Everton have a long way to go, but at least they got off to a winning start under Sam Allardyce, beating Huddersfield Town 2-0 at Goodison Park.
Saturday’s victory over Huddersfield Town finished off the most satisfying week this season for Everton; two wins, six goals scored and most importantly of all, none conceded.
Many Evertonians are still perhaps unsure about the appointment of Sam Allardyce, a man renowned for rescuing struggling clubs and seemingly lost causes in the Premier League’s lower reaches, as well as playing defensive, agricultural football. That’s not an ideal match on paper for the ‘school of soccer science’.
However, despite those misgivings and leaving aside Saturday’s vital win, Everton are still facing a real struggle to rescue this season and Allardyce is ideally equipped for that kind of battle. Although the Blues have moved up the table to the heady heights of 10th, there’s still much work to be done to maintain the upturn in form we’ve seen this week.
The first half against Huddersfield in particular was certainly a stodgy and unconvincing performance, which seemed to underline again all the problems Everton have exhibited this season; low confidence, individual mistakes and a critical lack of quality with the final ball.
Gylfi Sigurdsson especially was having a terrible game until he scored. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal also owed plenty to good fortune, although Wayne Rooney’s pass was superb.
Having said all that, there was a noticeable improvement after half-time. There just seemed to be more real commitment and a better sense of defensive shape.
It’s also pleasing to see Mason Holgate getting a chance at centre-back, which is his best position. A long-term partnership of Holgate and Michael Keane at the back seems to be the best bet going forward.
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In addition, Allardyce made a tactical tweak as he admitted afterwards, pushing Sigurdsson and Aaron Lennon further forward, with it bringing instant reward. Here’s an example that he is not just a solid defensive organiser (something Everton definitely need), but that he can also improve the attacking players’ effectiveness.
Actually, Allardyce is a manager who can put together an efficient and entertaining team if given time and resources. Look no further than what he did with Bolton Wanderers.
Since then, you can argue the 63-year-old hasn’t had enough time or financial backing, to repeat that success. Instead, he has tended to go from struggling club to club, do a rescue job and then move on.
The truth is that without the galaxy of attacking talent Manchester City, Chelsea and maybe even Liverpool possess, Everton have to cut their cloth a little a little. They have to recognise that first of all, they must stop conceding sloppy goals to give themselves a chance week in, week out.
So let’s see if Allardyce can prove his doubters wrong and properly revive Everton FC. Next up in the Premier League is the first derby of the season, against Liverpool.
Next: Player ratings from 2-0 win over Huddersfield
What was your initial take when Everton first appointed Allardyce? How has the 2-0 win over Huddersfield affected your opinion of the former England manager? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.