Dwight McNeil’s light-speed screamer seals Everton win over Brentford

Dwight McNeil’s final season under Sean Dyche at Burnley ended in relegation after the manager had been sacked. The two are back working together, hoping they do not suffer a similar fate at Everton this time around.

The winger’s first minute goal was enough to end Brentford’s 12-match unbeaten run and lift Everton out of the relegation zone. It was their third 1-0 home win under Dyche, with much of the second half spent holding on but once again they did just enough and the Goodison Park faithful let them know at full time what it meant.

Those enjoying a pre-match beverage will not have had the same enthusiasm for a Mohamed Salah missed penalty and Liverpool loss at Bournemouth, knowing it placed more pressure on Everton. That was soon alleviated when the ball was fed into McNeil to fire the opener across David Raya and into the corner after 35 seconds. Everton’s previous two home victories under Dyche have been 1-0, giving them 90 minutes to hold out. Considering Brentford came into the game unbeaten without a negative result since October, a positive start was required by a team who had lost nine times in the same period.

Dyche has made Everton harder to beat since his arrival in January. Brentford looked to play direct passes to turn the home defence but they were equal to the threat of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo. What does hold Everton back is their lack of prowess in the final third. Despite having less possession, Everton had the better chances with Michael Keane, Amadou Onana, Demarai Gray and Alex Iwobi failing to take opportunities to extend the lead.

Gray thought he had done so when Ethan Pinnock’s clearance hit his chest and arm before crossing the line. The forward ran away to celebrate with the euphoric