BBC pundit highlights ‘shocking’ Mykolenko error for Everton v Luton

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BBC pundit Rachel Brown-Finnis was highly critical of Vitaliy Mykolenko’s performance for Everton against Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.

Luton Town recorded the first Premier League victory in their history with a 2-1 win against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. The Toffees were pretty dreadful at the back, with Vitaliy Mykolenko amongst those who struggled at times.

The Ukrainian left-back was making his third Premier League appearance of the season, and looked to be short of being at this best. However, as per WhoScored statistics, elements of his performance were impressive. He managed to make eight tackles, completed three key passes, and put in five crosses.

The statistics don’t tell the full story of Mykolenko’s performance, though. The 24-year-old’s poor positioning and lapse in concentration allowed Luton Town to snatch their second goal.

When Luton Town were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area, they were able to put a teasing ball into the Everton box. Hatters striker Carlton Morris ran off the back of Mykolenko far too easily and met the delivery and steered it into the back of the net.

Defining moment damns Mykolenko display

Covering the game for BBC Sport, Rachel Brown-Finnis gave her verdict on Mykolenko’s role in this passage of play. The 82-cap former England international goalkeeper said, “it’s just shocking defending. It’s a simple run by Carlton Morris who’s a top goalscorer…Who are you going to mark? It’s him.”

“He peels off the back shoulder of [Vitaliy] Mykolenko, he’s free. It’s a brilliant training ground free-kick.”

The 34-cap Ukraine international full-back ought to have been far more aware of Morris’ presence and run. To allow such a dangerous player to have such a clear path to goal is unforgivable for a defender at this level of the game. For all the good work that Mykolenko did against Everton. this moment will define his display.

Everton need to find a way of cutting out these unforced mistakes if they are to stand any chance of having a successful campaign. Having shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, Sean Dyche will hope that this performance was merely a blip.