The Sunday Mail
Duncan Ferguson described Everton’s victory against Chelsea as “incredible” after the strugglers delivered a vastly improved showing in the Scot’s first game as caretaker manager.
The Toffees, who axed former boss Marco Silva after the defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, had stunned Frank Lampard’s men at Goodison Park.
The emotional 47-year-old former striker hailed his side’s timely resurgence, but refused to be drawn into the speculation surrounding the permanent role.
“It was incredible, I’ve never felt anything like it in my life. It was unbelievable. What an atmosphere.”
When quizzed whether the ex-professional had imagined his managerial bow culminating in a similar result, Ferguson admitted he had.
“I did to be honest with you. I know we had to defend a lot, and had to sit back and keep in a good shape and actually pick our time to break.
“I think we did well. I thought all the players were absolutely fantastic.”
The caretaker boss also reserved special praise for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had struck twice to propel Everton back out of the relegation zone.
“We really like him here,” Ferguson said. “The goals are coming, he scored two today, and he’s always that threat in behind.
“We had help up there as well with Richarlison, and I thought it worked really well. What an incredible shift everyone put in.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool moved 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a comfortable win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, one of seven changes for the Reds, opened the scoring after a brilliant long-range pass from Jordan Henderson.
Naby Keita made it 2-0 before the break, slotting in with the outside of his foot after Mohamed Salah set him up with a sublime backheel.
Keita then turned provider for Salah as Liverpool eased to victory.
It extends Liverpool’s club record unbeaten run to 33 league games and they have won 15 of 16 Premier League games this season.
Leicester City, Liverpool’s nearest rivals at the top of the league table, do not play until 4pm today when they travel to Marvelous Nakamba’s Aston Villa.
EPL Results & Fixtures
Everton 3-1 Chelsea
Bournemouth 0-3 Liverpool
Tottenham 5-0 Burnley
Watford 0-0 Crystal Palace
Played Late
Manchester City v Manchester United
Today’s fixtures
Aston Villa v Leicester City 4pm
Newcastle v Southampton 4pm
Norwich v Sheffield United 4pm
Brighton v Wolverhampton 6:30pm
Tomorrow
West Ham v Arsenal 10pm — BBC
