After another disappointing result, Everton are approaching crisis point. Here are ten things we noticed from Thursday night’s dismal draw.
Williams Woes
Ashley Williams pass for the first goal cost Everton any chance of early momentum.=. Nonchalant as anything. When he was signed, the cognoscenti were made up as ‘Stones fannied about while Williams will just get rid.’ 2 goals conceded because of his inability on the ball recently. Let’s hope he turns it round quickly.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x62kt2o
Away Fan of the Day
The shirtless yeti Russell Brandalike in the Limassol end jumping all over the people in front of him when they scored. Sweat.
Hard Luck Story
Davies being hooked despite showing for every ball and being the only one of the midfield 3 who was brave enough to pass forward. Tom had one of those nights where not a lot came off but never hid, unlike some who could be mentioned.
Get Off The Pitch!
Rooney going all Paul Rideout with the kids who invaded the pitch to celebrate, ushering them to the stewards with reproachful looks. Surprising because of all the players who should understand their emotions, it would be Rooney having grown up as an Evertonian. Contrast that with Brian Labone in the 1966 FA cup final pleading with the police to go easy on Eddie Cavanagh.
Gylfi Getting There?
Siggy (hate to use a nickname but still can’t spell his name) being made up after his sublime flick through to Vlasic. Hopefully this gives him a bit of confidence.
Everton’s Bear Pit Silenced Again
Goodison was quiet again last night. So much for the famous under the lights at Goodison. For most of the first half, you could hear someo Roger Whittaker fan making bird sounds. It wasn’t until they equalised in the last 10 minutes Goodison roared. The players need a bit of help at the moment. Whilst there’s the argument that we need them to get the crowd going, it’s a 2 way thing.
Nikola Vlasic bright spot in uninspiring Europa performance for Everton https://t.co/DzQsOE2ELs pic.twitter.com/WBw3VKljKJ
— dirty business (@dirty_links) September 29, 2017
Vlasic the Impaler
Vlasic being the most direct and positive of the forward players in his one half of play. The ability to play wide as well as inside means he must start on Sunday.
DCL is A-OK
Likewise, DCL must also start. His movement is excellent and he doesn’t give defenders a break. Sandro looked a little better having him alongside him. DCL is the only player we have at the moment who can hold the ball up in the centre forward position, Niasse included. DCL was unlucky with his header which was saved in the dying minutes. It was a heck of a save but half a yard to the left and he scores, we win and the moans are mumbles.
Forward Thinking
Two defensive mids at home has to stop for a while. By all means, play one of Gueye or Schneiderlin but Davies has to be the other at home. He’s tactically aware enough to drop in but plays forward and links play rather than spreading it to the full backs. As Koeman stated, the players need to be brave. Davies is playing with that bravery more than any other midfielder at the moment. The alternative of course is to play with 2 wingers….
🎥 | @RonaldKoeman's post-Apollon evertontv verdict…#EFCmatchday pic.twitter.com/JI9F428BGN
— Everton (@Everton) September 28, 2017
Inspiration Needed
Koeman’s walking sigh act isn’t helping. He genuinely looked shell shocked after the equaliser last night. The Dutchman looked resigned to the draw which sends a poor message to the players. He has to motivate and build the players confidence. Great managers do that. He admitted after the game last night that the team lacks balance. This is his team though. Whilst there are injuries, he’s got to find some consistency, especially in his forward selection. It’s harder for the new players to work out each other’s games when they are in and out of the side.
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