Finally a win on the road! It’s been along time coming but the Blues now have the 1st away win of the season under their belt and the first victory away since March.
An early strike by Tom Davies started the ball rolling. A dominant first half but with only one goal to show for it, left us fearing the worst at half time given how Everton often self destruct under the littlest of pressure. Danny Ings strike early into the second half gave an all too familiar feeling that the game was going to end with no reward for the Blues.
Richarlison’s left footed volley 15 minutes from the end ensured Evertonians could happily watch Match of the Day later that evening and a much needed 3 points returned to Merseyside.Richarlison appeared up for it from the first minute.
The last few games have seen a few squad players come in and grab their opportunity with both hands cementing a first team place. Most notably Mason Holgate and Tom Davies. Holgate looks more dependable alongside Mina than the shaky Micheal Keane. A goal and an assist in the last 3 games is also a great return for a centre back.
It appears the loan spell spent at West Brom last season has helped him progressed as a player. Even though he played right back for the Baggies he looks much more comfortable now in his natural position. The game time appears to have taken him to the next level.
Tom Davies has also taken his opportunity for first team football with some excellent performances. He claimed the opening goal from a Holgate assist yesterday. Davies has given us much needed energy from midfield.
Cenk Tosun also got a chance yesterday after his late equaliser against Spurs. He played fairly well yesterday and gave the Southampton defence something to think about.
Finally there appears to be competition for places in the first team. Tosun, Davies and Holgate have all come into the team when they will have been considered by many including myself as bit part players.
Djibril Sidibe has made the right back slot his own at the expense of the club captain Seamus Coleman. The £15 million buy clause in his contract looks a snip in today’s market.
Theo Walcott whilst still frustrating at times, looks a different player since the unfortunate injury he suffered against Man City. Again he is a player who’s time at the Club appeared to be coming to an end but now appears revitalised.
The only players who’s positions appear to be safe in the starting eleven are Pickford, Mina, Digne and Richarlison. That means there are 7 positions that the players are in competition for.
This could possibly be why our results have been better apart from the Brighton game. Players now know that they can be replaced if they have a poor performance and there are players snapping at their heels for their position.
A concern yesterday was the omission from the squad of Moise Kean. Kean hasn’t looked ready yet when he has played but has always been in the match day squad. In his defence he has been getting 15 minutes here and there an mostly out of position on the right wing.
Let’s hope Kean is not another Ademola Lookman. A player who has talent but never fulfils it at the club or wins the manager over. A positive was the inclusion of Anthony Gordon who has had an excellent season in the U23s.
With the likes of Bernard, Delph, Gomes, Gbamin and Kean to come back into the squad let’s hope the players currently holding there positions keep performing to help Everton go in the right directon in the league and cup.
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