spot.
Up stepped Michael Owen to fire home the penalty, to become the first visiting player to score in four successive appearance at Goodison Park since Tom Finney in the 1950s.
Three of those have been for Liverpool, and now it was the former Anfield star who was threatening Everton's path into Europe.
Storm clouds were now enveloping, with accompanying thunder and lightning, as Harper superbly tipped over a swerving Fernandes free-kick. The atmosphere was very different now.
Alan Smith was booked for a foul on Pienaar after 65 minutes, Everton now having nothing like the grip on the game it had during the first-half.
Anichebe broke away and fired across goal, Yakubu not being close enough to turn it home.
But Everton went ahead again after 70 minutes when Fernandes' chip into the box was flicked on by Steven Taylor, and there was Lescott to role the ball into the far corner.
Harper had to save at Anichebe's feet before Everton got its third.
Osman's run into the box after 82 minutes was met with Taylor's challenge, taking man and not ball and referee Walton evened up the spot-kicks with one for Yakubu to drill home.
Everton sent on Leighton Baines and Thomas Gravesen with six minutes left for Yobo and Anichebe. Gravesen, whose loan will not be renewed, got a tremendous reception from fans on his last appearance for the club.
Lee Carsley was next to make way - for teenager Jack Rodwell - to another ovation for a player who may not sign another contract at the club. Peter Ramage replaced Taylor for Newcastle.
By now Everton fans were in party mood, the position secured and European football back at Goodison again next term.
English Premiership League - Final Round 2007-08
Everton 3 (Yakubu 28, 82p, Lescott 70)
Newcastle 1 (Owen 47p)