Everton: Sky Sports pundit amazed by ‘brilliant’ Vitaliy Mykolenko v Newcastle – ‘Oh Wow’
Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith was amazed by Vitaliy Mykolenko’s goal-line clearance to prevent Alexander Isak from doubling Newcastle’s lead as Everton drew 1-1 at St James’ Park on 2 April.
Isak had already got himself on the scoresheet, netting the game’s first goal in the 15th minute after being found with a ball over the top from Harvey Barnes.
However, Everton’s Ukrainian left-back prevented the Swede from adding to his tally in what proved to be a crucial intervention.
Smith’s admiration for the block was evident, saying on Sky Sports News [08:57pm, 2 April]: “Oh wow, Newcastle should be 2-0 up. Mykolenko does brilliantly to clear the ball off the line.
“It’s Barnes on the left-hand side – does so well – just takes Godfrey on, gets to the byline, crosses it to Isak and you just think Isak’s going to put it in the back of the net, but Mykolenko made a great recovery run and clears it off the line.”
Vitaliy Mykolenko helps Everton earn valuable point
In a game where Everton were second-best for long periods, it was the last-ditch interventions of players like Mykolenko that helped the Toffees hang on and eventually earn a valuable point.
Jordan Pickford was another who acquitted himself well on that front, making two massive saves in the first half to prevent Newcastle from racing into an unassailable lead.
With the prospect of a second points deduction looming, Everton face an uphill task to secure survival – but this result takes them to four points clear of the relegation zone, with a game in hand on Nottingham Forest and Burnley.
The draw does not end their winless league run – which now stretches to 13 games – but a point on the road at St James’ Park is one head coach Sean Dyche will be pleased with, particularly given Newcastle’s dominance for large spells.
Better performances will be needed to keep Everton afloat – but the Toffees can return to Merseyside encouraged by their late fightback.
In other Everton news, a former Premier League director has given his verdict on Farhad Moshiri’s role in the club’s PSR breaches.
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