Half-Time Report: Ross Barkley fires Everton ahead at St James' Park

Ross Barkley's strike has given Everton a 1-0 lead over Newcastle United after a tight opening 45 minutes of their Premier League meeting.

Both sides found it difficult to create opportunities in the opening stages of the match as defenders enjoyed some early dominance at St James' Park.

The deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute when Barkley took advantage of some space to take the ball into the box, before earning more room to fire the opening goal past a helpless Tim Krul.

© Getty Images

Everton grew in confidence after taking the lead, but missed an opportunity to double their advantage when Leon Osman saw a shot deflected wide after linking well with Barkley and Romelu Lukaku.

Newcastle threatened to hit back before the interval when Vurnon Anita picked out Papiss Cisse inside the box, but the Senegalese striker was left frustrated when his effort was blocked by a combination of John Stones and Seamus Coleman.