Newcastle United against Everton

Louis Saha is offered a clear sight of goal by the Newcastle defence but he curls his effort a foot shy of Steve Harper's goal.

Great defending from Ryan Taylor to stop Leighton Baines in his tracks on the edge of the Newcastle penalty area.

Gutierrez - whose contribution so far has been somewhat haphazard - sends a cross over the heads of the scrum of players in the Everton box and out for a goal-kick.

Butt makes the perfunctory trip to the sidelines but will soon be back in the fray. It will take more than a bit of cramp to stop the steely midfield man.

Nice control from Saha to play in Jo and then Nicky Butt shows there is life in the old dog yet by racing back to make a fantastic sliding interception. Butt has gone down with cramp now but Newcastle have used all three subs.

Rodwell curls in a perfect cross for Jo who is in acres of room twelve yards from goal. He can't force Harper in to a telling save though when perhaps he should have.

Alan Smith adds to the coterie of ex-Manchester United players on the park today by taking the place of Peter Lovenkrands.

Great cross from Baines on the left but Coloccini is equal to it as he gets up to head it away from goal.

Nicky Butt knocks a ball out of play with the look of a man who is tiring somewhat.

Louis Saha now comes on and Dan Gosling is off.

Gutierrez breaks quickly but his finish is hurried and poor - he has a difficult angle to negotiate but his chipped attempt is the right idea with the wrong execution.

Steven Taylor is being spoken to for jumping for the ball but clattering in to Gosling as well.

Good tackle on Jagielka from Enrique as the Everton man looked to advance down the right. Then Gutierrez goes in on Fellaini and wins a free-kick which Harper takes but- not for the first time - the Newcastle man's delivery is poor and ball goes straight out to groans from the home fans.

Baines delivers the corner but before the ball touches earth Rodwell is penalised for a push.

Neville's long cross is flicked off the head of Jo by the retreating Steven Taylor in the Newcastle six yard box.

Rodwell puts in a firm tackle on Steven Taylor and the youngster has played well again today.

Jo and Bassong clash in the Newcastle penalty area with the Newcastle man coming off best and away with the ball.

Gosling is fouled by Steven Taylor and Everton have a free-kick. They play it short and Baines then crosses in to the penalty area but the whistle goes for a free-kick to the home side.

An acrobatic clearance there from Baines as he performed an impressive bicycle kick.

Another corner to Everton but they make little of it and Butt once more performs his defensive duties to head the ball away.

Ameobi comes off and, to huge cheers, Obafemi Martins enters the game.

Fellaini swings a boot at it but Butt is handily positioned to clean up for Newcastle when the corner comes over.

Corner to Everton and Baines comes over to take it.

Lescott does well to hold off Lovenkrands who was craning over his neck to get a look at the ball which is about as much as he did get.

Ameobi does well to beat a couple of challenges in the middle but he is starved of options to pass to and Everton are able to win the ball back.

Rodwell does well to win the ball in midfield but then excitement perhaps gets the better of him as his long range shot is way off target.

Taylor again delivers and this time Howard gets down low to punch his effort away.

Gutierrez twists and turns out wide and is eventually brought down by Jagielka for a free-kick.

Phil Neville sends in a cross which skims off the head of his old United chum Nicky Butt for a corner. It eventually comes to Yobo who shows some good composure to steady himself before a thunderous shot which goes over the Newcastle bar.

Here we go for the second half and Gutierrez has replaced Duff by the looks of it as Newcastle perhaps look for a bit more pace in the side.

HALF-TIME: Everton showed enough in that half to suggest they will make their numerical advantage pay as the game goes on.

Anichebe is removed to make way for Fellaini. I know it gets mentioned every time but - what about that hair?

Lovenkrands, playing out on the right, puts in a marvellous cross between Howard and the Everton backline but nobody in a Newcastle shirt is far enough advanced to take advantage.

Jo tries a back-heel which is well read by Duff who was positioned just behind the on-loan City man.

Stever Harper does well to come from his line to pluck a cross from the air. Meanwhile Anichebe is receiving some stick from the Newcastle fans who will surely rescind their judgement of his guilt when they see a replay of that tackle this evening.

Anichebe is still walking, albeit gingerly, which is fortunate as he could well be on his way to hospital now after that.

Controversy here! Kevin Nolan is red-carded after going in hard on Anichebe with a quite appalling two-footed tackle which could well have broken Anichebe's leg. Nolan can have no complaints and should be thankful that Anichebe is not in a worse state than he looks to be. Disgraceful challenge.

Ameobi is is being spoken to for a small act of petulance but receives nothing more than a mild rebuke from the referee.

Ryan Taylor delivers the free-kick from the left and the ball ends up in the net via the back of Ameobi's head - who unfortunately for Newcastle had fouled Tim Howard in the process. The goal does not stand.

Duff goes to ground a tad easily from this vantage point but on second thoughts there may have been a slight tug from Phil Neville to help him on his way.

Everton this time exert a bit of pressure but Newcastle's defence is well organised and they clear the danger. They launch an attack and Ameobi is just inches away from getting his header on target as Yobo does enough to put him off.

Ryan Taylor tries his luck for the free-kick but is just inches wide. Perhaps he would have better results if he wears a Wigan shirt beneath his Newcastle one.

Newcastle keep hold of the ball well for a prolonged period and their patience pays off when Lescott gives away a free-kick for handball about thirty yards from goal.

Michael Owen was just shown on the telly and looked like he was wearing a dinner jacket, or a dressing gown, with jeans. Who says footballers have no style eh?

Ooh Peter Lovenkrands has missed a sitter. One on one with Tim Howard he sends his shot wide of the target. A terrible miss and the best chance so far.

Wonderful flighted cross from Ameobi finds the head of Kevin Nolan but it is a fraction too high for the ex-Bolton man who was well placed to head it home there.

Corner to Everton after good work from Rodwell. It comes long and Everton almost score as Rodwell's shot is blocked by a combination of Newcastle defenders.

Great challenge from Baines who then advances up the park. Jo carries the play on and then Jagielka's cross is well blocked by Duff. Jagielka has another go and this time wins a throw.

Duff keeps in a long cross from Taylor but then produces an over-hit effort of his own which ends up out on the other side of the pitch for an Everton throw.

Nicky Butt tries a forty yard pass towards Ameobi but the speed of the pitch means the ball skims away from the Newcastle man.

Harper has to race to the edge of his penalty area to make a block as Jo looked to get a sight on goal and possibly try a cheeky little lob. Well, that's what I would have done anyway. Good save from Harper.

Anichebe collects the ball then shifts on to his left foot, his weaker side, and the resulting shot reflects this imbalance.

The corner comes in and Steve Harper gets a hand to it after Yobo's glancing header. Everton continue to press and Phil Jagielka, advancing down the right, fires just wide. Everton looking good so far here.

Duff back defending forces the ball out for a couple of Everton throws. From one of these they earn themselves a corner and up come the big guys.

Another Ryan Taylor delivery in to the box in search of his namesake Steven but this one is too high and sails behind for a goal-kick.

Castillo - welcome to the game. He announces his arrival with what looked a fierce shot that was all power and little accuracy sadly (for him and Everton fans).

Ryan Taylor delivers a curling free-kick in to the Everton penalty area which sparks a bit of a scramble before the whistle goes for a foul by Steven Taylor.

Jose Enrique battles hard with Anichebe and his determination pays off as he clears his lines well under plenty of pressure from the Everton man.

Segundo Castillo is on for Arteta by the way.

Woeful free-kick in from Leighton Baines which manages to bypass everyone bar Tim Howard on its way out of play.

Arteta has gone off and now Ryan Taylor has clattered in to Rodwell who looked as if he may be in a bit of bother too. Thankfully he has shaken it off and looks ok.

Everton learned today that the BNP have cancelled their 'event' that looked like forcing the postponement of the Toffees match with Stoke. If they can go eyeball to eyeball with facism and make the other side blink then surely a trip to St. James' Park should hold no fear for Davie Moyes men.

Mikael Arteta stretches for a ball against Lovenkrands but goes to ground in agony and a stretcher is on now. Looks bad for the Spaniard.

Jo goes up against Fabricio Coloccini who marshals him well to shepherd the ball out of play. Some fine hair going on between those two today although the king of the barnet - Marouane Fellaini - is sitting on the bench today.

Everton get the game underway and immediately Dan Gosling goes on a leggy run which ends with a neat shot that has Steve Harper scrambling across goal as it goes just wide. A bright start.

Welcome to Newcastle's game against Everton and the home side line up with Peter Lovenkrands up front alongside Shola Ameobi, Kevin Nolan in the middle and Damien Duff on the wing. Everton welcome back Jo to the starting line-up and Jack Rodwell will hope to celebrate his new contract with a good performance today.

Everton take on Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon and you won't miss any of the action. Join us for live commentary from 16.00 UK time.

Rodwell puts in a firm tackle on Steven Taylor and the youngster has played well again today.

Jo and Bassong clash in the Newcastle penalty area with the Newcastle man coming off best and away with the ball.

Gosling is fouled by Steven Taylor and Everton have a free-kick. They play it short and Baines then crosses in to the penalty area but the whistle goes for a free-kick to the home side.

An acrobatic clearance there from Baines as he performed an impressive bicycle kick.

Another corner to Everton but they make little of it and Butt once more performs his defensive duties to head the ball away.

Ameobi comes off and, to huge cheers, Obafemi Martins enters the game.

Fellaini swings a boot at it but Butt is handily positioned to clean up for Newcastle when the corner comes over.

Corner to Everton and Baines comes over to take it.

Lescott does well to hold off Lovenkrands who was craning over his neck to get a look at the ball which is about as much as he did get.

Ameobi does well to beat a couple of challenges in the middle but he is starved of options to pass to and Everton are able to win the ball back.

Rodwell does well to win the ball in midfield but then excitement perhaps gets the better of him as his long range shot is way off target.

Taylor again delivers and this time Howard gets down low to punch his effort away.

Gutierrez twists and turns out wide and is eventually brought down by Jagielka for a free-kick.

Phil Neville sends in a cross which skims off the head of his old United chum Nicky Butt for a corner. It eventually comes to Yobo who shows some good composure to steady himself before a thunderous shot which goes over the Newcastle bar.

Here we go for the second half and Gutierrez has replaced Duff by the looks of it as Newcastle perhaps look for a bit more pace in the side.

HALF-TIME: Everton showed enough in that half to suggest they will make their numerical advantage pay as the game goes on.

Anichebe is removed to make way for Fellaini. I know it gets mentioned every time but - what about that hair?

Lovenkrands, playing out on the right, puts in a marvellous cross between Howard and the Everton backline but nobody in a Newcastle shirt is far enough advanced to take advantage.

Jo tries a back-heel which is well read by Duff who was positioned just behind the on-loan City man.

Stever Harper does well to come from his line to pluck a cross from the air. Meanwhile Anichebe is receiving some stick from the Newcastle fans who will surely rescind their judgement of his guilt when they see a replay of that tackle this evening.

Anichebe is still walking, albeit gingerly, which is fortunate as he could well be on his way to hospital now after that.

Controversy here! Kevin Nolan is red-carded after going in hard on Anichebe with a quite appalling two-footed tackle which could well have broken Anichebe's leg. Nolan can have no complaints and should be thankful that Anichebe is not in a worse state than he looks to be. Disgraceful challenge.

Ameobi is is being spoken to for a small act of petulance but receives nothing more than a mild rebuke from the referee.

Ryan Taylor delivers the free-kick from the left and the ball ends up in the net via the back of Ameobi's head - who unfortunately for Newcastle had fouled Tim Howard in the process. The goal does not stand.

Duff goes to ground a tad easily from this vantage point but on second thoughts there may have been a slight tug from Phil Neville to help him on his way.

Everton this time exert a bit of pressure but Newcastle's defence is well organised and they clear the danger. They launch an attack and Ameobi is just inches away from getting his header on target as Yobo does enough to put him off.

Ryan Taylor tries his luck for the free-kick but is just inches wide. Perhaps he would have better results if he wears a Wigan shirt beneath his Newcastle one.

Newcastle keep hold of the ball well for a prolonged period and their patience pays off when Lescott gives away a free-kick for handball about thirty yards from goal.

Michael Owen was just shown on the telly and looked like he was wearing a dinner jacket, or a dressing gown, with jeans. Who says footballers have no style eh?

Ooh Peter Lovenkrands has missed a sitter. One on one with Tim Howard he sends his shot wide of the target. A terrible miss and the best chance so far.

Wonderful flighted cross from Ameobi finds the head of Kevin Nolan but it is a fraction too high for the ex-Bolton man who was well placed to head it home there.

Corner to Everton after good work from Rodwell. It comes long and Everton almost score as Rodwell's shot is blocked by a combination of Newcastle defenders.

Great challenge from Baines who then advances up the park. Jo carries the play on and then Jagielka's cross is well blocked by Duff. Jagielka has another go and this time wins a throw.

Duff keeps in a long cross from Taylor but then produces an over-hit effort of his own which ends up out on the other side of the pitch for an Everton throw.

Nicky Butt tries a forty yard pass towards Ameobi but the speed of the pitch means the ball skims away from the Newcastle man.

Harper has to race to the edge of his penalty area to make a block as Jo looked to get a sight on goal and possibly try a cheeky little lob. Well, that's what I would have done anyway. Good save from Harper.

Anichebe collects the ball then shifts on to his left foot, his weaker side, and the resulting shot reflects this imbalance.

The corner comes in and Steve Harper gets a hand to it after Yobo's glancing header. Everton continue to press and Phil Jagielka, advancing down the right, fires just wide. Everton looking good so far here.

Duff back defending forces the ball out for a couple of Everton throws. From one of these they earn themselves a corner and up come the big guys.

Another Ryan Taylor delivery in to the box in search of his namesake Steven but this one is too high and sails behind for a goal-kick.

Castillo - welcome to the game. He announces his arrival with what looked a fierce shot that was all power and little accuracy sadly (for him and Everton fans).

Ryan Taylor delivers a curling free-kick in to the Everton penalty area which sparks a bit of a scramble before the whistle goes for a foul by Steven Taylor.

Jose Enrique battles hard with Anichebe and his determination pays off as he clears his lines well under plenty of pressure from the Everton man.

Segundo Castillo is on for Arteta by the way.

Woeful free-kick in from Leighton Baines which manages to bypass everyone bar Tim Howard on its way out of play.

Arteta has gone off and now Ryan Taylor has clattered in to Rodwell who looked as if he may be in a bit of bother too. Thankfully he has shaken it off and looks ok.

Everton learned today that the BNP have cancelled their 'event' that looked like forcing the postponement of the Toffees match with Stoke. If they can go eyeball to eyeball with facism and make the other side blink then surely a trip to St. James' Park should hold no fear for Davie Moyes men.

Mikael Arteta stretches for a ball against Lovenkrands but goes to ground in agony and a stretcher is on now. Looks bad for the Spaniard.

Jo goes up against Fabricio Coloccini who marshals him well to shepherd the ball out of play. Some fine hair going on between those two today although the king of the barnet - Marouane Fellaini - is sitting on the bench today.

Everton get the game underway and immediately Dan Gosling goes on a leggy run which ends with a neat shot that has Steve Harper scrambling across goal as it goes just wide. A bright start.

Welcome to Newcastle's game against Everton and the home side line up with Peter Lovenkrands up front alongside Shola Ameobi, Kevin Nolan in the middle and Damien Duff on the wing. Everton welcome back Jo to the starting line-up and Jack Rodwell will hope to celebrate his new contract with a good performance today.

Everton take on Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon and you won't miss any of the action. Join us for live commentary from 16.00 UK time.