Everton had their best start to a top flight league season since 1894 with 4 wins out of 4 matches after thrashing Brighton 4:2 today with the lively Alex Iwobi at the heart of some brilliant build-ups. Serendipity played a huge part in Iwobi’s participation today as injury in 25 minutes to Brazilian Richarlison meant the Super Eagles attacking midfielder was introduced earlier than planned. Watching the match, I thought he grabbed the opportunity with full throttle and reminded fans of his true worth and quality on a wet afternoon at Goodison Park. In the first half, Iwobi was composed with the ball and his movements were positive as he helped maintain Everton’s shape and brought players into dangerous areas. There were times when his passes were a bit off but by and large, he kept things simple to keep things ticking. It was in the second half that Iwobi came to his own as he pierced through the Brighton defence to lay a delicious diagonal pass on the plate for Rodriguez to make it 3:1 to Everton in 52 minutes. England striker Calvert-Lewin had put Everton ahead 16 minutes only for Maupay to equalise for Brighton in 41 minutes before Mina restored Everton’s lead with a glorious header in 47 minutes. Iwobi would be instrumental in Everton’s 4th goal after his intelligent movement, effective hold up play and well timed driven pass picked out Doucoure who in turn pinged his pass over the goalkeeper for Rodriguez to slot home to make it 4:1 to Everton in 70 minutes. Although Bissouma’s audacious 19 yard volley that crashed into the back of the net for Brighton in 92 minutes will live long in the memory as a contender for goal of the season, the afternoon in truth belonged to Everton and their fine collection of players to which Iwobi surely deserved a mention. The signs are looking very promising – even at this early stage – that Iwobi and Everton can go on to have a better season this time around. For today, it finished Everton 4 : Brighton 2.
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