Well, Everton certainly got away with one there. But who cares?
It is finally the slice of luck that the Toffees had been waiting for, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the relieved man to benefit, powering home his penalty past Martin Dubravka, whose right hand was not enough to keep out his penalty.
A fine result on the road against a solid albeit injury-ravaged Newcastle United side, Sean Dyche can now look ahead to Saturday’s match against Burnley, knowing just how important a win could be against his former employers.
His side did not play well either, but so many times this season have they dominated and come away with nothing. To claim a point in an ugly manner marks a step in the right direction for Everton.
But, they had one man to thank for still being in the match at all…
Shay Given full of praise for Jordan Pickford
Speaking live on TNT Sports earlier tonight, Shay Given, who boasts 463 appearances for the Magpies across 11 years, was magnanimous in his praise for the opposition goalkeeper.
A much maligned figure on Tyneside, few can argue with the quality of Jordan Pickford even if he can be somewhat polarising at times.
And he would prove that against the rivals of his former employers once again, making a string of fine saves to give Everton the lifeline they so richly needed.
Given would note, on one occasion: ‘That’s a brilliant save with his feet. And I’m Sean Dyche is saying at half-time that Jordan has kept us in this, can we go out and repay the favour so to speak?’
Everton finally get that slice of luck vs Newcastle United
Well, after all the drama at the weekend where Calvert-Lewin was denied what many felt to be a blatant penalty, it felt good to see the Toffees handed a much-needed slice of fortune.
However, there was really few complaints to be had.
Paul Dummett seemed intent on inexplicably wrestling Ashley Young to the ground in the box, despite the ball being nowhere near either of them.
When the VAR check flashed up on screen, few Evertonians will have expected things to actually go there way.
But, at last, a referee saw sense.
It may not have been the result that either sides’ play particularly deserved, but frankly, Dyche will be delighted all the same. Now, onto Burnley. A true six-pointer.