Everton profited from two Kieran Trippier errors to score late goals through Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Beto as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Thursday to move out of the Premier League relegation zone.
It was a deserved win for the Merseysiders against a depleted Newcastle, who have now lost as many games this season, five, as in the whole of the last campaign, and with a long injury list that has left them with 12 players sidelined.
McNeil robbed Trippier of the ball before unleashing a powerful left-footed drive into the far corner of the net with 12 minutes remaining.
The England full back again lost possession and Jack Harrison’s cross found Doucoure to side-foot home, before Beto’s first Premier League goal came in stoppage time.
The defeat leaves Newcastle in seventh place with 26 points from 15 games amid a worsening away record, while Everton, stung by a 10-point deduction by the Premier League, move into 17th with 10 points from 15 games. Without it they would be in 10th.
“Massive result at home,” McNeil told Amazon Prime. “Back-to-back wins and out of the bottom three, clean sheet. Now we’ve just got to keep going because we’ve got a massive game at home on Sunday.
“The fans are amazing, they’ve been through some tough times but they’ve stuck with us. We really appreciate it and want to give back to them.”
Newcastle clearly ran out of steam in the second half, but Everton will feel they should have been ahead at the break after striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a sitter as he blasted over from a few yards out with no-one around him.
As had been the story of their season, Everton created plenty but were frustrated until the closing stages, when they found a clinical touch and were able to pick up a second home win of the campaign.
Newcastle rarely threatened with their skillful, pacey forwards. Miguel Almiron fired straight at Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford when well placed, while Alexander Isak headed wide.
One of the loudest cheers of the night came when former Evertonian Anthony Gordon shot wide from distance, and he had a better opportunity when he robbed James Tarkowski of the ball, but fired straight at Pickford.
“We have to do better,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said. “There are reasons behind every performance and we have struggled to change our players to have the attacking options we feel we need to win the game.
“That is a big miss for us, we are without some tremendous players. I think it was a missed opportunity for us and we didn’t grab it and paid the price.”
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.