Everton secured their first win of the season, leaving their ex-star Alex Iwobi awestruck by the performance Dwight McNeil, writes the TBR. The victory, which saw Everton triumph 3-1 over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, was a much-needed boost for a team that had faced considerable pressure to secure their first league win of the season, having amassed just one point from their initial five matches.
Abdoulaye Doucoure, known for his fantastic scoring record away from home, set the stage with Everton’s opening goal. Despite being linked with a potential exit during the summer transfer window, Doucoure has firmly established himself as a key player under the management of Sean Dyche.
Brentford, on the other hand, seemed to struggle throughout the game, with their only notable success coming through Mathias Jensen, who managed to equalize with one of their limited attacks. Nevertheless, Everton quickly regained control in the second half, with James Tarkowski putting them back in front before Dominic Calvert-Lewin sealed the deal with his first goal of the season.
One of the standout performers of the match was Dwight McNeil, who made his second start of the season for Everton. His performance did not go unnoticed, especially by his former teammate Alex Iwobi, who was thoroughly impressed by the 23-year-old’s contributions on the field.
Iwobi, expressing his admiration for McNeil’s display, referred to him as a ‘Baller.’ McNeil’s impact was far-reaching; he not only provided the crucial assist for Tarkowski’s goal but also displayed remarkable versatility, excelling in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game.
After the match, McNeil took to Instagram to share his sentiments, stating, “No better feeling, first full game back – let’s get back to business blues.” His dedication to the team’s cause was evident, despite starting the season with an injury that disrupted his preseason preparations.
In Sean Dyche’s demanding system, players are expected to maintain peak physical condition, knowing that they must work diligently in defense before seizing opportunities to attack. McNeil’s performance exemplified his commitment to this philosophy.
Looking ahead, Dwight McNeil is poised to play a significant role for Everton throughout the season. As demonstrated in the match against Brentford, his set-piece delivery promises to be a crucial source of goals, adding another dimension to Everton’s attacking prowess.
With challenging fixtures against Luton Town and Bournemouth on the horizon, Everton faces potential relegation rivals. These upcoming matches are of utmost importance, and Everton will aim to secure at least avoiding defeat, if not outright victory, even at this early stage of the season. The future holds high stakes for the Toffees, and the performance of players like Dwight McNeil will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success.