Everton’s match against Tottenham yesterday left a sour taste in the mouth. Building on from a promising month, where the Toffees continued their impressive unbeaten league run in 2017, the club were presented with a golden opportunity to show the rest of the league that they belong amongst the elite.
Instead, what followed was nothing short of disappointment. Tottenham were sensational, with individuals all over the pitch performing marvellously. Everton offered themselves up as the complete antithesis, as the vast majority of players were so far off the pace that they barely made an impact. Still, both Romelu Lukaku and Enner Valencia somehow created a flattering score line, much better than the 4-0 or 5-0 result it so easily could have been.
But whilst the overall result was a pockmark on the calendar year, Lukaku’s record breaking goal shouldn’t be overshadowed.
Capitalising on a slip-up from Jan Vertonghen, Lukaku showcased of all of the strengths that show that he is one of the best strikers in world football to give his side a fighting chance. Direct running, power, pace and clinical finishing took Lukaku into the Everton hall of fame, his 61st Premier League goal for the club.
Lukaku’s goal sets him one above fan favourite Duncan Ferguson, who in turn sits just above Tim Cahill, Kevin Campbell and Leon Osman. It’s fair to say Lukaku is in decent company.
Wherever Lukaku’s future does take him, it is abundantly clear that Everton must match his ambition if they harbour any hope of keeping the Belgian in the royal blue we’ve all come accustomed to seeing him wear.
Regardless of where Romelu ends up in the future, it’s been a privilege to witness such a talented player write himself into the history books.
Romelu Lukaku: 130 Premier League appearances, 61 goals.
