Date: 29 July 2023

Venue: Ludwigsparkstadion

Attendance: 4,264

Final Score: 1. FC Saarbrücken 2–3 Everton

A clinical hat-trick from Dominic Calvert-Lewin helped Everton come from behind to beat 1. FC Saarbrücken in Germany. Gavin Jones' men had to dig deep after an early own goal, but a dominant attacking display turned things around and secured another strong pre-season result.

First Half: From Horror Start to Redemption 🔄

5’ | Own Goal – Jarrad Branthwaite

A disastrous start saw Branthwaite turn the ball into his own net under pressure—Everton behind early.

But the team settled and began asserting themselves. After building pressure, the equaliser arrived:

46’ | Goal – Dominic Calvert-Lewin

A bullet header from close range, assisted by Vitaliy Mykolenko, got Everton back on level terms right after the restart.

Second Half: DCL Dominates the Show 🎩

56’ | Goal – Dominic Calvert-Lewin

He struck again, smashing home a low volley after a neat ball in from Nathan Patterson.

77’ | Goal – Dominic Calvert-Lewin

A looping header from a Lewis Dobbin delivery completed DCL’s hat-trick, sealing his 9.8-rated Man of the Match display.

82’ | Goal – Manuel Zeitz (pen)

A late penalty from the hosts gave them a lifeline, but Everton saw it out comfortably.

90’ | Injury – Arnaut Danjuma

A concern as Danjuma was forced off with pulled knee ligaments in the final minute—he’ll be assessed by the medical team.

Star of the Show ⭐️: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

3 Goals

9.8 Match Rating

10/16 dribbles won

11/12 aerial duels won

2 key passes and 90% pass accuracy

A vintage centre-forward performance.

By the Numbers 📊

Other Standouts 📝

Nathan Patterson (8.9): Tireless on the right, 7 key passes, 2 assists, and 100% dribble success.

Vitaliy Mykolenko (7.0): Solid defensively and chipped in with an assist.

James Garner (7.0): Calm in midfield, 100% tackling and 92% pass accuracy.

Lewis Dobbin: Grabbed a clever assist late on and pressed well from the front.

Manager’s Reaction 🎙️

Gavin Jones (Everton Manager):

“Another good test and a performance with grit. Obviously not happy with the early mistake, but the response was spot on. DCL looked unstoppable today—he’s showing the level we all know he has. We'll assess Danjuma, but the lads dug in and deserved the win.”

Fan Reactions 💬

@ToffeeTalk:

“Hat-trick for DCL, domination in midfield, and Patterson is flying. This side looks sharp!”

@EFCEuropeTour:

“Bit nervy at the end, but loads to love about that performance. Goals, possession, and confidence.”

@FCSFanTV:

“We held our own for spells but Calvert-Lewin just had too much quality. Hats off to him.”

Final Thoughts 🔚

Everton keep their pre-season momentum rolling with another strong performance. Despite a scare from an early own goal and a late penalty, the Toffees looked comfortable for most of the game. With Calvert-Lewin firing and younger players like Dobbin stepping up, Gavin Jones will take plenty of positives forward—aside from Danjuma’s injury.