Former Everton manager Marco Silva saw his Fulham side come away from Merseyside empty-handed, but he’s under no illusions that it’s exactly what the Cottagers deserved.
Everton needed a win after a three-game run without, and David Moyes saw his players step up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to put their season back on track.
Goals from Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane made the difference, but it was a strong showing all over the pitch for the Toffees.
In our player ratings for Everton vs Fulham, we heaped praise on a number of players including James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, and clearly Silva was a fan of what he saw from those combative defenders.
James Tarkowski clashes with Fulham players during Everton v Fulham - Premier League
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Marco Silva’s post-match comments highlight Everton strength
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Silva was forthcoming in his criticisms of his own team while suggesting Everton deserved their win after an aggressive display.
Silva said: “I think we get what we deserved from the game, definitely. We only played for 20 minutes in the second half, how we should, with the aggressiveness on and off the ball that this game needs… it was not good enough at all.
“We didn’t cope with their aggressiveness throughout the game and when this happens we have to blame ourselves… The percentage of winning duels in a football match plays a big part.”
The result leaves Fulham in 15th place and looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle, while Everton move clear and now sit in 11th place with 15 points from 11 games.
Kiernan Dewsbury Hall battles for the ball during Everton v Fulham - Premier League
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Everton’s key duel-winners vs Fulham
So, who was the main driving force behind Everton’s win?
Thierno Barry earned praise from fans for his much-improved display, and deservedly so. The big striker may not have got on the scoresheet, but he did win six duels on the day and was a constant presence with his pressing from the front.
Meanwhile, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was commended by Moyes for his creativity, but he also won a whopping nine ground duels (plus a further one aerial duel, too).
Player Duels won
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 10
Iliman Ndiaye 6
James Tarkowski 6
Thierno Barry 6
Tim Iroegbunam 4
Data via SofaScore
The men at the back were pivotal, too. Michael Keane bagged a crucial goal and also won three duels, but it was Tarkowski alongside him who really impressed, winning all six of his aerial duels.
It’s no wonder Silva was disappointed with his team. The Cottagers were second-best all over the pitch, but credit where credit’s due, Everton stepped up and made things incredibly difficult for their opponents right from the off.