THE NOTEBOOK: An unhappy homecoming for Anthony Gordon, Seamus Coleman makes a long-awaited return… and protests continue at Goodison Park

• Late blitz helps Everton move out of the relegation zone after points deduction 
• Seamus Coleman’s return added to the enjoyment at Goodison Park
• IAN LADYMAN reveals the GREATEST weapon a manager has against a journalist – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off

Everton stole a march on ascendant Newcastle as their siege mentality continued to pay dividends after their 10-point deduction.

The Toffees scored three late goals in the second-half, and were given a helping hand thanks to two significant errors from Kieran Trippier. 

The home win moves Sean Dyche’s side out of the relegation zone for the first time since their steep punishment. 

Newcastle, by contrast, were unable to build on their classy 1-0 home victory against Manchester United last weekend.

Here, Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele takes you through the things you might have missed on a rampant evening on Merseyside.  

Everton moved out of the relegation zone for the first time since their points deduction after their thumping of Newcastle

A happy occasion at Goodison Park also saw Seamus Coleman return after seven months

Jordan Pickford was subject to some Sunderland-related jibes – and duly celebrated in front of the away fans

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Unhappy return for not-so-flash Gordon 

Everton fans booed Anthony Gordon every time he touched the ball, with the 22-year-old returning to Goodison Park nearly a year on from his acrimonious £40million departure.

He was hoping to be the scourge of Everton last night — and has recently been described in these pages as ‘the Kylian Mbappe of Newcastle’ due to his importance for Eddie Howe — but he found it difficult to have an impact on the game.

That was down to Sean Dyche’s plan to double up on him with two full backs down his right side. Ashley Young, 38, played just ahead of returning captain Seamus Coleman, 35 — a right wing with a combined age of 73! Gordon soon switched flanks but left back Vitalii Mykolenko largely kept him quiet, too.

Everton, whose financial woes are well documented, could benefit from Gordon’s success at Newcastle, though. They are owed another £5m in achievable add-ons, which could give them a timely boost.

Anthony Gordon endured a dismal return Merseyside after his acrimonious departure

A captain’s return

Seamus Coleman made his first Everton appearance in seven months, with the captain back from a long-term knee injury, and his 353rd for the club in the top flight. 

The Irishman — who joined for just £60,000 in 2009 — will soon match Tim Howard’s record 354 Premier League appearances for the Toffees, after overtaking Leon Osman yesterday. 

Fire of protest still burns 

Goodison Park was never going to replicate the hostile and at-times deafening atmosphere from its last home match against Manchester United, but there was still an emotionally charged, febrile mood. 

Home supporters held up fluorescent green placards which read: ‘Protecting the few, not the many,’ in protest at their 10-point deduction. 

The travelling Newcastle fans played their part, too — reminding former Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford of their feelings towards him by chanting: ‘Sad Mackem b******’. 

Pickford returned the favour — celebrating Dwight McNeil’s opener by running towards the away end.  

Fans continued to protest the Premier League in the wake of their severe points punishment

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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