This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Everton secured their first win in the Premier League since the victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 1, which has subsequently helped them to rise into 14th.
Many Everton players put in a fantastic display, as Alex Iwobi and Yerry Mina both earned 9/10 ratings from the Liverpool Echo. However, one man surprised with his display more than anyone else – Theo Walcott.
The Englishman has put in some dreadful performances up until this point, earning an average of 5.96 as a substitute this season, and consequently only earning 74 minutes of league action.
SofaScore rated Walcott’s performance a 7.9 – his highest all season long. The former Arsenal man was creative and threatening towards the West Ham goal throughout proceedings and played a hand in Bernard’s opener by assisting the Brazilian’s goal.
As the game went on, the 30-year-old was a thorn in Manuel Pellegrini’s side by creating another key chance and smashing the bar in the second half from a glorious volley from range.
Not only was Walcott a menace to the Hammers’ defence, he also proved to be a defensive asset for the hosts, making two tackles and one interception for Everton, while he was only dribbled past once, per SofaScore.
His total of seven shots and his game-changing assist prove he can be of some worth to Silva.
It proved to be a very timely return to form from the ex-Southampton man, and supporters will hope this performance is not just a one off.