Thierno Barry scored his first goal for the Blues as they dispatched Nottingham Forest 3-0 as they now sit fifth in the Premier League and ruined Sean Dyche’s return to the club.
It was a fast start from David Moyes's side with Nikola Milenković headed past Mats Sels after a brilliant piece of dribbling from Dewsbury-Hall.
On the stroke of half-time Jordan Pickford denied Elliot Anderson as he pushed away his curling shot. Seconds later Iliman Ndiaye intercepted the ball and ran towards the Forest backline before laying it off to Barry who curled it past Sels to get his first goal for the club.
In the second half Forest had a resurgence with Nicolas Dominguez having his effort cleared off the line by James Tarkowksi, following Jordan Pickford failing to punch away Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross.
Everton almost added a third on numerous occasions with Dewsbury-Hall striking the post, and Ndiaye having an effort tipped over by Sels.
Dewsbury-Hall got his deserving goal where he fired in from close range as Dyche’s side failed to deal with an Everton corner.
Everton find themselves in fifth position following an upturn in form will face Chelsea next week hoping to get their first win at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League since 1994.
Dewsbury-Hall fine form continues
It’s been a enjoyable few weeks for Everton’s Dewsbury-Hall and the midfielder is shining playing deeper for David Moyes side. The former Leicester man scored the only goal which gave Everton their first win at Old Trafford since 2013 and was instrumental in the 3-0 win over Forest.
Throughout the game the midfielder was a goal threat and found himself in numerous positions where he came close to extending Everton’s lead. Dewsbury-Hall played a key role in the first goal drifting inside before his cross hit Milenkovic on the way in.
Nominated for Premier League Player of the Month and Goal of the Month, the 27-year-old has adapted well to player deeper and it seems that the blues gain more control with him playing there.
Breakthrough for Barry
Its been a difficult start for Thierno Barry at Everton but the 22-year-old has started the last six games for Everton and has got stronger week in week out as he’s still acclimating to English Football.
Last time out against Bournemouth it was the first time that Barry had a shot on target for Everton, highlighting his troubling start to the club but also shows that Everton have an issue in creating chances for their forwards.
Against Fulham Barry got a standing ovation by the Everton faithful despite not scoring and the same was repeated today. With the summer signing breaking his duck and scoring his first goal, Everton will hope he can keep this momentum going.
Michael Keane consistent again
After missing the 1-0 victory over Bournemouth due to injury Michael Keane returned to the starting 11 in the win over Nottingham Forest.
Keane was solid throughout dealing with the presence of Igor Jesus and alongside Jordan Pickford denied Milenković from a corner earlier in the second half.
His contract extension in the summer has proved to be a key decision with the 32-year-old being an ever presence as the club are still without Jarrad Branthwaite and has put in big displays so far this season.
Keane's mental strength has been impressive so far with the defender reacting well to the incident with Idrissa Gueye as he put in a strong performance in the 1-0 over Manchester United.
Everton’s strong record continues
It’s now been eight games where the Blues have taken the lead this season and haven’t returned empty handed with six wins and two draws, with the draws coming against West Ham United and Sunderland.
In the Premier League Everton also have six clean sheets which is only better by three teams. Their last six games the Blues have won four, drawn one and lost one as there recent charge has seen them be in the mix for Europe despite their squad currently thin on numbers.
With the departure of Gueye and Ndiaye imminent the Toffees will be tested throughout the winter period, and with James Garner one game away from a suspension David Moyes will hope his team can survive the busy period unscathed.