Everton find a way to win ahead of Big Sam’s reign

With new manager Sam Allardyce sitting in the stands, Everton put together their best performance of the season, as they thumped West Ham United 4-0.

Well that was unexpected. Just to remind us how unpredictable football (and Everton) can be, we had an excellent example of the funny old game on Wednesday night at Goodison Park.

Coming into this match, we had a team struggling to find any form, leaking goals, low on confidence and with a new manager taking charge. And that was just West Ham! (Drum beat.)

All joking aside, we don’t think anyone looking at the two sides was predicting the final result. Both teams have struggled so much so far this season.

However, with soon-to-be boss Sam Allardyce looking on the Blues turned in a welcome performance, highlighted of course by a brilliant hat-trick from Wayne Rooney. His third goal was a gem, reminding us all just what he can bring to the team when he’s at his best.

We’ve previously suggested Rooeny might have to be sacrificed to get the best out of other signings. However, based on the evidence of Wednesday night, playing in a deeper midfield role seems to make sense, finding him a place in the team and perhaps building the side around him.

With the incoming manager watching next to majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri in the stands, this match had the feel of players auditioning for a starting role. Everyone seemed to up their game, likely wondering what the impact of Allardyce’s appointment might mean for them.

You have to wonder as well why they couldn’t have produced something like this before?! While David Unsworth was probably never the solution going forward, you have to feel a little sorry for him on his final night as Everton manager, with the team finally putting together a decent performance.

Despite Rooney’s all round excellence, Jordan Pickford was once again pivotal. He offered that solid consistency and reassuring presence in goal.

Pickford made a fine save later in the game, but it was his penalty stop that was more impressive and important. Not only did he prevent it going it but, unlike Joe Hart’s against Rooney earlier, he turned it away at the same moment to prevent any chance of a follow-up goal.

Had that penalty been scored, West Ham would have been right back in the match. We’re not sure Everton would have hold on, as the confidence might easily have drained away from the players, given what has happened this season.

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Despite this win, at best it has only papered over the cracks. Once more we saw individual errors almost costing Everton.

Although Ashley Williams scored a fine header late on, his defending is still a real concern. In particular, he gave away the aforementioned penalty with another clumsy, ill-timed challenge.

It is these individual errors and defensive lapses Allardyce will have to address as a matter of urgency. As Wednesday night underlined, if Everton can keep some clean sheets, they have the players to hurt opponents.

You can argue Sean Dyce was the Blues’ best bet, especially as the increasingly desperate chase for Marco Silva fizzled out. Regardless, Allardyce at least offers plenty of battle-hardened experience in the Premier League basement and will surely instill some much-needed shape and defensive discipline to the team.

Is the former England manager the long-term solution? In truth, there’s no way of answering the question at this stage.

However, the January transfer window will be critical in seeing if he can use whatever money is made available, to sign the right players (including, hopefully, a striker). For now though, it is important for Evertonians to get behind Allardyce and his staff, as they focus on helping the team turn around this dreadful season.

Next: Sam Allardyce confirmed as new manager

What did you take away from the win over West Ham? Do you predict it will be the start of a turnaround for Everton, or are you still concerned about how this season will play out? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.