Everton produced a “complete performance” against Brentford, according to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who netted the Blues' third goal in their stunning 3-1 away victory on Saturday evening.
The Toffees started the game brilliantly, with Abdoulaye Doucoure firing Everton into an early lead after just six minutes.
Mathias Jensen equalised for the home side just before the half-hour mark, but second-half efforts from James Tarkowski and Calvert-Lewin ensured Sean Dyche’s side took all three points back to Merseyside.
The Everton striker, who arrived onto the field just eight minutes prior to his first goal of the season, spoke after the game, discussing the feeling of elation throughout the away dressing room.
“You can see the emotion at the end from the fans and from the lads. It’s a great feeling and one we’ve been waiting for,” said Calvert-Lewin.
“It’s been a tough start to the season, but we have created chances. It’s been frustrating personally to have not been involved as much as I would have liked [due to injury], but to get in there, and get the goal today – it’s what I’ve been working towards, so I really enjoyed it.”
Brentford headed into the game in strong form, boasting an unbeaten home record so far this season. However, the travelling Toffees were dominant throughout, recording 18 shots and six on target, while limiting Thomas Frank’s side to just two efforts on goal.
After such a defensively strong and offensively potent performance, Calvert-Lewin described Everton’s fine showing, explaining: “I think it was a complete performance. The lads created chances in the first half, and I think we were unfortunate to be drawing [at half-time].
“I thought we should’ve been in front. But we stuck in there, stuck to the game plan, and it worked.
“Once we got that second goal, we started to open up and enjoy ourselves a bit, and then [my goal was] the icing on the cake.”
Prior to the Brentford outing, Calvert-Lewin had played 62 Premier League minutes so far during the 2023/24 campaign.
Delighted to be back on the pitch and to return to the scoresheet, the Everton number nine revealed he’s in a ‘good place’ physically, while suggesting the Blues’ victory could provide a springboard for further positive results.
“It’s difficult when you keep getting sidelined and you’re doing everything to stay on the pitch, but I think everyone knows I’m doing everything I possibly can. I’m in a good place now, feeling physically fit, strong, fast. I’m buzzing to get the goal today and long may it continue.
“We knew we needed a result today, and most importantly a win, but we have to continue the work we’ve been doing, keep the momentum, and take that into next week.”
