Everton picked up their first Premier League win of the season on Saturday afternoon as they defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 at Goodison Park.
Sean Dyche’s men went behind after Marc Guehi scored for the visitors but Dwight McNeil stepped up and netted a brace.
Three points moved Everton out of the relegation zone and up to 15th, so the pressure on Dyche has certainly eased somewhat.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Theo Walcott waxed lyrical about one Everton player in particular and noted that he’d be crucial in their survival hopes.
Theo Walcott says Everton will rely on Dwight McNeil to avoid relegation
Match of the Day pundits Gary Lineker and Theo Walcott heaped praise on Everton’s match winner Dwight McNeil.
Gary Lineker: “Sean Dyche talked about Dwight McNeill’s slight change of role, little bit more central. Well, he was certainly the star man today, Theo.”
Theo Walcott: “Yes, he really was. This is his third season at Everton now, he has started to sort of grow into this role and responsibility. They are going to have to get his goals to stay up because they are not a team that score many goals.”
McNeil has become a talismanic figure for Dyche’s side this season and looks every inch of a £20m player – which was the fee they paid Burnley in 2022.
Pressure lifted off Sean Dyche
Dan Friedkin is set to takeover Everton in the coming weeks and he’s already eyeing a potential managerial change.
Gareth Southgate has been linked with the Everton job but those rumours are set to quieten down after Dyche’s first win of the season.
Still, however, there remains some uncertainty around his position ahead of the home clash against Newcastle this weekend.
Another positive result is needed.
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