put this on hold to show support for the players at this vital stage of the season and a significant moment in the club's history.
Goodison Road was packed prior to kick-off to welcome the team bus. Supporters tried to rouse their team in their battle to avoid the drop, but once inside the stadium, they saw them outclassed by a considerable margin.
Many of the fans who had turned up two hours early on a weeknight began to file out of Goodison Park with 20 minutes of the game remaining when Joelinton doubled Newcastle's lead, adding to Callum Wilson's first-half goal.
Wilson scored a second shortly after to make it three, and the stadium emptied further.
You couldn't blame the fans for leaving. There was no way this Everton team were getting back into this game.
Dwight McNeil's goal directly from a corner was applauded but by then there was no hope of a comeback.
To confirm this, Newcastle substitute Alexander Isak danced around Everton defenders on the byline before sending the ball in via a deflection for Jacob Murphy to score his team's fourth.
A fifth goal, scored by Fabian Schar, was disallowed, but five would not have flattered Newcastle who were as impressive as Everton were poor.
This was clearly a side that will likely be playing in the Champions League next season against one that could be playing in the Championship.
Everton fans helped save their team from relegation last season, but on nights like this, reflecting the recent loss here to Fulham, this year's Everton currently look beyond saving.

The powerhouse Liverpool forward secured a record-breaking 90 per cent of the vote, while Arsenal’s Alessia Russo topped a wide field to win the women’s award, writes JAMES NALTON

JAMES NALTON writes on how the title win has sparked long-awaited celebrations among fans after a triumph four years — and one pandemic — in the making

JAMES NALTON hails the rise of the number of Chinese players heading to the Crucible

As the historic ground prepares for its emotional farewell, even visiting teams like Manchester City are paying tribute to one of English football’s most storied stadiums, writes JAMES NALTON