It wasn’t always pretty, but it’s a case of job done for Everton, even if the scoreline was somewhat flattering, given much of the performance was not up to par.
Thierno Barry’s brilliant form continued with a fantastic header, followed by an extremely scrappy finish, before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall — harshly left out of the England squad — lashed in a decisive third goal for the Toffees; that goal was teed up by Barry, as well.
Here’s what we learned from Everton 3-1 Coventry City.
EVERTON’S LUCK WAS IN
For much of the first hour, Everton were second best, a decent opening 15 minutes aside.
And Frank Lampard will feel his team were hard done by, given Everton — on another day — could have conceded a couple of penalties.
James Tarkowski has been fantastic this term, but he seemed to pull Caleb Yirenkyi’s hair while contesting for a header.
It was a daft decision from Everton’s captain, though the rules have changed this season to introduce a higher bar for such fouls when it comes to an automatic red card. But had the on-field referee given it, it probably wouldn’t have been overturned by VAR.
Then, Taiwo Awoniyi was brought down by Vitalii Mykolenko in the second half. No foul was called, but VAR took a long look, and eventually deemed that a trip had taken place, but outside the box… just. That decision looked wrong.
And finally, Barry’s second goal came with a hint of handball. It was too hard for VAR to judge fully, though, even if there did seem to be the slightest of touches off the striker’s arm, and the goal stood.
Thankfully, Everton didn’t make their good fortune go to waste. They will get enough decisions go against them this season, so when your luck is in, make it count!
YOUNGSTERS BLOW HOT AND COLD
Across the first hour, this is the first time in the past few games that Everton have really missed Jack Grealish’s composure and creativity.
Tyrique George was frustrating, and Tyler Dibling — handed his first Premier League start of the season — just couldn’t get into it.
Harrison Armstrong was his usual, industrious self, but there was a distinct lack of balance and craft for too long.
But once Coventry went ahead, Everton sparked into life. David Moyes – on his record-equalling night – kept it the same, and the players on the pitch repaid his faith.
Dibling was involved in the equaliser, taking on his man and chipping in a cross that eventually resulted in Mykolenko setting up Barry. George then created the second goal, and he came on leaps and bounds after that.
But the first hour showed what can be lacking when the creativity is put mainly on inexperienced players, who will have their ups and downs or when the decision-making just isn’t quite there.
Patience will be required.
BARRY, DEWSBURY-HALL NEED SUPPORT
There can be no complaints with your striker or attacking midfielder scoring (and creating) goals, and long may it continue.
But Everton must not just rely on Barry and Dewsbury-Hall to carry all their finishing threat.
There needs to be much more in that regard from George, Dibling, Armstrong, James Garner, Brennan Johnson and, when he’s back, Grealish.
Premier League defences are too good for Everton to only have a couple of goal threats.