Everton story causes shock live on talkSPORT as ‘crazy’, ‘bizarre’ update emerges
talkSPORT hosts Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein were left shocked by Everton and their high expected goals total, which is greater than Manchester City’s.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (11 October), the pair were baffled that the Toffees’ chances were more effective than Pep Guardiola’s side. In a scenario called “crazy” by Bent, Everton also has the second-highest number of shots in the Premier League, as reported by Patrick Boyland (11 October).
Bent and Goldstein debated why Everton’s xG was so high and pointed to the inferior striker force at Goodison Park.
Goldstein said: “It is very bizarre.”
Bent replied: “To be fair to Everton this season though, they have created a lot of chances, they’ve just missed them.”
Goldstein replied: “Yeah, but are they just missing them because their strikers aren’t as good as Manchester City’s?”
“Well, that’s my point!”, retorted Bent. “Calvert-Lewin will come back impact. I expect their xG to go on.”
“Yeah, I know. But their xG surely is going to be different to Manchester City because they’ve got Haaland and Alvarez”, replied Goldstein. “That’s what I’m saying, I don’t get it.”
Manchester City are better
Everton’s struggles in front of goal have been no secret this season, or last season. While Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a reliable source of goals, his injury record is bad reading. He remains Everton’s top scorer, but Beto and Arnaut Danjuma are yet to find their feet.
Manchester City meanwhile have some of the best attacking players in the world. Off the back of a historic treble-winning season, it is little shock that Guardiola’s side is having more success than Sean Dyche.
Swap Erling Haaland for Calvert-Lewin, or Julian Alvarez for Dwight McNeil, the results would be different. What Everton fans should be really encouraged by is the fact that they are creating these chances.
All it takes is for the likes of Beto to hit some form and win some games for the club. That would boost the mood of the club, the squad and the fanbase. Calvert-Lewin too will capitalise on these chances but will hope to finally have a long stint in the starting 11.
Dyche will feel very reassured by this. While something is not quite ticking with the front line, he will feel confident that their hard work on the ball will pay off.
In other Everton news, Alan Shearer has gushed over a Toffees ace who “ran the midfield” in their 3-0 win against Bournemouth.