While it came as little surprise that Everton could easily beat Stoke, the player who made the greatest impression did raise eyebrows. No, it wasn’t Romelu Lukaku, but rather Gerard Deulofeu, getting his first league start with the Toffees, that created the biggest splash against Stoke. The victory temporarily lifts Everton into fourth, although both Manchesters and Chelsea still are set to play.
In a surprising opener, Gerard Deulofeu, who looked so unimpressive against Crystal Palace a few weeks back, took a crack at imitating Leighton Baines with a lovely free kick. The almost-always perfect Asmir Begović had no issues saving, however. In the 15th, Deulofeu tested Begović once more, but it would take more than some fancy footwork to defeat the Bosnian keeper.
Ultimately, the Spaniard found that special something. After playing a bit of one-two with Steven Pienaar as the two made their way up the pitch, Deulofeu got the ball back from Gareth Barry and, despite the many Stoke shirts littering the box, slid his shot in at the near post.
After the restart, Everton wasted little time in doubling their lead. This time Deulofeu did the heavy lifting, sending a cross into the area, and Barry once again got a touch. Seamus Coleman got the finish, though, leaving Begović with no chance as he directed his shot into the top corner.
Less than ten minutes later, the hosts had their third goal. This one came courtesy of the man stepping in for Baines, Bryan Oviedo. A corner kick played in found the Costa Rican at the edge of the area, and Oviedo put his shot off the post and past Begović. The man with the assist? Well, Deulofeu, of course.
But of course, the match couldn’t be finished without a goal from Romelu Lukaku. Oviedo, refusing to be content with just a simple goal, made his way up the left before slotting over to Lukaku. Sitting just a few yards in front of goal, what else could the Belgian do but put in Everton’s fourth?
Everton: Howard, Coleman, Oviedo, Distin, Jagielka, Deulofeu, Pienaar (Mirallas 83), Barry, McCarthy, Osman, Lukaku (Jelavic 80)
Subs not used: Joel, Hibbert, Heitinga, Barkley, Stones
Goals: Deulofeu 45′, Coleman 49′, Oviedo 58′, Lukaku 79′
Stoke City: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Muniesa, Pieters; Walters (Shea 59), Whelan, Nzonzi, Adam (Jones 59), Assaidi; Crouch
Subs not used: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Wilson, Ireland, Palacios
