Matchday Report ⚽️ | Calvert-Lewin Strike Seals Opening Day Win for Everton
Date: 13 August 2023
Venue: Bramall Lane
Attendance: 31,884
Final Score: Sheffield United 0–1 Everton
Everton kicked off their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 win away to Sheffield United, thanks to a second-half penalty from returning hero Dominic Calvert-Lewin. In a match full of energy, grit, and a few nervy moments, it was Jordan Pickford who emerged as the real difference-maker—saving a fifth-minute penalty and earning Player of the Match honours.
Everton Lineup 📝
With several injuries forcing changes, manager Gavin Jones opted for a fluid 4-3-3 setup:
GK: Jordan Pickford
DEF: Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko
MID: Idrissa Gueye, James Garner, Amadou Onana
ATT: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (LW), Beto (CF), Stan Mills (RW)
Injuries to Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson meant veteran Ashley Young slotted in at right-back, while Calvert-Lewin filled in on the left wing in the absence of Arnaut Danjuma and Dwight McNeil. Beto led the line, with youngster Mills getting a nod on the right to make his first Premier League appearance.
First Half: A Goalkeeper’s Clinic 🧤
The game exploded into action early on when Sheffield United’s Ben Brereton Díaz won a penalty just five minutes in. But Jordan Pickford had other ideas, diving sharply to deny the Chilean and setting the tone for a commanding performance between the sticks.
From there, Everton showed solid shape and calm passing under pressure. The midfield trio of Onana, Gueye, and Garner helped control the tempo, while Beto and Mills kept the Blades’ defence alert.
Second Half: VAR Drama and DCL’s Class 🎯
The breakthrough came just before the hour mark:
56’ | Goal! Calvert-Lewin, deployed wide on the left, was brought down in the box and stepped up to take the penalty himself. A cool finish into the top corner sent the away end wild. A quick VAR check confirmed the spot-kick, and DCL showed class by refusing to celebrate against his former club.
Despite a late flurry of chances from the hosts, Everton held strong, with Pickford pulling off five saves and commanding his area superbly. The defence—led by Tarkowski and Branthwaite—stood tall, showing real resolve in the face of late pressure.
Manager’s Reaction
“I’m proud of the lads today,” said manager Gavin Jones post-match. “We knew it’d be a battle and we stood up to it. Pickford was immense and it’s great to see Dom back scoring. It's early days, but that’s a really solid platform for us.”
Star of the Show ⭐️: Jordan Pickford
8.4 Match Rating
5 Saves
Penalty save heroics
91% Pass Accuracy
A true captain’s performance from England’s No. 1.
By the Numbers 📊
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Burger and fries | £7.50 |
| Deep-dish pizza | £13.20 |
| Hot dog | £3.50 |
Other Standouts 📝
Branthwaite (7.4): Calm, composed, and dominant in the air (88% aerial win rate).
Tarkowski (7.3): Reliable as ever—4 interceptions and 100% tackle success.
Gueye (7.4): Broke up play and linked defence to attack with poise.
Calvert-Lewin (7.2): Won the penalty and converted it with real confidence.
Fan Reactions 🎙️
@EvertonBlueArmy:
"Jordan Pickford is him. Saved a pen, commanded the box, and kept us in it. MOTM by miles."
> @ToffeeTalk:
"Massive 3 points to start the season. Calvert-Lewin showing class and respect not celebrating—love that."
> @EFCFanzine:
"The back line looked sharp. Branthwaite and Tarky were solid, and Myko impressed me today. Early signs are promising!"
Final Thoughts 🔚
A perfect start to life in the new season for Everton. There were nervy moments and plenty to work on, but three points and a clean sheet away from home is a brilliant way to start. Gavin Jones’ wing-play system is already bearing fruit, and with Calvert-Lewin fit and Pickford in top form, the Toffees have reasons to be optimistic despite that six-point deduction clouding the campaign.
Add comment
Comments