Newcastle hit Everton
London, Sunday
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson struck twice to seal a 2-1 win that stopped Everton returning to the top of the Premier League, while Manchester United and Arsenal prepared for their crucial clash on Sunday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side would have gone back above leaders Liverpool on goal difference with a win at St James’ Park.
But, with James Rodriguez and Richarlison missing from the Everton team, they succumbed to a limp defeat as Wilson bagged his brace in the second half before Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late reply.
It was a difficult day for Everton, whose England keeper Jordan Pickford was dropped, losing his place to Robin Olsen, after a turbulent start to the season.
“I just want to give him a rest for this game and to give an opportunity to Olsen, to have minutes.
Jordan will be back for the next game against Manchester United,” Ancelotti said.
Pickford has made a host of costly mistakes since Ancelotti took charge last season and was fortunate not to be sent off for the challenge which left Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk needing knee surgery.
Newcastle took the lead in the 56th minute when Andre Gomes was adjudged to have fouled Wilson as he attempted to clear a corner at the near post.
It looked a harsh decision but Wilson -- ignoring some provocation from Everton defender Yerry Mina -- stepped up to send Olsen the wrong way for his fifth goal of the season.
Wilson finished off Everton with a close-range effort from Ryan Fraser’s deflected cross in the 84th minute.
Netting with a flicked finish, Calvert-Lewin’s 11th club goal of the season came too late to stop Everton’s second successive defeat.
They are without a win in three games and remain three points behind Liverpool in second place.
Elsewhere in Sunday’s action, James Ward-Prowse celebrated his 26th birthday by scoring two fine free-kicks in Southampton’s 4-3 win against Aston Villa.
England midfielder Ward-Prowse had only scored once this season, but he made it a birthday to remember with his superb set-pieces at Villa Park.
Southampton move up to third in the Premier League after their fourth win in their last five games.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side lost their first two matches this term, but they have bounced back impressively.
On the heels of a 3-0 defeat against Leeds, Villa’s second successive loss served as a reality check after winning their first four league games. - AFP
