Wayne Rooney was once again the hero as Everton recorded only their second away win of the year on Sam Allardyce's return to Newcastle.
Against a profligate home side that were also denied twice by the woodwork, the in-form 32-year-old pounced in the 27th minute to continue his team's rehabilitation.
The expected second-half fightback from Newcastle never really materialised, leaving Rafa Benitez's men in serious danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.
Here are four things we learned from the St James' Park encounter.
1. Familiar foe haunts Magpies
Having contributed to 22 goals in his last 22 games against Newcastle, Newcastle fans could have been forgiven for fearing the worst when they saw Wayne Rooney's name on the Everton teamsheet this evening. Not only that, but the former England captain came into the game in outstanding form, thriving in a deeper role in Sam Allardyce's now upwardly mobile team.
It was no surprise, then, when the Everton player continued his fine record against the Magpies with a poacher's effort in the 27th minute. In many ways, the strike was the polar opposite of Rooney's sublime finish from the half-way line against West Ham, as he instead tapped home a loose ball following a Karl Darlow fumble.
The goal was the 9th he has scored in the league this season, and came from just his 12th shot on target. Rooney may not be what he once was, but it's quite clear he's still able to play a crucial role in Premier League games. Especially against Newcastle.
2. Everton ride their luck
Trailing 1-0 at the break thanks to Rooney's opener, Newcastle will no doubt have counted themselves unlucky not to be at least on level terms. A strong start, albeit aided by sloppy Everton play, yielded no reward, with two efforts crashing off the woodwork. The visitors' goal was leading an extremely charmed life.
The two slices of good fortune were just the latest indication that the Toffees' luck is starting to change. Here, at at Anfield on Sunday, Everton withstood sustained pressure thanks to a combination of smart defending and fortuitous breaks. They were simply not getting such breaks earlier in the campaign.
Indeed, had it gone in, Matt Ritchie's shot just before Rooney's goal may have given the match a completely different complex. Despite a woeful run of form, Newcastle and their fans would have had something to cling onto.
Everton, meanwhile, will be wondering what they have done to deserve more lady luck in the last few weeks than in the rest of the season combined.
3. Gueye finally finding form in holding role
In a game featuring significantly more perspiration than inspiration, perhaps it was no surprise that the battling qualities of Idrissa Gueye came to the fore.
An outstanding presence for most of last season, the Senegalese midfielder has struggled to replicate such form this time around- but was much improved in the recent Merseyside derby.
The renaissance continued on Tyneside, where he was a leading light throughout.
Energetic as ever and confident in transition, Gueye had also won 100% of his four tackles by the hour mark as well as making two interceptions. Factor in pass completion above 90% and it's fair to say that an under-the-cosh Everton side would undoubtedly have been in even more danger without their midfield tyro.
It's taken its time, but Gueye is now starting to get back to his best. And that is only a good thing as far as the improving Blues are concerned.
4. A tale of two trajectories
There was a renewed sense of optimism around St James' Park before kick-off as news of progress in Amanda Staveley's planned takeover filtered through. In the absence of good results on the pitch, supporters were at least buoyed by positive news off it.
For after a bright start, the last couple of months have been dismal for all associated with Newcastle United. A record that now reads as one win in 12 matches paints a picture of a side sliding down the table- and embroiled in a relegation battle.
In direct contrast, Sam Allardyce has quickly steadied the ship since his arrival at visitors Everton, winning two and drawing one of his opening three games in charge. Taking into account this evening's three points- their first on the road in 11 months- and the latest clean sheet for a side that was the leakiest in the division at one point, the Blues are quite evidently moving in the right direction under their new manager.
Unlike before, this is now a cohesive unit that digs in where necessary. Improved defensive performances have provided a platform for star men Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson to win matches- and win matches they have.
The clash at St James' Park, then, is probably best seen as the clearest sign yet that the two clubs are moving in markedly different directions this season.
