Fewer touches than Pickford: Everton's 9-pass flop was "wasteful" once again vs United - opinion

Everton secured a massive win against Manchester United this afternoon at Goodison Park, which in turn has given Frank Lampard a lifeline in the club’s current relegation battle with just eight games to go.

Despite no movement in league position following their victory, the Toffees have gained a four-point cushion distancing themselves from the relegation zone ahead of Burnley’s clash with Norwich on Sunday. Thanks to the three points added to Everton’s tally today, the Clarets won’t be able to switch places with their relegation rivals tomorrow even if they win at Carrow Road.

While Everton had less possession than United today, they were able to hold onto a clean sheet and an 27th-minute lead after boyhood Evertonian Anthony Gordon netted the winner with a deflected goal which secured their third victory of Lampard’s tenure.

That being said, there was one player who was completely ineffective throughout the game, and without the impressive and resilient performances of his team-mates around him, Dominic Calvert-Lewin could have cost Everton dearly.

According to SofaScore, the Toffees striker – who was previously dubbed “wasteful” by Greg O’Keeffe – had fewer touches than Jordan Pickford, completed just nine passes and had no shots on or off target. He also lost the ball 14 times with his 26 touches before he was sent to the bench by his manager in the 71st minute to be replaced by Demarai Gray.

Calvert-Lewin has spent a large part of this season out injured after sustaining a quadricep problem and a broken toe last August which kept him sidelined until the turn of the year, and he has since suffered a knock and an adductor injury.

Although the England striker has suffered these injuries, he has still made 10