Everton: 3 takeaways from 1-0 loss against Watford

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WATFORD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Sam Allardyce, Manager of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Watford and Everton at Vicarage Road on February 24, 2018 in Watford, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images) /

2) Sam Allardyce tactics mismatched to defensive personnel

For a man renowned for hard-nosed defensive set-up, Allardyce has hardly delivered on Merseyside in the new year. In fact, as Mike Walters at the Daily Mirror remarks, Big Sam’s “obsession” with clean sheets could be making the situation worse. It’s certainly true that unadventurous attacking play has opened the Blues up to narrow losses such as Saturday’s.

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Part of the problem lies in the churn in personnel at the back. The Toffees have not played the same defensive group in back-to-back games since December. Coincidentally, this was the only month of the season in which the Blues did not look porous.

At fullback, there have been injuries, but at centreback, the squad has remained relatively fit. Frankly, it’s baffling that Allardyce changes the middle two so frequently. After all, it’s near impossible to build trust and understanding at the back if there is no consistency in selection.

Evertonians have leapt on defensive mistakes throughout the season. Clearly, this group is not good enough, and there needs to be a changing of the guard in the summer.

However, for now, Allardyce needs to pick a back four and stick with it. Coordination, and organisation will be key in the next 10 games.