Everton made it back-to-back victories over Newcastle United at St James' Park on Monday night, just days after knocking the Magpies out of the Carabao Cup. The Blues recorded a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Matthias Jaissle's side.
Thierno Barry scored the only goal of the game from close range four minutes into the second half, his eighth of the season, continuing his resurgence in front of goal.
Dewsbury-Hall's Response to Critics
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ran the show for me, said Mark McParlan of the Everton jury. In recent weeks there had been some calls for him to be dropped, which I always laughed off - he creates all of our chances! On Monday, he created both our best first-half opportunities, for Barry and Harrison Armstrong, and he crafted the goal with his pass to Tyrique George. He looked unstoppable carrying the ball forward.
James Kellett added that Dewsbury-Hall proved to be the beating heart of the midfield, while James Tarkowski remained solid and made crucial defensive contributions, and Barry continued to be an attacking force.
Team Effort and Individual Brilliance
McParlan highlighted the strong spine of the team, noting Jordan Pickford pulled off some fine saves to deny Newcastle in the second half, Tarkowski is having a renaissance and looks too strong for opposition attackers, and Jarrad Branthwaite when present remains magisterial. Jake O'Brien has rightly forced his way back into the side, and James Garner provides a reassuring presence.
Kellett noted that the two victories were very much a team effort, but it was refreshing to see individuals take matches into their own hands and use their talent to push Everton to a win. He added that such displays from individuals are going to be needed if Everton want to climb the table and end their hunt for silverware.
Looking Ahead
The Blues return to action tomorrow night when they take on Coventry City at home. McParlan expects the side to deliver a similar performance to dispatch Coventry, and then in the League Cup, with all respect to Fleetwood, a full-strength XI in December will see them through to a League Cup semi-final.
Kellett noted that with the Merseyside Derby and a cup quarter-final on the horizon, key players must continue to embrace and relish these challenges if the Toffees are to achieve their ambitions. Matches and cups are won on moments of magic, and Everton hold some magical players, but it remains to be seen if they can shine when the spotlight is fixed on them.
