(As one who really loves a cliché) Just when you think you’re out, they pull you back in. From this horrid season, we may just be gearing up for another European tour come June, and that is how quickly the pendulum of Everton can swing either way even after a measly 90 minutes. We were very good tonight, and the scoreline very much flattered Huddersfield, as it could have easily been two or three.
There was a bit of fight in the Everton side, which was a lovely sight to see, and some fringe players were re-introduced into the side and all of them definitely gave the manager something to think about.
There needed to be changes after the Millwall game, both personnel-wise and tactically, and we got it. Mr Silva let Tosun do what he does best, absolutely dominate a back line physically.
There was a desire in this Everton team, a scrappiness which has been seldom seen for a long time.
Long may it continue.
But not the 1-0s, could do without 1-0s.
Here’s how we rated the Blues after the win.
Jordan Pickford - 8
Jordan Pickford looked to have finally played his way out of the bad spell he found himself in with two tremendous saves in the second period to hand Mr Silva the three points he so desperately needed.
Sèamus Coleman - 7
A better display from Coleman. He was much calmer with the ball at his feet at the back which saved us on a few occasions after a period of overplaying.
Michael Keane - 6
A decent showing from Keane with his usual partner-in-crime Zouma alongside him. His distribution has been an issue recently, and he sold some of his teammates short with plenty of passes tonight. That needs to be solved, especially in a Marco Silva side.
Kurt Zouma - 7
Zouma was key in the neutralisation of both Mounie and Kachunga tonight, and made sure Siewert’s first game in charge wasn’t going to be a pleasant one.
Leighton Baines - 7
Another quality showing for Baines ended very sadly in injury tonight, which is extremely worrying. Any player getting an injury at 33 is going to have the ramifications amplified, and with Digne’s stupid sending off, we didn’t need an injury to our other healthy left-back option.
Tom Davies - 8
By far Davies’ best showing of the season, he certainly told Mr Silva that Idrissa Gueye will not be missed. Gueye has been a hindrance on this Everton side since the 2017 AFCON, and to have a midfielder with positivity in the side to replace him is a dream scenario.
While it may take us longer to win the ball back without a pure tackler in the middle of the park, having a trio of attacking-minded midfielders is going to suit Mr Silva’s Everton much more.
I hope Tom continues on this path and makes me eat a hefty plate of crow come May.
André Gomes - 5
A smart game from André who controlled the tempo of the game, if nothing else.
He may be next on the ‘rest’ list.
Bernard - 6
Bernard continues his own transition season, and the rest of the campaign now for the Brazilian should be about gelling with his teammates for a push on next season.
Richarlison - 7
Richarlison’s best game in a while coincided with a very important early goal, and it was one that we finally held on to with dear life, a great change from Saturday’s proceedings.
Cenk Tosun - 8 (Man of the Match)
Cenk was at his best tonight. He absolutely pulverised the Huddersfield backline without much contest, and made sure that he was irritating the home crowd at every turn, which is always a welcome sight.
He may not have scored, but like I was preaching last season, his all-around game, on his day, is enough to justify his inclusion.
Subs
Lucas Digne – 0
Stupid. Absolutely clueless.
Jonjoe Kenny – 6
Jonjoe did very well for deputising the injured Baines, especially in an unfamiliar position.