Everton were once again left well-beaten at home by Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, in what could only be described as the worst possible start to the new season.
Few expected fireworks from the hosts, but a 3-0 loss now has them at the foot of the Premier League table, once again forced to look up at those they are chasing.
However, the scoreline does not quite do the performance justice, especially in the first half, where Sean Dyche’s men were by far the better side and created plenty of chances to show for it.
Profligacy once again reared its ugly head, whilst the visitors’ proficiency proved pivotal.
But that was not all that separated the two sides, as the Seagulls had another crucial asset that Everton simply did not.
Brighton showed Everton exactly what they are lacking
The Toffees have been lacking pace for as long as most fans can remember, and that is not just in the wide areas either.
Naturally, Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison do not inspire support, but neither does watching Vitaliy Mykolenko or Ashley Young try to defend one-on-one, or watching James Tarkowski and Michael Keane dragged out of possession and forced to scramble towards the backline.
These are players distinctly lacking speed, and it has let them down for so long now.
However, it was out wide where this asset really proved decisive for Brighton, with Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adringra all terrorising the Toffees throughout their respective spells on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Harrison had chances to cause issues but failed to produce a killer instinct, whilst McNeil in particular was anonymous.
The 24-year-old managed just 40 touches all game despite playing 90 minutes, with Jordan Pickford accumulating more, and he would lose possession nine times as well.
With that in mind, perhaps such a poor performance and a glaring lack of pace could spur Dyche and Kevin Thelwell back into the market for one final addition.
Largie Ramazani could fix Everton’s big problem
After all, they have been linked with a whole host of wingers, with Everton’s interest in Largie Ramazani one such example.
Described by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig as an ‘explosive winger’ with ‘electric pace & acceleration,’ this alone should be enough to tempt the Toffees.
His £6m price tag should provide another reason for them to get involved, as the 23-year-old recorded eight goal contributions last season for a lacklustre Almeria side that fell to relegation.
Clearly at a level much higher than the Spanish second tier, perhaps Everton could rescue Ramazani, and in turn finally solve the long-standing problem which has plagued the club for years now.
All they need is some pace and a little bit of quality to strike unbridled fear into the hearts of their opposition.
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