That’s more like it. Everton at last produced a proper performance and delivered goals a plenty as they thrashed Bournemouth 3-0 today at Goodison Park to finally end the home drought.
After so many seriously depressing and embarassing moments over the last few weeks, especially at home, the Blues have at last won at Goodison Park this season.
Everton bossed this afternoon’s match and beat the Cherries to repeat their success over the same oppoenents on the final day of last season.
Manager Sean Dyche was under a great deal of pressure to get his team selection and tactics right today after such a terrible start to the campaign at the Grand Old Lady.
Last weekend’s hugely deflating and worrying defeat to Luton Town had called into question his leadership of this team and whether he would be able to turn things around.
Dyche finally gave James Garner a start in central midfield and he was outstanding, almost certainly the Toffees man-of-the-match.
But, the home side as a whole were on top from the kick off and dominated against a very poor Bournemouth side who underlined why they haven’t won yet this season.
Jarrad Branthwaite fresh on the back of his new contract, was once again superb in the heart of defence, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin led the line strongly and should have scored for the fourth game in a row.
And, summer loan signing Jack Harrison a player I have been very keen to see from the start of a match, was lively and threatening and scored a brilliantly taken first goal for Everton.
The Blues were quickly ahead through Garner and then added a second as Harrison took full advantage of a slip by the Cherries keeper to open his account in a royal blue shirt.
Everton also hit the woodwork and in truth could have been three or four up by halftime such was their dominance.
Finally, we saw the Toffees play with energy, intensity and attacking purpose and they were dominant and when it counted took the game by the scruff of the neck.
And, the mometum was continued after the break as the home side were again on the front foot and more goals should have come, although Bournemouth had a few chances to pull one back.
Now, with another international break before the derby at Anfield, can this team please build on this performance and result and start to reproduce more consistent efforts like this.