Everton confirmed their revival under David Moyes with a composed, highly professional performance that almost ended Newcastle’s hopes of Champions League football next season while offering the Toffees real hope and optimism for next term.
They were 16th in the Premier League – one point clear of the relegation zone – with only three wins from 19 games when Moyes succeeded Sean Dyche in January for his second spell in charge.
In the end Everton finished comfortably in 13th, and this performance full of threat and organisation bore all the Moyes trademarks.
Now a fresh era begins in Everton’s new home at Bramley-Moore Dock – the Hill Dickinson Stadium – and with new owners the Friedkin Group ready to show their ambition.
Carlos Alcaraz’s match-winning display, in which he came close three times before scoring, was an impressive pitch to make his loan move from Flamengo permanent for £15m, while Idrissa Gueye’s industry, even at 35, will surely earn him a new contract offer.
And at the heart of it all was goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Taunted throughout for his Sunderland roots, he delivered a display of authority that made it look, at one point, as though he would enjoy the perfect weekend, with three points for Everton, the Black Cats returning to the top flight, and Newcastle’s Champions League dream being dashed.
In the end, despite the Magpies’ defeat everyone left St James’ Park happy – now a summer of transition awaits at Everton after a fine end to the season.
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