McNeil the hero again as Everton smack Newcastle 3-0

Dwight McNeil's goal and assist powered desperate and improved Everton to a 3-0 upset win over sloppy, weary Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Thursday.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and Beto scored late, as all three goals came from the 79th minute onward to a delighted home crowd in Toffee blue.

WATCH EVERTON vs NEWCASTLE FULL MATCH REPLAY STREAM

The Toffees entered the day in the bottom three following the Premier League’s 10-point deduction for breaking financial rules. Now they're enjoying some time back above the relegation zone, seated 17th with 10 points on the season.

Newcastle stalls in seventh at the moment, their 26 points four points off of the top four.

McNeil fittingly keeps Dyche’s Burnley bravery burning

Dyche's men got back in the win column at the weekend when Dwight McNeil’s goal pushed them past Nottingham Forest, and crave space outside the relegation zone.

And it feels right that McNeil played such a huge rule in this win as well, as the ex-Burnley man plays with the fire that became so familiar to Dyche's odds-defying Clarets sides.

It definitely helps that the Magpies were running out of gas well before this trip to Merseyside, but the Toffees feel like they can hang with anyone right now. And Chelsea's next to test that theory.

What’s next?

Everton hosts Chelsea at 9am ET Sunday, two and a half hours before Newcastle visit Spurs.

Everton vs Newcastle final score: 3-0

Goal: McNeil (79'), Doucoure (86')

How to watch Everton vs Newcastle live, stream link and start time

Kick off: 2:30pm ET (Thursday, Dec. 7)

TV Channel: Peacock Premium

Online: Stream live on Peacock Premium

Everton vs Newcastle live updates - By Nick Mendola

Abdoulaye Doucoure goal (video)!

And now McNeil's turned provider.

It's another Everton hero under Sean Dyche, Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has put an exclamation point on this one for the Goodison Park set.

Dwight McNeil goal (video)!

A big mistake from Kieran Trippier, who falls off the ball and allows Dwight McNeil a drive toward goal.

McNeil blasts it home and looks set for a second-straight matchday with hero status.

Everton vs Newcastle halftime analysis

Both teams will argue they've been superior.

Newcastle's had 63% of the ball and a pair of dangerous chances, but Everton's out-attempting the visitors 13-5 and leading in total xG, 1.91-0.52.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's bad miss in the 40th minute is screaming off the page, that moved Everton's xG from 1.1 to 1.91!

Everton has more attacking talent on the bench if it looks to freshen things up, with Arnaut Danjuma, Beto, and Youssef Chermiti.

Newcastle's subs are academy products, two goalkeepers, Matt Ritchie

Mostly Everton early but Magpies finding way

The Toffees flew out of the gates but failed to put any of seven shot attempts on target.

Both of Newcastle's efforts have reached Jordan Pickford — a Kieran Trippier free kick and a point-blank first-time shot from Miguel Almiron, cued up by a Joelinton dribble.

The Magpies have had 65% possession through 18 minutes.

Few changes in the XIs

Newcastle's field players are the same as they've been for the past three games, with few reinforcements healing up over that time period. Martin Dubravka's in goal for the injured Nick Pope.

Everton welcomes back club icon Seamus Coleman to a group that includes longtime Newcastle nemesis Jordan Pickford, the Sunderland product.

Everton lineup

Newcastle lineup

Focus on Everton, team news

OUT: Andre Gomes (calf), Dele Alli (groin) | QUESTIONABLE: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (undisclosed), Amadou Onana (calf)

Focus on Newcastle, team news

OUT: Sandro Tonali (suspension), Nick Pope (shoulder), Sven Botman (knee), Harvey Barnes (foot), Dan Burn (back), Matt Targett (thigh), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Javi Manquillo (groin), Joe Willock (achilles), Sean Longstaff (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Anthony Gordon (groin), Callum Wilson (thigh).