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Brentford 1 Everton 1: Blues’ let two big points slip away

By Matt Townsend

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Amadou Onana of Everton in action with Josh Dasilva and Christian Norgaard of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Everton FC at Brentford Community Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Brentford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Amadou Onana of Everton in action with Josh Dasilva and Christian Norgaard of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Everton FC at Brentford Community Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Brentford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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After an ultimately frustrating afternoon in London when Everton were six minutes away from their first win of the new season, the Toffees’ had to settle for a point again.

Yesterday’s result certainly felt like a missed opportunity in the end as Everton came so close to securing that all-important first win of the campaign.

In truth though the away team had been largely on the defensive for much of the second half as once more the lack of attacking threat hindered them and the team dropped deeper and deeper as Brentford pressed for a goal.

The Bees’ had hit the woodwork several times earlier on and the Blues’ certainly rode their luck at times but couldn’t add another goal and then the defending let them down when it mattered.

Anthony Gordon had given Everton the lead after a swift break with a good finish across the keeper in the first half.

At that time the Toffees’ were looking pretty good and they had a chance to make it two but Demarai Gray fluffed his chance.

Frank Lampard again went with a front three of Gordon, Gray and Dwight McNeil. Ex-Burnley player McNeil was annoymous and I’m concered that he is looking increasingly unable to have any positive impact.

Meanwhile Salomon Rondon, his only recongnised centre-forward, again didn’t get into the starting eleven and only came on with five minutes remaining.

As I said before I really hope that new signing Neal Maupay can make an immediate impact because there is much more cutting edge needed if draws like this are to be turned into wins.

There are five days left of the transfer window and again it is clear as day the need for more attacking threat and pace up front.

And, to continue another theme from this season, Everton suffered yet another injury, this time Mason Holgate, who joins fellow centre-backs Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina on the sidelines.

Looking at things, I think Lampard also needs to reconsider his tactics. If he can get the endlessly drawn out deal for Idrissa Gueye done, then he should look at playing three in midfield to enable the Blues’ to have more control of game.

Amadou Onana played well and was arguable Everton’s man-of-the-match before he went off, but he needs help in the middle.

With Holgate hurt the manager might have no choice anyway but to revert to a back-four as he’s fast running out of healthy defenders.

Well, next up on Tuesday is a trip to Leeds United. After only drawing yesterday, I really think the Toffees’ need to win this one as I can’t see them getting anything from the derby or against high-flying Arsenal.