If ever a game summed up Everton‘s season, then the 1-1 draw with Leeds United was it.
There is a real consistency to Everton‘s inconsistency this season, but if you care to delve deeper into the reasons then there are explanations as to its existence.
A lot has been made since the final whistle at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday evening about the fans booing at half-time, however this wasn’t anger or annoyance, it was a statement of the Evertonians’ frustrations.
Once again the team failed to follow up a performance full of spirit, tenacity and togetherness, all shown against Aston Villa, but were completely missing during a first half against Leeds.
- READ MORE: Everton player ratings vs Leeds, Thierno Barry rescues Toffees but there’s one 2/10 after 1-1 draw
Everton fans, who was your standout performer in the 1-1 draw with Leeds? 🤔
David Moyes lineup changes have led to Everton’s inconsistency in recent months
A few weeks back, following the victory at Nottingham Forest, the lineup was changed from one that won and performed well when Michael Keane returned against Brentford. It wasn’t a bad decision in itself from David Moyes, after all Keane had been performing really well prior to the injury which had kept him out. On that day, however, Everton struggled to get to grips with the change of personnel. And they once again struggled to deal with rotation against Leeds on Monday too.
Now, I don’t think anyone would argue against bringing back the two players that had won AFCON with Senegal, however Idrissa Gana Gueye looked leggy in the first half, a yard off the pace, and he wasn’t alone. Loose passes, mistimed tackles and a failure to get to grips with a lively Leeds attack meant that Everton were quite lucky to head into half-time just 1-0 down.
Thankfully, David Moyes made changes to counter the Leeds threat in the second half, and it was as if Dr Jekyll had replaced Edward Hyde.
I think there needs to be a bit of perspective as to why we are seeing this unpredictability in Everton performances, especially at home. I spoke a few weeks ago about the fragility which remains at a club that is being almost reshaped and restored as TFG and Moyes find the solutions to a number of years of insecurity and uncertainty.
The fact Everton might have gone seventh in the Premier League with a win over Leeds could be seen as proof that they are, at least in part, progressing.
There certainly were positive signs against Leeds. Another goal for Thierno Barry, and by the way another exquisite finish, was one such positive, although I do think that we need to see more ‘all-round’ performances from the young striker in the future.
The return of Jarrad Branthwaite to the first-team set-up was certainly pleasant too. Despite the good work done by Keane and Jake O’Brien in his absence, Branthwaite’s return has the feel of that moment when you get your driver’s seat in just the right position.
The Friedkin Group are proceeding with ‘measured caution’ in the transfer window
PROVE ME WRONG: Everton needed more signings in January to make a real European push👇
Alan Myers has hinted at TFG's approach to transfers at Everton, and it won't please fans…
I think there is reason to be hopeful for the second half of the season. I still believe another striker is needed, I couldn’t help but think that Beto’s very late appearance had all the hallmarks of a player who may well depart in this window. There is certainly interest in the 27-year-old, but unless a more suitable replacement is found I can’t see David Moyes allowing departures, especially in an area that is a clear weakness.
It’s currently all quiet on the transfer front. There is a measured caution to Friedkin’s recruitment approach it seems, and it’s clear that they see the summer window as the best opportunity to bring in additions to a squad that certainly needs them. But Moyes has lost, it appears, the services of the influential Jack Grealish and he will want to plug what will prove to be a big gap.
It was so disappointing to hear about the injury to Grealish, his form, along with the needless suspension, has been a touch questionable recently, but what he brings to the side and the club will be missed.
Grealish brought with him a winning mentality from Man City, and a quality and charisma which had been lacking previously. However, the real disappointment will be for Jack himself, he found love at Everton but it looks like that relationship will be a long distance one, albeit 35 miles down the East Lancashire road and it will be he who will arguably miss Everton as much as they will miss him.
The last word must go to the tribute to the great, late Tommy Wright. What a player he was, unassuming as a man but fiercely out there as a full back, arguably Everton’s best ever, he will be sadly missed.
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