It was one for the ages, a night of insane drama that Everton's theatre impresario chairman Bill Kenwright would be proud of. Miraculously, magnificently, Alex Iwobi came up with a finale which brought the house down… almost literally, such was the noise it inspired amongst the Goodison faithful.
With his side reduced to 10 men - after another desperately controversial VAR call - and clinging desperately on to a precious point against a physically imposing Newcastle, he scored a quite wondrous goal in the 99th minute that provoked scenes of utter carnage.
New manager Frank Lampard, overcome with a frenzied emotion, revealed afterwards he broke his hand amid the celebrations. Hard men were crying in the stands. The noise wasn’t just deafening, it was sonic boom territory.
Drama is hardly the word for it. Goodison has not seen a night like this for years. Even before the crazy moments which turned this contest, both sides offered an intensity of effort and passion reminiscent of a proper, old-fashioned cup tie.
And no wonder, because so much is at stake. The fear of the drop was visceral on the terraces, the Blues supporters inspired and united behind their team, and the visiting fans responding with equal passion.
Everton ’s approach initially was frenzied, their plan, it seemed, merely to rouse their fanbase and use the emotion to inspire themselves, but Newcastle were more dead-eyed, clearer in their intent.
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The sensible decision by their new manager Eddie Howe to add intimidating bulk and brawn to his side in the January transfer window, seemed as though it would be the deciding factor in the game.
Chris Wood had two brilliant chances he should have done better with, and was denied a third time only by an impossible clearance from the revived Michael Keane. Seamus Coleman, a remarkable inspiration as captain, repeated the feat soon after.
They were disrupted though, by the first moment of improbable drama to grip this contest. A climate activist staged a ‘direct action protest’ against the continuing use of fossil fuels, by zip-tying himself to a post, just before the hour.
Just Stop Oil, his slogan said, and given Newcastle’s owners, it was pointed indeed, given it turned the game in Everton’s favour, with Anthony Gordon so close to opening the scoring for the Blues, and Coleman having a shout for a penalty turning down.
But then, with the game finely balanced inside the final 10 minutes, Blues midfielder Allan was controversially sent off for a flying challenge on Allan Saint Maximin, that turned the game back to Newcastle, and left his desperate side clinging on.
Lampard was livid afterwards, suggesting referees should not now be used as VAR officials, because they are sticking together.
Somehow though, as 14 minutes of stoppage time was flashed up, Everton themselves stuck together. Sub Dominic Calvert-Lewin sublimely played Iwobi in, and he produced quite possibly a pivotal moment in the history of this club.
It did make Kenwright proud. Lampard revealed before the game he had given a speech to the players on what it means to be an Evertonian and after the final whistle, they lined up to celebrate with him. There were tears once more.
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