Everton v Crystal Palace: Conor Coady, Michael Owen slam Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Michael Owen and Conor Coady have both slammed Dominic Calvert-Lewin for what happened in Everton v Crystal Palace on Monday, 19 February.
In the first half of the game which ended 1-1, a header fell to him from a cross played in by Dwight McNeil and it was an accurate one that found his head, but he failed to find the back of the net.
Coady was then told at half-time that the England international had gone 18 games without finding the back of the net.
He said on the Premier League Productions’ show (19 February, 8:54pm): “It shocks me a little bit, with this Everton team, they put a lot of crosses into the box. It shocks me because it’s an important part of how they play, get the ball to McNeil, Young and play it into the box. Dominic Calvert-Lewin lives off that. That fact that he does not score, shocks me a little bit.
Owen: “This is what he’s in the team for. Crosses coming in and you’re hoping your big man will score. Got to do more.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin might guide Everton to relegation
Calvert-Lewin’s role as the team’s primary goal scorer makes his goal drought of 18 games particularly alarming, especially considering Everton’s reliance on crosses into the box, a style that suits his aerial ability.
Coady’s surprise, especially as a former teammate, underscores the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the striker’s lack of goals contradicts the team’s strategy and his own strengths as a player.
Owen’s assertion that Calvert-Lewin must do more is equally valid, emphasising the striker’s responsibility to capitalise on scoring opportunities, especially given Everton’s desperate need for points as they’ve already faced a points deduction despite the appeal.
With Toffees struggling and their summer signing Beto also lacking composure in front of goal, the Englishman’s goal-scoring drought becomes even more pressing.
Not signing a striker or a proven goal scorer in January may prove to the Toffees’ detriment but there is no more they can do.
Everton need something to change in the final third or they might not be as lucky this time in their fight against relegation.
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