Everton’s 2-1 defeat away to Newcastle threw up some major changes in Carlo Ancelotti’s approach, much to the surprise of football fans from all corners.
There were some key changes in personnel, the most notable of which was Jordan Pickford dropping down to the bench with Swedish international Robin Olsen taking his place between the posts.
The experienced England international has endured a difficult period marred by controversy and errors and found himself replaced by summer signing Olsen who is on loan at Everton from Serie A giants AS Roma.
Ancelotti said via Everton’ official Twitter account: “I just want to give @JPickford1 a rest for this game and to give an opportunity to Olsen, to have minutes. Jordan will be back for the next game against Manchester United.”
Pickford was fortunate not to be suspended retrospectively after a horror challenge left Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk needing knee surgery in the 2-2 derby draw at Goodison Park on October 17.
In terms of league clean sheets, he has managed just one – at Tottenham on September 13 – for the Toffees, whose unbeaten start came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at Southampton last weekend. Their woes were compounded by yesterday’s defeat against Newcastle.
In other key changes, both full-backs were new to Ancelotti’s team sheet; Niels Nkounkou made his Premier League debut on his birthday, whilst Jonjoe Kenny returned from injury into the Everton line-up.
There was plenty to unpack from Everton’s defeat, and fans across the footballing world were quick to have their say…
Twitter: Maradona was “clever” with his hand ball too. Shouldn’t have been a penalty but a free kick the other way. #NEWEVE https://t.co/TjuVa1URF1 (@toadsy_boro)
Twitter: Feels great to wake up 2nd in the league this morn. If we hadnt had var go against against newcastle we’d be top
(@Yeti_ProducerUK)
Twitter: Plenty of positives to take away from a big win
#NUFC |
@LiamJKennedy23
https://t.co/sPNjDrOIbb (@MouthofTynePod)
Twitter: You Everton fans have gone a bit quiet this weekend (@dsipokeful)
Twitter: Back 3 vs Everton thank you. https://t.co/UQ1Vgq8T7r (@UtdZakee)
Twitter: @grandoldteam @Everton Forward players winger / striker we have shown the issues of no rich and James in the last 2 games (@jonty1878)
