Everton manager Sean Dyche has been told that Abdoulaye Doucoure grew in stature with his performance during the jaw-dropping victory over Brighton on Monday afternoon.
Doucoure netted the opener after 35 seconds at the Amex Stadium as Everton swept aside their opponents with a pulsating 90 minute showing and 5-1 verdict. The midfielder grabbed another goal before the half-time whistle as Dwight McNeil (2) took centre stage upon the restart.
Both men were close to unplayable as they competed for the man-of-the-match award. However, the prize that really mattered to them was helping to steer The Toffees away from the bottom three.
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With three games to play, Everton are two points above the drop zone as they prepare to meet Manchester City, Wolves and Bournemouth in the run-in. According to BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks, recalled midfielder Doucoure was the star of the show.
After naming Doucoure - and omitting McNeil - from his Team of the Week, he said: "This was a massive three points and an extraordinary performance by Everton. Their start couldn't have been any better, and Abdoulaye Doucoure was the coolest man on the pitch when he tucked in his goal after 35 seconds.
"His second goal was better than his first. He grew in stature and confidence as the game went on.
"This result puts Everton on 32 points and I think they require at least another four points in order to be safe. They have Manchester City at home - so they can forget about that - and Wolves away, which is a must-win game, and Bournemouth at home, which will almost certainly be their biggest game of the season.
"Meanwhile, what a difference a few games make. A few weeks ago the fans were calling for their board to resign. The fans have now turned their attentions to the team and they have responded accordingly. There's hope for Everton yet."
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