Republic of Ireland international Jake O’Brien was shown a red card as Everton shot themselves in the foot at their the Hill Dickinson Stadium in a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth.
Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half penalty had fans pondering an unexpected run at European football as victory would have lifted them into sixth place.
However, two failures from Thierno Barry both from six yards were to prove costly as they self-destructed in eight second-half minutes, conceding twice and having O’Brien sent off with just over 20 minutes to go for a professional foul on Amine Adli.
Uncontested headers from £25million January signing Rayan, atoning for conceding the penalty with a second goal in successive starts, and Amine Adli would have infuriated Toffees manager David Moyes.
His side have registered just one victory at home since 8 November and have now lost more games (five) than they have won (four) on the banks of the River Mersey, form which will make European football improbable.
So instead of being able to gloat over neighbours Liverpool, they are again looking over their shoulder with the Cherries, Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham all within striking distance.
Jacob Ramsey celebrates the winning goal for Newcastle
Jacob Ramsey fired Newcastle to a precious 2-1 Premier League win to pile the pressure on Thomas Frank and increase Tottenham’s relegation fears.
Spurs’ sorry domestic form coupled with an 11-player list of absentees had heightened concerns that the team were in a survival battle and this latest abject display will only serve as more evidence that the north London club are in a crisis situation.
Malick Thiaw’s stoppage-time effort ensured Newcastle held a deserved half-time lead and after Tottenham were booed off, home fans chanted for old boss Mauricio Pochettino.
A response followed and Archie Gray levelled in the 64th minute, but Ramsey swept home four minutes later to inflict a fifth defeat in nine matches on Tottenham, who have won only two of their last 17 league matches.
Frank faced “you’re getting sacked in the morning” chants from his own supporters ahead of full-time, with Spurs’ ownership left with a big decision to make over the head coach position with 12 days until the next fixture at home to rivals Arsenal.