A relegation scrap at Crystal Palace might have seemed like an attractive proposition for Alan Pardew with Newcastle trailing inside five minutes and the locals again restless in fear of a fifth straight loss. In fact, it still might, regardless of the turnaround which followed. But come full-time, Pardew – bookies’ favourite for the vacant manager’s position at Selhurst Park - was applauding those same supporters who had threatened to turn in the wake of Arouna Kone’s early opener and embracing the players who have repeatedly bailed him out this season. It should have been a cause for celebration. Instead, Pardew refused to speak to the press after the game, fueling speculation he is tempted by a return to London. No reason was given by club officials but it is thought he did not want to answer questions on the link to his former club.
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Arouna Kone gave Everton an early first half lead, volleying home from close range on five minutes
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Newcastle were lucky not to be reduced to 10 men when Papiss Cisse elbowed Seamus Coleman
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Cisse then later equalised for the hosts with a low, right-footed shot on 34 minutes
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Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez put them 2-1 shortly after half-time with a neat strike into the bottom corner
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Jack Colback extended the Magpies lead with his first strike for the club on 68 minutes
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Kevin Mirallas gave the Toffees hope with minutes remaining after scoring a clipped finish over Jak Alnwick
Colback (left) watches on as his strike trickles towards the Everton goal to give Newcastle a 3-1 lead against the @placeholder
Man-of-the-match Ayoze Perez fired them in front after the break and @placeholder netted his first in black and white midway through the second half.