Roberto Martinez relieved as Everton beat Newcastle to edge clear of the drop zone

EVERTON manager Roberto Martinez cut a relieved figure after his side beat Newcastle 3-0 at Goodison Park for their first league win since January.

Roberto Martinez at EvertonGETTY

Roberto Martinez was pleased with Everton's performance

The Toffees took the lead through James McCarthy before Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley secured the win.

McCarthy himself was lucky not to see red for appearing to handle on the goal line, while Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini's day ended early when he was sent off for a challenge on Aaron Lennon.

And Martinez was delighted with his team as they climb six points clear of the relegation zone.

"We've been growing during the season to be in a position so that whatever changes you make they will ready to perform," he said.

"We showed today that we are ready to cope with European demands. I am delighted in the manner we managed the game.

"We took our chances and we kept a clean sheet and took control of a big occasion because we had to win the game."

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