No Silva Lining In The End

A decent performance against the best team in England but sadly an all too familiar feeling leaving Goodison Park. Going into the game not even the most optimistic blue would of thought we would win the game. We put in a good performance and could of easily got something out of the game. This can be added to a long list of games where we have played well but taken nothing from the game in past seasons.

Manchester City are a class act there is no disputing that. They have some incredible footballers who would get in any team in the world. There 3 substitutes used in the game were Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and David Silva! Imagine being able to call on them from the bench! For periods in the game yesterday Everton put the Champions on the back foot and if not for a couple of good saves and squandered chances the result may of been different.

Seamus Coleman put in his best performance for a long time. Yerry Mina had a good game again apart from giving the free kick away for the second goal and missing a couple of headed chances at the other end. DCL scored (although it was snatched from the Captain!) and won several headers throughout the game also causing problems for the centre backs of City. Richarlison had a good go at times without being spectacular.

Glyfi Sigurdsson went missing for most of the game and his lack of form and contributions is a concern. How to get the best out of the Icelandic number 10 is one of a number of questions Marco Silva needs to find out and quick. On his day he is a very good footballer but seems to glide through games without doing much more often that not this season.

The unfortunate incident involving Theo Walcott having to be replaced early on meant a reshuffle for Marco Silva. Alex Iwobi was his replacement and most blues including myself will of wondered why Walcott was starting ahead of him. One theory may of been that Theo would offer more defensive cover against the excellent Raheem Sterling. Judging by Iwobi’s performance, my theory is that he was not fit or carrying a knock. He was sluggish and gave the ball away a lot. He still assisted in setting up the goal and playing a fantastic lofted through ball for Sigurdsson which he couldn’t bring down when a flick of a foot or a header may of put it past the on rushing Ederson.

The pressure to pick up some points is now on. Seven points from the same number of games is an awful return. We have had an easier run than most and have lost games which on paper we should of won. With no disrespect to Aston Villa or Sheffield United we should be beating newly promoted teams if we want to achieve things.

On to Burnley away next three points is vital. We sit two points ahead of the relegation zone. Burnley is a tough place to go and we will need to put in a good performance to come away with the win.

Our away form has been dreadful for years now and is something that the club need to address. It has been the same through several different managers and squads so you cannot put the finger at either. For me it is a mentality within the Everton 1st team not to get beat away from home and a point is enough of a return. This needs to change somehow.

Another defeat at the weekend could spell the end of Marco Silva’s reign and a drop into the relegation zone for the blues. Let’s hope we win the game so neither happens next week.