OPINION
Marco Silva’s Everton side delivered a much needed three points at Goodison Park on Saturday as the hosts saw off the challenge of newly promoted Fulham in a 3-0 victory.
The Toffees turned it on in the closing stages of the clash as second half goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson (twice) and substitute Cenk Tosun saw them win just their second Premier League game of the season.
This was a much improved performance from Silva’s charges, with several players impressing. But what are the lessons that supporters can glean from the match?
This is Futbol has identified three things learned about the Toffees:
Kenny king at Goodison Park
The 5ft 9in [Source: Transfermarkt] defender produced his most complete performance of the season as he excelled up against the likes of Ryan Sessegnon and Andre Schurrle at Goodison Park. The 21-year-old isn’t an automatic starter at Everton, but he’s taking his chance with Seamus Coleman currently out injured.
The right back was a ball of energy on Saturday, and he played his part in the Toffees’ opener by keeping the ball in when it looked like it might go out of play. That moment was crucial for Silva’ side.
It’s important to have youngsters like Kenny breaking into the first team picture and providing solid depth behind the starters. They may not always be first choice, but they can be useful players who will always do a job for you. Everton had one such player for years in Tony Hibbert, perhaps they’ve found another in Jonjoe Kenny.
Tosun makes his point off the bench
It’s been a rough start to the season for Turkey international Cenk Tosun, but the former Besiktas man gave the Goodison Park faithful a stark reminder of his quality off the bench against Fulham.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin toiled up front for Everton in Tosun’s place, and the team looked much better once the 27-year-old replaced the Englishman. His powerful header was just rewards for his efforts in transforming the game.
Momentum is key for any striker and Tosun had been struggling from a lack of it this season, Everton supporters will be hopeful that this goal will act as a shot in the arm for the powerful frontman and spur him on to better things as the season progresses.
Keane finally living up to potential
It’s been a long time coming, but centre back Michael Keane finally produced the sort of performance for which Everton purchased him against Fulham. Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic entered the game as the most in-form frontman in the Premier League, but he was completely nullified by Keane and Kurt Zouma.
The former Burnley man, on a reported £60,000-per-week [Source: Spotrac], endured a tough start to life on Merseyside last season, but appears to have discovered some of his old form in recent weeks.
The England international arrived for big money so it’s vital that he’s a success at Goodison Park; judging by Saturday’s evidence, the 25-year-old is getting there at last.