Everton 3-0 Nottingham Forest: Dewsbury-Hall Leads Toffees to Best Performance of the Season

Everton produced their most convincing display of the season with a dominant 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This was not a desperate response or a momentary spark. This was structure, confidence and authority rolled into a ninety-minute performance that suggested Everton are beginning to understand exactly who they want to be.

The opening goal stemmed from pressure and precision. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s dangerous delivery caused chaos, forcing Nikola Milenković to turn the ball into his own net. It was officially an own goal, but it carried Dewsbury-Hall’s imprint all the same. His movement, aggression and timing set the tone.

Everton’s second was a moment of pure incision. Thierno Barry, who has been steadily growing into his role, produced a ruthless finish on the counter-attack after Everton broke from deep with purpose. His pace, awareness and composure made the difference, but it was his overall performance that truly stood out. Barry was everywhere pressing intelligently, linking play, threatening in transition and stretching Forest’s defensive line throughout. It was the display of a player starting to believe he belongs at this level.

The third goal, again shaped by Dewsbury-Hall, reflected the growing sophistication of this Everton side. A beautifully crafted set piece opened up Forest’s back line, and Dewsbury-Hall arrived with perfect timing to stroke home a weak-footed finish. Technique, control and confidence combined into a moment that sealed the match and showcased the midfielder’s growing influence.

Behind the goals, Everton’s control was built through two key figures. Jack Grealish delivered another creatively dominant performance, drifting between lines, drawing defenders and giving Everton a rhythm they lacked earlier in the season. James Garner anchored everything in midfield with intelligence and maturity. His ability to set the tempo, win important duels and transition the team from defence to attack ensured Forest never found a foothold.

Forest, for their part, were second-best in every department. Their attacking patterns were suffocated, their transitions cut off and their key threats kept silent. It was a frustrating afternoon for Sean Dyche’s side, who simply could not match Everton’s energy or execution.

For Everton, though, this was more than a win. It was a signal a performance that showed Bournemouth was not an isolated escape but the beginning of something taking shape. A team with structure, belief and match-winners in multiple positions.