Alan Shearer gushes over ‘wonderful’ Dwight McNeil moment in Everton 1-0 v Leeds United
Alan Shearer was full of praise for Dwight McNeil after the Everton midfielder produced a “wonderful” cross during the first half of the Toffees’ 1-0 win over Leeds United.
Sean Dyche’s men secured a vital three points due to Séamus Coleman’s speculative second-half effort which caught out Leeds’ Illan Meslier.
Shearer was impressed with the former Burnley winger, who produced a number of impressive deliveries into the box on Saturday afternoon (18 February).
“This is a wonderful ball in [from McNeil] and just have a look at Neal Maupay and Alex Iwobi,” said Shearer (Match of the Day, 1hr 2m 17s, 18 February).
“Again there’s a lack of movement, Iwobi has got to get in there as well, not just stand and admire the cross, otherwise they will never score goals.”
Cutting edge
It’s such a shame Everton don’t have a clinical striker who is able to get on the end of such deliveries. Shearer has singled out Iwobi in this instance, but being a goalscoring threat is not his primary objective. McNeil has been extremely impressive in recent weeks – and that shouldn’t come as a surprise after the arrival of Dyche.
The former Burnley winger could well prove to be a vital cog in the Toffees’ system if they wish to continue their good recent form, particularly at Goodison Park.
The importance of the win over Michael Skubala’s side cannot be underestimated. Leeds have now been leapfrogged in the table and judging off current form, the Yorkshire side look like the most likely team to drop back into the Championship.
Everton have another golden opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three when Nottingham Forest travel to Merseyside next weekend. Steve Cooper’s men have been impressive of late, but the power of the home support at Everton cannot be underestimated.