£100k-a-week Everton player who won 80% of his duels was back to his ‘dominant’ best vs Ipswich Town

£100k-a-week Everton player who won 80% of his duels was back to his ‘dominant’ best vs Ipswich Town

Everton is still undefeated after four Premier League games, having just won their second in the previous three.

It’s reasonable to argue that Everton manager Sean Dyche has adequately improved the team’s situation, considering they began the season with four straight losses.

And, with Southampton at the bottom and Fulham at Goodison Park next, things are at last improving on Merseyside.

For the Toffees, yesterday’s trip to Ipswich Town was a stroll in the park.

Everton cruise to victory over Ipswich Town

Oh, how Everton needed a routine victory like this.

After all, having squeezed out a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United last time out, and come from behind to beat Crystal Palace the week before, all the travelling fans wanted was a comfortable triumph with little fuss.

Taking the lead halfway through the first half, Suffolk Town had a brief scare when VAR rejected their claims that they should have been awarded a penalty.

Just before the half, Michael Keane stepped up to stop any momentum that might have been building for the hosts, sending a lovely left-footed strike into the net’s roof.

Everton then did what they do best, which is to absorb pressure for the remainder of the match.

A few important individuals are responsible for their achievement in that area, but one in particular jumps out.

James Tarkowski dominated alongside Michael Keane

Players like Ashley Young and Keane, who are frequently lightning targets for criticism inside the team, have performed so wonderfully in recent weeks, and it is so nice to watch.

Both have really been major contributors to the Toffees’ current surge, which has seen them accumulate eight points from their previous four Premier League games.

Despite his best efforts, Keane in particular has received some rather harsh criticism, with many questioning Dyche’s continued support of him.
This kind of scrutiny has been particularly questionable because his centre-back partner, James Tarkowski, has been performing terribly beside him.

But yesterday, according to Sofascore, the £100k-per-week stopper went back to his outstanding form at the back, winning 80% of his duels and making seven clearances.

Remarkably consistent throughout, maintaining a second straight clean sheet, and the Liverpool ECHO’s post-match player assessments were likewise positive.

‘Organised his defence excellently with a dominant display having come through another of his ‘hard man moments’ by punishing Hutchinson with a hefty challenge,’ they added.

With Everton supporters chanting Keane’s name at full time, perhaps this will finally signal the beginning of a defensive comeback for the Toffees.

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