More thoughts on Everton 4 Brighton 2

As Everton fans enjoy in the fact that their team is sitting on top of the Premier League with a 100% record, some more thoughts on the Blues latest win yesterday.

One thing to note along with all the goals and excitement of another fantastic result, was the defensive effort, particularly towards the end of the second half when the Seagulls put Everton under some late pressure.

The Blues were a bit disjointed in the later stages of the game after several changes, especially James Rodriguez going off and with a three-goal lead to give them a good cushion.

During this period, Colombian centre-back Yerry Mina was immense making last ditch tackles, blocking balls and dominating in the air.

He showed the kind of determination and aggression that have sometimes been absent from his game in the past and that Carlo Ancelotti demanded from him recently. Certainly it was a great response to those words and a reminder to incoming signing Ben Godfrey not to take a starting place for granted!

Michael Keane alongside him was solid and consistent too and Lucas Digne had another good game, doing everything required of him defensively without fanfare and always providing that attacking outlet on the left hand side. Surely Digne is the most consistently excellent full-back in the league and one of the most underrated players too.

Abdoulaye Doucoure took his additional responsibility in Allan’s absence seriously and had a superb match. He was tracking back expertly and then popped up in the box to give James Rodriguez his second goal for his first assist as a Toffee.

In addition Tom Davies played well in the holding central midfield role made vacant by Allan’s injury. He was to many including myself, a surprise selection in that position instead of the player I thought would fill in, Fabian Delph.

When he actually came on, Delph also did well and added calmness and assurance in midfield after Davies moved to right-back to replace the injured Seamus Coleman.

Along with the much scrutinised failures of Jordan Pickford, once again highlighted in this match, the Toffees are facing something of a short-term injury crisis in defence with Coleman’s injury added to the absences of Mason Holgate, Jarrad Branthwaite and Jonjo Kenny.

It appears Coleman’s knock isn’t a major problem. Hopefully with a few weeks rest – he’s not now going to play for the Republic of Ireland – should see him ready for a return against Liverpool on the 17th October.

Still these injuries are mounting up a little worryingly. Richarlison came off again yesterday, clearly he wasn’t 100% fit but wanted to play and it was also obvious Brighton’s players had targeted him, with some agricultural tackles going in on the Brazilian.

Again a rest and no international action, should see him able to play in that derby game, which has now become a top-of-the-table clash.

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However, Allan’s problems are likely to see him out for longer and he might not be fit in time for the derby game, which would be a considerable blow.

The other issue is Pickford. Carlo Ancelotti seems to be continuing to support his beleaguered England goalkeeper. He said after the match yesterday that it wasn’t the time to talk about his performance.

Loath as I am to ever disagree with Don Carlo, I do think this discussion has to be had now after another mistake led directly to a goal yesterday.

Everton were cruising in this game until out of the blue, the dropped ball by Pickford let Brighton back into the match.

Ancelotti might be simply seeking to bolster the seemingly fragile self-confidence of his goalkeeper, but I think his support Pickford is a little concerning.

At the very least, I think the Toffees need some competition for him. Perhaps that would help him focus and iron out the failings that are such a feature of his play, much like some of the outfield players have done. And if not, the Blues would have a decent alternative to bring into such a crucial position.