Everton continued their unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory against Stoke City.
Ronald Koeman will be pleased with how his side have played in the opening few fixtures this season. Two wins and a draw under the Dutchman mean the Blues can go into the international break feeling positive.
Leighton Baines’ second-half penalty rebounded off Shay Given for the game’s only goal. Despite a scrappy 1-0 victory, the Blues deserved all three points.
Here are five things we learned from Everton’s second victory of the season:
1. Lukaku is having a goal drought
Romelu Lukaku is still yet to score a goal for Everton this season in the Premier League and in cup competitions. The striker was the Blues leading goal-scorer last year.
Despite a lack of goals, the Belgium international is starting to look fully fit again after returning to the side from a heel injury. Lukaku looks a lot more motivated and his first touch is a lot better. Everton fans should not worry too much as goals will soon come.
2. Gareth Barry still influential at 35
Gareth Barry is one of the Blues’ most influential players and there are no signs to show that the midfielder is slowing down.
After Everton’s win away to West Brom last weekend, Koeman hailed Barry and he continued to impress against Stoke, making 89 successful touches, more than any player in the game.
3. Ashley Williams is already showing leadership
The game against Stoke was Williams’ first Premier League start for the Blues. Despite not being the captain, the Welsh international was seen constantly shouting at players and showing leadership.
A player like Williams is something that the Blues have been missing for a long time and the defender has fitted into Koeman’s style of play straight away. It is likely that Williams will eventually captain the Toffees.
4. No need for new number one ‘keeper
When Ronald Koeman first brought Maarten Stekelenburg to the club in the summer, the Dutchman made it clear that he was still on the look-out for a number one goalkeeper. Fast forward to now and the 33-year-old has impressed fans and Koeman with some key saves that have prevented the Blues from conceding.
The goalkeeper’s performance has certainly done enough to convince Koeman that he does not need to bring Joe Hart to the club.
5. The Blues can grind out a win
It is safe to say that Everton look a lot more solid at the back compared to last season. The Toffees celebrated a win and an all important clean sheet yesterday.
Everton’s defensive record last year was shocking. The Blues lost 18 points from winning positions and conceded 15 goals in the last 15 minutes of league games.
Against Stoke, Koeman brought on Ramiro Funes Mori in the last ten minutes of the game; the Dutchman adding an extra defender to help seal the win.
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