Alan Smith praises ‘excellent’ Calvert-Lewin goal v West Ham
Commentator Alan Smith praised Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s “excellent” finish against West Ham as Everton won a hugely important game in London.
The England international forward struck past Lukasz Fabianski against the run of play to give the Toffees the lead and they held firm afterwards.
Ben Godfrey set the striker free with a well-placed through ball from Everton’s own half, with Calvert-Lewin holding off Craig Dawson before slotting home.
Speaking on the Sky Sports commentary for the game at the London Stadium, Smith praised the simple nature of Everton’s quick counter goal.
Smith said: “It was as simple as you like, the Godfrey pass was perfectly weighted and the finish was an excellent one.
“West Ham haven’t given too many of these goals away this season, it was a simple enough building but it was all in the timing, the pass and the run.”
Smith also praised Godfrey for finding Calvert-Lewin in space, crediting his overall game this season.
Smith added; He’s played in a variety of position, Godfrey. He’s enjoyed a very good first season at Everton.
Calvert-Lewin remains one of Everton’s brightest lights this season, with the England forward routinely delivering when we need him to.
Admittedly he has work to do to continue improving, especially in the biggest games when we need him most, but considering where he was before Carlo Ancelotti joined the club and how much he has progressed in such a small time frame, we couldn’t be more pleased.
Godfrey does deserve a significant amount of credit for setting Calvert-Lewin up in the manner that he did, and he continues to prove that there is little that the defender cannot do.
Still, Calvert-Lewin hasn’t often had the opportunity to utilise his pace and power to score for the Blues this season, and his opener at the London Stadium showed that he has more to offer than aerial prowess.
West Ham defended fairly passively and Everton made it count, and Ancelotti will be pleased to see his side respond after the Aston Villa disappointment last week.
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