Alexander Iwobi returned to the Everton squad for the first time this season and was a second half substitute as the Blues mauled Semi Ajayi’s West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park in the Saturday’s early kick off.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a hat-trick, new signing James Rodriguez scored his first goal for Everton and Richarlison opened his account for the season as Carlo Ancelotti’s side put five past the Baggies.
Clavert-Lewin is now the leading scorer in the league with four goals after his winner against Tottenham on the opening weekend.
Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereria were on target for West Brom who finished the game with ten men after Kieran Gibbs received a red card just before the break, for an altercation with James.
Albion manager Slaven Bilic also got his marching orders for remonstrating with the referee’s decision over the red card.
The win lifts Everton to the top of the Premier League for the time being, while West Brom have now lost both of their matches following their return to the topflight.
Iwobi’s future has been a cause of speculation after he was left out of Everton’s season opening victory at Tottenham and the League Cup tie against Salford in midweek.
With manager Carlo Ancelotti having bought former Real Madrid attacking midfielder Rodriguez, reports suggested the Super Eagles midfielder was surplus to requirements and could be sold before the close of the transfer window on 5 October.
But it emerged he had been suffering from a knock and having fully recovered, was named in the squad for the match against the Baggies.
With the game won and Everton cruising at 5-2, Ancelotti introduced the Nigerian for hat trick hero Calvert-Lewin with 20 minutes left and while he didn’t pull up any trees, the runout would have done his fitness a world of good.
Iwobi who joined Everton for £40m from Arsenal last season could yet still be part of Ancelotti’s plans.
