Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that Ross Barkley has done Everton a ‘massive favour’ by keeping his old club Everton three points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table heading into the Merseyside derby.
Barkley scored on his Aston Villa debut over the weekend as they humiliated the Premier League champions by putting seven goals past them on a crazy day of football in England’s top-flight.
Going into Sunday’s match, only Everton, Villa and Liverpool had 100% records, but that result now means the Toffees will be sitting at the top of the table heading into their October 17 showdown with Liverpool.
And ex-Tottenham striker Crooks believes that is a ‘big deal’ for the blue half of Merseyside and a former local boy has played his part.
“He only signed for Villa on Wednesday and with only three days’ training, he takes on the English champions and runs the show,” Crooks told BBC Sport.
“The former Everton player has done his old club a massive favour by the way.
“The defeat of Liverpool ensures Everton remain three points clear at the top of the Premier League table going into the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. And that’s a big deal.”
Whilst it’s only early days, it is an amazing turn of events during these opening stages of the season because Everton will be dreaming big after their 100% start.
It would be quite something if Carlo Ancelotti’s men can open up a six-point lead over their neighbours so early on in the season.
But, on the other hand, the Toffees will be coming up against a wounded animal who will want to unleash their anger on their rivals after that absolute drubbing at Villa Park.
All in all, it is set to be quite the spectacle at Goodison in a few weeks time.
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