Everton get the campaign’s long awaited first win as Jarrad Branthwaite’s return anchors the toffees to a 2-1 victory.
Everton, still looking for their first win in the Premier League on Saturday, played host to Crystal Palace, a side that is also still looking for its first win under now second year manager Oliver Glasner. A boost for Sean Dyche’s side was the return of defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who had not played for the blues this season due to injury. Mangala kept his starting spot in the midfield paired up with Abdoulaye Doucoure, with the two playing behind acting #10 Dwight McNeil. Lindstorm and Ndiaye were the two wingers that partnered Calvert-Lewin up top.
It was, once again, a torrid start for Everton. Palace dominated from the opening whistle with a midfield led by Adam Wharton slicing through the hosts like butter. It took only ten minutes for the visitors to get the opening goal of the match, and it was a familiar kind of goal that once again caught the blues out. Wharton lofted a cross into the box that was headed down by Lacroix, that ball found Marc Guehi who was able to smash home easily for 0-1.
Frustratingly enough, it was the same kind of second ball in the box that has beat Everton time and time again from crosses and set pieces. After the goal, the intensity did not pick up much from Dyche and company. It was a little lazy perhaps from the visitors who found it a touch too easy to play around the toffees. Mateta and Eve were the formative figures for the hosts, and former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah had an effort barely kept out by Pickford in goal.
A change needed to be made at half and Dyche called on his bench immediately. Lindstrom, who had a rather torrid half, was yanked off to be replaced by Jack Harrison. Rumors of a rousing team talk in the dressing room from club captain Seamus Coleman, combined with the substitution, made all the difference.
Only three minutes into the half Ashley Young did well to intercept a pass deep in Palace’s territory. He played a pass short to McNeil about 30 yards out, who had time to settle himself on the ball. Not only did he have time to settle himself, he had time to curl a whizzing effort into the top left corner and past the outstretched arms of Dean Henderson in goal. 1-1.
Seven minutes later, and with the home side raining pressure down on Palace, the second goal came. Just as delightful as the first, Jack Harrison played a fantastic ball that looped over the defenders in the box and landed right at the feet of Dwight McNeil. He took it down and had time to blast one near post, once again beating Dean Henderson and giving Everton the lead. 2-1.
Idrissa Gueye and James Garner came on late to replace Orel Mangala and Dwight McNeil, both of whom were great on the day. The return of Branthwaite made all the difference on the backline, with the toffees looking more confident in defense than they have all season. It was a much needed victory, and one that gets Everton’s campaign well and truly running. Mangala continues to look like a smarter loan by the match, and Ndiaye’s ability on the ball is adding a level of sophistication to the attack that has been sorely lacking.
Next up for Dyche and company is a tough, but winnable, match at Goodison Park against Newcastle United. Finally out of the relegation zone, and with most everbody fit, it is time for Everton to put their best foot forward. Foot on the gas, and climb the table.
UTFT!
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