Newcastle United 2-1 Everton: Ryan Taylor wonderstrike keeps dream run going for Alan Pardew's unbeaten hosts

Posted Sunday, November 06, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Ryan Taylor scored a phenomenal volley to help Newcastle United continue its unbeaten run in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Everton in a thrilling encounter at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Newcastle first got on the scoreboard after a John Heitinga own goal in the 12th minute before Taylor put the team up two in the 29th. Jack Rodwell put Everton back in the game right before halftime, but that was the closest the Toffees would get.

The first real chance of the game fell to the Merseysiders just before the 10-minute mark, as Royston Drenthe crossed from the left and Louis Saha’s flick on fell to Seamus Coleman at the far post. The young midfielder should have done better, but hit his shot wide, failing to test Tim Krul.

The deadlock was then broken when right back Danny Simpson whipped in a dangerous cross from the right wing, and a miscommunication between Heitinga and goalkeeper Tim Howard saw the Dutch center back slice the ball into his own net.

The home side began to dominate possession and put real pressure on David Moyes’ men after the goal, and eventually its persistence led to another chance. Yohann Cabaye played a ball over the top of the Toffees’ defense to Demba Ba, but the striker’s poor touch allowed Phil Jagielka to recover and make a tackle.

Against the run of play, Everton then managed to manufacture three chances in quick succession. The best by far fell to Louis Saha who ran free of the home defense after an aerial ball beat the Toon defense. However, the Frenchman dwelt on the ball, allowing Steven Taylor to pressure him into squandering his shot.

Moments later, Moyes’ men were made to rue their missed chances after a failed clearance from a Newcastle throw-in fell to Taylor on the edge of the area. The left back had no right to score, but after Drenthe failed to close him down the he smashed an unstoppable volley, leaving Howard helpless.

In spite of the Toon piling on the pressure, the Merseysiders continued to create chances. Phil Neville struck a shot from the edge of the area which fell to Saha, who could only manage to poke his snapshot onto the post. The ball eventually fell to Royston Drenthe, who shot wide from a narrow angle.

Taylor continued to pile the pressure on Tony Hibbert down the left flank. The Englishman attempted a floating cross with his left foot which somehow beat Howard, but fortuitously bounced off the top of the away side’s crossbar.

Minutes later, the Toffees defense again failed to effectively clear the ball, leaving Danny Guthrie with a chance to volley from the edge of the box. The ball took a long time to fall for the midfielder, giving Hetinga time to get a block in.

In spite of the pressure from Newcastle, Everton refused to give up. On the stroke of halftime, it won its first corner of the match after a strong run down the right flank. Rodwell ran to the front post to meet the ball and nod it past Krul.

Newcastle began the second and continuing to pile the pressure on Moyes’ men. The first chance came as the ball fell to Guthrie on the edge of the box, but the midfielder did not have time to settle and shot high and wide.

Moments later, Saha was presented with a chance to equalize after Drenthe found him on the edge of the box. The former Manchester United man hit a powerful, low shot but Taylor managed to deflect it wide.

On the 60-minute mark the end-to-end nature of the game was perfectly illustrated, with Tim Cahill getting a shot on target which Krul saved comfortably, before Sammy Ameobi smashed high and wide at the other end.

As ever, the Merseysiders refused to give up and were relentless in attacking the Magpies’ goal. But the equalizer failed to materialize, with Louis Saha missing a late chance and Cahill failing to connect with a cross.

Newcastle United now moves to second in the Premier League table ahead of Manchester United, while Everton slips to 16th. Although it must be remembered that this may be subject to change once this afternoon's games have taken place.