Keith Downie: £80k-a-week Newcastle star ‘unstoppable’ v Everton

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Newcastle United gave their hopes of Champions League qualification a major boost on Thursday night.

Eddie Howe’s Magpies followed up their 6-1 hammering of Tottenham with a 4-1 triumph at Everton.

Newcastle started slowly but went on to open the scoring in the 28th minute through Callum Wilson.

Joelinton cut inside and got a shot away, which Jordan Pickford kept out.

However, the ball fell kindly to Wilson, and he made no mistake to open the scoring.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie loved what he saw from a number of Newcastle players in the build-up.

“Wilson was just more alive than the Everton defenders, who were sleeping,” he said on Sky Sports (27/4, 20:18).

“Brilliant cross field pass from Almiron to set Joelinton on his way.

“The Brazilian unstoppable when he runs at defenders from the left like that.”

Newcastle had to wait until the second half to get a second, after which the floodgates opened.

Joe Willock got the better of Ben Godfrey and showed great awareness to pick out Joelinton with a cross.

The £80,000-a-week star weighed in with a downward header into the far corner for his eighth goal of the season.

The Magpies went on to add a third just a few minutes later as Wilson got his second of the game.

Bruno Guimaraes drove forward unopposed before setting his teammate up for a great finish high into the net.

Everton then gave Newcastle a mild scare, pulling a goal back on 80 minutes through Dwight McNeil.

However, Newcastle restored their three-goal lead within moments.

Alexander Isak was the architect, getting the better of the opposition defence before setting up fellow substitute Jacob Murphy.

Newcastle’s second successive comprehensive win, combined with Manchester United’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur, keeps the Magpies third in the table.

The St James’ Park outfit has 62 points from 32 games, while the Red Devils are fourth with 60 points from 31 outings.

Joelinton ratings

The Brazilian got an 8 out of 10 rating from Chronicle Live, who wrote: “A fierce presence, great hold up play and a goal.”

Likewise, the Shields Gazette opted for 8 out of 10, writing: “Played a key role in the opening goal before heading in his fourth goal in his last five matches.”