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Everton 1-1 Swansea City: match report

By Matt Townsend

SWANSEA, WALES - APRIL 14: Swansea player Jordan Ayew shoots at goal despite the challenge of Phil Jagielka during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Everton at Liberty Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - APRIL 14: Swansea player Jordan Ayew shoots at goal despite the challenge of Phil Jagielka during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Everton at Liberty Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Well after another underwhelming performance Everton came away from the Liberty Stadium with a barely deserved draw and a share of the points.

Everton boss Sam Allardyce was trying to put a positive spin on another poor away day return. He singled out Wayne Rooney for particular praise claiming he had been influential in the Blues midfield.

Yet the truth is the Toffees were second best for most of the match and on the first half performance alone could and should have been several goals down. If it hadn’t been for another excellent display from Jordan Pickford they would have been.

Despite the fact that it was important for the Blues to start with a good tempo and try to impose themselves on Swansea, it was the home team who did that with Everton pinned back and defending for long periods once again.

As it was the away team went ahead thanks to an own-goal from Swans defender Kyle Naughton. It wasn’t a lead the Blues deserved. And it didn’t kick start a more enterprising and determined effort either as Swansea continued to have much the better of the match.

Almost inevitably given the amount of possession and pressure Swansea enjoyed and Everton’s defensive frailties, they did eventually find an equaliser.

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So another two dropped points from a game that Everton really should have won. This was a game that once again highlighted all of the Blues failings, especially away from home.

Yes Swansea are fighting for their Premier League survival and so you would expect them to come out of the blocks quickly but knowing this the Blues should have the right mind-set to respond effectively.

It doesn’t seem to ever sink in with this manager that especially away from home you should be looking to take the game to your opponent and not simply try to come away with a point.

By conceding possession and initiative to Swansea, Everton allowed them to build momentum and dictate the pace and tempo of the game. And the Toffees simply don’t have a defence good enough to shut up shop for ninety minutes.

Next: Which Blues fringe players deserve a chance?

Although Seamus Coleman did hit the woodwork late on in truth the Blues never really looked like scoring. Performances of this kind again next season will condemn Everton to another season of mid-table mediocrity.