Tosun’s last minute winner saves the day

Up until Cenk Tosun’s goal, thing were looking very bad for Marco Silva and his team. The attack was largely stagnant save for a few chances and it looked as though Alex Iwobi’s error would cost Everton in a big way.

But for a brief period of time before the goal, everything clicked for Everton. A beautiful pass from Yerry Mina to Lucas Digne followed by an equally beautiful pass to Cenk Tosun saw the Toffees bring the match level. The battle of under-achieving teams ended in the most fitting way possible.

Given what transpired earlier in the match with Andre Gomes, it was nice to see Everton end the match on a high note.

Everton need a striker in the lineup

Marco Silva tried Richarlison at striker last season and it didn’t really work and the results are very similar this year. Richarlison is perfectly fine as the sole striker, right until the moment he gets near the box. Now this is obviously a big issue, because that’s the area where he needs to be at his most effective.

A big issue is Richarlison’s lack of strength and tendency to flop. The moment he feels a defender at his back he almost always goes to ground looking for a call. Granted there is no true hold up striker in the line up, but the other options tend to stay on their feet more often.

Everton have not been entirely successful regardless of who is up top, but I really feel that this team functions better with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Cenk Tosun or Moise Kean up top.

Andre Gomes injury

The horrifying injury to Andre Gomes is a huge loss for not only the team but the Gomes himself. He has been an integral part of this team since he arrived last season and was set to be an equally important contributor for the rest of the season. His injury in this match was upsetting for players and spectators alike.

Others can pick apart who is to blame for the injury or any necessary punishments to those players. What I will say is that I hope Andre recuperates quickly and is back with the team soon.