Everton lose 1-0 at Watford in forgettable display
By Paul Taylor
Everton produced another disappointing performance on their travels, as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Watford at Vicarage Road.
Saturday’s defeat at Watford completed another miserable away day for the Blues. Everton lacked ambition and spark in a forgettable game at Vicarage Road, as they were beaten by a late Troy Deeney strike.
For Watford, this was a very useful three points that helped put further distance between themselves and the relegation zone. As for Everton, this was further confirmation of the malaise this is affecting the team, something that shows no sign of dissipating.
The Blues managed just one shot on goal all evening. Once again, lapses in concentration defensively ultimately proved costly.
Neither side offered much going forward in a game of nerves and poor quality. But Watford were ultimately the more positive of the two teams and snatched the win and the points as Everton continued their poor away form.
Where do the Blues go from here? There seems no end to the dreadfully poor form of this season.
It’s hard to find any positives in the team’s performances at the moment. Even the win over Crystal Palace in the previous games was a streaky and fortunate one.
There are so few individuals producing at the moment. Even Jordan Pickford’s form has declined; although playing behind Everton’s defence, it’s no wonder he seems a little jaded!
More from Prince Rupert's Tower
- Everton 0 Arsenal 1: Blues fall to third home defeat
- Further chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 Partners
- Everton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on Sunday
- More madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 Partners
- Everton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questions
The seemingly panicky way in which Sam Allardyce was appointed indicates a lack of coherent strategy at the club. Marco Silva seemed to be the only candidate the board was focused on.
When it was clear Silva would not be allowed to leave Watford (ironically) there was no one else in the frame. So when Allardyce looked like the only available alternative, the club was forced to give him the kind of long-term contract you doubt they envisaged.
The 63-year-old seems a genuinely decent and honest man, who appears really committed to trying to build something at Everton. But the poverty of his ambition on the pitch is being laid bare, in team performances that are light years away from what Evertonians expect.
Still, Allardyce can’t take all the blame for players who are performing well below expectations and their price tag. Surely some of these individuals can’t be long for the Everton dressing room?
On the back of results like Saturday’s against Watford, it seems like we’re in for another summer of uncertainty and rebuilding at Goodison Park. *Sigh!*
Next: Blues' loan watch monthly report
What was your main takeaway from Saturday’s loss to Watford? What kind of success are you predicting for Everton moving forward, between now and the end of this season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.