Everton clinch UEFA qualification after brushing aside Magpies

After seeing Yakubu become Everton's first 20 goal marksman since Peter Beardsley 16 years ago, Moyes revealed that contract talks with chairman Bill Kenwright are likely to start at the end of this week. "No date has been set but I expect to be speaking with Bill on Thursday or Friday" he said "I'm totally relaxed about it. The club have always been supportive, and there is no reason for that to change."

While doubts may remain about the transfer funds Everton's board might muster this summer, Moyes has at least demonstrated he can invest them wisely.

Eyebrows were raised last summer when he ploughed 11 million into a belief he could turn Yakubu from occasional match winner into one of the most prolific finishers around. Given the statistics of the record signing's 21-goal debut season, and prices being floated for imminent deals in the Barclays Premier League, it has to be one of the bargains of recent times.

When it all comes together, there are few more complete front runners in the game, and a bullet header in the 28th minute was another example of the wide ranging attributes he has added to Everton's attack.

Any angle or distance, on either foot or in the air, he has been a handful for the best of defences and Newcastle's never looked like coping.

The summer signing from Middlesbrough emulated Beardsley's landmark with an unstoppable header after Manuel Fernandes whipped in a free kick from the right. Everton might have known one goal would not be enough, given Michael Owen's remarkable record at this ground.

When Charles N'Zogbia tumbled over a Joseph Yobo challenge in the 46th minute, the former Liverpool favourite stepped up to drill home the penalty and become the first player since Tom Finney 50 years ago to score in four successive Goodison appearances.

Everton have enough in their armoury these days to rise above any such set back, and the lead was restored in the 70th minute as Joleon Lescott again proved he cannot be far behind Yakubu in terms of value for money.

A 5 million snip from Wolves, the package does not only include England-standard defending at left back or centre half but a penchant for important goals that made all the difference here.

Few have been more precious than when he stole in at the far post to steer Fernandes' cross past Steve Harper for his 10th of the season.

Newcastle could have few complaints after being second best throughout with another Yakubu header ruled out for offside and Harper performing heroics to deny Leon Osman and Fernandes, twice, they could have been out of the reckoning long before Yakubu struck again in the 81st minute.

Steven Taylor halted a weaving Osman run with an outstretched leg, and Yakubu calmly sent Harper the wrong way from the spot to take his tally for a memorable season to 21.

After bemoaning the way penalty appeals have consistently gone unheeded this season, Moyes saw it as poetic justice, saying: "We had gone all season without a penalty in the Premier League, and now our last goal has come from the spot - you wouldn't credit it would you? I cannot speak highly enough of the players but that's 65 points now, which would normally get you into the Champions League. It really is a terrific effort."

After his brush with owner Mike Ashley over his claims that a top four finish was out of reach, Kevin Keegan was loathed to discuss Newcastle's prospects.

"If you are writing about us, you want shooting," said the Newcastle manager.

"We were just making up the numbers, because this was Everton's day, and they really are an inspiration to the rest of us.

"I have just seen Bill Kenwright in the tunnel, looking as proud as anything, and I told him to enjoy it while he can, because we will be after that same position next season."

Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Pienaar, Fernandes, Carsley, Osman, Yakubu, Anichebe.

Subs: Wessels, Baines, Gravesen, Gosling, Anderson.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Faye, Taylor, Jose Enrique, Smith, Butt, N'Zogbia, Owen, Carroll, Duff. Subs: Forster, Cacapa, Ramage, Tozer, LuaLua.

Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)