Everton Claim Comfortable Victory Over Toothless Fulham
Everton secured a much-needed three points with a convincing 2-0 victory over Fulham at Goodison Park, with midfielders answering manager David Moyes's call for goals from throughout the team. Idrissa Gueye broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time before Michael Keane sealed the points late on, delivering exactly what the Everton boss had demanded before the match.
Moyes's Midfielders Deliver When It Matters
David Moyes had explicitly stated before the game that he wanted more goals from his defenders and midfielders, not just relying on his strikers to find the net. His players responded perfectly, with Gueye opening the scoring just before half-time and Keane adding the second in the 81st minute to ensure Everton's dominance was reflected on the scoreboard.
The home side controlled proceedings from the outset, creating numerous opportunities and seeing three goals disallowed for offside in a match where their superiority was never in doubt. Fulham offered little threat throughout, with their only meaningful chances coming late in the game after Everton had already established their commanding lead.
Barry's Struggle Continues Despite Improved Performance
Summer signing Thierno Barry endured another frustrating afternoon in front of goal, extending his run to 10 Premier League appearances without scoring since his £27 million move from Villarreal. The 23-year-old striker saw an early header sail over the crossbar and had a second-half effort ruled out for offside.
Despite his continuing goal drought, Barry's overall performance justified Moyes's decision to keep faith with the young forward. His movement and work-rate constantly troubled Fulham's central defenders Joachim Anderson and Tosin Adarabioyo, creating space for his teammates to exploit throughout the match.
Everton's dominance was evident from the opening minutes, with James Garner forcing Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno into action early on with a powerful 30-yard free-kick. The home side's pressure eventually told when Gueye reacted quickest to convert from close range after Vitalii Mykolenko's cross had been headed against the crossbar by James Tarkowski.
Fulham's Away Day Blues Continue
Marco Silva's visitors demonstrated exactly why their leading scorer this season remains opposition own goals, managing only brief periods of pressure in an otherwise subdued performance. Former Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi worked hard in midfield alongside Sander Berge, but the Londoners created few clear opportunities until the latter stages.
Fulham's best chances fell to Raúl Jiménez, who shot tamely at Jordan Pickford when well-placed inside the area during the first half. The Mexican international also wasted a promising free-kick opportunity by firing straight into the Everton wall.
Silva made tactical changes at half-time, withdrawing the booked Sasa Lukic after the midfielder had been fortunate to avoid a second yellow card for another foul on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Further substitutions followed as the Fulham manager introduced Josh King, Rodrigo Muniz and Adama Traoré in search of a route back into the game.
The changes almost paid dividends when Pickford produced excellent saves to deny Muniz and Traoré in the closing stages, but by then Keane had already secured the points with his glancing header from Dewsbury-Hall's corner.
The victory moves Everton up the Premier League table and provides welcome relief for Moyes's side after what has been a challenging period. For Fulham, their struggles away from home continue, with Silva facing questions about his team's lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
