Does Everton win over Brighton give Allardyce more time?
Last weekend’s 2-0 victory for Everton over Brighton and Hove Albion has perhaps given manager Sam Allardyce a timely boost amongst Evertonians.
The Everton side that Allardyce picked was positive and attacking in its line-up and intent.
Although Everton struggled for a while to break down a stubborn Brighton team, eventually the goals came and the Blue’s gained three vital points.
The Toffees played with two wide men, Theo Walcott and Yannick Bolasie, either side of centre forward Cenk Tosun. It was a system that worked well and helped to create space for Tosun to exploit.
In addition the overlapping of Everton’s full backs Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman also provided extra width, which proved crucial.
It’s important now that Everton continue in this positive vein with the same team and go to Stoke City and win next weekend.
Looking further ahead, might this result and the manner of Everton’s performance, give Allardyce the chance to build a rapport with Evertonians and perhaps prolong his stay at the club?
There’s been plenty of gossip about his future and many people (including myself) have already assumed he probably won’t be Everton’s boss next season.
But maybe Allardyce might prove all of us wrong in the end. Whatever else, Allardyce is certainly a survivor with a robust self-confidence.
You don’t manage the number of clubs he has in the Premier League and in the situation most of them are in without having a thick skin and being able to deal with criticism.
He’s had plenty of that recently at Everton. Especially after the Burnley game, when the team gave away a first half lead in defeat to the Clarets.
Allardyce responded in the best possible way last Saturday picking eleven players that secured vital points in a match the Blues’ had to win.
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He has also spoken about how much he wants the Everton job and wants to be at the club for the long-term in what to all intents and purposes is going to be his last job in the Premier League.
I think it’s clear Allardyce wants to be remembered as more than just a ‘fireman’ manager who comes in and rescues a team from seemingly certain relegation and then moves on.
The next few weeks of what has been a disastrous and forgettable season provide him with the opportunity to do that.
And given the instability the club has endured perhaps sticking with Allardyce might make sense.
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At any rate if he can deliver a real turn around in Everton’s fortunes and produce a winning team playing good quality football he might just win over supporters and get that legacy.