Everton’s most recent Premier League defeat to Manchester United was marred greatly by the decision making of referee Jon Moss, who penalised Idrissa Gueye for a seemingly fine challenge on Anthony Martial.
Once Paul Pogba put the home side 1-0 by converting the initially saved spot-kick, it was an uphill battle for Everton, who regardless of their three successive Premier League wins, always seem to fall away in big games, whether that be Old Trafford, Anfield or Stamford Bridge.
Twitter: RT @EFC_Statto: Everton have had 12 shots on target against the “Top 6” teams away from home in the Premier League this season – 3 more tha… (@bluekippercom)
The performance that followed was one of valiancy, remaining integrity and although Everton were by no means “good”, the ability to turn up at big ground surely will give manager Marco Silva some hope. Everton have played 62 games against Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea since the start of the 2008/09 season- losing 35 of those, winning just five.
Yet on the pitch performance indicates that Everton’s dire habits of folding away from home are slowly fading to black. The most recent loss to Arsenal at the Emirates can be attributed to Silva not having a fully fit squad at his disposal, on top of a missed offside incident which led to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang putting his side into the lead.
With trips to Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in the pipeline over the next two months, it is almost imperative that points have to be accumulated if the Toffees wish to pursue a European spot this season. New faces such as Lucas Digne, Richarlison and Andre Gomes have all been huge contributors to Everton’s newfound competitiveness away from home. Their ability to play fast is indispensable to the game plan as the away team- less possession means you have to be more efficient with the ball, and Everton certainly seem to be competing on that front.
Matching United on 14 shots each and completing 16 tackles to 15 are indicative of a team who can be bullish and confident of creating chances away from home. Poor refereeing decisions aside and more time to become cohesive as a team, and Silva’s new look Everton could redevelop the air of fearlessness when taking on the big boys- a fearless shown perfectly the last time Everton won at Old Trafford in the December of 2013. A fearlessness that sees Everton fear no man, and to be competitive against all comers.
In order to unlock Everton’s full potential, this is one of the greatest hurdles in Marco Silva’s managerial career, that he must find the solution too.
