I would be lying if I said I expected a victory at Villa Park on Sunday, but what doesn’t surprise me is that this team, this club, and this manager can surprise you at any time.
It was a performance full of commitment, great tactics and talent. Every player played their part, but three in particular stuck out for various reasons.
Firstly, James Garner who put in another man of the match performance. His boundless energy, passing, breaking up of the opposition play and just all round determination have only hastened the need to get that extended contract signed.
I don’t doubt the club has done its part in putting something in front of him, and I don’t doubt for a minute he won’t remain at the club. He is playing the best football of his career, so much so that England manager Thomas Tuchel – who was in attendance – must’ve left Villa Park with a number of thoughts flying around his head. Garner is a hard working, team player, the type Tuchel likes.
- Read More: Everton player ratings vs Aston Villa, Thierno Barry one of four 8/10s in big win for David Moyes
How good was Thierno Barry by the way? 🔥
Thierno Barry proves doubters wrong, but Everton still need to sign a striker
Another player to catch my eye was Thierno Barry. From minute one of the game he was at it – challenging for every header and running across the frontline looking to pressure the Villa defence whenever possible.
It’s what I’ve been waiting to see. Everton’s social media team sent a message “who scouted Thierno Barry?” Following a similar tweet which went viral after the last game where Barry missed a penalty against Sunderland in the cup.
The Frenchman has had his fair share of criticism since his £27m move in the summer, but it was always going to take time for the 23-year-old to get used to new surroundings. He still has a long way to go yet before he can completely convince the Everton faithful, but his performances are definitely improving with both confidence and hunger getting more evident by the week.
I’ve shouted for more options in attack from the start of the season. The reason for that is because I always believed Barry would take time to really find his feet in England, I haven’t changed my view on that but his finish at Villa Park was cool, calm and very clever – a great sign of things that may come and he deserves all the credit.
The third player to impress me is no surprise, but Jordan Pickford once again, showed the world why he is England’s number one choice by a country mile.
His second-half save from Morgan Rogers’ goal-bound shot was nothing short of sensational. Of course we all know how good the Everton keeper is, but as quickly as people are to point out any criticism of him there should be the same intensity and effort to remind us why he is first choice for both club and country.
On another issue, once again Everton were the subject of a negative VAR decision. I’m still not convinced even Armstrong was offside, but even if he was, I feel the interference card which went against the visitors would not have been so clear-cut down the other end.
Everton are suffering all too regularly from poor and sometimes bizarre VAR calls. I’m not sure what else the club can do about it, but it needs highlighting that’s for sure.
Youssef En-Nesyri would be a ‘luxury’ signing Everton can’t afford
Alan Myers isn’t a fan of Youssef En-Nesyri…who should Everton sign instead? 🤔
Recent reports regarding Youssef En-Nesyri concerns about English weather haven't impressed many…
All appears quiet in the transfer window still, however my opinion that Everton need players in this month has not changed. There is interest in the Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri but if all of the reports of him not wanting to play in England because of the cold weather then I’d be sending him a blue and white scarf and telling him to enjoy his time in Italy, which seems to be his preferred destination.
Everton cannot afford to have players who aren’t 100% committed to the cause, they don’t have that ‘luxury’, if you can call it that. I think the club has seen more than its fare share of those type of players for too long now.
With the AFCON tournament now over, there will no doubt be a huge welcome back at Finch Farm for Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, rightly so, but could there be others joining them from the tournament?
I like the look of the Blackburn defender Ryan Alebiosu. The club have been linked, I believe he has huge potential and is one to watch over the remainder of the January window.
However the message remains from me: a striker, please! There’s a European spot up for grabs, why not try and get one?
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