Everton boss Marco Silva saluted two-goal striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin after his side’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Sheffield-born Calvert-Lewin progressed through Sheffield United’s academy and produced two clinical finishes inside the first 10 minutes to sink their city rivals Wednesday.
The 22-year-old, who started in Everton’s first three Premier League games this season, responded in style after being recalled to the side.
“Dominic was the striker who (has) started more games with me this season,” Silva said.
“He’s the striker with more time on the pitch, playing more games as well.
“It was important for him to score twice. He had another chance to score to make it a hat-trick, but he did well, scoring at an important moment in the game.
“It’s important to him that he’s now got three goals in his last two games. Let’s hope he can continue in this way.”
Everton quickly put back-to-back league defeats behind them after goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had denied Wednesday striker Sam Winnall in the second minute.
Calvert-Lewin slammed home an excellent finish in the sixth minute and steered in Alex Iwobi’s cut-back four minutes later to effectively kill the tie.
“It was very important for us to start the game well,” Silva added. “We had two early goals and I liked the first half hour as well, it was good.
“Of course they had that chance in the first moment. It was a very good save by Jordan, but we were the best team in the first half, we created more chances.”
Wednesday boss Garry Monk made eight changes following his side’s 1-1 home draw against Fulham on Saturday and said he was pleased with their performance.
“They’ve all been competitive and the truth is on the pitch. A few of them deserved their opportunity and you need to see it,” said Monk, who took charge of his third game since replacing Steve Bruce earlier this month.
“The whole squad is needed and you need to see that in front of you. What you ask them to do, can they take it on to the pitch?
“I thought they did themselves proud tonight. Of course we’re disappointed with the result, no-one wants to lose.
“But overall, in the game there were a lot of good things and the difference was they were more clinical with their chances.”
