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A frustrating defeat at AFC Bournemouth saw the Blues miss out on the chance to go third in the league – level on points with Manchester City.
Should Evertonians be concerned? Or is this result a blip? Let’s see what the numbers tell us…
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
6 of last 8 goals with his head
Dominic Calvert-Lewin brought Everton level just before half time with a towering header.
In the air, DCL is a menace. Unfortunately, though, the same can’t be said on the deck. He looks like a deer in the headlights with the ball at his feet in front of goal. And, sadly, this is what looks set to prevent him from becoming a good Premier League striker.
His hold up play is good. His work rate is good. His physicality is good. In the air he is excellent. But at 22 years old, his “potential” time is running out and he needs to polish his game quickly.
I must say I was very shocked to see DCL start ahead of Kean for this one after the Blues had been in fine goalscoring form in the previous two games. But I’d wager that Kean will be back in the starting XI for the visit of Sheffield United next week.
Away form a big concern
No wins in last 6 away league games
The thing that is undoubtedly holding Everton back from challenging for European places for the past year or so has been the club’s away form.
For each of the past two seasons, Everton have ranked in the bottom half of the league table for away results (12th in 2018/19 and 14th in 2017/18).
What’s even more concerning about the Blues recent away form is that this dip has come against lowly opposition. In this run of six without a win, Everton have faced the likes of Fulham, Crystal Palace (twice), Aston Villa and Bournemouth – picking up just two points from these games, as well as a point at Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of last season.
Richarlison a threat
An assist but somehow no goal
Strange day for the Brazilian. He could – and possible should - have had a hat-trick, rattling the angle with a fierce strike before narrowly heading wide and slicing a big chance before getting subbed.
And while it’s disappointing that he didn’t manage to take these chances, it’s great to see him looking sharp and dangerous once more after a somewhat sluggish opening couple of games.
The Brazilian’s game is very well-rounded. Not only did he get off four shots against Bournemouth and register three passes, he also made seven tackles – a remarkable figure for a winger.
Trust in Richie. He’s a star.
Dispossessed
Blues top league chart for being caught in possession
Everton have been dispossessed 70 times this season. That’s 70 times in just five league games. A record only Manchester United can match in the league.
The Blues also finished third in the league for this stat last season, with only Fulham and Crystal Palace faring worse.
There’s no doubt about it, Everton need to take more care on the ball and not give soft chances to opponents.
Mental Fragility?
Everton haven’t won a league game in which they’ve conceded first under Silva
One element that is all to clear in Everton’s game is that when they fall behind, heads drop.
Everton started brightly against Bournemouth, but after conceding (somewhat against the run of play), they continued to be dominated in the following minutes before grabbing an equaliser (also against the run of play) just before half-time.
With the scores level after the break, the Blues looked better once again. But after conceding the second goal, heads went completely, before a third quickly followed.
Worryingly, Everton have not won a single league game in which they conceded first under Marco Silva.
Compare this to the other lot from across the park who seem invigorated when the opposition scores first, as anyone who saw their 3-1 win over Newcastle can testify too.
The last time Everton recovered from conceding first to win was at home to Swansea in December 2017.