Everton are now on the brink of Premier League survival after a memorable Merseyside Derby victory over Liverpool.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were enough for Sean Dyche’s men to pull eight points clear of Luton Town and all but end the Reds’ title hopes.
It was an Everton side that looked unrecognisable from the one that went 13 Premier League games without victory. The players wouldn’t give an inch, and there was even a little quality to add to the equation.
Branthwaite and James Tarkowski were imperious in defence. Calvert-Lewin produced a centre-forward display that is as good as you’ll likely see this season. And James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye were tireless in midfield.
Evertonians could certainly get used to performances like that; they’ve been starved of quality football for far too long. Ultimately, the challenge is maintaining this incredibly high standard in the remaining fixtures.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin blown away by £20m Everton star
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Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin were two standouts on Wednesday evening. The young Cumbrian’s stock will only rise further as a result.
As for Calvert-Lewin, that was a performance we have been waiting for. When the 27-year-old is on form, very few contend with him.
Despite their impressive displays, the duo took to Instagram after the game to laud Dwight McNeil’s performance.
The £20million signing was full of energy and excellent on the transition, helping his side push up the pitch and relieve pressure.
On McNeil’s Instagram post after the game, Branthwaite commented: “[Heart emoji/ fire emoji] my mate”. Calvert-Lewin also added four emojis underneath his post.
Everton’s underperformers now show their worth in emphatic night at Goodison Park
That’s a taste of what a Dyche Everton side are capable of. A full-blooded display with quality in the right areas is precisely what the 52-year-old has been crying out for all season.
Performances like that demonstrate why the former Burnley boss could be an excellent long-term fit. The challenge now is for these standards to be maintained.
There are four Premier League fixtures left this season. Two or three wins would see the club head into next season in a buoyant mood. It’s been an extremely long time since there was genuine positivity around Goodison Park.
Let’s hope Wednesday’s heroics are followed up in the upcoming fixtures against Brentford and Luton Town.
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