Ashley Young did something brilliant vs Newcastle which very few people have noticed

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Everton were good value for their point in the end yesterday, as they battled from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Newcastle United.

That marks four points that Sean Dyche has snagged from the Magpies this season; a fine return for an outfit that has at times seemed destined for the drop.

Few really stood out for the visitors, Jordan Pickford aside, but the changes made mid-way through the second half proved hugely effective for the Toffees.

At last, they started to take the game to them, before Ashley Young was then wrestled to the ground to secure a much-needed penalty which would level things up.

However, it was not his work in winning the spot kick that has drawn praise from the few fans who noticed, but instead what he did immediately after it…

Ashley Young effectively won Everton their penalty

Saturday saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin bundled over in the AFC Bournemouth penalty area, but no penalty given.

Last night saw Young similarly dragged down, but this time VAR saw fit to enforce their will.

The key difference between these two events, both of which were stone-wall penalty decisions, was the immediate reaction after.

Calvert-Lewin was remarkably untheatrical in the way he went to the ground, delaying his fall before looking up at the referee in expectation. Not he, nor any of his teammates, would question the decision.

Young, however, was apoplectic. His protestations were immediately visible, and he even chased after the official to alert him to the alleged crime.

Just by acting in such a manner, both the referee and those in the VAR booth are given a decision to make. It will make them think that something must have gone down, and likely forces them to ensure that the incident is checked.

It was brilliant. Hardly in the spirit of the beautiful game, but perfect for what Everton need now.

For too long ‘the People’s Club’ has been too notoriously nice, allowing clubs and officials to walk all over them. Given how they are being hamstrung this season, it has hardly paid dividends.

Young has now shown the way, with how a little bit of nastiness and cute behaviour can earn the side vital points.

Sean Dyche needed to rotate

As a figure who has come under some intense scrutiny this season, many were unsurprisingly frustrated to see Young back in the starting lineup.

After all, his cursed stint at right-back earlier in the campaign was admittedly tumultuous, with his disciplinary record shocking and his all-around play unreliable.

However, later enjoying spells at right midfield, he showed much more promise.

The 38-year-old was never supposed to be a starter, but as a rotation option, he has managed well.

Last night, given they had just played on the Saturday prior, it made sense that some rotation was needed.

And, it’s hardly like Jack Harrison has set the world alight in recent months, with just one goal in his last ten.

Dropping him seemed the only fair option, and with Arnaut Danjuma and Lewis Dobbin both ruled out, Young was simply the only option.

Whilst unspectacular, he remained solid down his flank, getting forward when possible whilst also helping out Ben Godfrey on occasion.

Young is never going to set the world alight, but on the wing he is not nearly as culpable defensively and, ironically, won Everton their point last night with his experience and passion.