On Sunday Everton struck 6 past a struggling Sunderland. But what were the main positives of the day?
Kone’s heroics.
There’s surely only one place to start. Coming into the game Kone had contributed 2 goals against Watford and West Brom. Most people probably didn’t expect this sudden rush of goals from Kone due to his starting position, wide on the left. He started the game getting the fans off their seats not even 3 minutes in. He put the ball through a Sunderland players legs and played a pass. His first was well worked and ended with the Ivorian smashing the ball past a helpless Pantilimon. Another team goal followed for his second after a swift counter attack. Arouna placed the ball in the top corner from a neat James McCarthy pass. Finally, he completed his hat-trick with a well placed header from a superb Lukaku cross.
Kone celebrates scoring vs Sunderland.
Lukaku’s game is expanding.
Lukaku has never been short of goals but it has been highlighted that he has some weaker aspects to his game. He seems to have been working on these points to take him one step closer to filling his true potential. Rom showed off his seemingly new ability to trap the ball and allow others to get involved. His assist for Kone’s first goal showed his touch is improving. He also made a sublime outside of the foot assist for Kone’s hat-trick. Lets hope he continues to work on these features of his game so he causes problems for opposition even when he’s misfiring.
Lukaku holding off Sebastian Coates.
A swift response.
After letting a 2 goal lead slip most Everton fans may have been forgiven for thinking we’ve thrown away a win. Not even 5 minutes had passed before a Gerard Deulofeu cross was inadvertently put in to his own net by Coates. With the Goodison faithful being a little on edge these days this was important. Any longer may have caused panic amongst the fans which may have been passed on to the players. Hopefully a lesson learned on both ends.
Sebastian Coates own goal.
Howard remembered.
On the 4th minute Goodison remembered its legendary manager Howard Kendall. Howard’s picture appeared on the big screen met by a standing ovation and the sound of ‘One Howard Kendall’. A special mention to the Sunderland fans who showed their class during the proceedings and even joined in. This highlights the respect the footballing world had for Howard.
Howard Kendall remembered.
