Everton face their second tough challenge within the same week today, as they host another top side in Chelsea just two days after they brushed aside Newcastle United in emphatic, unexpected fashion.
With the scoreline remaining stagnant until the 79th minute, it took a moment of fortune for Dwight McNeil to snag possession from Kieran Trippier to allow them a chance. However, there was no luck required in the finish, as the 24-year-old slammed home an emphatic left-footed effort to kickstart the late rout.
With three different goalscorers and a clean sheet, Sean Dyche could not have asked for a better night under a floodlit Goodison Park.
However, he will be hoping that he can once again channel the energy of his home crowd against the Blues, who again offer a potential scalp for a Toffees side still far from safe this season.
Although they climbed out of the relegation zone on Thursday, results for Burnley and Sheffield United yesterday have once again ramped up the pressure. They cannot allow for the same profligacy that has plagued them all campaign at home, which persisted last game too.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was a key culprit this time, whilst his replacement, Beto, was lethal from the bench.
Perhaps a like-for-like swap could be in order.
How good is Beto?
Having headed a couple of tame efforts into the arms of Martin Dubravka, and inexplicably firing a volley over from point-blank range, the Englishmen endured a torrid night in midweek.
He will swiftly want to forget the string of missed opportunities that fortunately went unpunished, due to late goals from McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucuore and his Portuguese counterpart.
The 6 foot 4 man, who joined for £26m in the summer, had been told that his part to play this season remained large despite his struggles against Nottingham Forest.
This paid dividends on Thursday, as he hassled defenders and proved a huge aerial threat during his 16 minutes, before showcasing his speed and proficiency in front of goal with a fine run in behind and finish to make it 3-0.
It marked his first Premier League goal, his second for Everton, and an important one for his confidence too.
Having been branded a ‘monster’ for his physical assets by teammate Lewis Dobbin, perhaps today marks the perfect chance to rest Calvert-Lewin for a man potentially set for a rich vein of scoring form after finally breaking his duck.
Especially given the havoc he could wreak on Thiago Silva, who has looked fragile of late despite being one of the most experienced defenders in the division.
Even he, who has starred for some of Europe’s top sides over the years, would not want to face a fully fit and confident Beto all game. The Magpies’ 4-1 win over Mauricio Pochettino’s side emphasise that, with his huge gaffe essentially handing them the win.
Although an immense defender, and one with more than enough pedigree to shine today, the 6 foot centre-back will not have it easy against a forward that could bully him if the crowd is in full form.
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