Sky Sports pundit wowed by Everton star Dwight McNeil for what he did v Fulham in first half
Stephen Kelly was impressed by Dwight McNeil’s first-half display against Fulham as Everton looked the brighter side in their EFL Cup tie.
The Toffees looked to be the more dangerous of the two teams and could have gone into the half-time break 1-0 up. But a goal against the run of play meant Fulham had the advantage at half-time.
McNeil missed a golden opportunity to take the lead but blazed the effort over the crossbar, yet the Sky Sports pundit still applauded him for this all-round display.
“It’s a tight angle. Fulham players are coming back trying to defend it, but it’s really well worked with [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin,” Kelly said live on Sky Sports News on Tuesday (19 December).
“McNeil just fires a shot over the bar, but Everton are starting to turn the screw. Now they’re getting on top of the game and McNeil is having a real impact.”
Dictating play
With his goals in recent weeks, many expected to see the net bulge as McNeil raced through in on goal. It may have been a tight angle, but the midfielder is more than capable of getting that type of chance on target.
It could be one of those opportunities that Everton come back to rue, with a Michael Keane own-goal punishing the Toffees against the run of play. The final ball, the finishing, was a key issue in the first half.
It has also been a joy to see Calvert-Lewin enjoying his football again and linking up well with McNeil. His recent seasons have been plagued with injury but he could have a real impact during this campaign, as his teammate is currently having.
It could be seen as a stroke of genius from Sean Dyche to play McNeil at left wing-back once again, following a successful trial in the position against Burnley. While his defensive capabilities can do the job, playing a back-three allows him to attack quickly on the wing.
At just 24 years old, McNeil has taken up a leadership position, not with his words, but with his actions as he pushes the Toffees up the pitch and makes his teammates play better.
In other Everton news, a Nottingham Forest ace has sent a message to a Toffees star after what he did against Burnley.