Premier League: Potentially a pivotal night in Newcastle
Newcastle United 1 - 1 Everton
How important could this point prove to be for Everton? How costly could these two dropped points be in Newcastle's quest for European qualification?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a late penalty to secure a crucial point for Everton in their battle to avoid relegation and draw against Newcastle, who are still vying for a spot in Europe.
Alexander Isak scored in the 15th minute for the hosts after receiving a pass from Harvey Barnes, cutting inside Jarrad Branthwaite, and calmly finishing past Jordan Pickford.
Dan Burn thought he had scored a goal, but it was disallowed for offside. Isak also had a shot cleared off the line.
Later in the game, Paul Dummett was penalised for wrestling Ashley Young to the ground by having his arm around Young's neck. This gave the visitors a chance to score a late goal.
Can Newcastle United qualify for Europe? More news from the Geordie Nation on European Super Football.
Referee Tony Harrington had not given a penalty but was advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to watch the incident on a pitchside monitor, with the spot-kick then given.
Everton stay 16th in the Premier League, but move four points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town, who have some difficult matches coming up.
This result set an unwanted club record for the Toffees as this was their 13th successive Premier League match without a win. They have now not won in the league since a 2-0 victory at Burnley in December. This draw took them past their 12-game winless run in the Premier League when they failed to win a dozen matches between August and October 1994.
Newcastle stay eighth, a point behind seventh-placed West Ham, who drew 1-1 at home to Tottenham, with the Magpies having a game in hand on the Hammers.
Depending on who wins the FA Cup, seventh may be enough to qualify for Europe which would be something for Newcastle to cling on to from a tough campaign after last year's highs that saw them finish fourth, qualify for the Champions League and reach the Carabao Cup final.
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The Newcastle fans were in high spirits after their team's impressive comeback on Saturday against West Ham. Despite being 3-1 down, they managed to win 4-3, which lifted the mood at St James' Park. However, the fans will be disappointed as they missed a chance to maintain the positive momentum.
The hosts nearly took the lead within the opening two minutes but Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford - loudly booed throughout by the home fans having played for Sunderland - made a fine save to parry Harvey Barnes' effort.
But Pickford could not do anything about Isak's strike 13 minutes later for his 19th Newcastle goal of the season. The England goalkeeper then made two excellent saves - to block Jacob Murphy's volley and then acrobatically tip over a powerful effort from Isak.
Both sides had chances in an open second half, with substitute James Garner hitting the post for Everton within six minutes of his introduction.
Newcastle thought they scored a second goal after quickly taking a free-kick that released Isak, who then crossed the ball for Burn to convert. However, the goal was disallowed by VAR after a review, with Isak being narrowly ruled offside.
The match finished 1-1, and both teams will have been pleased with some aspects of their performances but ultimately disappointed that they didn't take home the victory. You can watch the highlights in the video below. Footage from Everton YouTube account: Premier League highlights (youtube.com)
Some of the best reaction
Mark, a Newcastle fan, told us: "I thought that we allowed ourselves to be outmuscled and outfought. Too many substitutions disrupted our flow. As the second half unfolded, it seemed almost inevitable that Everton would score. I am now concerned that we won't qualify for Europe. That would be a blow for the club and fans. I also fear it might result in Howe losing his job. "
Sarah and James are both Everton fans, they messaged us on Facebook: "That first half was so bad. We were awful in possession and played like we had no midfield. The changes after half-time made a massive impact. That could be a very important draw for us."
