Dominic Calvert-Lewin drops another Everton stinker v Crystal Palace as concerning stats emerge
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin may have much to ponder over the international break after he was nowhere to be seen in their 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday (11 November).
A late goal from substitute Idrissa Gueye helped the Toffees triumph over Crystal Palace in a thrilling Premier League game at Selhurst Park.
The result means Sean Dyche’s side are now eight points clear of the drop zone on 14 points after 12 games and have now lost just once in five games in all competitions.
Everton are enjoying something of a purple patch in front of goal too in recent weeks with Saturday’s win now means they’ve scored 11 goals in their last five games in all competitions [SofaScore] after struggling to even create chances earlier in the campaign.
Dyche has to be given tons of credit for his side’s complete transformation in attack over the course of the last month or so, they’ve recorded the sixth-most shots, six-most shots on target and the seventh-most shots on target per 90 [FBRef].
The likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dwight McNeil, Jack Harrison and even Vitaliy Mykolenko have all heavily contributed to the Toffees’ stark improvements going forward but Dyche will be having grave concerns over his main man Calvert-Lewin after his Crystal Palace.
The England international’s return to fitness is a huge bonus for Everton as his presence, aerial dominance and focal point have certainly proven a crucial factor in the Toffees’ resurgence.
Three goals so far represent a decent enough return for a player who only had his first start of the season at the end of September but his last two performances have seen a drop in influence for the fan-favourite.
In their 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend, Calvert-Lewin barely touched the will 30 touches, won 50% of his aerial duels, successfully completed 45% of his 29 passes, lost possession 14 times and failed to register a single shot on target [SofaScore].
It was a similar theme against Palace and the 26-year-old was incredibly fortunate his teammates are enjoying a purple patch in front of goal right now which is papering over the cracks a little bit.
Calvert-Lewin once again barely touched the ball with just 20 touches, successfully completed 58% of his passes, recorded one key pass but once again failed to register a single shot all game, won 0% of his ground duels and just four of his 15 aerial duels at a dreadful success rate of 26% which is surprising given his qualities in the air.
The former Sheffield United man was deservedly handed the second-worst SofaScore average rating of any player on both teams and was correctly chalked off after 77 minutes for Beto.
It was an absolute stinker for Calvert-Lewin especially when those around him are performing to their utmost levels. Dyche may not be overly concerned right now, given it’s just two games but if his main man doesn’t pick up his performances after the international, Beto is certainly ready to step in his place.
He certainly has much to ponder in the forthcoming international break. It may have come at the right time for him.
In other Everton news, Kieran Maguire has seen 777’s plans for the new stadium and believes there will be far from universal satisfaction among the fanbase.