Paul Robinson cannot believe what Everton player did v Burnley
Paul Robinson has been left in disbelief after an “absolutely fantastic” piece of defending from Everton star Ben Godfrey during the Toffees’ Premier League win over Burnley.
Sean Dyche’s side moved seven points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with an impressive 2-0 win over the Clarets at Turf Moor, thanks to first-half strikes from Amadou Onana and Michael Keane.
While the Toffees’ attacking efforts earned them plenty of plaudits from pundits and supporters alike, Robinson was left stunned by the performance of Godfrey at the heart of Everton’s defence, in particular a great clearance late in the opening period.
Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live (16 December, 18:17) he said: “Well we all tune into Match of the Day to watch goals and spectacular finishes, but that is one of the best clearances you’ll see from Ben Godfrey.
“How he’s hooked that off the goal line for his team, I have no idea. Absolutely fantastic defending.”
Stepping up
It’s amazing how quickly things change in football. Only a matter of days ago it seemed almost certain that Godfrey was destined to leave Goodison Park having barely played a single minute of Premier League football this season and now he has put in an excellent display against Burnley.
The 25-year-old had a tough act to follow replacing Jarrad Branthwaite at centre-back because of suspension but he stood up to the task and really impressed, especially with that clearance in the closing exchanges in the first half.
Godfrey had absolutely no right to win that ball but somehow he managed to nip the ball away from the attacker at the most crucial moment. It is a huge boost to Dyche to be able to have such a good defensive option waiting in the wings.
Everton may well be having second thoughts over allowing the 25-year-old to depart Goodison Park in January. While everyone is fit, he may not be a regular feature, but should the Toffees pick up injuries, they may regret it if they let Godfrey leave when the window opens.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have shared an update as to why Vitalii Mykolenko missed the clash at Turf Moor