5 Telling Stats from Everton’s Dismal Defeat to West Ham

Evertonians had a flashback to the final days of Ronald Koeman as the Blues were thoroughly outplayed by bottom-of-the-league West Ham United.

But what can we take from the performance?

Here I’ll take a look at five intriguing stats that should shed some light on the Blues’ performance.

Lots to Work on for DCL

Youngster miscontrolled ball more than any other player on pitch

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has some good attributes and an excellent attitude, but he really needs to flesh out his game.

The 20-year-old is very good at holding the ball up, but he is let down time and again by his touch – with five miscontrols on Sunday, his touch failed him more than any player on the pitch.

Goals Galore AGAIN(!)

Every game under Silva has seen both teams score

Yet again, it was goals galore as both teams scored at Goodison Park. That’s six from six this season.

You wanted entertainment, Blues…

Gueye Extends Passing Range

Midfielder played 8 long balls

Idrissa Gana Gueye didn’t have his best game defensively, completing just three tackles, but his passing range in the first half was excellent.

I’ve not seen the Senegal midfielder spread the ball over distance so well previously, with Gueye attempting eight long passes, six of which were successful. Indeed, one of his early attempts fell right into the path of Calvert-Lewin who miscontrolled as he was through on goal.

Having been stifled against Huddersfield, this seemed a conscious tactic from Marco Silva in order to play through West Ham lines quicker and was quite effective in the first half.

Digne a Real Threat

Most Key Passes and Crosses for Everton

While some may point out that Digne was caught upfield for the first goal, this was a flaw in the system rather than an individual error.

The French left-back looks a real menace down the left-hand side and was by far Everton’s biggest threat. He completed four key passes (no other player in Blue completed more than one), while attempting seven crosses – four of which found their target.

With more performances like this, it’s hard to see Leighton Baines fighting his way back into the Everton team.

No Set-Piece Goals Conceded

A defensive silver lining

For the first time this season, Everton didn’t concede from a set-piece. Hurrah.

Unfortunately, having conceded just once from open play this season before West Ham’s visit, the Hammers blew us apart with three goals from open play. Everton will need to rectify this before heading to the Emirates next weekend.