Theo Walcott scored his first goal since January as Everton beat Newcastle United to move up to eighth in the Premier League.
A dull first half bore all the hallmarks of an end-of-season mid-table encounter with goalscoring opportunities at a premium.
However, the deadlock was broken soon after the break when Yannick Bolasie’s cross deflected off DeAndre Yedlin to Walcott, who took a touch before driving the ball into the roof of the net.
The game briefly opened up after that and Newcastle substitute Dwight Gayle should have done better when he hooked a shot over from close range before Seamus Coleman made an important headed clearance in stoppage time from a dangerous cross.
But ultimately, a lack of quality in the final third proved Newcastle’s undoing as they spurned several other opportunities to create something as Everton recorded a first win in four games to move onto 45 points.
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Newcastle remain 10th on 41 points and need just one more point to be mathematically safe from relegation.
A win, but is it enough for Everton fans?
Sam Allardyce has taken Everton to mid-table safety after they were just above the relegation zone when he was appointed in November, but there’s been growing discontent among some supporters over what they perceive as a negative playing style.
There were calls for Allardyce to be sacked during the 1-1 draw at Swansea earlier this month, with some fans unhappy with their side’s display, and his critics were unlikely to be appeased by this performance.
Everton seemed uncertain how to break down a disciplined Newcastle side while Cenk Tosun found himself far too isolated from his team-mates in attack.
The hosts failed to manage a single shot on target in a drab first half and it was one moment of quality from Walcott that proved decisive in a game both sets of fans will be keen to forget.
Everton are now on course for a top-eight finish but former Toffees midfielder Leon Osman, commentating on the game for BBC Radio 5 live, does not feel that will be enough to keep the fans happy.
“This may be a victory but it is hardly an exciting one,” he said.
“Sam Allardyce sends his teams out to win, he is not always fussed about performances. He will be delighted with a win and a clean sheet.
“People expect a standard of performance. The three points will be important but the crowd come to be excited.
“There was hardly a chance in this game but not enough excitement. That is the story of the season for Everton.”
