Huddersfield 0-Everton 1: Blues hang on for points

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Seamus Coleman of Everton is challenged by Elias Kachunga of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Everton at John Smith's Stadium on January 29, 2019 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Seamus Coleman of Everton is challenged by Elias Kachunga of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Everton at John Smith's Stadium on January 29, 2019 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

So Everton have finally won another football match as the Blues travelled to Huddersfield Town and managed to dig out a vital 1-0 win in the Premier League.

Like other Everton fans I am very relieved that the Toffees have returned to winning ways. Even if it was a difficult and nervous night, which still underlined the problems the team have.

Richarlison’s early goal in the end was ultimately enough to ensure the Blues could return to Merseyside with the points.

However although Everton did win the game it wasn’t an easy night for the team. After Lucas Digne was sent off, the Toffees had to endure a difficult last half hour or so in which the team was very grateful for several superb Jordan Pickford saves to hold onto the points.

Overall though Everton defended solidly and offered a good threat going forward, especially in the first half.

But it was not a dazzling performance in which the Blues totally dominated a side that is bottom of the Premier League. Despite the win there is much still to do to make this side genuinely able to compete with the top teams.

Cenk Tosun played as the centre-forward and had a decent game working hard and making life difficult for the Huddersfield defenders. But he lacks the pace and quality to really worry top class defenders and long-term I only see his role as that of a reserve at best.

Another player who returned to the team yesterday, was Tom Davies. He had a good game, was busy and industrious in the midfield and offered an occasional threat breaking forward.

Davies is a player with potential whose career has stalled recently. But he does offer something that none of the other Blues midfielders do, which is that goal threat from midfield.

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One of the other most significant things from last night was the total absence of Idrissa Gueye from the match squad. This is obviously important as he would probably have started this game.

So it does seem more and more possible that Gueye will be leaving Goodison Park, presumably before the closing of the current transfer window at the end of tomorrow.

I’ve said this before that I think selling Gueye is a good move overall. Given his age and a reported fee of around £30 million, this would seem to be a good deal for Everton and the player himself. We will have to wait and see if this potential deal does get done.