Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall produced a standout performance to help Everton secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Coventry City at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Friday night, just hours after being left out of Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad.
The midfielder had been tipped for a maiden international call-up following a string of impressive displays, but his name was missing when the Three Lions boss announced his squad, with first call-ups instead going to Fulham's Joshua King and Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham.
Dewsbury-Hall responds to England snub
Rather than dwell on the disappointment, Dewsbury-Hall demonstrated exactly what Tuchel is missing. After a frustrating first half like most of his team-mates, he played a central role in Everton's turnaround after the break.
Linking up well with match-winner Thierno Barry throughout, he wrapped up the three points late on when running onto the striker's through-ball. Despite scoring from a seemingly impossible acute angle, he left Carl Rushworth with no chance with a ferocious finish.
His wild celebration told its own story. Dewsbury-Hall is desperate to represent his country and has made no secret of that. Continuing to be overlooked will only motivate him further, as his second half showing proved.
Barry's brilliance continues
Thierno Barry was a sheepish figure as he took in the applause of Everton supporters following the final whistle, with fans singing his name long into the night. The 24-year-old's incredible start to the season reached new heights against Coventry.
After a frustrated first half where his touch let him down and a good shooting chance went begging, Barry grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck after Coventry took the lead. He twice rose at the far post to convert past Rushworth, with his equalising header followed by a scrambled second strike.
That takes Barry to 10 goals for the season, with six in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland has scored more. It has taken him just 10 games to better his total from his entire maiden campaign on Merseyside. He then added an assist with a stunning through-ball for Dewsbury-Hall.
Grealish return on the horizon
As supporters made their way to the stadium, reports emerged that Jack Grealish would return to first team training with Everton next week following his recent exile for a breach of discipline. On the evidence of the first 55 minutes, his return cannot come soon enough.
Against the newly-promoted side, the Blues were initially lacking in attack, devoid of creative spark before Barry helped turn things around. With Tyler Dibling struggling to impose himself, Everton were screaming out for a player of Grealish's quality.
Falling behind woke the Blues up and enabled them to make it three wins in a row. David Moyes' side had coped well without the England international, claiming back-to-back wins against Newcastle United, but the return of a player capable of opening up the toughest defences will be a welcome sight.
Dibling misses his chance
Many expected Moyes to name an unchanged side following Monday night's win at Newcastle, but the Scot - overseeing his joint-record 592nd game in charge - made one attacking switch. Tyler Dibling came in for only his second Premier League start of the season.
The England Under-21s international failed to make the most of his opportunity, struggling to impose himself and offering little in the final third before being withdrawn in the 73rd minute. He rarely looked to take on his full-back and failed to complete a dribble.
It was a surprise to see him start, but it would be a bigger surprise if he retained his place against Brentford when club football resumes, especially with Grealish back in the mix. At 20 years old, Dibling is still young enough to forge a successful Everton career, but this was very much an opportunity missed for the youngster.
