Everton beat Fulham 3-0 giving them their first win in five after a strong second-half showing sent Fulham home with no points. The Goodison fans were treated to a performance that they had been desperate for whilst also keeping their first clean sheet of the 2018/19 Premier League season.
A stop-start first half left the game goalless at the end of the first half, though Everton started after the break on the front foot with Marcus Bettinelli forced into making saves after efforts from Kurt Zouma and Theo Walcott came close to breaking the deadlock. Ryan Sessengon also had a bright first half after he hit the woodwork towards the end of the half.
Silva’s side started the second half brightly; Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s sharp run forced Denis Odio to shove the England U21 over in the box which gift Everton the chance to take the lead. However, Gylfi Sigurdsson crashed his penalty against the crossbar and wasted the opportunity. The Icelandic midfielder got a second chance moments later and delivered. Sigurdsson expertly guided a low curved shot in the bottom corner of Bettinelli’s goal.
The first goal gave Everton a much-needed confidence boost and allowed them to take control of the game. A delightful delivery from Theo Walcott was met by Cenk Tosun’s head to double the Blues lead.
Gylfi Sigurdsson then doubled his tally just before the final whistle once again guided the ball along the floor into the bottom corner. He met a pass from Bernard who made a brilliant run up the wing after just being introduced to the game.
Silva will have been delighted with his side’s performance as they put in an impressive display all over the pitch.
A much-needed win for Everton?
The win today gave the Blues their first win in five, but what was most impressive was the side’s performance. Everton’s last few displays had been lacklustre and they had failed to unlock defences. However, today showed Silva had clearly been working with the energy levels of the side as they simply outworked a poor Fulham side.
Fulham’s away performances
Fulham are yet to win away from home this season and Slaviša Jokanović will be looking to improve his sides ability to pick up points away from home. His sides defensive display was simply not good enough today; they were not tight enough and simple passes from the midfield were breaking through the back line. If they are looking to survive relegation this season. they cannot rely on their home form alone.
How valuable is Gylfi Sigurdsson to Everton?
Gylfi Sigurdsson looks to be Everton’s main man at the moment. Everything goes through the Icelandic international in Everton’s midfield and when he is in form, they tick nicely when going forward. Everton’s strikers are not the most accomplished Premier League strikers and that is a reason Everton’s midfield is relied on so heavily. After he missed his penalty he played perfectly, making up for his mistake and winning Everton the game.
Man of the Match – Gylfi Sigurdsson
Despite missing a penalty, his two goals won Everton the game as they took three much needed points.
