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Three takeaways from West Ham 0 Everton 1

By Matt Townsend

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United battles for possession with Seamus Coleman of Everton during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on May 09, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Couldridge - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United battles for possession with Seamus Coleman of Everton during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on May 09, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Couldridge - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Everton claimed their eleventh away win of this strange season and in doing so at least temporarily, revived their hopes of European football next season.

This win then equalled the number of away victories in the 1984-85 season, the greatest single campaign in the club’s history. So what are the three key things to take from yesterday afternoon’s 1-0 win by Everton at the London Stadium?

The Toffees have found a winning formula away from home, so can they translate it to Goodison Park?

Yesterday Carlo Ancelotti reverted to the formation and defensive tactics that has proved very successful away from the grand old lady.

Going into the match the Blues manager went with a fluid back three of Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Micheal Keane with Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne playing more as wing-backs to provide the width and creativity from out wide.

And after scoring a first half goal through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, this defence held firm and repelled every West Ham attack to secure the win and the three points.

One other aspect of this win was Godfrey’s role. The summer deadline day signing has been outstanding and for me is arguably the player of the season.

His defensive qualities are evident. The pace, strength and excellent tackling together with his feisty attitude and combative mentality are great additions to this Everton team. He is also virtually unbeatable in a one-on-one situation.

However, his ability on the ball was also apparent with the slide-rule pass for Calvert-Lewin’s goal. And this was further evidence that I think he could actually play as a sort of sweeper in a back three as he has also shown a readiness to burst forward and carry the ball out of defence regularly.

This would help better integrate the defence and midfield as Godfrey can then step into midfield as well and give the team a flexible formation that can adjust during a game.

Then perhaps Everton can effectively translate this tactical approach to Goodison Park and turn around that dreadful home form next season.