It was a bit of a slow-building game and one that saw Newcastle hold onto 66% of the possession, but Everton, via a second-half goal from Charly Alcaraz, ended up taking home all three points to close out their 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Newcastle came into the match needing a win over the Toffees to ensure their entry into next season's Champions League tournament. And a loss plus a win by Aston Villa over Manchester United would mean they'd only qualify for the Europa League.
The Magpies came out on the front foot, with the visitors seemingly content to play out of the counterattack, and it led to some early chances for Everton.
Still, in spite of opportunities for both sides in the first half, including a double save by Jordan Pickford, the teams went into the dressing room without a goal to their names.
The second half was much of the same, but 15 minutes into the frame, Everton [found the back of the net](https://x.com/premierleague/status/1926678090681303319) via a header by Alcaraz.
Idrissa Gana Gueye found Illiman Ndiaye, who got the ball to Vitalii Mykolenko, who whipped the cross into the box. Alcaraz rose over the Newcastle defenders to head it past Nick Pope and give Everton the lead.
That would prove to be the only goal of the match, even as the home side pressed to find an equalizer and secure their European safety for next season.
In spite of the loss, Newcastle will be part of the Champions League after all, as 10-man Aston Villa fell 2-0 to Manchester United, to leave them out of the mix, although they did [qualify for the Europa League](https://www.fotmob.com/matches/everton-vs-newcastle/2yo9qd#4506598:tab=table).
Everton close out the season in 13th place on 48 points, five behind Crystal Palace and five clear of West Ham United behind them.