Wilson Chews Up And Spits Out The Toffees

Newcastle takes on Everton at Goodison Park with the Mags searching for their first win in twelve games since their 2-1 against West Brom. Steve Bruce alongside Graeme Jones picked a 4-3-1-2 formation, keeping Darlow in the net. Manquillo returned to the side at Right back position with Lewis at Left back. The familiar Captain Lascelles and Fabian Schar both keep their position. There were three Center midfielders in this unusual formation which were Hendrick, Hayden and Shelvey. Miguel Almiron was allowed to play in his preferred CAM position, at the same time Ryan Fraser played in a False 9 roaming forward role while Wilson was upfront.

Six minutes into the first half Everton had a chance when James Rodriguez curled in a ball for Mina who couldn't get a good connection to the ball and headed in wide. Darlow may have gotten a touch to it. Similar situation ten minutes later when Shelvey made a foul on Iwobi. James Whipped it in again but this time it was Lascelles who got the all-important touch to take the edge off for Mina to head it over the bar. Everton had their best chance in the 23rd minute when Richarlison took the ball onto his right foot, struck the ball and forced a good save from Darlow. Manquillo won a free-kick from a foul by Digne. Then United went up the pitch with Shelvey who had an effort deflected towards goal by Mina but the ball went out of play for a corner, which came to nothing from Fraser's ball.

On the half-hour mark, Wilson had the best opportunity of the half from a corner taken by Fraser who seems to have taken on the role, relinquished from Jonjo Shelvey. Fraser drilled in from the corner flag, Wilson met it but it was tipped onto the bar from Pickford. Great effort, so close. But six minutes later it was Calvert-Lewin who sought to pick out James with a backheel but James had to stretch to make to shot but Darlow made the stop. It was a very end-to-end first half with Newcastle certainly the better team. But at halftime, it was 0-0.

The second half started similar to how the first half ended. But Wilson had another massive chance to go ahead, starting from Miguel Almiron's break, Miggy played it too Fraser on the right-hand side who played a low driven cross into the path of Wilson, Wilson aiming for the left bottom corner just grazed the post. A real let-off for the Toffees.

On the 56th minute, Richarlison played in Calvert-Lewin, who attempted to curl the ball into the bottom corner but Darlow got down to it well and out for a corner. James took the corner but it was punched away by Darlow. But in the 73rd minute, United had a corner which was taken by Shelvey who played it towards the near post, Wilson got away from Richarlison to get his head to the ball. The ball rose up and over Pickford into the back of the net. Goal to the Mags! Wilson broke his drought! It's been coming! 1-0.

Newcastle had turned slightly more defensive but make no mistake, they didn't let up. And it showed in the 87th minute when Almiron played Wilson through with a lovely ball. Wilson rounded the keeper but the angle was too tight and hit the post. However, three minutes into added time Wilson bagged his second of the game when ASM played the ball down the wing to get Lewis away. Lewis then played a switch into the centre of the park to find Wilson who took a touch, steadied himself in the box and drilled it past Pickford. Just imagine if the fans were there. Incredible Display from Wilson today. Full-Time Time Everton 0-2 Newcastle United.

What a brilliant result today. Is this a sign that the tides have turned for the Mags? Perhaps it's too early to say but things are definitely looking positive since the second-half display against Leeds. Let's hope we can keep it up for the home game vs Crystal Palace and push on for the rest of the season.

By Sam West.

Howay the Lads!