There was little to fault following Everton’s impressive 1-0 victory over West Ham United yesterday, as they were seldom troubled at the back, and offered an admirable threat despite never really throwing many bodies forward.
The visitors were seemingly quite content with allowing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to spearhead the line on his lonesome, occasionally supported by a winger or Abdoulaye Doucoure, before his special solo finish provided the difference.
He had been feeding off scraps all game, so when his magical touch afforded him the space to shoot, he would make no mistake.
However, things could have been much different, and far more comfortable, had Jack Harrison handed Sean Dyche’s men the opener in the first half.
Capitalising on the dawdling Lucas Paqueta, he raced through with options either side of the sole defender in Nayef Aguerd. However, he would only end up feathering a weak shot into the arms of Alphonse Areola.
Speaking live on Sky Sports (1:56 pm, 29/10/23), pundit Roy Keane would lay into the Englishman, claiming: ‘It’s poor from West Ham but it’s a reflection of the game – that decision making, that quality and being decisive.
‘It’s a great run and he’s just got to bide his time. Now. Just give the pass and then he’s square for a tap-in.
‘Lack of belief, lack of confidence, lack of quality. It just reflects on the game. It’s been a really poor game but this is a great opportunity for Everton and they’ve got to take these chances. It’s a huge moment in the game.’
How did Jack Harrison play vs West Ham?
Whilst Keane may have suggested it summed up the game, it could actually be argued that such a failure to pick the right option marked a microcosm for Harrison’s entire afternoon, who struggled to exert himself on the match.
Earning yet another start on the flank, the 26-year-old’s 6.6 rating was the second-worst of any of the visiting side despite recording the assist for the winner.
Such a disappointing figure despite that contribution should speak volumes for the low level of performance he put in, managing just 28 touches and losing an impressively poor nine of the 11 duels he competed in, via Sofascore.
Whilst the £90k-per-week star remained workmanlike with his pressing, nothing seemed to come off for the on-loan Leeds United man, emphasised through that butchered opportunity in the first half.
Keane’s criticisms were completely justified, and Arnaut Danjuma might have seen his interest piqued as an opportunity to break into the first team has now seemingly arisen.
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