Everton need to turn the tide back in their favour
It’s probably the worst time to be an Everton fan. The club is hovering over the relegation zone for a long time and if horrendous displays continue, a nosedive in the bottom three is almost certain. This could have serious ramifications on and off the pitch.
To start with, key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin could depart. With the new stadium in the works, COVID-19 impacting the revenue streams and the USM sponsorship suspended, the club could plummet into a financial crisis.
In 2016, when Farhad Moshiri walked through Goodison Park, he had envisioned the club returning to its zenith like it was in the ’80s and ’90s. However, the trajectory has been the polar opposite of what was desired. The downward spiral was fastened due to a series of bad decisions, miscalculated transfers and a lack of stability in the management role.
Now tasked with pulling off a Houdini, current manager Frank Lampard is out there to save the Toffees from relegation and embarrassment. Perhaps, Google should specify his job as one of the hardest jobs in the world because to extract the best out of this mish-mash squad is no child’s play.
The Toffees have 10 games to play out of which four games are against one of the top six sides. The margin for error is minimal as any slip ups will give a chance to Watford and Burnley to pounce. Coincidentally, Everton plays against both the sides in what can be termed as relegation six-pointers.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs to start scoring for Everton
If Lampard and his troops are to engineer a pathway to safety, there are some players who need to start contributing extensively. One of them is Everton talisman Calvert-Lewin. The English striker has had a troublesome season, plagued by multiple injuries. In totality, he has missed over four months of footballing action.
The former Sheffield United striker started the campaign on a bright note scoring three goals in his first three Premier League games before picking up a long term injury. Calvert-Lewin is yet to score a goal in 2022 and small niggles have restricted him from getting into the desired rhythm.
He has now started featuring more regularly than before but still seems to lack the desired level of match fitness and sharpness. In the 2-1 away loss to West Ham United, Calvert-Lewin lasted on the pitch for 77 minutes but failed to muster more than one shot on goal.
The 25-year-old isn’t as instinctive as he was before he often doesn’t capitalize on situations in front of the goal. It would be incredulous to think that his levels have dropped or he isn’t the player he’s often defined to be. It’s probably because of the lack of game time this season and repeated injuries putting a speed limiter on his giant strides.
One thing that is almost certain is that his goals and contributions are invaluable to Everton. Last season, Calvert-Lewin probably played the best football of his career under Carlo Ancelotti. In total he scored 21 goals, 16 of which came in the Premier League. Whenever he found the back of the net, it was almost certain that the team would walk out with some points.
In Premier League 13 games he scored last season, the Toffees ended up winning seven of them and taking a point in three other games. His goals are vital to Everton and if Everton want to come on top out of this relegation tussle, Calvert-Lewin’s goals are the secret key to it.
Everton are desperately looking for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goals
But sadly, the Englishman isn’t yet firing on all cylinders which is putting Everton in grave danger. There’s a valid argument that compared to last season, Everton does not have as many talented playmakers and providers as they had last season which is depriving of service to the strikers.
The arrivals of Donny van de Beek, Dele Alli and competent crossers of the ball in Andros Townsend and Anthony Gordon, service should have improved and in turn Calvert-Lewin should be taking more chances.
In the remaining 10 games, Calvert-Lewin needs to rise because Everton can no longer bet on their ordinary horses. His future at the club remains uncertain too with Arsenal chasing the signature of the 25 year old but that shouldn’t come in the way of the striker to do what he does best – score goals.
The strike partnership of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison oozes quality when they are in their element and for the remaining games, they need to channel their best versions to save the club from relegation.
Will Dominic Calvert-Lewin get on the scoresheet against Burnley?