Newcastle United squeeze past Everton in thrilling clash

Newcastle United came from behind to secure a 3-2 win against Everton in a thrilling Premier League clash at St James' Park this afternoon.

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The visitors took the lead within the first five minutes as Seamus Coleman powered down the flank and lashed a cross into the box towards Arouna Kone, who had the simple task of poking the ball into the back of the net from close range.

Moments later, Samuel Eto'o decided to attempt an ambitious shot from distance, but this sailed wide of Jak Alnwick's post.

In the 12th minute, the hosts came close to fashioning a dangerous chance when Papiss Cisse flicked the ball towards Moussa Sissoko, but the latter's first touch was too heavy and his side had to settle for a corner, which came to nothing.

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Newcastle kept threatening and were rewarded in the 34th minute when Cisse converted from close range following a smart pull-back from Mike Williamson to claim his ninth goal of the season.

Despite a lively start from the Toffees in the second half, the Magpies found themselves in the lead in the 51st minute when the prolific Ayoze Perez found space inside the box and poked home, the opposition keeper rooted to the spot.

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And it would get even better for Alan Pardew's charges as they scored a third midway through the second half, Ross Barkley attempting to clear but only succeeding in passing the ball to Colback, who subsequently charged towards goal and tucked past Joel Robles.

However, Everton threatened to mount a comeback in the last five minutes of the game when Kevin Mirallas bore down on the Newcastle goal before finishing past an advancing Alnwick.

The visitors launched a late assault on the Magpies goalmouth, with Mirallas blasting a free kick just wide and Barkley also coming within a whisker of equalising, but ultimately the hosts managed to survive and claim all three points.