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A perfect way to start off the season. It's becoming increasingly obvious that Eddie Howe's philosophy is dawning on the Magpies. We dominated this game in every aspect. There are only good things coming for the rest of the season. For the first time I can recall, we are playing football that doesn't look like a military training session. We took the game to Forrest, completely unafraid to take risks. 

Our defense looked so calm at regaining possession and building from the back. Both Schar and Burn were stellar but it's difficult to see Botman not coming in sometime this season. I really like that Howe slowly integrates new signings into the squad. Targett and Trippier were both reliable on both ends of the pitch with them unafraid of overlapping runs to get crosses into the box.

Yet again, Bruno was incredible. His movements are effortless and he was unlucky to not get an assist. There were several passes into dangerous areas that we just didn’t finish. Even the smaller things like dispossessing Forrest and ball progression. Joelinton was class at driving the ball forward, having a couple decent half chances like the solo run in the first half which he could have easily tucked away. He nabbed a nice assist for our second goal. Wilock had a few moments of composure; his work didn’t go unnoticed but he could have more direct contributions in the future. However, with Shelvey’s long-term injury we’re definitely going to need some midfield depth. Either a CM with Bruno playing as a deeper 6 or a DM so Bruno and Joelinton can become more free roaming.

Importantly, the entire midfield trio were unselfish and tenacious, unafraid to drop back or push up, creating crucial numbers advantages. They broke down a number of opposition attacks before anything dangerous occurred. I noticed a lot of them working in synch with our forwards to make diagonal runs and close down pockets off space.

Really, both ASM and Almiron were wasteful and frustrating. However, an improved connection with their respective fullbacks is obvious. Under Rafa Benitez or Steve Bruce, those two were forced to drop back every time we lost the ball but this time they’re higher up the pitch, trusting the fullbacks. I think this will be a trend throughout the season, even against some of the bigger teams. Particularly Almiron, was making good runs off the ball but was unable to make anything happen. He had a cross that ASM failed to connect with and a chance to slot one under Henderson’s legs. Yet again, ASM is capable of flashes of brilliance with just nothing concrete. Wilson’s goal really covered up his average performance, mostly incognito in the first half. It’s clear that we need a new attacking signing, likely at right wing or a 15+ goal a season striker.

It’s the first time in my lifetime I can remember actually being excited and ambitious. We look composed, hungry and energetic. We’re actually playing a brand of football that doesn’t make me want to bleach my eyeballs. Last piece of the puzzle is a Jarrod Bowen type signing. Schar’s goal for GOTM. We had a gazillion chances and it could have been 4/5-0 if buried some. It’s unlikely that we won’t go and get a marquee attacking signing like Isak, Joao Pedro or James Maddison who have all recently been linked.

Lucas Digne has officially signed a new contract with Everton, tying him down to Merseyside until 2024. The Frenchman has been one of the Toffee’s star men since joining in 2018 for around 15 million Pounds. That relatively modest price tag now looks like an absolute bargain because the flying Frenchman has been one of the Premier League’s most solid attacking full-backs for the past couple of seasons. Digne claims that the team’s “big ambition” and “love supporters show him everyday made it an easy decision for him. Additionally, Digne talked about his European ambitions, his improvement over the course of the season and, manager, Carlo Ancelotti’s experience with winning big.

“We have a big project with the Club and can reach something very good at the end of this season and for the next few years. I want to play in Europe and Everton is the best place to do that. I have seen the progress every year since joining the Club, we are building a strong team.” Digne sees something that we have only had glimpses of over the course of this campaign. Despite currently residing in 7th place, Everton have looked extremely capable at points. Everton are tied on points with rivals, Liverpool, with a game in hand and look likely to push on into one of the Europa League spots. 

However, Everton have had this ambition for several years now. In recent years they have invested heavily in their squad, bringing players like Gylfi Sigurosson, Richarlison and Davy Klaassen for hefty price tags. On the other hand, could these be the final pieces of the puzzle. Over the summer, Everton showed their ambition by bringing in James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Young striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has really found his own, scoring 13 goals this season. Additionally, the appointment of a serial winner like Carlo Ancelotti might just be the last move to take the club onto the European stage. Digne himself has talked about the importance of the the Italian’s “ winning mentality”.

Digne has been a standout star in an over-achieving Everton side this season, Despite missing 7 games due to an ankle injury, he has already recorded 6 assists, the most of any defender in the league. This is not a one off for the Frenchman either, in his debut season he contributed to 52 chances, more than any other defender in the top 5 leagues, sharing Everton’s Player of the Year Award with Idrissa Gueye. Overall, Digne has directly contributed to 24 goals in 97 matches, scoring 5 and assisting 19. The final question is truly whether Digne will stick sound for the whole years. Judging by his currently exponential growth, it's quite likely that a bigger club could swoop in for him.