Everton will be feeling more than content after last night’s result, in which they hardly set the world alight, but still took a crucial point away from St James’ Park.
In a game where they were expected to lose with ease, their solidity, alongside some heroics from Jordan Pickford, handed them that lifeline.
By holding on into the latter stages of the match with just a 1-0 deficit, it did always feel like they might snatch something. And, when Paul Dummett wrestled Ashley Young to the ground inside the penalty area, that lifeline was extended.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had the weight of the world on his shoulders as he stepped up, but the confidence he exhibited to dispatch the spot kick was so admirable. Especially given he had endured an 18-match spell in the Premier League without scoring previously.
No wonder he has amassed support following that moment…
Dele Alli and Jarrad Branthwaite send message to Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Posting on Instagram after the match, the 27-year-old was hardly gushing after ending such a barren run.
However, it was clear how much that goal meant to him, with the picture of him celebrating partnered with a caption of a football and a blue heart.
Whilst many star names were pictured in the comments section offering their support, from Ben Godfrey to the official Everton account, two names in particular stood out.
Both Dele Alli and Jarrad Branthwaite offered wordless messages of support for Calvert-Lewin, with the latter simply sending an emoji with sunglasses on.
The 21-year-old centre-back, conversely, posted a fire emoji with that same blue heart again.
It is clear how much this goal meant not just to the striker but the entire squad.
Everton’s strikers are fighting to return to form
For all their outstanding issues this season, and the striker’s struggles in front of goal, these last few weeks have seen both Beto and Calvert-Lewin threaten to emerge from the shadows to fire this side to safety.
After all, neither had impressed really all campaign, thus explaining the interchangeability of the two.
Dyche was happy to mix and match, likely knowing that neither stood out more than the other.
However, with goals against West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth, the Portuguese marksman has threatened to find form at last.
Then, ironically so, Calvert-Lewin would in turn end his goal drought last night, firing him from the penalty spot to salvage a point for the Toffees.
Should this duo manage to share the offensive workload for the rest of this run-in, safety is certainly assured. Hopefully, in getting this unwanted record off his back, the former Sheffield United ace will now be able to push on in particular.