Many Everton fans have been reacting on social media, after Dominic Calvert-Lewin claimed Saturday’s win over Brighton & Hove Albion was a much-needed response to the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool.
The Toffees were widely chastised for the performance produced at Anfield earlier in the month, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men labelled “gutless” for the “embarrassing” nature of the display which saw the Reds outmanoeuvre us at almost every turn.
Fans were foaming at the mouth for the performance we produced in the cup, too, leading to Director of Football Marcel Brands engaging with some supporters at Finch Farm after they turned up at the club’s training ground in the wake of the defeat.
Ancelotti needed to see a fighting spirit from the first-team at the weekend, and saw the players respond to the Seagulls’ late challenge to hold out and take a 1-0 win via Richarlison’s 38th-minute strike.
Has Calvert-Lewin proven himself as our No. 9?
Yes
No
Calvert-Lewin almost struck his 11th goal of the season in all competitions on Saturday, but instead saw his bundled effort chalked off after the Video Assistant Referee felt he handled the ball.
The 6 ft 1 target man did not let that bring his spirits down, though, as Calvert-Lewin has since taken to Instagram to share his thoughts on the response produced.
“Great goal bro @Richarlison,” he noted. “The response that was needed. We keep going.”
View this post on InstagramGreat goal bro @richarlison ⚡️ The response that was needed 💪🏽 we keep going 💙
While Calvert-Lewin did not finish the match with a goal to his name, the 22-year-old hit three of his four shots on target, won three of his seven aerial duels and found teammates with 19 of his 25 passes, per WhoScored data.
Beating Brighton at the weekend also kept the club within six points of fifth-placed Manchester United, while moving level on 28 points with Arsenal and to within two points of Tottenham Hotspur.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Calvert-Lewin’s post…
Tough game Sat Dom, up there against their 2 centre backs, thought you completed well! 💪👍
— Simon Evans (@supersiefc) January 13, 2020
You are turning into a great no.9 Dom keep it up, you and richly are a dangerous combo up top 👍
— simon (@si1979_efc) January 13, 2020
The next 16 games need to be the response as well Dom 👍
— michael blakey (@mblakey84) January 12, 2020
Ill admit mate I didn’t think u were a everton no 9 last season but I hold my hands up and think u have improved over the last 6 months as at the min unstoppable and earning that no 9 as ur own , well played pal,eat my words I’m doing👍
— mick mckeown (@mickmckeown80) January 12, 2020
A win off 7th la, Europe’s in reach
— DC (@DCEFC99) January 12, 2020
Indeed. Keep doing what you’re doing lad. So pleased you’re leading the line so well. Growing into that no. 9 shirt 👍🏻👋🏻💙
— Mark Pendleton (@sunscreemer) January 12, 2020
Keep going you two, ur attitude an desire is amazing up the blues 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💙⚽️
— kev sheils U10’s jogo (@1980sepo) January 12, 2020
Dom, u keep going mate….we all love you, your workrate and passion is what Everton is all about. Downside is… my wife and daughter love you more than me!!!
— joph (@joemc1878) January 12, 2020
In other Everton news, a £6million player is ‘close’ to securing a deal to leave Goodison Park this month.