Everton ended their winless run with a 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.
David Moyes’ side ran Spurs ragged in the first half and perhaps could’ve gone into the break four or five goals up, in truth.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring with a well-taken goal before Iliman Ndiaye netted a fine solo effort of his own.
Archie Gray turned one in his own net shortly after which sent Goodison into raptures and the second-half was a lot more measured and a little nervy towards the end, with Spurs pulling two goals back.
The victory puts Everton four points clear of relegation trouble and very much in the driving seat heading into the second half of the season.
Moyes will be particularly pleased with Calvert-Lewin in particular, having placed his trust in the out-of-form frontman.
The former England international repaid that trust and now fans have been reacting to his performance.
- READ MORE: What Everton insiders are now saying about David Moyes’ training sessions compared to Sean Dyche’s
Everton fans hail Dominic Calvert-Lewin
It’s been a really rough season for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who’s been subjected to a lot of criticism having netted just two league goals prior to this afternoon.
But, Everton fans were quick to heap praise on him for his sensational first-half strike, as they took to Twitter (formerly known as X).
(@CT_____21 posted: “I’m a huge critic of DCL and his lack of quality in the box but that was some goal.”
“Wonderful footwork and finish from Calvert-Lewin. Fair play to him there,” @Ric__George said.
“He just needed his confidence given back to him to score,” @Nirosta added.
@efchayden commented: “WHAT A GOAL, DCL IS BACK.”
“Calvert-Lewin is ghosting in behind and around spurs centre backs. They can’t cope with his movement,” @FollowEverton said.
@Joshuaworrall95 explained: “What a difference a week and a half with Moyesy does. Everton look revitalised, confident, playing with the shackles off & look so dynamic going forward, unlocking the potential of Ndiaye & Calvert-Lewin. Quite a turnaround.”
Calvert-Lewin needs to carry on the momentum
The real challenge for Calvert-Lewin is carrying on that level of performance into the rest of the season and continuing to score goals.
He did miss chances today and perhaps should’ve had more than one, but it’s clear there’s still a loss of confidence in some parts of his game.
Though, the goal would’ve done him the world of good and Moyes’ faith will only increase his chances of finding his goalscoring touch again.
There has been speculation of Calvert-Lewin leaving for West Ham United or perhaps Serie A outfit Atalanta, but Moyes’ arrival seems to have dampened those rumours.
Everton return to action next Saturday, as they face Brighton and Hove Albion on the south coast, where the Toffees number nine will be desperate to make it two in two.
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