Goals aplenty for Blues but not for Calvert-Lewin

God please give us some goals !

Great man management of players I don't think.

More likely a 4-5-1.

We cannot take much more of this.

Any news on Friedkin folks?

It is the usual snafu Dyche tactical masterpiece.

Beto will be on his way come January, unless someone comes in with a shed load of dosh for Calvert-Lewin.

Good to see Broja on the bench, hopefully he'll get a run out when we're 4-0 up!

But every time Wolves stream forward, I am extremely nervous.

Can't honestly say we've been good but the goal definitely lifted us.

Can never feel safe. They've had some good chances and we'll see if our side can handle a bit of pressure.

Don't know why Calvert-Lewin needs a mention in Headline though. Churlish, as shite as he has been.

I think we get it, Michael – you don't like the guy… but, for fuck's sake, take the win, it's not like we have many to celebrate.

Harrison should be embarrassed at his performance; no one paid to play football should be as bad as that. Utterly devoid of technique.

What a difference confidence makes!

Just shows what can happen when Dyche uses more of the squad.

Wolves were the better side for most of that match and we won 4-0 🤷‍♂️

I thought Broja applied himself well when he came on. Poor old Beto did not look happy.

Can we send Harrison back to Leeds early?

BBC say Dawson scored 2 own goals? Did Calvert-Lewin not grab the 4th then?

I have high hopes for Broja... hopefully he'll live up to them.

They were shit.

Must win and we smashed it. 7 more of those needed.

Does anyone agree that Branthwaite appeared a bit off. Couldn't sort his legs. Appeared to struggle a bit for pace. Certainly not his usual commanding self although he remained effective.

Very encouraging cameo from Broja. Very discouraging 80 minutes from Doucoure. A big unit who runs a lot and passes backwards and little else.

But, like Craig Revel Horwood; after the criticism, you have to finish with the positives. A great win. A desperately needed win. A lot of excellent performances across the team. Now back it up with a real performance on Saturday and don't revert to type.

They were but they played the better football. They are not bad going forward but I agree, pretty poor in defence. I will take the win.

It's a comfort to know they are in the Premier League.

On what planet does a team lose 4-0 and have two goals against them disallowed be the better team.

They were defensively terrible. Other than Cunha, who is a top player, they were shite.

Gueye and Managala should start every match.

Harrison, two pretty easy chances fluffed, did we expect anything else? Doucoure, enough said, but no doubt he'll get picked again on Saturday. Encouraging (too) brief an introduction of Broja who has to be given a lot more time on Saturday to make a difference!

I thought we improved a bit with a couple of goals under our belt. Dom put in a decent performance and it doesn't really matter whether those chances bounce in off his backside or off Dawson – we're reliant on people attacking decent set-piece deliveries and that's what he did.

Doucoure back in his 'chase around' role did exactly that and nothing more. He's dreadful but it's not like we expect anything else.

Broja was such a positive at the end. He's definitely passed the first round interview for replacing Calvert-Lewin – maybe even in January. The interview questions will get a bit tougher though.

Late on, we should have had a couple of goals from open play. Not Harrison's finest moments.

4 goals, 3 points. It's good news. And now we can start shitting ourselves about the weekend.

I could be churlish and say that McNeil was poor and Harrison too when he came on but there's hope now for a decent performance against Liverpool. Broja could give them a lot to think about. What a shame we'll maybe never have the money to make the move permanent.

I understand what you're saying about the headline but I do share what appears to be Michaels's sheer frustration and bewilderment that Dyche continues to pick a guy who is completely unsuited to the vocation he's paid handsomely for.

I know people will defend him on the basis of the level of service he doesn't get, on his willingness to battle upfront on his own, but surely it must now be absolutely clear that offering him a new contract would be the sheerest of follies.

Delighted for the win, so desperately needed.

Got to say that Tarkowski's disallowed goal was a disgrace, in that in every single Premier League game, players are blocked without ever a foul given. Yet, for the first time that I have seen, we are penalised for an incident that was nowhere near the ball.

Chants of "Corrupt Premier League" entirely justified, I look forward to a weekend of penalties from corners... I am not disputing the block, but where is the consistency of refereeing?

Calvert-Lewin deserved a goal tonight, he played well. A shout for Young's first goal, great free kick and it took the pressure off.

Wolves' wide men delivered great balls behind us, thankfully they couldn't finish.

A great start to December, let's hope for a couple more, starting with Saturday!

Broja looks a quality centre-forward and how we need one.

Can't believe TW is citing Craig Revel Horwood – a first!

"We need to sort more than that out" I was thinking, Mike, but that ended up being such a good call and it doesn't really matter who scored the goals, which Dominic never scored, because if he hadn't applied any pressure, I don't think those goals would have been scored.

I agree with Andy C, because Broja looked full of quality, and hopefully everyone gets a boost from tonight's win.

The crowd were trying to get behind the team, but there was an underlying gasp of tension when the ball was given away, notably Doucoure was a main culprit, with sloppy passing. That said, he, Mangala and Gana as a three did persist, and the ball retention improved as the game went on.

We won't play a team with a defence as poor as Wolves until the New Year, so the emphasis must be upon keeping it tight, not wasting possession, and hoping the forwards can up their game.

Not many games left before the Grand Old Lady bows out stage left. May the lads get the support needed in every home game and do the magnificent Goodison Park justice too. Onward Evertonians! 💙

Mangala makes the side more balanced and Young has been excellent all season - and like most, I had my doubts. McNeil was and is not at his beat, but he assisted 2 goals tonight.

A long way to go - but a comprehensive win is a comprehensive win no matter how you look at it.

Pickford, he best keeper in the league this season beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Ashley Young, what a brilliant effort. He didn't always get the better of Cunha but what character, magnificent.

Tarkowski, what a captain's performance, led by example and marshalled everyone in sight. The two boys in midfield were imperious again.

Dyche will frustrate, his subs, his execution. Keeping Doucoure on for so long. Not sensing the danger of Cunha quick enough. But boy them players fought for him tonight. Congratulations Sean, you have made my night. That was one of the most enjoyable games of your reign.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, take a bow, you didn't score but those own goals were because of the problems you caused all night. If he gets the service like that every game, don't worry, he will get his goals. Seeing Broja, a player I have raved about, finally putting on a blue shirt was just the icing on the cake.

What a night!

We needed a lift before what is a very difficult task on Saturday.

If you think Dyche has lost the Everton crowd, you should have heard the Wolves fans hammering Garry O'Neil, "You're getting sacked in the morning". "You don't know what you're doing" and "This is embarrassing". It's tough at the top. I like O'Neil, but I think even at this stage, they're gone.

Ashley "forever" Young was immense, MotM, for me.

Calvert-Lewin (despite the headline) received a thunderous ovation when he left the pitch. He looked interested again and ran them ragged.

But for me, the most encouraging thing was seeing Tarkowski giving out the bollockings. It's been a while and, although he was far from being foot perfect, I saw glimpses of that old warrior desire returning – pease let it be.

We seem to have spent forever on the ropes, but we're still not on the canvas.

And we'll fight fight fight
with all our might
for the boys in the Royal blue jerseys

Broja from reports looks the part, though he has to stay fit. He may give the support play options in that he may know where he should be positioned, run into space, inter play, and be able to finish. Calvert-Lewin and Beto have weaknesses in their forward play.

It's been a long time coming.

I was impressed with Broja when he came on, Harrison less so. But rather than critique everything, I'm just so pleased that we finally won again.

Hopefully tonight's Ding Dong with Newcastle has taken something out of Liverpool?

Dom deserved a goal and I feel for him as he's a very very good footballer but not a clinical finisher. Excited to see what Broja can bring us – I never realised he was that big!

Three in midfield please from here in. Mangala and Gueye plus Iroegbunam or Garner when they're fit. Tarkowski was much better tonight – he got a forearm smash in the chops – where was VAR then??

Here's hoping for a happy Saturday!

Tarkowski had a great game, Young also – he might be my player of the season so far. Pickford did what he does best.

On the flipside, Mykolenko was again poor, McNeil woeful and Douc did what he does.

I feel sorry for Calvert-Lewin but he should have scored regardless.

A quiet Goodison until 4 up but nerves went then!

''Tarkowski was much better tonight –- he got a forearm smash in the chops – where was VAR then??''

I said exactly the same at the time – two players on him – in my opinion it was deliberate.

Any thoughts on your comments :)

I still think Lindstrøm will come good and Broja impressed. Good boost before the Derby and I hope we start lively on Saturday and get the first goal.

Correct me if I am wrong folks!

Mangala was in an offside position and they deemed him to be interfering with play as he blocked and held the man closest to Tarkowski.

We'll see whether that's applied consistently. It felt a bit nitpicky to me, and I'm not convinced that Lemina could get to that ball given the flight... but Lemina would argue that he was unfairly denied that opportunity due to Mangala being offside.

I did wonder whether that being a close call might have impacted their decision to okay Ndiaye blocking the keeper for Dawson's punch into the net. The test there was a bit different – they needed to decide whether it was a foul or not. Arguably a close call again. They've said they'll target attackers blocking in the box as an offence

Mind you, the big difference tonight was actually getting the ball into dangerous positions from set pieces. We've been woeful at that lately.

So, fingers crossed – things might actually pick up, and they did tonight – they really need to!

I cheekily predicted that we'd thrash Wolves and then beat the shite prior to this game; I hope the second half of my prediction matches the first.

Much better, gives us hope.

20 minutes to go and we're cruising at 4-0, why wouldn't you save your 39-year-old right back for the weekend?

We know he's in great shape but it'll be his 3rd game in 8 days.

I would have settled for a 1-0 win – even if it was an oggie, I don't care – 3 points is vital right now.

Let's not get carried away with this scoreline. Yes, Mangala was good and nice to see Broja get 7 minutes but what's coming up will really put us to the test defensively.

Fingers crossed that there will be a few smiles.

Christine #40, quick correction... what the VAR and ref called was offside, not the impedance by Mangala. And offside is supposed to be called only when the player affects the play, which Mangala didn't, so that was one monumental joke. The obstruction could at least have been argued, but offside? Never.

Mark #53, as I mentioned in the Forum, in a different world Calvert-Lewin could have been a world-class centre-back. He has everything a footballer could want except the instinct to score. And agreed that the jolt Tarkowski took in the face might well have been red-worthy, and also on Broja's size and strength. I couldn't believe it when Dom went off and they met at the touchline -- Dom was looking up at him.

Jamie #62, great point and I was thinking the same.

Barry #58, yes, that's correct.

And guess what, Young is the oldest player in Premier League history to score from a direct free kick!

We battered them 4-0 – should have been 5 or 6. Give credit, for fuck's sake!

If Man City are relegated as a result of their massive points deducted (115 charges, anyone?), it may provide a further escape route for Everton, if needed?

Mangala and Gueye look as they could form a useful partnership, given time. Calvert-Lewin worked his bollocks off as usual, and was unlucky to have his goal chalked off; was it really necessary for the barbed criticism Michael in the headline?

We know his limitations, totally uncalled for.

We needed to win and we did – credit to the manager and the lads: 4 goals and 2 harshly disallowed. Clean sheet to boot.

Gutted for Calvert-Lewin not to score but hopefully he's saving it for the Red Shite.

Great deliveries from McNeil. With a bit of confidence, this team can be decent.

Definitely need Mangala and Gana at the base with Branthwaite and Tarkowski behind them.

Dyche will have bought himself a bit more time and crucially there's a 5-point gap now to the relegation zone as we go into this very tricky run against the 4 top teams in the Premier League. If we were to get 2-3 points from the next 4 games, that would probably be a good result.

Interesting decision to make for the Friedkins but, despite tonight, I would expect them to be looking for the next man in this time next week (when supposedly the takeover will complete). More rumours today about Sergio Concecaio who would be an interesting and ambitious appointment, I think.

Young and Tarkowski played very well, as did Mangala. Calvert-Lewin looked much more lively, and fully deserved a goal. Broja looked very decent. We can only hope the result will boost our confidence for the weekend.

Credit to the Wolves fans for shouting their derision at VAR, even when they were receiving the benefit of it. It really has had an awful impact on being at the game, we had no idea what was going on.

It felt like a forensic examination was taking place behind closed doors every time the ball went in the net, with the faceless ones looking not for a “clear and obvious error by the referee” but reasons, no matter how flimsy, to disallow a goal.

They were fucking awful, probably the worst side we will face all season, and on that performance, certainties for relegation.

Thanks for the laugh, Shaun! 😂😂😂😂

Just watching MotD and seen "them" benefit, as eve with all of the 6 sky-babes, from two denials of cast-iron penalties and a last second full-time whistle from the latest, erm, dubious referee as Newcastle were bearing down on them with real threat.

Reminded so much of that bent bastard Clive Thomas, who denied us a win against them in a '77 FA Cup semi-final with an imaginary offside and then went on to decide a World Cup game featuring Brazil by blowing for the end of the game after Brazil scored a winner from a last-minute corner. He said extra time was up whilst the ball was in flight from the corner!

Martin Keown on MotD summed it up by saying full-time is to most true football fans only blown at the end of a play, not whilst the play is in motion... unless the team under threat is a sky-babe, as ever.

Young, Gana, Mangala, and Tarkowski were all very good tonight; Ndaiye always in the game; Dominic a bit better than his latest games but still not giving his all, for me; McNeil still off his game but involved in two of the goals; Pickford with a couple of very good saves, one of them before we scored,

Branthwaite doesn't look like he is fit, definitely not match fit; Doucoure and Mylolenko along with Harrison left me wondering how the fuck they got professional contracts, two of them reputedly on over £100,000 a week — only at Everton!

Delighted with the 4-0 win and the cameo from Broja — only a brief few minutes but looks very promising the way he controlled the ball, used his weight and provided three chances for the Leeds loanee, two of them absolute sitters, and a half chance he managed to some how cock up — mind you, he never surprises anyone with how poor he is.

On to Saturday and who knows?

We had an xG of 1.02 to Wolves 0.79.

Battered them!

There really are some beauts that post on here.

Without new players, no magic formula exists: it doesn't matter who the manager is, we are on a tightrope walk to the end of the season and no amount of knee-jerking will change it.

I don't see many people on here questioning Young's involvement these days either.

Onwards and upwards, I'd love us to somehow beat the Scandis at the weekend; after scoring four tonight, we might even think we can do it.

Dyche has finally cottoned on to playing three in the middle of the park. There's still hope.

No investment for 5 years. Does Dyche bemoan the lack of support and use it as an excuse? No.

He is no Pep of course, but an honest and honorable custodian doing his very best for Everton FC he most certainly is.

That his team got full support from Goodison tonight played a massive part in the resounding win. The atmosphere will of course be fervent for the visit of our bastard offering on Saturday at 12:30 pm.

May the lads again do the great support justice. May luck be on our side for a change and, in the last home league derby at Goodison Park, may we record a historic and special victory.

Calvert-Lewin does a lot of decent stuff except finish. I'd forgive him not getting on the end of Young's 'low cross', he'd have been offside had he tried, but the shot shortly after when he was played through shows he is just not a natural finisher. You just would never expect a goal from him in such a position. But I think we all know that by now.

Credit to Mangala, he seems to be settling in to a degree that Lindstrøm isn't, though I really would like Iroegbunam back to take over from the non-footballer that is Doucuré.

But the most credit goes to where it is due, to Young. While I have a horrible feeling he is going to be badly exposed in the next few weeks against the seriously strong sides, he has perhaps been our best player to this point and, whatever else, he is little short of a miracle at close on 40. A real pro.

You're right, it should have been 6-0.

Just because we have VAR doesn't mean every goal has to be scrutinized to look for a reason to chalk it off. No 'clear and obvious error' by the ref in either case.

Young played a blinder and deserves a lot of praise for his performance tonight. I am not certain but I think we covered 102 kilometres tonight – 10.2 of them Managal… 9.2 of them Young!

What an effort from a 39-year-old.

Really we should have had a positive goal difference. However, a 1-0 would have been welcome!

I aid from Day 1, VAR is ruining our game. Everyone one around just jumped with Tarkowski's goal. As soon as we saw VAR check, we knew the outcome.

The game as we know it is finished.

"Dyche must really hate Patterson. Young had an outstanding game today and hopefully he will on Saturday."

Your second sentence is not exactly the strongest support for the point you are trying to make in your first sentence.

I thought it was an entertaining game (probably because we won and scored 4) between two scrappy sides with some mediocre onfield refereeing and some poor involvement by VAR.

I was surprised that Doucoure kept his place but Lindstrøm had to be dropped.

I noticed just before the kick-off that Wolves had seven players on their left and we of course passed the kick-off back to Pickford who then went long to exactly where Wolves had those seven players.

Young then surprised probably everyone by not only taking the free-kick but also finding the back of the net. We then had the farce of VAR disallowing a goal for something that goes on at every set piece and corner ; if they are going to get involved, then it has to be on every occasion – not just when a goal is "scored".

I was surprised when Broja came on as I suppose we now have to start paying his wages but he looked quite good on the little we saw of him. I thought we were a bit late with some of the substitutions and that Armstrong could have been given a lot longer on the pitch.

I was also surprised that Dawson had 2 own-goals against him while on Saturday Rashford was credited with what looked like more of a Branthwaite own-goal.

If Leeds are promoted next season, I take it that will be the last loan of Harrison… and Lindstrøm hasn't shown enough to be kept on.

Still, a better display as we seemed to get more men forward when we attacked… but again, a game between two quite ordinary sides.

Wolves must be shite 'cos we look quite good.

I tend to agree thatul Young has been good in this last run of games. And deserves a lot of credit considering his age.

But has he been that good? He's still getting caught by the ball in behind him, as you would completely expect of a near 40-year-old. And this last run of games has coincided with a substantial weakening of the opposition where he hasn't been tested as much as he will be over the next few games.

We also still have the issue that we can't get our full-backs involved in play further up the pitch in games that we need to force a bit more. In Mykolenko's case, it's because he doesn't know what to do; in Young's case, it's because he'll get picked off trying to get back.

Mykolenko is definitely the bigger problem. He just reduces the quality in the side and is a serious weak link. I'd play Young over on the left just for his experience but I'm not expecting his good form to continue when he's up against tougher opposition. Father time is undefeated.

At the time, I thought it was pretty nitpicky, but in hindsight, I think it's the right call. Mangala's sole purpose is to block the player marking Tarkowski. Even if the blocking isn't enough for an offence, he did it from an offside position. I don't think you can argue he wasn't active in that phase of play.

Blocking from an offside position is pretty lazy too. It's much easier to do it that way and get the player as they move towards goal, as opposed to putting the work in earlier on Lemina on the defensive line.

Sorry, Jamie.

Or even better, is only called on when the onfield Referee asks for assistance similar to Rugby League where the Ref (maybe even Linesmen) requests a review usually of something in particular, or VAR gives us some better explanation for involvement than "clear and obvious error".

Mind you, there does seem to be players in an offside position behind the "wall" at every free-kick but it isn't called unless they, usually, interfere by playing the ball and not just obstructing the wall.

Oh, and as an afterthought, why didn't the Ref view it on the pitchside monitor?

Everton fans are very supportive – even if the team are not playing well, they will back the players provided they show commitment and effort.

Play like that on Saturday and you never know.

I definitely don't want VAR involved every time. The game would never finish. But that goal could have been the difference between us and Wolves going down... they're going to check it.

Even though I'm not particularly vociferous in my agreement with the decision, it does look like Mangala put himself in that position in order to block the player.

Harrison would be dropped from my son's U-16 side if he played like that.

Defenders are on to Ndiaye's tricks – he lost the ball too much, although there were also moments of brilliance.

Dyche has had a few of these games where the losing coach will most likely lose their job, but he manages to find a way to survive.

Basis that, Mangala was offside and became active in the play by not committing a foul? That is some complex logic there.

VAR should not be getting involved in marginal decisions like this. Leave it to the onfield decision by the referee.

Similarly, they didn't intervene for Ndiaye's block on the keeper for the third goal, or for Calvert-Lewin's challenge for the other disallowed goal (which I thought was pretty weak from the keeper).

The difference is that the officials presumably deemed at the time that Mangala was in an offside position but not interfering with play... which might be a clear and obvious error given that he did have an impact on the play.

It's all a bit technical, borderline and therefore unsatisfactory. But, personally, I do think it's right in this case. Mangala had a job to do there and he did it from an offside position.

I heard it called subjective offside; it seems Mangala can't get away with even a moderate block because he takes up an offside starting position to do it. The widespread arms probably don't help.

I thought we were decent but the scoreline flatters us. Most games, you are not going to get that badly positioned wall allowing us that early goal. They certainly weren't too far away from converting some half chances before we had developed a good cushion on the scoreboard.

Wolves have had a really challenging fixture list apparently and I think their manager would be harshly treated if he lost his job due to loads going right for us offensively for a change.

It's difficult to criticise Ashley Young because he still has quality but I think it's fair to wonder whether he is a hindrance as well as a help.

I thought having Ndiaye in front of him worked out beautifully for nullifying their left flank but it isn't Ndiaye's best position for attacking. There may not be a clearly better option at right-back but there are players who may give something clearly different.

Mangala, Gueye, Garner and Iroegbunam (when all are fit) have to be our prime options for the midfield positions.

Doucoure is willing but the most limited of the lot (apart from his historic knack of getting in goal-scoring positions). He plays too many passes straight back to where they came from and keeps running too often when clearly well offside.

Most concrete conclusion from this game — a welcome bit of a positive buzz to take into the derby.

At the time, Van Dijk complained but no Wolves player complained last night. We're being scrutinised more than others imho.

Not sure why you are surprised or can't understand that result.

Yes, they had a couple of chances (neither as good as the two chances Harrison flunked) but it was the worst defensive performance I think I've ever seen from top-flight opposition.

Wolves were dreadful and even their own supporters thought so.

Celebrate the win, of which Calvert-Lewin played his part.

A well-deserved win for the Blues. Winning football games involves identifying weaknesses in the opposition and taking advantage. We did that on set-pieces last night and, if we had a bit more guile in open play, it could have been double.

Way too many of these very, very, very subjective decisions are open to interpretation, which means certain teams can keep getting away with it whilst other teams keep getting punished for it and this is definitely how it sometimes feels.

I know I'm a scratched record but how can we help these officials find consistency? There's only one genuine answer imo (mic up the refs, ala Rugby) but, for some reason, nobody wants to engage.

Actually, If we play like that on Saturday, it will be a massacre. We were dispossessed and gave the ball away to our usual standards.

It was lovely to watch and see 4 home goals at Goodison for the first time in however many years but I do wish we could start scoring from open play. We had chances to do that last night but we take one touch too many, take an extra second to engage brains to feet, or just waste the chances.

Quite how Jack Harrison managed to put both his gilt edge chances straight up in the air defies belief. Lovely fella, I'm sure, but that was one of the worst 15-minute cameos I have ever witnessed.

Having said that, I did not expect to keep a clean sheet against Wolves although I did in a couple of moments of madness (or drink influenced) predict we would score 4.

We showed some nice but brief moments of skill and some really entertaining close quick passing football. Great to watch and the clean sheet was a bonus.

So on to Saturday. Obviously every game is winnable but I shall watch with some trepidation. As for predictions, I'm not going there but the confidence boost from last night gives me hope that we at least lift a point on Saturday.

I think Broja has to play a big part. Can he play as a No 10 with Calvert-Lewin? That would be nice to see but not happening with Dyche. And I don't think he will get the nod over Calvert-Lewin despite probably being the bigger goal threat. I was very impressed with his brief outing last night.

It's a nice feeling this morning for a change. Even the weather isn't getting me down.

When somebody strays so blatantly offside (as Mangala did), you know he is there solely as a blocker. You know the ball is going over his head to the area he is "protecting".

If Mangala had been a little more subtle, the ploy would have been perfectly executed.

Just about everyone in football knows that the guy who has walked into the offside position is going to block the defender who is responsible for defending that area. That's why they are so closely scrutinised.

Blocking or fouling is in the eye of the beholder and leads to all sorts of inconsistencies with the officials. This makes it "worth a go". Especially to dead-ball dependent teams like us - You win some. You lose some.

Nothing to see here. At least nothing you won't see at least twice on MoD every week.

Sorry, you'll have to help me here... where exactly is the "mean-spirited", "churlish", "barbed criticism" in that headline? I think it would be hard for any neutral to dispute what is a simple and indisputable statement of fact.

Which belies not only the hidden history here, but the incredible irony of what played out on the grass last night.

As I mentioned at half-time (@16), our imperious centre-forward had already spurned three pretty worthwhile opportunities from open play — when the ball had been put on a plate for him.

But of course many of his acolytes continue to claim that the obvious and completely understandable reason he fails to score with such impressive consistency is that he gets 'no service'. Yeah, right.

So imagine the unbounded joy all round in the second half as he stormed forward through a crowded goal area, launched himself salmon-like above everyone, to power the ball emphatically from a brilliant free-kick into the back of the net! Fantastic!

Except for one small detail: the ball actually flew right past his head!!! — he missed it completely — and instead, it was the raised hand of hapless defender Craig Dawson behind him that diverted the ball goalward. Quelle dommage! Own Goal Number 1.

No matter, for there was an even better move still to come. A low ball teasingly swung in to the near post, Calvert-Lewin alert and laser-like in his focus on seeing another chance to finally break his months-long goal-drought, launching himself almost horizontally in a diving header of almost Andy Gray-like import and drama, powering the ball unerringly in off the post!!! Fantastic!!!

Except for one small detail: the ball actually flew right past his head!! Again!!! — he missed it completely — and instead, it was the raised foot of hapless defender Craig Dawson behind him that diverted the ball goalward. Quelle dommage! Own Goal Number 2.

The pathos… the irony... you really just could not make it up! Talk all you like of Fantasy Football… but this was real. Goals aplenty for Everton — despite that utterly bizarre xG of only 1.02 — but none for Calvert-Lewin!

Story of the night. Story of our season. Story of our 'striker' since Carlo sadly departed these shores.

Oh, and we're left to mull over this remarkable statistic: Wolves defender Craig Dawson has now scored more goals at Goodison this season than our own centre-forward!!!

I'll bet Dawson didn't enjoy playing against him last night.

I don't think I can ever remember a side winning 4-0 and their front 4 being the worst players in the team. Ashley Young was my MotM, closely followed by Mangala and Gueye.

It just highlights how wrong Dyche was to leave Mangala out. He and Gueye complement each other in midfield, so whatever other changes Dyche makes, I hope he sticks with these 2 in midfield.

I know he delivered some brilliant crosses from dead ball situations but McNeil was dreadful, misplaced most of his passes, and when he lost possession, didn't run back to try and get it back. I think this experiment of him playing in the No 10 role needs to be ditched.

I said that Ndiaye would excite and frustrate and last night, apart from one or two situations, was one of frustration, but I back any player who always looks to take on the opposition if on some occasions it doesn't always work out.

Doucoure always puts a shift in but there is very little quality in his play.

Calvert-Lewin worked hard closing down their defenders and forced 2 errors from Dawson to help us score 2 goals.

When Dyche made the substitutions, I think everybody was curious to get their first glimpse of Broja in a Blue shirt, and what an impact he made. Now we may have to temper our excitement as he was playing against a team 4-0 down and looking a bit demoralised. But his runs behind their defenders we haven't seen all season and he laid on what should have been 2 certain goals for Harrison.

Despite my criticism of our front 4, I was relieved and delighted with the result. Hopefully Broja may be considered as a possible starter for Saturday alongside Calvert-Lewin with Ndaiye playing just behind them.

Yes, I know Dyche will never be that bold, so it will be the same starting lineup on Saturday as it was last night. But we will need to be sharper than we had to be last night.

It's in case they call Klopp a cunt, mate.

Clearly it's tactical decisions in how we set up, play and in who to use and where, which would confirm it's been Dyche's tactics and player utilization at question?

It feels like someone said let's just try to attack... Of course, Wolves are not Arsenal or Man City, different class, but it is an important confidence booster ahead of the games coming up.

We'd already got it. You don't like him, but the point is it seems very strange that, after our biggest win in years, you should have to highlight that dislike in your headline.

And then compose an essay to support your point when most posters were just pointing out enjoy the win.

After all you are probably going to get plenty of opportunities this month to slag the lad off.

But let's remember Wolves put forward a motion to scrap VAR but the majority of clubs voted to keep it. I now don't get out of my seat when we score as I know VAR will scrutinise every element and this will take 3 or 4 minutes, while us paying idiots can't see or hear what is being discussed but Sky viewers can see what they are looking at and know the decision before those of us at the game.

They obviously won't scrap it so, as match going supporters, we need to demand we see and hear what VAR are checking like they do in other sports.

I take it for granted that this team cannot look after the ball, but getting on the front foot and playing with energy and intensity gives you a chance.

Now that we have these 3 points banked, I want us to take the game to Liverpool as we did at the last Goodison Derby. But, my guess is that Sean Dyche will aim for a draw this time around.

Yet again, he has his chance one-on-one and hits it along the ground. Clearly, he thinks that Premier League goalies and the coaches have not noticed this!

Top performance, aside from the first 10 minutes Everton controlled the game. It should have been a lot more, on another night I believe both Tarkowski and Ndiaye goals stand. Both get given and we've seen those given in the Premier League.

Jack Harrison, dear lord.

Some momentum hopefully built going into the derby.

Sorry, don't want to add my further thoughts.

Story of our striker since sadly Carlo left these shores

Sorry Michael your little rant there about FACTS was reminiscent of a certain manager who ironically is the one with whom YOUR facts are factually incorrect.

Under Benitez Dominic played 4 full games and a 70 minute cameo in which he scored 3 goals in consecutive games. Although only a short space of time this was Dominic's best goal to minutes ratio under any manager.

He scored 2 in 4 for Duncan Ferguson and 24 in 53 for Carlo Ancelottii.

These are 3 managers who played to Dominic's strengths. But don't forget he had persistent injuries under Lampard and Dyche which clearly affected both his performance and output. These are 2 managers who also didn't use Dominic to best effect. Lampard tried to out football teams while under Dyche he is often an isolated figure and gets little output from our full backs which was so prevalent under his best years when Digne was a great asset for him.

You may be right that we won't see the numbers he produced under Carlo again, you are certainly right that he has always been one of the poorest one on one strikers around. Dominic is a confidence player and if he continues to get balls like he did against United by Patterson or deliveries like last night he is still more than capable of being a 10-15 man per season.

If the same rationale is applied to all corner kicks in the premier league this season, then I will be amazed.

It is the over-reach and inconsistency of VAR that pisses fans off.

I find reading the whole post properly helps with comprehension.

The 'I hate Dyche serial posters' seem to be missing bar 1 or 2 in the thread. Still no credit though.

I'd say results are down to 70% players,10% manager & 20% luck.

I think Calvert-Lewin would have to get on the end of his own headed flick-ons, and then finish his own crosses for him to score regularly in the current tactical set-up.

He will score regularly next season for his next team.

Did you really have to write a dissertation (including BOLD type) to defend your criticism of Calvert-Lewin?

Of course, all the posters on here disappointed at the somewhat childish rant are being 'over-sensitive', and you had to put them right, giving all the salient points of how just bad a striker he is.

We all know his limitations, are you that frustrated that you need to mount a personal attack?

Totally unnecessary.

Also reading some of the comments on here, I was thinking I must have watched a different game and Calvert-Lewin had scored a hat-trick, he had at least 6 good chances and converted none of them.

Beto should have started, there were 2 good balls played through to Calvert-Lewin that Beto would have relished, and surely scored one of them.

All I read is how Calvert-Lewin worked hard for the team, Beto does that all the time, it should be a prerequisite.

I won't say anything about Harrison's misses because I am sure he will be furious with himself, but a well-deserved win that gives us some much-needed confidence.

It's strange that there are sections of the fanbase that still makes excuses for him, and counter argue well he works hard. It's bizzare that such a non-scoring striker is lauded so highly.

I really do feel sorry for Beto, he never will get a chance here, and will leave. Players have to be given chances, particularly when regular first-team ones fail.

Nothing new though is it, Lookman springs to mind.

In the last two seasons, neither Calvert-Lewin nor Beto have been able to find the net enough and I think soon enough both may be let go.

Calvert-Lewin had one decent season, got a bad injury, and has not found his touch since, but is very effective in the air.

Beto is strong and less mobile and just hasn't had enough playing time to establish himself.

With Broja coming in and Chermiti hopefully before the next eclipse there may be more goals… but not just yet.

Still, Mangala could be a godsend in midfield if the others support him.

The fact that Mangala (who had been offside) blocked a defender who might have been heading towards the far post was surely mitigated by the fact that Tarkowski still managed to outjump three defenders in scoring his header. So what makes them think that a different defender would have got higher than their other three?

As Spock would say, it was "highly illogical".

Pickford also made some brilliant saves at key moments.

I hate to even consider it but, if we play like that against Liverpool, it will not be 4-0 to us.

The only players who I thought played well were Pickford, Young, Tarkowski and Mangala. Oh and Broja when he came on.

Hopefully the result will give them a bit more confidence and we won't see as many woeful passes.

Oh and Lyndon I can't get on ToffeeWeb on my iPhone but can on my iPad. Is there a fix?

I don't think he is making a 'personal attack' but I guess it's a thin line between that and heavy (but warranted) criticism.

If it's anything like my feelings, it's more of a frustration that Calvert-Lewin isn't as good as we had perhaps hoped he would be. He is not a natural goalscorer and I'm not sure if that is down to lack of talent, application or confidence – probably a bit of both 1 and 3.

Having come to terms with that reality, I can still recognise some of the good things he provides and he leads the line better than some could in such a poor team. He is obviously off shortly and maybe that is also having an impact, but it will be interesting to see how he fares in a different (better?) team.

But I suspect it won't be like Gordon, who was very much the unfinished article when he left here, whereas I think Dom is more a 'what you see is what you will get' type player. I'm not as convinced as he seems to be that this is enough to attract Top 6 or Top 8 sides.

It's not a like-for-like situation, except that neither Tarkowski nor Mangala were punished for committing a foul.

Mangala, Young and Pickford were great. Gana did okay, Branthwaite a bit patchy. Tatrkowski was good and bad. Mykolenko average, and Dominic did okay.

However, McNeil was dreadfull, couldn't pick a pass and coughed up possession time and again. Doucoure ran around and was a nuisance to both teams and Harrison gave us a cameo unworthy of a pro footballer. Broja reminded me of the skillset that a centre-forward needs.

We did win handsomely but Wolves had plenty of chances. I think we will get some confidence from it though and anything is possible with the shite looming large. Who knows what this group will do next time out?

That said there were some areas that show there are still considerable improvements to come, Branthwaite was poor again, Mykolenko plays (possibly under instruction?) far too narrow, McNeil had one of those games when things don't happen for him (set-pieces excepted) and Doucoure is obviously allergic to passing to a Blue shirt!

Hopefully the confidence from last night will help improve coming performances.

I think Dyche is doing as well as the circumstances allow and I'm sticking to it. Others think Dyche is crap and won't budge.

Is Branthwaite overrated? I've said before you need more than a season to judge a player properly.

I was at pains to explain how the headline was simply a statement of fact. You have not refuted that but repeat your strange claim that it conveys 'dislike'. I remain curious as to exactly how that purely factual statement highlights any dislike of Calvert-Lewin? Please at least have the good grace to explain.

Steve @120,

Slightly different point as you call it 'barbed criticism'. My 'dissertation' was an attempt to explain the factual headline in the context of what transpired during the game, and I don't see that it involves any criticism of the player.

I'm simply relating what happened last night. The headline is a simple factual summary. Please at least have the good grace to explain exactly how that headline constitutes criticism?

The amount of time to disallow the first one was ridiculous, which to me says it wasn't plain and obvious, and the second one Calvert-Lewin hardly touched the keeper, very harsh IMO.

Good to see some goals again, especially under the lights at Goodison. Mangala must stay in the team. Good to see Broja get some minutes, I thought he done well.

Cracking free kick by Young and a good win all round to open a gap up to the relegation places before our tough run of games. Onto the RS Saturday, COYB

The only “negative” I have got from last night is now I'm nervous about Saturday again whereas before it was a free hit!

It's the hope that kills you! But then again, we did it last time…

Young was immense imo, those 2 disallowed goals were very debatable. Calvert-Lewinjust held his ground and the keeper charged him IMO... the first one, well Arsenal and Liverpool have been getting away with that blocking tactic all season.

Another point, that ref blowing up when Newcastle were on the breakaway was disgraceful.

Some make the point about Pickford's great saves but, in reality, he, by his own high standards, would have been very disappointed if any of them had got past him. Wolves were last.

Same when we played Ipswich away, they were rubbish.

Okay, Southampton beat us but look back at how furious people on ToffeeWeb were, we dominated the game and should not have lost… in fact,we should have won. Doesn't matter anyway, they are not catching us.

The only team down there who I think will possibly catch us is Crystal Palace and I think we will both finish higher than West Ham.

My prediction for relegation remains the 3 promoted sides and we have them all to play at home. I also think you will be safe on 33 points.

Michael - appreciation for the splendid job you do, and getting the reports out there so quickly and/or in real time, allowing people to comment.

As Evertonians we have had so little to be positive about - so, after a 4-0 win, maybe something in the headline that highlighted something positive in the display like Young Rolls Back the Years - or the fact the Young became the oldest scorer in the premier league of a direct freekick (though I know the premier league was not the start of football in this country - despite what they want you to think), or even the fact that this was only the 2nd game this season in which the opposition kept a clean sheet against Wolves.

There were loads of positives last night - and boy - do Evertonians need them at the moment!

Do me a favour. We win 4-0 but your main takeaway in your headline is that Calvert-Lewin didn't score.

You therefore picked him out despite Harrison missing two sitters and Doucoure playing like his laces were tied together. I would say that points to you not liking him.

Your subsequent post certainly reinforces that opinion.

My view was he led the line pretty well but missed some chances which has definitely been a recurring theme this season but I'm not quite sure it merits the opprobrium he gets.

Also you could well argue that his presence forced the two errors leading to the two own goals. Not sure he was given sufficient credit for that.

Dom came in for some stick but I thought he had one of his best games last night, so unlucky not to be credited with his diving header. I was in the Park stand so didn't get a close-up of it, was his header going wide but deflected in? If not then he should be credited with the goal, if it was on target.

We also saw last night how much better we are, when we have Gueye and Mangala in midfield, Ashley Young has been outstanding these last few months, pinged a beauty of a ball across the box first half but not one Everton player getting on the end of it.

I've been very critical of our style of play and work rate, but most of all our previous set pieces from corners and free kicks, last night we got it spot on.

I think a big plus was when Broja came out, he looks everything that Beto is not, could have had 2 assists last night only for Harrison to have found Gueye's shooting boots.

I mentioned Sunday after being 4-nil down, Dyche threw both Patterson and O'Brien on and would he have put them on had we been winning 4-nil? We got the answer to that last night, but at 4-nil, he could've at least given Patterson the last 10 minutes, and rested Young with a short turnaround for our next game.

Hard to judge with only coming on late, but Broja looks a great addition in attack, looks much bigger than I thought he was.

I thought the Wolves fans were magnificent, best away fans for a long long time. None of "This is this a library" after 2 minutes, or "Sign on", they got behind their team and backed us on the first VAR call. They came up with some very funny chants, "We've got the ball, we've lost the ball" :-), had me in stitches in the park end.

Met some of them on the way home on the train and were very friendly, I felt their pain with their manager.

They said they love going Goodison as they are made welcome by Evertonians, unlike Anfield where they find their fans obnoxious and arrogant, their words not mine.

I mentioned the VAR they voted for and that the fans never got a chance to vote, it was left to each club to vote. Had it been left to each clubs season ticket holders to decide, a lot more clubs would have been in favour to get rid of VAR.

For me that's what football is all about, banter with visiting supporters, getting behind your team, having a moan when justified, giving out praise when deserved.

Overall, a great night last night, just need to make sure we lock Derek in the Harlech castle until after the match next time he gets a ticket. Only kidding, Derek, hope you are feeling a bit better and a pity you missed the game.

As for Steve V, you give him a cig and he pockets your lighter. I get off train – where's my lighter? 24-hour petrol station open across from station to the rescue.

Now for Saturday, nothing to fear, get in their faces again, give them no space to pass, and use those set -pieces to our advantage, we simply have to stop them getting an early goal, get straight into them, the crowd will do the rest.

Nice to see Rob and Neil and Steve in the Harlech, first time I've got to chat to Rob proper, cracking bloke.

Blocking at set pieces has been the norm since I was born
Look at Calvert-Lewin's goal last season against the RS.
VAR needs to be binned in its entirety. Ruining football.

The only problem with your analysis it's not a foul for blocking by Mangala. It's being given as offside which he clearly was. The fact that he blocked meant he was actively involved, whether it was a foul or not.

Loathe to say but I think VAR got this one right.

He needs a smack for being offside though and I reckon Tarkoswki should deliver it.

It's like someone drummed it in to him, at a formative age, to make the keeper make a save. Well, he certainly does. Unfortunately, he makes the keeper make easy saves.

I know that many on here say that being a striker is nature not nurture. Well, I suggest that my late nan, with enough time on the training ground, could have had it practised into her to lift the ball over a goalkeeper who dived at her feet!

The first chance was possible due to a brilliant arched run behind the defender. when the ball reached him he was actually running away from goal. The goalie (who could see everything) was out like a flash and within a couple of feet of him. He was so close, Calvert-Lewin could actually see none of the goal. The dink wasn't on because the goalie stayed big. Pele or Maradona would have struggled to score that... err "sitter".

Contrast that to the the chances Salah and Haaland missed on Saturday when clean through with a good view of both posts... Both missed. They're chances Calvert-Lewin can only dream of getting.

Most fans want their forwards jumping higher than everyone else. They want to see their forwards diving at everything. They want to see them create havoc and forcing errors.

I guess that's why (despite so many of us being pissed off with his contract stalling) I was only one of 36,000 standing to send him on his way with thunderous applause ringing in his ears.

Let's not forget, Ashley Young would not have even had a free kick to take if he hadn't been fouled.

I'm all for a bit of healthy criticism, but this is ludicrous. We haven't been able to buy a goal this season, yet on a night we finally create chances, we want to batter the player who we couldn't have done it without. Excuses? What for? Winning us the game.

I'd have to agree with every word of that. I thought Calvert-Lewin was excellent last night; if he shows the same level of commitment on Saturday, then tha Van Dijk will know he's been in a game.

Yes, he misses chances, but what striker doesn't? The service into him all season has been abysmal and if he is to go come January or the summer, he'll be a big loss.

On another note, if Broja gets fully match fit, going on his cameo last night, he'll be an asset.

Ndiaye wasted on the right. Douc, Number 10? Fucking come off it, Dyche. Well done, Blues, on your set pieces.

Are you auditioning to write TW headlines?

Next natural question would be "How many did our brilliant centre-forward score? The one who works his bollocks off every game..."

Well, if you'd been watching casually, you might be forgiven for thinking he'd scored two brilliant goals — I honestly thought he had when each went in. But no — two own-goals... by the same player, no less! That doesn't happen very often.

So, when searching for a headline to sum up the game, that's what went through my head. No dislike, not churlishness, no barbed criticism. Just a short summary of some simple facts about the game.

You knew exactly what you were doing when that headline popped up in that head of yours. There was zero need for those 5 words at the end, but 'goals aplenty for the blues' seemed a little on the short side and needed something more.

You were most certainly having a snide pop at DCL Michael. No doubt it, as Hot Chocolate one sang. And what you do with cunning is to detach DCL from 'The Blues'.

Now I saw the good and the bad (and the ugly: fuck me Dawson is footy card c.1971 ugly with the streaky octopus-like hair of the prematurely balding) of DCL yesterday.

Others have gone through the good; others the bad, though not with a surgical knife like said ed. Dominic's was a hot and cold performance with enough heat to make your sly dig unnecessary,

You could have done it another way and looked rosier while still retaining the implicit DCL dig: 'Goals Aplenty for Blues and Broja's First Cameo Suggests More to Come'. Bit wordy, I know, but maybe some see what I'm getting at. Or have a real dirty factual pop MK, you could have gone with 'Goals Aplenty for Blues Despite Harrison's Three Shocking Misses in 15 Minute Cameo'.

And the old fact ruse: it's a fact, he didn't score, how can that be a criticism, I'm only reporting facts. That doesn't fool old foxes like me one bit. Much bigger, is the fact that you chose to add on a DCL jab to stretch out the headline to required length.

Don't keep up your fiction with your facts MK.

I didn't read your article, the headline was enough to be honest.

Having read it now there is no credit given to DCL for his shift last night, a performance that the fans certainly appreciated judging by the applause as he left the field.

As I've already said I'm pretty sure that Dawson didn't enjoy Calvert-Lewin's company last night.

No snide jab or dig. Just the simple facts.

Look at my headline and show me it’s not true.

Your headline is factually correct but everyone can see your intentions.

I mean it’s your train set, you are entitled to say what you want.

But trying to convince us you don’t have an anti DCL agenda is pretty obvious to all.

Michael has been writing headlines since forever. His reports must generate an average of around 250 responses a game.

My headline would simply have been "phew !". I may have generated a few silent nods of approval...but that doesnt keep a website rolling.

I'll challenge his point and his timing. DCL was, at times, unplayable last night and Goodison recognised it, but I don't have a problem with the headline.

Its good to talk

Goals aplenty for Blues but Harrison spurns several nailed-on chances.

Goals aplenty for Blues and VAR denies even more.

Great to meet up with Danny in the afternoon, and hopefully a good weekend too.

Could, should have been 9 or 10 goals, but plenty of work to be done on the finishing of DCL and Jack Harrison and Douc.

Now for Old Nick. But there is hope and they're 11 players, whom are beatable.

Will Sean Dyche keep the same shape...team?

UTFTs!

I didn't see it as having a go at Dom. I saw it as more pointing out that despite the fact that Dom "scored" twice he didn't get a goal.

I'm sure I wasn't the only one at Goodison last night that believed he'd scored on both occasions only to have the goals "taken off" him.

It was one of those incidents, or two to be exact, where you think "Ah, for fuck's sake, after all that, he doesn't even get on the scoresheet."

I saw it more as quite a clever headline than a condescending one. Can be taken either way, but that's how I took it.

In my opinion the centre half was the last player to touch the ball on both occasions but DCL should get the "credit" for both goals even if not credited with them officially.

Or to put it another way - everyone's got their own view of things.

I didn't read too much into the headline. I thought it summed the game up quite well. DCL needs goals. He was close to a couple but it turned out it was the defender who knocked them in.

In subsequent posts maybe Michael has shown that he doesn't rate DCL. I do happen to rate him a bit higher than that. So be it.

I too have no issues with the headline or comments from anyone.

Calvert-Lewin got himself into the goal-scoring situation, forcing the goals. Regardless as to whether they were accredited to him, they went in.

Nice post anyway. Spot on and much appreciated.

To be fair Graham, I don't think that MK has not tried to convince us that he does not have 'an anti DCL agenda' in this thread. Nor do I think that it's necessary for him to do so in this context. He might question 'agenda' and substitute 'DCL critic', but MK has never ever tried to hide his DCL views.

However, he has tried to hide his intent in the headline and hat's off to him.

Toffeweb Poll! Do you believe MK or not?

Nor do I agree with Brian W's post (163) but I do think it's a brilliant post!

"Either that man is dead or my watch has stopped."

This is the real problem. The consistency is all over the place like mad woman's shit.

Edit: In defence of DCL; these days, where the VAR camera can spot a toenail 1 inch over an imaginary line from 50yds away, if a defender breathes heavily on the ball at it passes him going into the net it's now an Own Goal.

2 good crosses and DCL made those goals, they're his, if he wasn't involved they wouldn't have happened and it's 2-0.

Own goals my arse.

Cast your mind's back to this very same weekend of 55yrs ago.

Dawson? that's not an Own Goal.

Sandy Brown, Thats an Own Goal

I think it’s clear Mangala overdid the ‘being a barrier’ bit.

I think one of the Wolves players behind Tarkowski failed to drop back and challenge him because he was obsessed with squaring up to another of our (onside) players on the edge of the area.

I always thought the attacking player was attributed the goal if it was going in, but listed as an own goal if the defending player significantly impacted the route of the ball? It was more of a deflection than redirection.

I’m a Dominic fan and I was very happy for him when I thought he had scored the other night especially with the second one, on the other hand I still thought he was giving less than he is capable of the other night and in a lot of games this season.

In fact I had put £1,000 on him to score the first goal today in the Derby!!