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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
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 09: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates scoring the first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on May 09, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /

Calvert-Lewin needs more support up front

We’ve banged this drum repeatedly but it is clear that the England centre-forward needs more help and support to improve the team’s threat up front.

Calvert-Lewin scored a very well taken goal from Godfrey’s pass and it was good to see him back in the goals again. However, he has had continuing problems converting chances as I don’t think he’s a genuine, natural finisher like say a Harry Kane or Sergio Aguero.

Calvert-Lewin is a more traditional English centre-forward whose strengths are his pace, power, threat in the air and ability to hold the ball up.

Another issue related to this is Richarlison’s own problems this season. After two campaigns in which he has scored a total of twenty six goals, the Brazil international has had a difficult and frustrating season in which he has struggled to find any consistent form especially as a result of a suspension for his red card against Liverpool.

Last season he had played more centrally alongside Calvert-Lewin and while he is not a traditional front-running striker, he might be able to play again as an effective foil for Calvert-Lewin.

Again, although he has plenty of pace and power and can take on and best opponents when coming in from out wide, he is also not the most natural finisher and he has a tendancy to sometimes take too many touches and play selfishly.

Both these forwards are still young and could well develop better and more clinical goal-scoring, but I think Everton need more choice and competition up front.

There has been plenty of talk of bringing in new wide attacking options and while that is needed, ideally perhaps a veteran striker like an Olivier Giroud can offer that natural goalscoring and experience and could help develop the two incumbant Blues forwards’ striking skills.