Positives and negatives against Everton (EFL Cup)

Written by kirsikka

A match without the same sense of peril that league matches seem to contain. Whether the competition or all the changes, it didn’t quite have the same bite. Still, a decent run out.

What a pleasure to see players breaking en masse and at pace. It really had them on the ropes and the final tally of four didn’t flatter us. I’m delighted to see the desire to get forward is back.

No problem clearing long if the press is closing in, but not sure a high ball for Lowe up against Mina is ever going to be successful. We should be trying to hit the channels, in that situation.

Felt like Rothwell was sitting way too deep, in a L Cook type role. Very surprised at that, as that surely isn’t why we signed him. Not sure how to judge that performance as I was expecting to see him in a Cantwell / Billing position.

Yet another VAR decision that didn’t go our way. This time Gordon staying on the pitch when if the ref had seen a replay, he’d surely have been off. Even when it isn’t being used we still can’t get a VAR decision… Plus, the way the rules work a straight red would mean he misses the next match. If you’re a betting man, lump on him to score on Saturday now.

Two pieces of luck finally going our way, one for each of the first two goals. Would have preferred to get the run of the ball in the league but the Lady smiles on you when she chooses.

Zemura was a dynamo of energy, up and down and trying to get involved. He did look suspect defensively a few times, caught out of position. I’d imagine Everton will target that should he start on Saturday although going off injured may mean he’s ruled out.

My heart sank when Christie took a corner in the first half but it was a relief to see Junior take a couple in the second. Nothing came from them but they were actually delivered to the right area. If Moore, Billing and Lerma had been on the pitch…

Brilliant to see the team not sitting back on a lead, and still committing numbers forward. That was the difference between 4-1 and 2-2.

Finally, not sure if he’ll play on Saturday but if he does, we should keep an eye on Vinagre. He looked sharp. (I’m here all week… try the veal…)

— Positive performances —

Stacey – Up and down like a yo-yo, even on the left. If Smith goes left, he has to be in with a shout of keeping out Fredericks at the weekend.

Stephens – Solid considering his lack of game time. Let’s hope it carries through.

Pearson – Absolutely sold a dummy in the first half which nearly cost a breakaway goal but apart from that was an energetic force.

Dembele – Brought on to scare them with his tricks and pace. Essentially assisted two goals. Surely has played himself into a place on the bench for Saturday.

— Room for improvement —

No obvious candidate but if I was going to be harsh…

Rothwell – A mostly anonymous performance where the game seemed to pass him by. However, as said above, I thought he was being played out of position so not sure it’s his fault.

GO watch: It looks like the message may have finally sunk in to not sit back on leads as we’ll get punished. Too late for his chances of the top job I fear but that was a genuinely pleasurable performance to watch and he should take a lot of credit for it.

As for the next match, 11 changes mean it will be like playing a different team so we shouldn’t read too much into tonight. Still, at least the rot has been stopped with some players also making a case for themselves.

Your say…

SteveJonesLegend wrote…

A lot more attacking intent at times and I did fear for us at 2-1… Good to see the subs made a difference with Dembele and Marcondes getting some much-needed minutes…

It is, however, impossible to gauge any of those players when lumped into a side together… Rothwell was pretty anonymous for a lot of the game but was that because he went about his business or because he was surrounded by players he’d never really played with before… How would be with Solanke, Billing and Moore alongside him…??? Not sure when we’ll ever find out.

Was impressed with Jack Stephens as well… a Proper test on Saturday, but he looked assured and slotted in well for his first real game…

Stand out for me though was Pearson… I shouldn’t be surprised at that, and surely this guy deserves more minutes on a Saturday… Personally, I’d like to see him alongside Lerma as I think he is more creative than some like to think… He was into everything last night and controlled the middle of the park well, albeit against a turgid Everton…

Yes, we still looked ok after we saw their first team subs come on but I think Saturday will be a completely different game… I just hope ‘everyone’ continues the front-foot mindset… Let’s hope they are not the next Soton… – To join the conversation, click here.