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Another day, another Everton win. I could get used to this.
But what did the numbers tell us about the result?
Calvert-Lewin Shining
Two goals and outstanding numbers all-round
After being lavished with praise by Carlo Ancelotti after scoring the winner against Burnley, Dominic Calvert-Lewin took on the manager’s encouragement to be “more focussed on goal” by scoring two classic poacher’s goals against Newcastle.
The 22-year-old put in a terrific all-round performance at St James’ Park, completing 70% of his passes, creating five chances and, of course, putting the ball in the net twice.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s stats against Newcastle:
— EFC Statto (@EFC_Statto) December 28, 2019
Touches - 46
Goals - 2
Shots - 4
On target - 3
Successful passes - 19
Successful attacking third passes - 13
Chances created - 5
Pass accuracy - 70%
Aerial duels won - 7
Recoveries - 2
Fouls suffered - 2#EFC #NEWEVE
Bizarrely, DCL also became the first Everton player to score winning goals in back-to-back top-flight games since Tony Cottee in 1991. How this record has stood for so long is absolutely beyond me.
9 Shots on Target
Most away from home this season
Everton’s struggles on the road this season have been no secret. But the Blues recorded their second away win of the campaign here, thanks in large to their attacking intent.
The Blues had an incredible 22 shots against Newcastle, nine of which were on target – the most they’ve managed away from home this season.
#EFC had nine shots on target v #NUFC, their most in a Premier League away game since May (also nine v Spurs) and Calvert-Lewin became the first #EFC player to score winners in successive league games since Tony Cottee in 1991 #NEWEVE
— Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter) December 28, 2019
More Kean
First start since September
One of the biggest hopes following the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti was that he’d get his fellow countryman, Moise Kean, firing following a difficult start to life at Goodison.
And Kean was given his first start since September here and put in his best performance yet in a Blue shirt and deserved a goal.
Everton’s the Team That Plays… Attacking Football
43 shots in Ancelotti’s first two games
Carlo Ancelotti has a reputation for playing attacking football, and that certainly seems to have found its way to Everton too. The Blues had a total of 43 shots on goal against Burnley and Newcastle – more than any other club in the league has managed in the last two games.
It’s also the most shots Everton have had on goal over two games in more than four years.
Everton have registered 43 shots on target in their first two games under Carlo Ancelotti. This is more than any other Premier League side in their last two games. This is also the most shots Everton have had on target over two games for the first time in 4 years.#EFC pic.twitter.com/YbF3E2X6Oh
— The Gwladys Street (@TheGwladysSt) December 28, 2019
Two from Two for Ancelotti
First Everton manager to win first two games since Moyes
Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t have gotten off to a better start as Everton boss, with the games coming thick and fast.
That’s two wins from two – a feat no new Everton manager has achieved since David Moyes came in and steadied the ship in March 2002.
If Ancelotti helps the Blues beat Manchester City on New Years Day, he will be the first manager since Joe Royle in 1994 to win his first three games as Everton manager.