Before Kick-Off

Both Everton and Newcastle United had similar 4-week stretches leading up to the 7:45 pm kick-off at Goodison Park.

Everton had suffered an exasperating last-minute defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, while Newcastle United were still scorched from West Ham’s torrid counter-attacks. Before the weekend, though, both clubs had enjoyed bountiful November point returns.

Head-to-head, Everton had owned Newcastle for a number of years. In fact, not since the 28th of December 2014 had Newcastle taken points from the Toffees.

This was a doubly enjoyable match as it was Alan Pardew’s final match as manager, although it did usher John “I still think I’m the best coach in the Premier League” Carver.