Sam Allardyce has earned himself a reputation as a pragmatic, functional, manager whose teams do not play an exciting brand of football.
Well, even Big Sam surprises us now and then.
In his first game in charge of Everton, after taking over from caretaker manager David Unsworth, the Toffees took the lead through an uncharacteristically brilliantly crafted team goal against Huddersfield Town.
Midfield destroyer Idrissa Gueye spread the ball wide to Aaron Lennon who drove inside and found Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin then found the run of Glyfi Sigurdsson with a genius backheeled pass. The Icelandic playmaker made no mistake, calmly stroking the ball into the bottom left corner, sending Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lössl the wrong way.
Goodison Park rejoiced as Big Sam’s reign got off to a flying start after a disastrous start to the season. Unsurprisingly, the fans were relieved to see their team playing some silky football again.
https://twitter.com/shanefolloway/status/936999656768319490
https://twitter.com/bluegirl1878/status/936998303056744450
Amazing what confidence does do a footballer. Look at the difference between today’s Gylfi and the Gylfi of three weeks ago
— Jordan. (@JWoodcock87) December 2, 2017
Everton went on to win 2-0, with Calvert-Lewin getting the second.