Everton 0-2 Newcastle United: Steve Bruce lauds 'braver' performance

Callum Wilson scored his 50th and 51st Premier League goals

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce said a pressure-relieving win over Everton came from a "braver" approach crowned by Callum Wilson's double.

Bruce has endured intense criticism from Newcastle's fan base as his team lost their past five Premier League games to slip towards the relegation zone.

But after switching to a 4-4-2 diamond formation they secured their first win in 12 games, with Wilson's 50th and 51st Premier League goals helping to beat a passive Everton.

Wilson, who went close either side of the break, ended a seven-game goal drought by heading in Jonjo Shelvey's corner before adding a second in stoppage time.

Bruce was understandably delighted at the final whistle as his team moved nine points clear of the relegation zone.

"There's no disputing it - it's been very difficult," he said.

"When you're on a bad run in the Premier League it's difficult whether you're [Arsenal boss] Mikel Arteta or [former Chelsea manager] Frank Lampard.

"You have to be brave and make these decisions. We're trying to be more on the front foot and push up the pitch. That's something we want to do more. We're a lot better.

"The players have enjoyed the change, certainly by looking at that performance today. What you need is a result to go with it, so today of course everybody's happy."

Everton, who tested keeper Karl Darlow in the first half, could not find a way through Newcastle's defence and missed out on a chance to move within a point of Liverpool.

Carlo Ancelotti's side remain seventh, four points off the top four, but the Italian labelled their performance as "lazy and slow".

"The spirit was missing. I was surprised," he added. "We have good quality but you can only show that if you show the spirit. Without spirit there is no quality."

Wilson sparkles as Newcastle end wretched run

Bruce has borne the brunt of fans' frustrations for the past two months as Newcastle dwindled towards what looked like a scrap for survival.

But he has always maintained his side are capable of turning the corner once they got Allan Saint-Maximin and Jamaal Lascelles back from coronavirus problems, and Ryan Fraser from injury.

There has been criticism of his formations and team selection too, but, in a week when Bruce added Bournemouth coach Graeme Jones to his staff, Wilson's return to form and a new formation offered supporters much-needed hope.

There were signs of improvement in the second half of their midweek defeat by Leeds, but, with Miguel Almiron at the tip of the diamond and Wilson and Fraser further forward, this was Newcastle's best display for months.

Wilson, often isolated in previous matches, got better support and, although starting slightly to the right, he looked dangerous from the outset.

Shelvey had already gone close with a deflected shot when Wilson drew a fine stop from Pickford with a header from Fraser's corner. Further good link-up play from Wilson led to a free-kick where Shelvey could not hit the target.

But with a better balance in midfield and a firm defence, Bruce bellowed at his players from the sidelines as he sensed a positive result.

That came when Wilson nodded in his ninth of the season to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Although he wasted a great chance to make it 2-0 when he rounded Pickford and hit a post, he made up for that error with a 10th goal of the season by firing in unmarked.

The only disappointment for Bruce was a second-half injury to captain Lascelles, who came off the pitch to be replaced by Ciaran Clark with a hamstring injury.

Everton's European challenge stutters

Ancelotti spoke on Friday about how his team are playing to their strengths this season by being solid in defence and combining the passing range of James Rodriguez with their aerial prowess.

But their more direct approach and a lack of midfield control showed against an often superior Newcastle side, even if Abdoulaye Doucoure, Alex Iwobi and Gylfi Sigurdsson, on his 300th Premier League appearance, were back in the side.

"We were lazy, we were slow," Ancelotti said. "We were not focused.

"We conceded corners to them. We didn't win duels, second balls. The game is also about winning duels and second balls, avoiding corners and throw-ins. We were not on the pitch today."

Everton took advantage of their best assets early on when Yerry Mina headed over from Rodriguez's cross, with Darlow taking out the Colombia defender as he struggled to meet the centre.

Although there were chances for Rodriguez, who had a shot saved by Darlow despite suspicions of a handball by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the build-up, and Richarlison skewed wide, having hit the target with an earlier effort, they failed to dominate their opponents.

Pickford, who stayed in the side following his error against Leicester, repaid the faith Ancelotti had shown in him by keeping out Wilson's first-half header.

But he could do little about the opening goal as it sailed to Wilson, who was unchallenged at the back post.

Everton began to leave gaps as they searched for an equaliser, but Wilson, who was supported well by Fraser and his replacement Saint-Maximin, continued to cause problems for a Everton defence who had been resolute in recent matches.

A second defeat in nine league games is not terminal, but it leaves Ancelotti with much to consider as he attempts to mount a European challenge which has stuttered this week.

Newcastle continue second-half improvement

• Everton have lost four home league games this season, the most in a campaign for manager Carlo Ancelotti since 2007-08 with AC Milan (also four).

• This was Newcastle's first Premier League double over Everton since 2001-02, and their first league victory at Goodison Park since September 2010.

• 81% of Newcastle's league goals this season have come in the second half (17/21), a higher ratio than any other side.

• Callum Wilson's opener was his 50th Premier League goal (145th appearance). He has only scored more against West Ham (8) in the competition than against Everton (6).

• Wilson has been involved in 67% of Newcastle's 21 league goals this season, scoring 10 and assisting four.

• Jonjo Shelvey's assist for Newcastle's opener was his first goal involvement in 13 league appearances this season. He led the way for goals & assists for the Magpies last term (8).

• Everton's Gylfi Sigurdsson made his 300th Premier League appearance, the second Icelandic player to reach the milestone after Hermann Hreidarsson (332).

What next?

Newcastle host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Tuesday, while Everton travel to Leeds United on Wednesday.

• A huge day of matches in the Premier League on Saturday, all the goals and highlights are streaming now on BBC iPlayer