Vella's Managerial Debut - Newcastle vs Everton
Martin Tyler: The Premier League is back for another year. This match between Newcastle & Everton marks what is hopefully a long and illustrious managerial career for Vella. It will be a very interesting clash between two teams both predicted by the media to finish just outside the European qualification positions. A fairly long term injury to Cabaye in the centre of midfield will definitely cause Vella a few headaches going into the new campaign. With Newcastle getting away to a sloppy start and failing to score in the two friendlies played over the past weeks it remains to be seen whether Ashley will regret his trust in his young manager. All will be revealed in what is hopefully a fantastic battle.
Newcastle United: Krul, R Taylor, S Taylor, Colloccini, Santon, Tioté, Sissoko, Anita, Ben Arfa, Gutiérrez, Cissé
Everton Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman, Gibson, Heitinga, Oviedo, Pienaar, Jelavic
1' - The clash is underway with Everton kicking off! An electrifying feel around St. James' Park now that the new season is finally underway!
12' - GOAL
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- A huge defensive error by Colloccini with a failed attempt at a header back to his keeper results in Jelavic running onto the ball and opening the scoring for the away side!
1-0!
15' - Anita hobbles off with a knock, he is able to continue however. Not the brightest of starts for new manager Vella.
31' - Distin hits the upright from a well whipped in set piece by Baines! Newcastle escape going a second goal down!
32' -
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Moussa Sissoko booked for a challenge on Jagielka.
42' - GOAL
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- A fantastic cross from left wing by Jelavic sets up Leon Osman with a tap in at the back post! Everton take a
2-0 lead.
45' - HT: A great start for Everton making the most of the 6 chances the have had at goal, scoring 2 of them. Newcastle manager Vella already looking in trouble with major problems in midfield and up front. Possession stats are fairly even but Vella's boys are not going forward with any conviction.
45' -
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Vella makes an attacking substitute before the start of the second half. Gouffran has replaced Anita and goes straight into the right wing position whilst Ben Arfa tucks in behind Cisse in attacking midfield.
55' - GOAL
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Pienaar slips in behind the Newcastle defence and puts the game beyond doubt with Everton's 3rd of the match.
3-0
83' -
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Ryan Taylor is sent off for a dangerous challenge on Oviedo. The frustration of the Newcastle players is coming to the boil now with the game well and truly beyond doubt.
86' - Shola Ameobi hits the post off the bench! Frustration continues for Newcastle.
90' - FT: Newcastle 0 - 3 Everton. The Newcastle boys are put out of their misery with the full time whistle. I'm sure more questions were raised tonight then answers produced by Vella. Jelavic and Pienaar absolutely run Newcastle ragged today and it reflected on the scoreboard.
Player of the Match: ![]()
Nikica Jelavic