Newcastle United have missed out on a Champions League spot after losing 3-1 to Everton on the final day of the season this afternoon.
The visitors almost took an early lead when Hatem Ben Arfa's free-kick found the head of Fabricio Coloccini, but Tim Howard was equal to the defender's effort.
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.
The Magpies had a good chance to get back into the match early in the second half when Papiss Cisse had a sight of goal, but his shot was mis-hit and went wide.
The visitors struggled to find a way through and, when they did, they found Howard in good form to keep them at bay, most notably from Demba Ba.
The Toffees got their third just after the hour mark as John Heitinga popped up unmarked to kill off Newcastle's Champions League hopes once and for all.
Howard was finally beaten just over five minutes later as Tony Hibbert nodded the ball past his own goalkeeper.
The own goal renewed hope in some of the Newcastle players, and Cisse almost continued his goal-a-game streak with a header that was clawed away by Tim Howard. The Senegal international claimed that it had gone over the line, but the goal was not given.
The match ended on a sour note as Tim Cahill was shown a red card after the final whistle for grabbing Yohan Cabaye's neck.
The result means that Newcastle finish fifth in the table and will play Europa League football next season, while Everton have edged out Merseyside rivals Liverpool into seventh place.
Barney Corkhill
