Newcastle United 1-0 Everton: Miguel Almiron strike sees Magpies underline top-six credentials

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe praised another "game-changing" goal from Miguel Almiron as his side underlined their top-six credentials by beating Everton.

Howe's side took control of the first half through midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who came close to scoring on two occasions, and then saw out victory against an Everton team which failed to register a shot on target despite a first start of the season by Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The England international returned from injury and headed over from a first-half corner, but it was Jordan Pickford who was the busier of the two England goalkeepers on show as Newcastle's Nick Pope was rarely troubled.

After a promising start to the season, this was a third consecutive defeat for Frank Lampard's side, who have also lost against Tottenham and Manchester United.

They sit a point above the bottom three, but will hope for a more encouraging result at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday and will be thankful Calvert-Lewin completed 73 minutes without further problems.

But Almiron's fourth goal in as many games proved the difference, with Howe describing the strike as "spectacular".

He said: "Some of the goals he's scoring have been game changers for us, so I'm really pleased for him on a personal level because he's getting the recognition that he deserves for everything he gives the team, and long may that continue.

"You can't underestimate the quality of the goals that he's delivered for us. The one against Fulham was an incredible strike and this one, Bruno's weight of pass to him is very good so he was able to hit it first time, but still he had so much to do.

"I think what I have noticed is a real confidence in his training and his technical delivery of what we're asking him to do. I think that's definitely going up a level."

When Newcastle beat Everton 3-1 in this fixture in February last season, it moved them out of the relegation zone.

The fact this win pushed them up to fifth shows how far the club has developed since the takeover a year ago. Only three players from that starting line-up remained, with Guimaraes coming on in injury time.

But on this occasion, he showed again why he has become a pivotal figure for new-look Newcastle. In the first half, he had time and space in midfield where it seemed as if there was none, and he helped create a couple of early chances.

Around the half-hour mark he took control, and was instrumental in Newcastle going ahead by setting up Almiron for a delightful finish. He then almost doubled the lead on two occasions, one after a one-two with Kieran Trippier, and then with a low, curling shot - both efforts were just wide of the post.

Almiron, who was the butt of a joke by Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish last season, continued his good form and could have added to his tally with efforts either side of half-time. In a team which has lacked goals, he has proved a welcome stimulus.

Although Newcastle will be disappointed they could not score further, they once again showed their defensive strength with a fifth clean sheet of the season.

In addition to Calvert-Lewin's return, Everton also welcomed back Anthony Gordon from suspension after five yellow cards.

But they had a frustrating first half where Newcastle took charge of midfield and chances were at a premium. Calvert-Lewin was keen to make an impression, perhaps too keen, when he scythed down Guimaraes early on. Gordon, who Everton thought had been fouled in the penalty area, needlessly followed him into the book after a scuffle with Trippier.

Everton have been careful to manage Calvert-Lewin's return after a "freak" knee injury before the season started, and his header aside - Everton's only effort towards goal - he was energetic if not on the same wavelength as his team-mates.

The England striker tested Pope with a shot but was offside, and couldn't get on the end of two Demarai Gray cutbacks before he was withdrawn midway through the second half.

Jordan Pickford was subjected to boos throughout the match because of his Sunderland heritage, but showed the maturity that Lampard spoke of on Tuesday by keeping his cool to deny Callum Wilson and Fabian Schar.

Although there was a second-half improvement, Lampard, who is still building a new-look Everton side, will be disappointed with a lack of goal threat and the type of link-up play Newcastle showed in midfield.

Afterwards, Lampard said that no shots on target was a "slight red herring" and was pleased that Calvert-Lewin "got more minutes in his legs".

He added: "I was disappointed that we didn't have more effect in the box.

"But it's not just on Dominic. He looked OK because he hasn't played for a long time. And he'll be better for the minutes in his legs. And, of course, he couldn't do 90 minutes tonight.

"I think the no shots on target is a slight red herring, although we have to deal with that because when you play through midfield and you're making decisions on the last pass or the pass before the last pass, or if you take a shot, we've got that bit wrong tonight.

"We know we've got work to do in that area of the pitch."