Everton snatched a point in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United courtesy of a last-gasp penalty from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, ending the Toffees’ awful run of three consecutive defeats in the Premier League.
The England international couldn’t have picked a better time to end his 17-game goal drought in the Premier League, tucking home from 12 yards with a fierce effort that proved too strong for Martin Dubravka to repel.
Everton faced a mammoth task against a Newcastle side with one of the best home records in the league and having won their previous two contests at St. James’ Park.
Furthermore, Eddie Howe’s side haven’t lost a home game since falling to a 3-2 defeat against Manchester City in January, so it was unsurprising that they started the game on the front foot.
Harvey Barnes came agonisingly close to putting the visitors ahead within two minutes, but Jordan Pickford produced a top-drawer save to deny the former Leicester City winger.
Everton showed attacking intent, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Tarkowski both threatening in the opening quarter-hour.
Doucoure’s effort sailed just over the bar, while Tarkowski’s header from a Dwight McNeil set-piece lacked the necessary power to beat Dubravka in the Newcastle goal.
Sean Dyche cut a frustrated figure on the touchline watching his side spurn goalscoring chances, and their profligacy proved costly as Newcastle took the lead against the run of play.
Alexander Isak was an obvious danger man for Newcastle after scoring having scored four goals in his last three outings. He continued his rich vein of form by extending his scoring streak to four games in a row.
The Swedish striker latched onto a lofted ball, displayed incredible composure by dribbling through the Everton defence, and coolly slotted home.
Despite falling behind, Everton responded positively. However, clear-cut chances were at a premium for the remainder of the first half.
The second half mirrored the first, with Newcastle dominating possession and looking to extend their lead.
They nearly doubled their advantage through a stroke of luck as Tarkowski’s attempted clearance from a corner cannoned off his own crossbar.
Newcastle were relentless and doubled their advantage after a quickly taken free kick saw Isak set up Dan Burn for a straight-forward tap-in but the goal was ruled out for a narrow offside call.
Everton refused to roll over and substitute James Garner almost snatched a dramatic equaliser with a shot that rattled the post.
The game transformed into a frantic end-to-end affair, with both sides exchanging close calls. Newcastle came closest as Isak saw his effort cleared off the line by Vitaly Mykolenko.
Just when another defeat seemed inevitable for Everton, the game took a dramatic turn. A VAR review awarded Everton a penalty for a foul on Ashley Young in the box.
Calvert-Lewin dispatched the spot kick, grabbing his first goal since September 2023 to snatch what could be a crucial point for Everton in the grand scheme of things.
Everton needed to leave St. James’ Park with something, especially as Nottingham Forest comfortably dispatched Fulham 3-1 to keep things interesting at the bottom of the log.
Dyche’s men are four points above the drop zone, but there is plenty for them to do as the relegation dogfight approaches its crucial climax.