The Everton Toffees are leading Newcastle 1-0 Leighton Baines has led the charge on both defense and offense to keep his club in the top.
His goal came in minute 14 as he received a beautiful behind the back, no-look feed from Steven Pienaar. Everton had been on the attack for most of it and walked away with a score.
Newcastle took a while to warm up and get their offense flowing. For a good part in the beginning minutes, Newcastle would backtrack with the ball. Instead of progressing into Everton's side of the field, they would pass the ball backwards and they did not control the ball as much as Everton did at first.
Newcastle came close to tying the match, but Baines, who hustled back on defense, prevented a score from crossing their goal.
Vernon Anita got the ball past Everton goalie, Tim Howard, but Baines was there to back him up and clear the ball, just before it crossed the line. He stood there like a goalie and kicked the ball with his right leg.
Minutes later, Everton went on the attack. They got Newcastle to turn the ball over a few yards from their goal and Pienaar stole the ball. He took a shot at the right side of the goal, which was all his and missed wide right. Phil Jagielka took a moment to express grief as he was wide open on Pienaar's right.
The second half is about to kickoff soon.
With a win, Everton could gain control of the third spot right behind Manchester United and Chelsea in the top of the standings.
