Martin Keown believes Sam Allardyce’s presence has had a positive impact at Everton.
Everton sent a largely inexperienced squad that included senior players Joel Robles, Mo Besic, Morgan Schneiderlin, Davy Klaassen, Nikola Vlasic, Kevin Mirallas and Ademola Lookman, twinned with a handful of young stars.
It saw the likes of Harry Charsley, Fraser Hornby, Morgan Feeney and Beni Baningime start too, as Lookman’s brace and Vlasic’s last finish saw off the challenge of their Cypriot opponents.
Allardyce’s presence in the stands saw Everton beat West Ham 4-0, before masterminding a 2-0 win against Huddersfield on Saturday. Although not in attendance on Thursday, Keown believes his aura is the reason for a change in fortunes.
“Well that sort of magic dust that he [Allardyce] is applying at the club is certainly rubbing off on the players,” Keown said. “The youth players tonight were outstanding in their performance.
“Great result for them and the club starts to emerge and results will start to pick up. There was a lot of promising performances and players that want to run with the ball – all in all a great night for Everton football club.”
In what was a meaningless game in Group E of the Europa League, Allardyce will be delighted with his side as they rested their senior players while maintaining the momentum ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
The Blues will be looking to end a run of failing to win at Anfield since 1999, and Allardyce will be hopeful that his side’s recent momentum can help them do that. However, Liverpoo come into the game after scoring seven against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday night.
Three points for the Merseyside club against Jurgen Klopp’s men would push them into ninth place above Leicester City, if the Foxes lose at St. James’ Park to Newcastle United.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
