DCL Convinced Everton Heading In Positive Direction

Dominic Calvert-Lewin says Everton’s purposeful performances in recent weeks show the Blues are moving in a positive direction under boss Marco Silva.

The Toffees have accumulated 17 points from their past nine top-flight matches, recording seven clean sheets in this period.

Everton’s latest shutout came in a goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday - a game the Blues dominated for extended periods.

The Blues' slick, imaginative attacking play impressed throughout against the Eagles. Silva’s team regularly advanced into dangerous positions and rained in 22 shots during the match. Palace, in contrast, mustered only eight efforts on goal.

The Toffees' superiority is underlined by the fact they won 10 corners – double the amount of the home side.

While Calvert-Lewin admitted his frustration the Blues could not make a decisive breakthrough against Roy Hodgson’s men, he believes the team’s expressive recent displays highlight the progress made under boss Silva.

The England Under-21 international striker stressed the players are targeting maximum points from their final two games of the season. Everton face Burnley at Goodison Park in their final home game of the season on Friday night, before taking on Tottenham Hotspur at the north London club’s new stadium on 12 May.

“Producing a strong end to the season has been important for us,” he said. “We can feel that as players and hopefully it continues.

“People had criticised us for not beating the bigger teams and in our last few home games we’ve done that, we’ve beat three of the top six.

"I think it’s a good sign things are coming together with the players we have got here.

"We want to finish as high as we can - and try to get two wins from our final matches.

“The fans have been fantastic the past few games at home, it will be a nice occasion under the lights for the final home game of the season.

"We’ll be aiming to start the game on the front foot, like we did against Palace.”

Saturday’s clash represented Calvert-Lewin’s ninth consecutive Premier League start for Everton.

The striker’s pace, intelligent movement and hold-up again impressed as he spearheaded the Toffees’ gifted attack.

The 22-year-old’s strength and heading ability caught the eye, too, as he won four aerial battles.

The former Sheffield United player also fired in five shots during the game as he strived to add to the eight goals he has scored this season.

“We felt, as a team we dominated the game, but we just couldn’t apply the finish,” he added.

“The game plan was to press them early and we did that. I’m disappointed not to get on the scoresheet but I think as a team we were unlucky not to win the game.

“Getting another clean sheet another positive sign, though.

“Clean sheets are a big part of football, and if we can go on and put the ball in the back of the net we go on and win the game.

“The team performed well again, and we’ll be looking to kick on against Burnley and make sure we get the three points.”