LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Everton fans react to Ollie Watkins’ red card

OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates after scoring their sides first goal with team mate Richarlison during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on May 09, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Tallis - Pool/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images

Everton gave their Europa League hopes a real boost by beating West Ham United 1-0 on Sunday afternoon – and supporters have spotted a major boost.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal won it for the Toffees at the London Stadium, and what a big three points that could prove to be.

Everton are now just one point behind Spurs in seventh meaning a Europa Conference League place is in sight, whilst they’re now only three points adrift of West Ham in the final guaranteed Europa League place.

Toffees fans will take any boost they can get in the race for Europe, and they have been given one ahead of Thursday’s game against Aston Villa.

Villa lost 3-1 to Manchester United on Sunday, with striker Ollie Watkins being sent off for two bookable offences – including a late dive – meaning he will now miss the game against Everton.

Watkins has tormented the Merseyside teams this season. He smashed a hat-trick against Liverpool in October, scored at Anfield in April and then at Goodison Park earlier this month.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa is shown a red card by Referee Chris Kavanagh during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on May 09, 2021 in Birmingham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Nick Potts - Pool/Getty Images)
Photo by Nick Potts – Pool/Getty Images

Everton don’t have to face him this Thursday though, and fans have been rejoicing about that fact on social media.

Some believe Watkins missing out is ‘massive’ for Everton’s European hopes, and here are some of the best reactions from Toffees fans after they realised Watkins can’t play on Thursday.

Aston Villa's English striker Ollie Watkins (R) speaks with Aston Villa's English head coach Dean Smith (L) as he leaves the pitch after being sent off during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on May 9, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Nick Potts / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images