Sport
LUKAKU AND BARKLEY SHINE IN EMPHATIC EVERTON VICTORY
LUKAKU AND BARKLEY SHINE IN EMPHATIC EVERTON VICTORY
Objection by aeroplane is fast becoming the favoured form of protest among fans of Premier League clubs.
David Moyes was the subject of an airborne message organised by a group of Manchester United supporters calling for his head two years ago, while another plane informed Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers that it was time for him to vacate the Anfield dugout last term.
The latest occurrence could be seen on the south coast on Saturday, when a jet carrying a pennant that read “Kenwright and co #timetogo” flew over Southampton’s St Marys stadium. Everton – Saints’ opponents for the day – chairman Bill Kenwright was the target of the communication, with many Toffees fans wanting to see the back of the 69-year-old after over a decade in charge.
The message may have carried more weight had Everton slumped to a defeat to Ronald Koeman’s side; instead, the Merseysiders travelled back up north with all three points after an emphatic 3-0 victory, leaving the banner-makers looking a little bit foolish.
It was the perfect away performance from Everton, who were solid at the back, dangerous on the break and clinical in front of goal. Chelsea target John Stones was outstanding once again in the centre defence, demonstrating excellent positional sense and terrific composure on the ball, but it was the displays of Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku that caught the eye most.
Both players endured tricky spells at times last season. After some fantastic showings in 2013-14, Barkley struggled to make much of an impact a year later, scoring just twice in the Premier League and struggling to influence games in the same way he had done previously.
Lukaku, meanwhile, remained amongst the goals – 10 in the league and another 10 in other competitions – but was criticised for inconsistency and inefficiency.
The appraisal of the pair last term was generally fair, but it must be remembered that both players are still very young: Lukaku is 22 and Barkley just 21, so it is natural for there to be dips in form and fluctuations in levels of performance. Indeed, while it was legitimate to question the duo’s output at the time, it was premature in the extreme to write them off.
Both proved exactly that against Southampton on Saturday, with Lukaku and Barkley back to their very best.
Lukaku was a constant menace throughout, using his pace and power to drag Everton up the pitch on the counter. Often drifting out to the left-hand side when his team were out of possession, the burly Belgian acted as a focal point up top, allowing Everton to get up the pitch quickly with his hold-up play.
His athletic qualities were best showcased in the opening minutes. Lukaku, positioned in the left channel, turned his marker and sprinted down on goal. Despite taking a heavy touch, the 22-year-old was able to get on the end of the ball and draw a foul from Matt Targett just outside the penalty area.
It was the former Chelsea man who opened the scoring with a truly superb header: Lukaku adjusted his body perfectly to guide Arouna Kone’s cross into the top corner, taking the power off the delivery with a wonderfully controlled and cushioned connection.
The striker was at it again a few minutes later, combining well with Barkley before finishing emphatically to round off a well-executed Everton counter-attack.
If Lukaku was probably Everton’s best player on the day, Barkley was not too far behind. Deployed in his favoured No. 10 role, the England international was given the freedom to move across the pitch in search of possession. Barkley frequently made runs out to either flank to create overloads out wide, as well as using a combination of his power, close control and dribbling ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet after dropping deep to receive it.
He capped off his team’s triumph with a fine goal of his own. Receiving a square pass from Seamus Coleman, Barkley took a touch to get the ball out of his feet before curling a brilliant shot past Martin Stekelenburg and into the far corner.
Roberto Martinez was full of praise for the 21-year-old after the game. “I think he’s quite unique [in terms of always wanting the ball],” he told reporters. “When we develop young players [in England], I don’t think we credit that sort of bravery. Sometimes you get confused that it is all about going strong in tackles and trying to win 50-50 balls. That bravery is part of the intensity of the whole game.
“But the bravery that Ross has is that he will show for the ball from any angle, he’ll want it, he’ll try to be positive and make things happen for the team. When he gets in the box, when he controls the situation, that is the sign of an incredible footballer.”
Neither Lukaku nor Barkley was at their best last season, but the early signs in the new campaign are positive. If Everton can continue to get the best out of the duo – as well as hold onto Stones and add a couple of new faces before the window closes – a return to the top seven or eight could to be on the cards.
