Substitute Thierno Barry struck a dramatic late winner as Everton stunned Newcastle United at St James’ Park to keep their hopes of European qualification firmly alive.
Before kick-off, Everton manager David Moyes had insisted his side would not abandon their ambitions of reaching either the Europa League or Europa Conference League, but admitted they would need to win “some really big games” along the way.
This was certainly one of them - and once again, his team delivered away from home.
The contest swung wildly throughout.
Defender Jarrad Branthwaite gave Everton the lead with a clever near-post header, stealing in front of Sandro Tonali to glance home James Garner’s corner.
Moyes celebrated passionately on the touchline, only for Newcastle to respond when Jacob Ramsey’s strike deflected off the sliding Branthwaite and looped beyond Jordan Pickford.
Parity lasted mere minutes.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope failed to hold Dwight McNeil’s swerving long-range effort, and Betoreacted quickest to tap in - a timely reward on his first start since December.
Fresh from booking their place in the Champions League last 16, Newcastle appeared rattled.
Head coach Eddie Howeshuffled his pack after the break, and substitute Jacob Murphy hauled the hosts level in the 82nd minute with a deflected volley from Joelinton’s lofted cross.
Yet Everton refused to yield.
Almost immediately, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered to the back post, where the falling Barry bundled home from close range to spark wild celebrations among the travelling support.
Newcastle pressed for a third equaliser, but Pickford produced a superb fingertip save to push Tonali’s volley onto the crossbar, preserving three priceless points that lift Everton to eighth.
Newcastle remain 12th.
Much of the pre-match conversation centred on Newcastle’s enticing upcoming Champions League tie against Barcelona, but this fixture carried huge domestic significance.
Howe made six changes following the midweek win over Qarabag, and the reshuffle disrupted fluency.
Joelinton was stationed wide on the left, Nick Woltemade operated in midfield and Anthony Gordon led the line - a trio soon restored to more natural roles after a disjointed opening half hour.
The adjustments briefly paid off when Ramsey equalised, the midfielder racing back for a quick restart rather than celebrating.
But the Magpies’ familiar defensive frailties resurfaced.
They have now conceded 23 goals in all competitions since their last clean sheet, and once again a hard-earned leveller was swiftly undone.
Boos echoed around St James’ Park at full-time, a reminder of a domestic campaign that is faltering badly, with five defeats in six matches.
Everton’s forwards have hardly been prolific this season.
Beto’s goal was only his fifth of the campaign, while Barry’s winner took him to six after a recent uptick in form.
But at a crucial juncture, both stepped up.
Beto justified Moyes’ faith with sharp instincts to capitalise on Pope’s error, while Barry’s decisive contribution - scrappy but effective - underlined Everton’s resilience and hunger.
The Toffees’ travelling fans have become accustomed to such grit on the road.
Only league leaders Arsenal have collected more away points than Everton this season, and after successive home defeats to Manchester United and Bournemouth, this emphatic response could prove pivotal in their pursuit of European football.
