In a game that has been dubbed as Everton's most important for 20 years by some pundits, the Toffees fans made sure it was a raucous atmosphere in the early stages at Goodison Park.
But it was Newcastle who started the better and quickly quietened down the crowd. Chris Wood could only head a searching cross from Ryan Fraser into the grateful arms of Asmir Begovic and then Fraser was denied by a last gasp Seamus Coleman block as he bore down on Begovic's goal.
Corners caused the hosts some issues as an in-swinging Matt Targett provoked panic in the Everton penalty area before a Fraser delivery from the other side was headed over by Wood. Fabian Schar then tried an audacious chip from a free-kick from the halfway line but Begovic managed to backpedal in time to prevent a goal.
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As much as Everton were full of energy, Newcastle's midfield trio of Joelinton, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes began to assert their dominance in the middle of the park, with the latter showing the calmness and the quality you'd expect from a Brazilian international big money signing.
The second half descended into chaos as a protester delayed the match for 10 minutes after he tied himself to a goalpost. The fan named Louis, aged 21, wore a shirt with the message: 'Just stop oil'.
After stewards managed to break the fan free and remove him from the pitch, Everton seemed to respond better and Martin Dubravka was twice called into action to make some smart saves.
But Everton were incensed with 10 minutes to go when Allan was sent off for a robust challenge on Allan Saint-Maximin. Referee Craig Pawson initially showed the Brazilian midfielder a yellow card but after referring to the VAR monitor, upgraded it to a red card.
Unsurprisingly, 14 minutes of stoppage time were added on and Newcastle piled on the pressure with Joe Willock, Fabian Schar and Allan Saint-Maximin going close.
But the Magpies were punished for their wastefulness as Alex Iwobi combined with Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the former fired beyond Martin Dubravka to send the Goodison Park faithful into raptures.
And the Toffees held on to seal vital win that lifted them three points clear of the relegation zone. Here's how Lee Ryder has rated the players.
Martin Dubravka 7
Some vital saves but didn't deserve last gasp sucker punch.
Emil Krafth 7
Battled hard before going off with injury.
Fabian Schar 8
Playing some of his best football for United. Some valiant defending and offered a threat at the other end.
Dan Burn 7
Looked solid again. Everton couldn't deal with him at one stage.
Matt Targett 7
A comfortable display at left-back. Easy to see why he was considered for England call.
Joelinton 7
Another immense display in the middle. Won plenty of the aerial challenges.
Joe Willock 6
Nothing came off for him.
Bruno Guimaraes 8
Oozed quality and didn't deserve to be on losing side. The complete baller. Probed and prodded Everton all night.
Ryan Fraser 6
A slight dip after recent games.
Miguel Almiron 6
No surprise to see him withdrawn. Worked hard but didn't take chance.
Chris Wood 6
The big chances came and went. Did well in the air again but the key moments must be taken on nights like this.
Subs
Allan Saint-Maximin 6 (for Almiron 70)
Offered some threat but not enough given he had 34 minutes to make an impact.
Jacob Murphy (for Fraser 85)
Javier Manquillo (for Krafth 90)
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