Everton ended their 40-year wait for a win away at Bournemouth last night, with Jack Grealish netting the winner in the second half.
David Moyes was full of praise for Jack Grealish after the game, labelling the Manchester City loanee a ‘top footballer.’
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also received plaudits for his performance, playing a slightly deeper midfield role than usual.
THAT is exactly how you respond after the Newcastle defeat! 💪
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Everton fans weren’t too happy with Thierno Barry, though, with many admitting they just aren’t convinced by the £30 summer signing.
With all that said, here are three things we learned from Everton’s 1-0 win last night.
Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is much better in deeper role
Dewsbury-Hall has really stepped up a gear over these last few weeks, and it’s coincided with a slight tweak to his position.
Rather than playing in an advanced role, Moyes has used him as a number eight, and it’s getting the best out of him.
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Wow, who knew Everton’s away record was so good!?👏🏻
“Since I have come back, only Arsenal have won more games than us (away). They (the fans) have been pretty happy.”
David Moyes after Bournemouth win
David Moyes.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Dewsbury-Hall was probably the best player against Newcastle, and many would argue he should’ve got the Man of the Match award last night.
So Moyes will have quickly learned that his best position is a box-to-box midfielder.
Thierno Barry must work on his first touch
Barry finally registered his first shot on target for Everton last night, but he’s still awaiting his first goal for the club.
STAT: Thierno Barry registered his first Everton shot on target in 10 hours vs Bournemouth.
Yes, you heard that right…
Everton striker Thierno Barry.
Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images
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The Frenchman also made it pretty apparent that his first touch needs a lot of work, as he seemed to struggle to trap the ball and maintain possession.
There was one moment in the second half where he had room to dribble and drive at the Bournemouth defence, but his touch ultimately wasted the opportunity.
Whilst Barry has improved in recent weeks, it surely won’t be long before Beto is brought back into the fold.
James Garner is a way better right-back than Jake O’Brien
James Garner was deployed at right-back last night, with Jake O’Brien moving back into his more favoured role at centre-back.
The change seemed to add a lot more balance down the right flank, with Garner providing far more going forward than O’Brien.
Use just one word to sum up this man’s performance vs Bournemouth!
Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam vs Bournemouth.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
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But, in fairness to O’Brien, he also looked a lot more proficient in the heart of the defence and his recovery pace was really handy up against the quick Bournemouth forwards.
So, when Michael Keane returns from injury, Moyes should seriously consider just sticking with the back four he went for last night.
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