Everton thrashes toothless West Brom

West Brom started brightly and opened the scoring through Grady Diangana, but Calvert-Lewin equalised following an intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Everton scored five goals in 35 minutes as West Brom capitulated following a needless red card for defender Kieran Gibbs.

It all started well for the visitor. After running 60 metres, Diangana fired past home goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his first top-flight goal.Everton found an equaliser through Calvert-Lewin’s close-range back heel that was initially disallowed for offside. The decision was overruled by VAR as the touch into the striker’s path came via a slight deflection.

The home side went in front just before half-time. Richarlison wriggled past a couple of challenges before feeding Rodriguez, who speared a low drive into the bottom corner. Gibbs was sent off shortly afterwards and could have no complaints as he pushed Rodriguez.

West Brom equalised minutes into the second period with a free-kick from Matheus Pereira. But, Michael Keane restored Everton’s lead with a tap-in after the ball fell loose in the box. Rodriguez’s delightful pass then put Richarlison behind the West Brom defence and the latter’s cross was bundled over the line by Calvert-Lewin. The striker completed his hat-trick with a header from Lucas Digne’s corner.