A superb second-half goal from Seamus Coleman gave Everton a big win over fellow relegation-threatened Leeds United at Goodison Park on Saturday night.
The Everton captain took advantage of Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier’s devastating error in the 64th minute to score the only goal of the game.
A shot from the right flank by the 34-year-old failed as Mesurier failed to cover the front post.
The pre-match talks unfolded as to which of the two sides could claim victory in what was dubbed the monumental Premier League six-pointer to get out of the drop zone.
Sean Dyke makes an immediate impact
As a result, Sean Dyke won two of his first three matches and lifted the Taffys out of the drop zone to 16th place. Without a manager since the sacking of Jesse Marsh, Leeds are in serious trouble as they have failed to win their last five league games and have fallen to 19th place.
The hosts were by far the better of the two teams as they put pressure on Leeds with more desire and intention, much of which was lacking under former manager Frank Lampard.
In the 30th minute, Amadou Onana missed a spectacular chance with a superb shot from Idrissa Geh on the right.
A minute later, after a devastating comeback from Leeds, Patrick Bamford widened the shot slightly.
Everton then came close again as they were denied twice in a row from the line.
First, Conor Cody’s header was cleared by Maximilian Warver before Weston McKechnie denied Neal Maupay by seconds. Crisencio Somerville headed just before both teams headed into the tunnel after the first half.
It was all Everton in the second half as Leeds failed to build momentum. The moving side didn’t bother Jordan Pickford with a goal for Everton as the hosts held on to score three big points on the day after Coleman attacked past the hour mark.
Talking about winning, Daichi said:
“Very happy. We asked the players to give their best and today they accepted it. We limited them – I think we need to check – Target And it starts with the front players.Scoring goals in this industry requires freedom and there’s a tightness in the box.If you shoot and miss.I don’t care – you As long as I shoot.That freedom grows with performance and confidence.I could have won the ball in a good area and could have scored more.But I will take 1-0.”
Photo Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage