Everton beat Newcastle 3-2 at Goodison Park in an entertaining Monday night encounter.
A second half Newcastle fightback was not enough to earn them a share of the spoils against Everton, who dominated the first 45 minutes.
Romelu Lukaku was irrepressible from kick-off in his home debut, scoring twice and laying on a superb assist for Ross Barkley.
Chelsea fans must have been watching through their eyes as their on loan striker destroyed a Newcastle backline described as ‘horrendous’ by SkySports pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
If it was bad for them, consider Newcastle fans – with one youngster pictured in tears before half-time having seen his side put on such an embarrassing show.
Yohan Cabaye, labelled unfit by manager Alan Pardew ahead of kick-off, was brought on for the second half and scored a superb goal from 25 yards out to give the away side hope.
Loic Remy bagged a late one to set up a nervy finish, but Everton hung on to move fourth in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Arsenal. Newcastle remain in 16th, three points clear of the relegation zone.
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