Everton are on the verge of Premier League survival following their stunning Merseyside Derby triumph against Liverpool.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were enough for Sean Dyche’s side to surge eight points clear of Luton Town, thus ending the Reds’ title chances.
Everton looked nothing like the team that had gone 13 Premier League games without a win. The players wouldn’t give up, and there was even some quality to add to the equation.
Branthwaite and James Tarkowski were dominant in defence. Calvert-Lewin delivered one of the best centre-forward performances of the season. James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye worked tirelessly in midfield.
Everton fans could easily get used to such displays; they’ve been deprived of superb football for far too long. Ultimately, the issue is to sustain this extremely high standard in the remaining matchups.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin blown away by £20m Everton star
On Wednesday evening, two players stood out: Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin. As a result, the young Cumbrian’s stock will continue to increase.
Calvert-Lewin delivered a performance that we had been waiting for. When the 27-year-old is on form, few can compete with him.
Despite their great performances, the duo took to Instagram after the game to praise Dwight McNeil’s play.
The £20 million signing was full of enthusiasm and great in the transition, helping his team surge up the pitch and relieve pressure.
Branthwaite replied on McNeil’s post on Instagram after the game: “[Heart emoji/fire emoji] my mate”. Calvert-Lewin also included four emoticons beneath his remark.
Everton’s underperformers now show their worth in emphatic night at Goodison Park
That is a taste of what a Dyche Everton team is capable of. A full-blooded performance with quality in the key spots is exactly what the 52-year-old has been looking for all season.
Performances like these show why the former Burnley manager could be a great long-term match. The current difficulty is to sustain these standards.
There are four Premier League games remaining this season. Two or three victories would send the team into the next season on a high note. It’s been a long time since there was true positivity at Goodison Park.
Let’s hope Wednesday’s heroics are repeated in the future games against Brentford and Luton Town.
