Bruce has endured intense criticism from Newcastle's fan
base as his team lost their past five Premier League games to slip towards the
relegation zone.
But after switching to a 4-4-2 diamond formation they
produced a display to secure their first win in 12 games, with Callum Wilson's
superb double helping to beat a passive Everton.
Wilson, who had drawn a classy save from Jordan Pickford in
the first half and shot wide after the break, ended a seven-game goal drought
by heading in Jonjo Shelvey's corner.
Newcastle's top scorer then hit the post before scoring in
stoppage time.
Bruce, who added Bournemouth coach Graeme Jones to his staff
this week, was understandably delighted at the final whistle as his team moved
nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Everton, who tested keeper Karl Darlow in the first half,
could not find a way through Newcastle's defence and missed out on a chance to
draw level on points with Liverpool.
Carlo Ancelotti's side remain seventh, three points off the
top four.