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Everton delivered a superb performance against Brentford, displaying confidence and resilience that suggested they are not destined for a relegation battle this season. James Tarkowski, leading against his former club, was outstanding, providing both defensive stability and posing a threat in attack. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s exceptional performance included scoring his seventh goal in his last 16 league games, showcasing his impact.
Despite Doucoure hitting the woodwork in the first half, Brentford quickly equalized through Mathias Jensen. However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin later sealed the game for Everton, resulting in a jubilant celebration with Doucoure, encapsulating the evening’s success.
In his 250th professional game, Calvert-Lewin, who has faced injury challenges, found the back of the net, marking his first goal of the season with a wide smile. This victory was crucial for Everton, as defeat would have marked their worst start to a season since 1958 and potentially placed them at the bottom of the league. Instead, they secured their first Premier League win of the season and their first victory in London since 2021.
Brentford faced challenges even before the match started when Kevin Schade was forced to withdraw due to injury during the warm-up, with Keane Lewis-Potter stepping in for his first league start since November. The match featured early drama, with Everton taking the lead just 38 seconds after kickoff. Doucoure’s goal, assisted by James Garner’s delivery, set the tone for Everton’s strong start.
Everton could have extended their lead, with Dwight McNeil and Vitaliy Mykolenko missing opportunities. Doucoure, a constant threat, struck the crossbar, serving as a wake-up call for Brentford. Jensen equalized for Brentford, displaying skill in front of goal.
Both teams had chances to take the lead before halftime, but the score remained level at 1-1. The second half saw Everton take control, with Calvert-Lewin’s introduction making a significant impact. Tarkowski’s header from McNeil’s corner put Everton ahead, and Calvert-Lewin added a third, scoring through the legs of the Brentford goalkeeper.
For Brentford, the match showcased a more potent attack than in their previous five league matches combined this season. The turnaround from their weak display against Arsenal was evident, and their fans finally had a reason to celebrate as they left the stadium.
In conclusion, Everton’s impressive performance against Brentford not only secured their first Premier League win of the season but also signaled their potential to avoid a relegation battle this season.