Robbie Earle left stunned by ‘big’ Abdoulaye Doucoure’s first-half strike v Brentford
Robbie Earle was stunned by Abdoulaye Doucoure’s first-half goal for Everton to put the Toffees ahead early in their clash against Brentford.
Speaking live on NBC Sports (23 September, 18:24), the pundit hailed the midfielder as the Toffees’ “go-to guy” as he fired his side ahead in the sixth minute.
He praised the 30-year-old’s clinical finish in the Toffees’ quick start to the game, with James Tarkowski and Dominic Calvert-Lewin chipping in for a 3-1 away victory.
Earle said: “[Doucoure] is the go-to guy. What a technique from the big midfield player.
“Fires it into the back of the net and what a great start to the game from Everton.”
Like a forward
The midfielder was moving like a centre-forward as he laced home the Toffees’ opener.
He found himself with plenty of space in the box as he latched onto Tarkowski’s header in the box to slot it past Mark Flekken in between the Brentford sticks.
The pride and excitement were written all over his face – he knew just how crucial this goal could be. While it was soon countered by Mathias Jensen’s 28th-minute equaliser, he set the tone for an excellent Everton effort at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Mali international has been a key influence at Goodison Park in recent months. They wouldn’t even be in the Premier League if not for his game-winning goal against Bournemouth on the final day of last season and he doubled his goal tally for the new campaign after his strike against Sheffield United.
Goals are a big part of his game and he truly is the “go-to guy” for Sean Dyche’s side at the moment. Everton fans will feel very relieved to have earned their first three points of the season and if performances like this become more common, the relegation zone could soon become a former acquaintance.
In other Everton news, a big name Toffees player has been tipped to never play for the club again.