Walcott nets winner against Newcastle

After an uneventful opening half at Goodison Park, Ayoze Perez should have put the visitor ahead in the 50th minute but shot wide of Jordan Pickford’s goal after being put through by Brazilian Kenedy. Moments later, Everton went in front when Yannick Bolasie whipped in a deep cross from the right and former Arsenal winger Walcott brought the ball down before taking his time to fire home the winner and lift it to 45 points from 35 games.

Tenth-placed Newcastle had plenty of late pressure, as it searched for a point that would mathematically clinch its top- flight survival, but it was unable to create an opening and stay on 41 points, 12 above the drop zone with four games left. Everton has climbed above Leicester City and will finish in a respectable league position after a poor start to the campaign that threatened to see it entangled in the relegation battle.

“If we keep winning, we keep getting better. I think eighth in the league compared to fifth from bottom tells you we’re getting better,” said manager Sam Allardyce, who took over in November. 

Despite the improved results, Allardyce has not been a popular choice with many Everton fans who believe his approach to the game is too rudimentary.

“What was wrong with our style today (Monday)? We dominated the game, out-passed the opposition. You have to be patient,” said the much-travelled 63-year-old.