 |
| Newcastle players celebrate Jamaal Lascelles's goal against Swansea |
Newcastle United earned Rafael Benitez a first win as manager and boosted their Premier League survival prospects with a vital 3-0 victory over Swansea City, while north-east rivals Sunderland won 3-0 at Norwich City.
Newcastle's hopes of remaining in the top flight had looked slim after a dire performance in last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Southampton.
Benitez made five changes to the starting XI in response to that display and the Spaniard's team selection was vindicated on his birthday, with Newcastle earning their reward for a much-improved showing.
Jamaal Lascelles, who came in for Steven Taylor in the back four as part of the alterations, opened the scoring in the 40th minute, heading home only his second goal for the club from Andros Townsend's corner.
Jefferson Montero and Bafetimbi Gomis both spurned big chances for Swansea before Moussa Sissoko's first goal of the campaign and Townsend's late third sealed a result that, combined with north-east rivals Sunderland's 3-0 win at Norwich City, moves Newcastle within three points of safety with five games to play.
Sunderland struck a significant blow in the Premier League survival race with a 3-0 victory over fellow strugglers Norwich City.
Sam Allardyce admitted before the game that his side could not afford any further mistakes in their bid to fight off relegation, and his players produced a disciplined display at Carrow Road to give their hopes of staying up a shot in the arm.
Norwich, who handed out 3,000 inflatable canaries to home fans ahead of a pivotal game in their season, enjoyed the better of the first half but found themselves behind at the break when Fabio Borini won and converted a penalty.
Nathan Redmond struck the post as Alex Neil's side chased an equaliser, but Sunderland pounced on some slack defending to double their lead through Jermain Defoe's 10th away league goal of the season.
Norwich battled throughout to find a lifeline and Redmond forced Vito Mannone into a good late save, but Sunderland's defence remained resolute and Duncan Watmore's composed finish settled matters in injury-time.
The home fans grew eerily quiet as the travelling faithful roared Sunderland to a victory that takes them to within a point of 17th-placed Norwich, having played a game less.
Everton failed to arrest their poor run of form at home as they once again let a lead slip, with Sadio Mane's goal earning a 1-1 draw for Southampton at Goodison Park.
Roberto Martinez needed a victory to relieve some of the pressure that has been building on him after a winless run for Everton that now stands at six top-flight games.
The hosts failed to stamp any authority on proceedings throughout, though, with Southampton twice hitting the woodwork and dominating possession.
Everton were given a lifeline when Ramiro Funes Mori capitalised on slack defending from Ryan Bertrand to thump a drilled effort home from close range, but their lead was short-lived as Mane latched onto a loose ball to nudge in with just under 15 minutes remaining.
It was no more than Ronald Koeman's side deserved and they would have taken the lead in the closing stages if not for a fine save by Joel Robles to deny Jay Rodriguez.
Southampton continued to press as the game wore on, with Everton restricted to little more than counter-attacks, but the hosts – who have won just four league games at Goodison this term – held firm to secure a share of the spoils.
Watford warmed up for next weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace with a battling 1-0 win atWest Bromwich Albion thanks to Ben Watson's first-half goal and Heurelho Gomes's pair of penalty saves.
Saido Berahino's two second-half spot-kicks were well saved by Gomes, with Watford holding firm and recording their 11th clean sheet of the season to move above West Brom in the Premier League table.
Watson put Watford in front after 26 minutes, getting ahead of his marker from Adlene Guedioura's corner to flick a sweet finish across Ben Foster and in off the post.
With Wembley, and a potential penalty-shootout on the horizon, Gomes's success at spot-kicks may have many Hornets fans dreaming of a return trip for the final after he preserved Watford's first win in seven Premier League games and their first victory against West Brom in 16 attempts.
