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It wasn’t pretty, but Everton got all three points. And by doing so, reawaken their European aspirations for the season with six games left to play.
But what did the numbers tell us about the performance?
First win at Arsenal in over 25 years
And Everton’s first ever win at the Emirates Stadium
Whatever happens this season, Carlo has ended some unwanted records. In particular, wins at the Shameful Six.
On the opening day of the season, he led Everton to a 1-0 win at Spurs – Everton’s first win at Spurs since 2008.
In February, he led Everton to a 2-0 win at Liverpool – Everton’s first win at Anfield since 1999.
And, on Friday, he led Everton to a 1-0 win at Arsenal – Everton’s first win at Arsenal since January 1996 and first ever win at the Emirates Stadium.
Everton's 1-0 win at Arsenal was their first win at the Emirates Stadium in what was their 16th match at the ground - the longest wait for a first win at a stadium in the club's history. #EFC
— EFC Statto (@EFC_Statto) April 24, 2021
Super League Contenders?
More points taken from the “Big” Six
It’s now clear why Everton weren’t part of the Super League plans…
The other teams knew that we’d cause them too many problems.
Indeed, of fixtures against the “Big” Six (plus Everton, to balance out the fixtures) this is how this season’s table would look:
English Super League Table 2020/21 (inc. Everton)
1) Man City – 20 points
=2) Everton – 18 points
=2) Liverpool – 18 points
4) Man Utd – 15 points
5) Chelsea - 12 points
6) Spurs – 11 points
7) Arsenal – 10 points
Everton against the Sneaky Six this season. #EFC #COYB pic.twitter.com/A54HHt7ofS
— Royal BenGodfrey™ Mersey (@RBMersey) April 23, 2021
Away Days
Everton have won 10 away league games this season…
… the most since 1986/87 – when we last won the league!
Unfortunately, we’ve been garbage at home.
It’s also worth nothing that we’ve not dropped a single point in any of the away games in which we took the lead this season.
Peaky Pickford
Has conceded less goals than expected in 5 of last 7 games
Jordan Pickford – aided by his new Peaky Blinders’ barnet – pulled off an excellent save late on as his recent form continues to impress.
England’s number one really seems to have turned the corner recently and he’s performed really well since his inspired performance against Liverpool back in February.
He’s kept four clean sheets from his last seven appearances, and has conceded just six goals in that period, considering less than the 8.4 goals that he was expected to concede accord to Post-Shot Goals Conceded (i.e. the amount of goals that are expected to go in once the shot has been hit).
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Four Keys
When these four players start, Everton average 2 pts per game
When Lucas Dinge, James Rodriguez, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison all start, Everton average 2 points per game (which would see them 3rd in the league).
When any of these players have been missing, we drop down to an average of 1.48 points per game (which would leave us 9th).
The quartet have started nine games, five of which Everton have won, while drawing three and losing just once.
Obviously, you’re going to get injuries over the course of a season, but keeping these players fit and healthy is going to be key if Everton are going to find some consistency over the next couple of seasons.