Everton qualify for the Uefa Cup

May 11 2008

Everton FC's Ayegbeni Yakubu celebrates _320

Everton have qualified for the Uefa Cup after an afternoon of high drama in the Premier League.

The Toffees beat Kevin Keegan's Newcastle 3-1 at Goodison Park to ensure the final Uefa Cup spot - given to the team finishing fifth - was awarded to Everton.

Their only rival for the fifth place was Aston Villa, who would have snatched it had Everton lost and they had won.

Villa drew 2-2 with West Ham while Yakubu blasted Everton into a first half-lead before Michael Owen levelled for Newcastle in the second half.

Player of the season Joleon Lescott added a second in the 70th minute before Yakubu wrapped the win up from the penalty spot.

Claiming the Uefa Cup spot is seen by many as essential if Everton are to continue attracting top-class players to Goodison. It also provides a vital extra revenue stream for David Moyes's team.

Elsewhere, in a game with only pride to play for, Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-0 in London, while Reading and Birmingham City were relegated along with already-down Derby County.