Everton squandered another 2-0 lead, losing 3-2 in their latest Premier League match, leaving them pointless after four games. Alan Shearer has criticized Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin for missing a crucial chance that could have put Sean Dyche’s team 3-2 ahead against Aston Villa.
Everton initially led with goals from Dwight McNeil and Calvert-Lewin in the first half. However, Ollie Watkins scored twice and Jhon Duran netted a spectacular goal to turn the game around. The match might have taken a different turn if Calvert-Lewin had converted a one-on-one opportunity against Emiliano Martinez. Shearer blasted him for failing to score.
Shearer’s Criticism of Calvert-Lewin’s Miss
On Match of the Day, Shearer expressed disbelief at Calvert-Lewin’s missed chance, calling it an “awful miss” that could have given Everton a crucial 3-1 lead. Shearer remarked:
“It was a key moment. To go 3-1 up with an absolute sitter was crucial. Calvert-Lewin timed his run perfectly but failed to open himself up. With the goalkeeper closing him down, he needed to be aware of the defenders returning. Instead, he let the keeper delay him just enough for Ezri Konsa to intervene. It was a great run, but he got the ball stuck under his foot and missed an easy chance to make it 3-1.”
Impact on Calvert-Lewin’s Prospects
Calvert-Lewin, who is out of contract at the end of next season, had been linked with moves away from Everton. Newcastle was interested but withdrew after Everton demanded £40 million. Late in the transfer window, Manchester United considered him, but no deal materialized. Calvert-Lewin remains at Everton for now.
While Everton fans might be relieved that Calvert-Lewin stayed, avoiding reliance on Beto and Youssef Chermiti, his missed chances, particularly the one at Villa, are a concern. Such misses might hinder his chances of securing a move to a bigger club, especially as Everton struggles with their poor form, having lost all four opening games, including two where they had a two-goal lead. This raises questions about their ongoing Premier League status.
