An unstoppable Leighton Baines free-kick helped Everton kick-off 2013 in winning fashion with an impressive 2-1 win at Newcastle United.
The home side got off to the perfect start as Papiss Demba Cissé looped a header over Tim Howard just after 74 seconds.
But Geordie dreams soon turned into a nightmare as Everton equalised in sensational style in the 43rd minute.
Newcastle pair Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tioté fouled Marouane Fellaini 30 yards from goal.
Baines stepped up to take the resulting free-kick and opted for power over placement, launching his effort in the far corner and wrong-footing Tim Krul.
The England full-back had already forced Krul into a great save earlier in the game with another free-kick, but this shot was hit with such power and swerve that there was little the Newcastle goalkeeper could do about it as it flew past him into the top corner of his net.
Second-half substitute Victor Anichebe then finished from close range on the hour mark to snatch the points for the Toffees.
"I was frustrated we hadn’t managed to score in the first-half and then Bainsey pops up with a worldie just before half-time," said Everton boss David Moyes.
"He is disappointed he didn’t score a hat-trick tonight."
Baines added on evertontv: "It was a good strike. It was quite far out to try to curl it, so I thought it best to put my foot through it. I just thought 'have it' and gave it a good whack, and it went in."
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| Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul has no chance with a free-kick by Everton's Leighton Baines Photo: PA |
The home side got off to the perfect start as Papiss Demba Cissé looped a header over Tim Howard just after 74 seconds.
But Geordie dreams soon turned into a nightmare as Everton equalised in sensational style in the 43rd minute.
Newcastle pair Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tioté fouled Marouane Fellaini 30 yards from goal.
Baines stepped up to take the resulting free-kick and opted for power over placement, launching his effort in the far corner and wrong-footing Tim Krul.
The England full-back had already forced Krul into a great save earlier in the game with another free-kick, but this shot was hit with such power and swerve that there was little the Newcastle goalkeeper could do about it as it flew past him into the top corner of his net.
Second-half substitute Victor Anichebe then finished from close range on the hour mark to snatch the points for the Toffees.
"I was frustrated we hadn’t managed to score in the first-half and then Bainsey pops up with a worldie just before half-time," said Everton boss David Moyes.
"He is disappointed he didn’t score a hat-trick tonight."
Baines added on evertontv: "It was a good strike. It was quite far out to try to curl it, so I thought it best to put my foot through it. I just thought 'have it' and gave it a good whack, and it went in."
