Everton are “extremely happy” with Dwight McNeil after he was nominated for Premier League Player of the Month, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Italian journalist revealed on his X account [5 October] that the Blues are pleased with the forward’s progress this season. McNeil is up for the September award after scoring three goals, two of which came in a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace last weekend, and adding one assist in those three games. Dwight McNeil makes strides at Everton. The 24-year-old single-handedly won the match against Crystal Palace for the Blues, and his influence on the team this season has been clear.
Dyche will have to rely on his forward again on Saturday [5 October] when Newcastle United visit to Goodison Park, as Jarrad Branthwaite was confirmed to be out [The Mirror], only one match after returning from injury. McNeil is expected to be the Toffees’ most successful player this season. The former Burnley player has made significant progress since his poor performance last season, already matching his Premier League goal tally in 29 less matches.
The manager deserves credit for his role in helping McNeil rediscover his goal-scoring form. The decision to transfer the forward to a central position behind the striker, with Iliman Ndiaye operating on the left flank, has transformed the Blues’ assault. Everton has had little difficulty scoring goals. However, in Branthwaite’s absence, Dyche will be desperate to avoid a repetition of Saturday’s 3-2 losses to Bournemouth and Aston Villa, and it may come down to who can score the most at Goodison Park.
