Just under seven months after his arrival at Everton, Christian Atsu made his first meaningful contribution with an assist in the Toffees’ 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at Goodison Park.

Under Roberto Martinez, the Merseysiders are struggling this season and headed into their Premier League fixture on Sunday on 28 points—equal with struggling pair Aston Villa and Hull City.

While the Blues are going strong in the Europa League, they have been lacking rhythm domestically, although any potential fears of a relegation battle will have been eased by a comprehensive home victory over Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

The three points take Everton to 31 points, pulling them six clear of Burnley in 18th.

It was an excellent display against a struggling Magpies side. Martinez opted for Aaron Lennon on the right, leaving Atsu on the bench, but his decision brought rewards as the on-loan Tottenham Hotspur winger was a coruscating presence throughout.

The Toffees opened the scoring on 20 minutes when James McCarthy fired home from distance. Newcastle had their chances, but it was Everton who struck again after the break, Romelu Lukaku continuing his resurgence with a second goal for the School of Science.

Fabricio Coloccini was dismissed for the visitors three minutes later, as it became clear the points would be Everton’s.

Atsu was brought on for Lennon on 85 minutes, and despite being given little time to impress still managed to make an impression in front of a Blues faithful who are yet to be convinced by his talents.

The Ghanaian launched a counter attack before playing a delightful pass into the path of Ross Barkley—another sub—who finished with aplomb past Tim Krul.

Since moving to Goodison Park on loan from Chelsea at the beginning of the season, Atsu has struggled for minutes in an Everton team that are enduring a tough campaign.

He has started only one match in the Premier League and two in the Europa League, while Everton’s brief showings in the domestic cups have limited him to only one further start. Despite competing in a combined 12 matches for Martinez’s side, his assist against Newcastle was his first key contribution—either a goal or an assist—during his time on Merseyside.

It represents a disappointing return for a player whose form during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations during Ghana’s run to the final was impressive—two goals and one assist in six matches.

With Everton keen to pull away from the bottom of the EPL, and looking to reach the Europa League final, there may be more opportunity for Atsu to impress during the final months of the season.