Everton 1-1 Huddersfield Town: Meh

Everton kinda sleepwalked through their final match before the break, but managed to remain undefeated on the year with a 1-1 draw against lackluster Huddersfield Town.

Everyone will have - should have - hoped for more, but on the whole it’s somewhat difficult to complain about results in five straight matches, considering all the extenuating circumstances. A point is a point.

• Dominic Calvert-Lewin got the start on the left wing today in place of suspended Richarlison, and Dom continued his goal scoring pace from midweek. If Calvert-Lewin has taken his finishing ability to a new level this season, look out. Three goals in two games.
• Speaking of Everton’s goal, Lucas Digne provided the assist, and the French left-back has enjoyed an excellent start to his Everton career. Thus far, Digne’s attacking ability appears to have been undersold. He’s quite handy coming down the left flank.
• Unfortunately, Theo Walcott was forced off due to injury in the second half, but there was a silver lining: Ademola Lookman came on, and while he was perhaps not quite as impactful as one would hope, he did produce a stunning moment of quality. A low, whipped cross into Huddersfield’s area evaded all the defenders, but neither DCL or Gylfi Sigurdsson could quite reach it.
• Everton began the game superbly in possession, and it looked like they were going to pass the Terriers right off the field. Unfortunately, those passes led to nothing, and the Blues faded in the second half.
• Zonal. Marking. Is. Terrible. Please, Marco, I’m begging: do away with it. Everton conceded their fourth goal off a set piece in just four games.

It wasn’t pretty, and it’s clear there remains much to work on at Finch Farm. Sure, getting some players back from injury and suspension will help, but the Blues have shown a consistent lack of cutting edge when push comes to shove.

The international break might do them some good.