A range of Everton supporters have taken to social media to voice their love for Theo Walcott’s performance against West Ham United on Saturday, with shouts for it being his ‘best performance in an Everton shirt’.
Blues boss Marco Silva named Walcott in his starting line-up for only the second time this season across all competitions (WhoScored), with the former England international returning to the Portuguese’s plans having sat out the Burnley defeat following a concussion sustained against Manchester City.
Walcott featured for just seven minutes against Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues after blocking Raheem Sterling’s cross with his face in the second minute of play, but lasted far longer against Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers as he put on an influential performance as the Toffees emerged 2-0 victors.
The 30-year-old attempted a total of seven shots on Roberto Jimenez’s net on Saturday afternoon, which was the most of any player for either side per WhoScored data, and played the key ball which led to Bernard opening the scoring from an acute angle in the 17th-minute.
Walcott attempted a total of 25 passes during his 86 minutes of action, with 15 finding a teammate, but only one of his efforts on goal forced the Irons’ 33-year-old shot-stopper into action as three sailed wide of the target and three were blocked.
His performance also featured three successful tackles from three attempts, along with one interception, while winning one of three offensive aerial duels. The 47-time England international was also dispossessed three times, caught offside thrice and did not register any attempted dribbles, but fans were won over by his display, as he was ‘excellent’ in a Man of the Match worthy performance.
Here are some of the messages shared lauding Walcott for his ‘class’ display…
I feel like a proud father seeing Walcott finally play well
— Jack (@JackEFC95) October 19, 2019
Walcott was class today, fair play..
— EcclesEFC (@eccles_efc) October 19, 2019
What a performance today from the Blues. Walcott had a blinder, where’s that been?! #EVEWHU #efc
— Cam Melling (@RomseyCam) October 19, 2019
A comfortable commanding performance. Unlucky not to score more and by far Walcott’s best performance in an Everton shirt #EFC #COYB
— Fabric since ’73 (@ToffeeHardNose) October 19, 2019
Shocking refereeing but Great win, best I’ve seen Walcott play in an Everton shirt
— Liam Collins (@LiamEFC8) October 19, 2019
Seems that bang to the head has had a reverse space jam effect on Walcott. Boss performance #efc
— K Hornblower (@hornblower17) October 19, 2019
Get in #efc. Love it when we win! Great performance everywhere on the park. Walcott looked a different player. Mina top class. Gomes is a Rolls Royce of a player. #UTFT #COYB
— Goals on Sunday (@Goals_on_Sunday) October 19, 2019
something I am not sure I’ve ever said.. Theo Walcott was impressive today. I really liked his game. #EFCmatchday #efcwhu #EFC
— Jim M (@Leaffan27) October 19, 2019
Walcott was MOTM for me
— IES (@efc5661) October 19, 2019
