Everton Loans Recap: Onyekuru scores again in loss

It was a mostly quiet weekend for Everton’s loan contingent as only one found the net and there was a mixed bag of wins, draws and losses across the board.

Henry Onyekuru has been in sizzling form lately, and he potted another goal this weekend to get his season total in the Jupiler League up to nine, tied with Isaac Kiese Thelin of Waasland-Beveren on top of the scorers’ charts. However, the goal came in a losing effort as third-placed Anderlecht slipped to a 3-1 loss to second-placed Sporting Charleroi to fall four points behind them.

Back in England, bottom club Sunderland finally showed some defensive resolve, holding runaway Championship table toppers Wolverhampton Wanderers to a 0-0 draw despite going down a man for the last half an hour or so. The gritty performance on the road will have pleased new manager Chris Coleman who had Tyias Browning in a five-man backline for the whole game, with left back Brendan Galloway coming on for the last ten minutes.

Sunderland are now only a point behind Bolton Wanderers, who lost 3-2 away to Nottingham Forest. Kieran Dowell had an uncharacteristically quiet day in the middle, with just one key pass and one shot during the game. For the Trotters, left back Antonee Robinson picked up an early yellow card in an untidy, foul-strewn performance.

Callum Connolly and Joe Williams both played the full ninety minutes as Ipswich Town and Barnsley respectively fell to disappointing losses. Connolly continues to be used as a right-sided defensive midfielder where his attacking instincts have been curtailed. Williams on the other hand has been very good as the Tykes pivot, and once again led the team in touches and tackles.

Matthew Pennington continues his road to recovery and trying to win back his spot on the Leeds United side, coming on as a late substitute as his side picked up a useful 3-1 away win at Queens Park Rangers.