Newcastle United will have to come back from two goals down to stand any chance of reaching the Champions League spots after Everton took a 2-0 lead into half-time this afternoon.
The visitors almost took the lead within the opening minutes when Hatem Ben Arfa's free-kick found the head of Fabricio Coloccini, forcing a save from Tim Howard.
Everton had a chance of their own ten minutes later when Phil Neville's cross was headed just over by Marouane Fellaini.
The opening goal came after 17 minutes when Steven Pienaar, on loan from Newcastle's top-four rivals Tottenham, unleashed a shot from long range. The ball deflected off Mike Williamson and over Tim Krul to give the Toffees the lead.
The hosts almost doubled their lead five minutes later when Pienaar took advantage of a scramble in the penalty area to strike his shot against the outside of the post.
The second goal did eventually come when Nikica Jelavic continued his good goalscoring form by volleying in a rebound, although replays suggested that the ball hit the striker's arm.
As it stands, Newcastle will finish the season in fifth place, while Everton will finish above Merseyside rivals Liverpool in seventh.
Barney Corkhill
