Silva’s joy about ‘Fortress Goodison’

44

4 3 12 2 0

Possession 56

2 Shots on target 2 10 Shots off target 6 Corners Offside Fouls Cautions Sending- of fs

scored the winner and was pivotal in nearly everything Everton did on the day. 7 1

10 3

0

everton 1 watford 0

Marco Silva hopes Everton can continue to enjoy their home comforts as the season progresses after they recorded their fifth successive Premier League win at Goodison Park by edging out Watford.

Bernard’s 10th-minute strike was all that separated the sides, Everton holding on to claim victory with some resolute defence and some moments of fortune.

Watford defender Craig Dawson headed against the bar, while Troy Deeney’s shot clattered off goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s face after going through one-on-one as Everton sealed their first Premier League victory of the campaign.

Crucial to their recent success on Merseyside has been their miserly back-line, with clean sheets in each of their last six top-flight fixtures at home.

Silva said: “We want to make Goodison a fortress. I’m really proud of our record and our players, the numbers are fantastic for us.

“We’ve had six cleans sheets at home, five wins in a row and 10 clean sheets in the last 13 (league) games (overall).

“Our home record in the last six games is fantastic.

“Our players are working really hard. Not just the goalkeeper and the back-line, but everyone is working really

STAR MAN: BERNARD

hard. Now the next step is to do the same in the other box. We are creating chances, but now is the time for us to be more assertive.”

Everton made a purposeful start, which was rewarded when the influential Lucas Digne’s long ball led to Bernard cutting inside and rifling beyond Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster at his near post.

Richarlison missed a free header shortly before half-time, and though Watford recovered from a sluggish opening to create a number of opportunities to level, they lacked a cutting