Everton’s first home league win since November eased some of the scrutiny on manager Roberto Martinez in his 100th Premier League game in charge but only increased the pressure on Newcastle counterpart Steve McClaren.
A first-half goal from Aaron Lennon and two late Ross Barkley penalties secured a 3-0 victory against a disparate visiting side who lacked cohesion or any semblance of a game plan and who defended haphazardly at best.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Lennon was picked out by Tom Cleverley and the winger’s shot on the turn beat the outstanding Rob Elliot. Barkley had two shots, one a freekick deflected by Shelvey, tipped onto the crossbar by Elliot, who also saved from Lennon from which Kone fired the rebound wide.
The post denied Cleverley from a set-piece as Everton continued to create but not take chances.
With nerves inside Goodison Park frayed, due to recent defensive indiscretions, the Toffees sealed the points Barkley made the result safe with an 88th-minute penalty after substitute Rolando Aarons brought down Lennon, before a cheeky chip from the spot capped an impressive performance after Newcastle substitute Jamaal Lascelles was sent off for bringing him down.
At Vicarage Road, Chelsea remain unbeaten in the league under Guus Hiddink but show no sign of climbing up the table following a goalless draw against Watford.
Diego Costa was involved in a number of first-half scraps with the home defence but the striker wasted Chelsea’s best chance in the second-half as his firm header was brilliantly kept out by Hornets keeper Heurelho Gomes.
