Reported Newcastle United target Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended his goal drought on Sunday.
The striker returned to the Everton starting XI against Brentford, and it looked like he had scored the goal that was going to secure survival for the Toffees.
He gave Frank Lampard’s side the lead early on at Goodison Park, with the the exact type of goal you want if you’re struggling to find the net.
How Calvert-Lewin ended his goal drought
Knowing a win would confirm their place in the Premier League, Everton started fast against the Bees.
A 10th minute free kick was flicked on by Richarlison and ended up in the back of the net, with the Brazilian wheeling away in celebration.
However, Calvert-Lewin was celebrating too. Replays showed that Richarlison’s effort was directed in by Calvert-Lewin, who was quick to tell referee Michael Oliver that it was his goal.
It ended a huge drought for the 25-year-old. It was his first goal in all competitions since August – that’s just over eight months without a goal. While injury has disrupted his campaign, he still played 11 times without finding the net.
The drought is over, but it didn’t deliver all three points for Everton. They ended up losing 3-2 and finished the game with nine men. Relegation is still a possibility for the blue part of Merseyside.
Newcastle to bid for Calvert-Lewin, but his latest performance was worrying
While he finally scored his first goal since August, it wasn’t a vintage performance from the England international. He struggled to make a mark on the game, and ended it nursing a muscle problem.
It wasn’t the kind of performance that will make Toon fans desperate to sign him. But that’s what could happen this summer according to reports.
The Telegraph claimed last week that Eddie Howe’s side will make a bid for Calvert-Lewin, who is now our ‘priority targets’.
With just four goals all season and a horrendous injury record, the jury is still very much out on this one.
One performance might not change Newcastle’s minds, but it certainly won’t have convinced some Toon fans that he’s the striker for us.