What we learned in Everton’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace
By Gary Pearson
Everton get their just desserts after Seamus Coleman scored a late winner to secure the Toffees’ third Premier League win on the trot.
Seamus Coleman scored his first away goal in 11 months to secure all three points for the Toffees at Selhurst Park. Everton haven’t conceded a goal in three matches and have outscored their opponents 8-0 during their current winning run.
Tom Davies spotted Seamus Coleman with a seeing-eye pass and the Irish international made no mistake as he thrashed the ball home from close range.
It’s the kind of away performance that will please Koeman as his side were well organized and sound defensively for the duration. Christian Benteke had only one headed opportunity, which Joel Robles saved acrobatically.
How did the new signings play?
Morgan Schneiderlin and Ademola Lookman started the match on the bench but both made second-half impacts. Schneiderlin was steady, held the ball well and rarely gave away possession. It looks like the Frenchman is still feeling his way into the Everton dynamic, which is to be expected since his arrival from Manchester United less than two weeks ago.
Lookman was fearless in possession and had no qualms about taking Palace on. He showed the breakneck pace and quick feet which put endeared him to Koeman in the first place. The 19-year-old combined well with Romelu Lukaku and injected the kind of youthful exuberance the Toffees required to get over the line.
Mason Holgate and Tom Davies show maturity beyond their years
Mason Holgate and Tom Davies played with confidence and maturity beyond their years. It’s difficult for young players to seamlessly slide into the starting 11 of any Premier League side, but Holgate and Davies aren’t at all fazed.
Holgate played more like a veteran center back. Composed, solid and strong, the 20-year-old neutralized the Benteke threat. And that’s no easy task.
Davies controlled the midfield expertly and used his athleticism to cover a lot of ground. The 18-year-old looks like he’s been starting for years and deserves his place in the first team.
Both youngsters have earned their spots in the starting 11 and are shoo-ins on Koeman’s team list for future matches.
Koeman has struck the right balance
Anyone that understands football knew it was just a matter of time before Koeman got the balance right at Everton. It’s only taken half a season and he’s already on the right track. With a perfect mix of youth and experience, Koeman has formulated the right mix. Everton started the season as the fourth oldest team in the Premier League, but have since gotten considerably younger.
Davies, Holgate and Ramiro Funes Mori have injected youth into the squad, all of whom have earned their spots on the first team.
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Koeman also changed systems, which has worked wonders for his side. Employing three center backs has allowed Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines more freedom to join the attack. Ross Barkley is enjoying playing in a more advanced role and is offering Lukaku the support he was lacking at the start of the season.
With the win, Everton close the gap to five points on sixth place Manchester United. But Evertonians will be more happy with the way their team is asserting themselves on a weekly basis.
Bright times are clearly ahead for Koeman and his upstart Everton side.