Everton missed the chance to go 5th in the table as the hosts lost to Fulham.
Everton slumped to a 2-0 loss at home against Fulham as the hosts put up a disappointing display over the course of 90 minutes. In what could have been an easy sailing had the team turned up the intensity, it turned out to be dreadful evening.
Here are 3 key takeaways from the game:
Defensive Problems Continue
Everton lost 2-0 against Fulham on Sunday evening, meaning they have now conceded nine goals in three games. In the process, they narrowly beat Tottenham in the FA Cup and accumulated only one point in the league. Conceding so many goals is not sustainable if Everton are to fulfil their ambitions of qualifying for European football this season.
Both goals from Fulham were tap ins by their new striker Josh Maja and should have been defended better. It does not help that Carlo Ancelotti regularly changes his back four with the constant changing of his defensive line-up preventing any consistency or allowing the defenders to get an extended run of games. The Toffees now have all their defenders fit so there should be no excuses from the manager about a lack of quality options.
Everton’s recent defensive issues might improve however with the return of Allan. The Brazilian defensive midfielder was excellent in the first half of the season at protecting the back four. With more protection from midfield, Everton can begin to build a stronger defence and maintain the push for European football.