Former Arsenal and England man Theo Walcott has been reflecting on Monday evening’s victory over Newcastle United at Goodison Park.
Everton took a narrow 1-0 victory with Walcott finding the net six minutes after the halftime restart to return all three points from the game, but although Sam Allardyce’s side better-edged possession, we only created nine opportunities across the game and Walcott’s winner was our only registered effort on target.
💪 | "I feel like we're on the up now." – @theowalcott #EFC
👉 https://t.co/pl0SzMjrMw pic.twitter.com/Z7P5AZ5APS
— Everton (@Everton) April 24, 2018
Newcastle, by comparison, created ten chances and tested Jordan Pickford twice, so it was hardly a stellar game overall, let alone an entertaining showing from the Toffees.
Speaking to the Official Site as he reflected on the game this week, Walcott explained.
“I feel like we are on the up. We’re very strong at Goodison and I felt the confidence was flowing through the team – especially in the first 70 minutes. It was fantastic. Everyone was fighting for each other. I feel it’s vital to finish the season on a high. If everyone finishes the season well, you return again fresh next season.”
Walcott added.
“We want to win all our games, produce good performances and enjoy playing football. You’ve got to express yourself and the best football will come out, and then take that into next season. We’ve got to rest and recover now. We’ve got an away game at Huddersfield just around the corner (on Saturday). It will be a good battle.”
The result did lift Everton into eighth place in the Premier League table and our more impressive home form has seen us take 27 points from an available 39 at Goodison, but the issue for the fans largely is the entertainment on offer even if points are coming at a regular pace.
💙 | Seamus Coleman embodies everything it means to be an #EFC player, says @theowalcott.
👉 https://t.co/dHbezVvX1q pic.twitter.com/4KqFXOGIE8
— Everton (@Everton) April 26, 2018
Walcott commenting about ‘expressing’ yourself on a pitch is one thing, that’s exactly what the faithful want and aren’t really getting with a more defensive outlook under Allardyce.
On a personal level for Walcott though it was a decent night as he registered his third club goal. The previous two efforts also came under the floodlights on home soil and his overall contribution goes to ten goals with assists counted.
Whilst he’ll be pleased with his own form and fans largely are as well, some might raise their eyebrows as he referenced a feeling of ‘togetherness’ with the crowd as he praised their efforts in support since he arrived at the club.
Especially his claim they ‘breathe confidence’ into the players, but had he not acknowledged the fans that itself would’ve drawn criticism.
As it is, he sidesteps anger in his direction as fans remain focused on the manager.
Allardyce Out! Then we’ll really be on the up 👍 #AllardyceOut
— 💙 (@BigDuncNo9) April 25, 2018
No Theo we are not,that was a very poor Newcastle side that we recorded one shot on target against,we have no pattern to our play and just lump it up top and hope for the best.The sooner SA is gone the better
— Baz (@Barry1878) April 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/JenkTosun/status/988811128221392901
Cause of one shot on target against a poor Newcastle side who should have got a point? Christ just get #AllardyceOut
— Alex (@efc_alex) April 25, 2018
Maybe he’s been told Fat Sam is on his way end of the season so the players are pleased
— Danny (@danny01_efc) April 24, 2018
We need to start playing away from home to be taken seriously. Good result tonight but as fans turning up every week it would be good to see more chances being created and chances taken. 1 shot on target is not good enough for Everton. Thought @theowalcott had a good game.
— Les Clarkson (@Cheerso) April 24, 2018