Everton analysis – Sean Dyche transfer plan pays off as new ‘crown jewel’ emerges in squad
Everton analysis from Connor O’Neill after the 3-0 win against Bournemouth in the Premier League at Goodison Park
Dominic Calvert-Lewin importance becomes clear
Since the return of Premier League action following the September international break, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been through a full range of emotions.
First, he made his return off the bench against Arsenal before coming on again as a substitute to score his first goal of the season against Brentford. The strike helped his side to their first top-flight win of the campaign.
Then came a night of rekindling at Villa Park as Calvert-Lewin felt the love of Everton’s huge and vociferous travelling support on his return to the Midlands. Just five weeks earlier, the number nine had suffered heartbreak on his first start of the season
Forced off after a collision with home keeper Emiliano Martinez, he was the subject of jeers from some supporters in the away end. But after making it two in two at Villa Park, the England international then scored for the third game in a row against Luton Town, but his strike was in vain as the Hatters claimed a deserved 2-1 victory
But that goal against Rob Edwards’s side moved him to 49 in the Premier League for the Blues. He would finish this game still on 49, but he certainly gave his all in a bid to hit the magic 50 landmark.
During the first half, he rattled a header against the bar before clipping the ball wide of the Gwladys Street goal after racing clear. But the forward also showed the other sides to his game here.
His pressing was superb from the off. He forced numerous mistakes from the Bournemouth backline, and his movement also caused a whole host of problems for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Much was made about Calvert-Lewin’s place in Sean Dyche’s side following the signing of Beto, but his performances since he returned have shown he still remains the undisputed first choice forward at the club.
Jack Harrison shows why Everton were prepared to wait
Jack Harrison had already been handed a huge vote of confidence from Sean Dyche long before even kicking a ball for Everton.
When the Blues made their move to bring the winger to Goodison Park from Leeds United on loan for the remainder of the season, they did so in the knowledge that he would not be able to make an immediate impact.
Harrison had failed to kick a ball for Leeds during pre-season as he continued to recover from a hip injury. The Blues knew he was still weeks away from being in contention.
However, that didn’t prevent Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell from going ahead with the signing. They knew what they were getting from the former Manchester City man.
The 26-year-old has already featured twice for the Blues this season, but it was here that he officially announced himself to Blues supporters.
After a frustrating start in which his first two crosses failed to get past the first man, the winger grew into the game and got better the more it went on.
Not only did his delivery improve, but he also scored a cracker in front of the Sir Philip Carter Park End. The winger brilliantly lofted a first-time finish into an unguarded net via the underside of the bar.
Harrison, however, wasn’t finished there. He continued to be a constant threat before being withdrawn, and if it wasn’t for a last-ditch block from Milos Kerkez on the line, he would have finished the game with two goals to his name.
Of course, it is still early days in Harrison’s Everton career, but on this evidence, it is easy to see why Dyche and Thelwell were prepared to wait for him.
Jarrad Branthwaite becomes Everton’s crown jewel
For those who watch Everton on a weekly basis, it is not hard to understand why the club moved to extend Jarrad Branthwaite’s contract earlier this week.
His promising performances have certainly caught the eye since he was handed his first start of the season against Wolves. He has not looked back since that Saturday afternoon in August, and he has now started his side’s last seven matches in the Premier League.
The news of his new deal, which will see him remain at Goodison until June 2027, came as a welcome relief for Blues supporters, who are no doubt fed up with all the recent uncertainty and questions around the club.
And this was another performance to further demonstrate just why Kevin Thelwell and Sean Dyche were so keen to tie down the England under-21 international. Not only did the 21-year-old show he is comfortable stepping up into midfield to win the ball, but he also showed that he has the intelligence and pace required to cover out wide when needed.
Two moments in either half of this game summed up Branthwaite’s prowess. The first saw the centre-back react brilliantly to a dangerous cross to the back post, providing a vital interception that prevented Illia Zabarnyi from heading the ball home.
Then, during the second half, Branthwaite produced a brilliant tackle on Dominic Solanke that thwarted a Bournemouth attack but also won his side a goal kick. It was the type of play that Evertonians became accustomed to when John Stones lined up for their side.
“He’s calm, technically very good, physical, has size and is quick,” centre-back partner James Tarkowski said recently.
“He’s got everything to go to the very top of the game, especially for his age. I didn’t see too much of him last season, so this was my first real look, and I’ve been really impressed.”
