Date: 5 August 2023

Venue: Goodison Park

Attendance: 13,683

Final Score: Everton 3–0 Granada

Gavin Jones' Everton rounded off pre-season in style with a commanding 3–0 victory over La Liga side Granada at Goodison Park. Despite picking up two worrying injuries, the Toffees looked composed, clinical, and confident—capping off a positive summer.

First Half: Early Pressure Pays Off ⚡️

6’ | Goal – Lewis Dobbin

Everton’s early press forced a mistake from Granada’s Facundo Pellistri, allowing Dobbin to rifle home a low effort. The assist came from Matthew Apter, who pulled the strings throughout.

22’ | Injury – Nathan Patterson

A huge concern for the Blues as the right-back was forced off with fractured ribs after a collision with Maouassa. He’ll be assessed further.

Second Half: Finishing with a Flourish 🎯

60’ | Injury – Ben Godfrey

More bad luck, as Godfrey limped off with a groin strain following a robust challenge. Early signs suggest a few weeks out.

86’ | Goal – Amadou Onana

A brilliant curling strike from the edge of the box doubled the lead, showcasing Onana’s growing attacking confidence.

88’ | Goal – Roman Dixon

The 17-year-old capped a dream cameo by smashing in a third with only his second touch—what a moment for the academy graduate!

Star of the Show ⭐️: Matthew Apter

8.0 Match Rating

3 key passes

1 assist

84% pass accuracy

Calm, creative, and composed

A breakout performance from the 18-year-old, who looks more than ready for first-team minutes.

By the Numbers 📊

Other Standouts 📝

Lewis Dobbin (7.6): Sharp, confident finish and lively movement.

Amadou Onana (7.9): Box-to-box beast. Won duels, made tackles, scored a beauty.

Roman Dixon (7.7): One shot, one goal. Academy star in the making?

James Garner (7.2): Steady presence in midfield, 100% tackling.

Jordan Pickford (7.7): Rarely tested, but efficient when called upon.

Manager’s Reaction 🎙️

Gavin Jones:

“Really pleased with the control we showed. Everyone’s starting to understand the system and we’re spreading the goals around. Gutted for Patterson and Godfrey, but we’ll support them through recovery. Lots of positives to take into the real stuff now.”

Fan Reactions 💬

@ToffeeRising:

“Apter is cooking. That pass for Dobbin—unreal. What a pre-season for the young lads.”

@EvertonInsider:

“That Dixon goal... remember the name! Felt like Rooney vs. Arsenal all over again.”

@GranadaUK:

“We were second best. That Onana strike was pure class.”

Final Thoughts 🔚

A clean sheet, three different goalscorers, and another strong showing at both ends of the pitch—Everton finish pre-season on a high. Injuries to key defenders will be a concern heading into competitive action, but the depth, youth impact, and tactical cohesion all look promising under Gavin Jones.