Newcastle United vs. Everton: 6 Things We Learned

Everton bounced back from an unfortunate recent reverse against Chelsea to beat Newcastle 2-1.

Not for the first time this season, the Toffees were guilty of a lethargic start, as the hosts took a second-minute lead through Papiss Cisse.

However, Everton quickly regrouped and deservedly pulled level moments before half-time thanks to a stunning free kick from Leighton Baines.

Both sides pressed for a second-half winner, but a wonderfully worked team move presented Victor Anichebe with an easy chance that the Nigerian took full advantage of.

The Toffees held onto their lead, taking three points from St James' Park for only the second time in David Moyes' tenure.

Here's six Everton-related talking points to emerge from this fixture.

Baines in a Class of His Own

Over the course of this season, one of these six slides has often been reserved for lavishing praise on Leighton Baines.

Without wanting to appear repetitive, after this performance it's certainly warranted again.

The world class left-back was instrumental throughout the game and hauled his side back into the contest with a ferocious drive that almost took Tim Krul's net with it.

Aside from his strike, he also created a pair of chances, contributed to the second goal, fired in six shots and did a steady job in defence against Cisse.

In possession, only Marouane Fellaini touched the ball more on either side, demonstrating just how much he's relied on.

Since August 2010, Baines has been directly involved in 27 Everton goals, scoring 12 and assisting 15—an incredible 10 more than any other defender over that time.

Without wanting to state the obvious, he's clearly an integral part of his side. Any January offers that come in must be rebuffed.

Comeback Kings

Everton have now fallen behind to the first goal in 11 of their 21 games this season yet have amazingly suffered defeat in just one of those matches.

In total, the Toffees have recouped 20 points from a losing position, a tally only bettered by perennial comeback kings, Manchester United.

While Moyes won't enjoy how often his side have fallen behind, he will be delighted with how frequently they've battled their way back to a result.

It's a trait the Toffees will need to continue if they hope to prolong their Champions League challenge.

Jagielka Needed at Centre-Back

One issue Everton need to amend after this performance is Phil Jagielka's continuing appearance at right-back.

Quite simply, the England man has been a colossus at centre-back this season, and his presence there is far too vital to be wasted elsewhere.

In recent weeks, he's been required to cover his side's right-back crisis with Seamus Coleman, Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville all injured. However, with Neville returning to today's side there was no reason to keep him out of position.

He is often awkward and positionally caught out at full-back, and Everton need his defensive attributes and organisational skills in the middle.

Newcastle struck early on in this game, exploiting John Heitinga's aerial weakness and a general lack of cohesion at the back. With Jagielka in place, this may well have been prevented.

Anichebe Realising His Potential

Victor Anichebe emerged from the bench to deliver his fourth Premier League goal of the season and fifth in all competitions—equalling his highest seasonal total for the Toffees.

With ample amounts of pace and power, he's always fitted the archetypal Premier League stereotype, but it seems he's added more to his game in previous weeks.

Aside from the goals, he's been contributing far more rounded displays, showing intelligent movement, linking up better and generally appearing considerably more savvy.

The fact he's versatile enough to play out wide as well as through the middle should prolong his opportunities at Everton, although his current scoring form may well start pressurising Nikica Jelavic.

This season, Anichebe's scored a Premier League goal every 127 minutes, a ratio only nine players with four or more goals can better.

Everton Never Comfortable

During this fixture, Everton became the first side in Premier League history to both score and concede in 16 consecutive games. A peculiar feat.

While the Toffees have managed to win more than they've lost during this unique sequence, spare a thought for their loyal supporters.

Their side have not won (or lost) a game by more than one goal since way back in September, meaning they are permanently fretting until the final whistle.

These close finishes are sure to cause more frenzied celebrations, but supporters would probably appreciate a comfortable 2-0 win over the coming weeks.

Festive Fun

This result concludes the festive period in which Everton have performed well.

Despite some depleted lineups, the Toffees have been in consistent form, collecting nine points from 12 that keeps them clinging onto hopes of the Champions League.

So often Moyes has had to coax late-season form from his side to rescue their finish, but for the first time in a long time, his side are well-positioned to pounce.

If he can find that same formula this year, the Toffees could actually do some damage.

Finishing fourth would still require an almighty effort which would surely go down as Moyes' greatest accomplishment, but it's not out of reach for this current squad of players.

The longer this form's maintained, it's a scenario that becomes ever more plausible.

Statistics via EPL Index and WhoScored? 

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