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Carlo Ancelotti experienced his first defeat as Everton boss, but what did the numbers tell us about the performance?
5-3-2 / 4-4-2 Hybrid
Ancelotti shows tactical nous again
Just like in his first game, Carlo Ancelotti set up in a hybrid formation, with the Blues setting up in a 5-3-2 without the ball before shifting into a 4-4-2 when in possession.
The system saw Seamus Coleman act as a makeshift centre-half, before moving out to right back when the Blues had the ball. Sidibe transition from right back to right wing, while Tom Davies would switch from a central midfielder to the team’s left midfielder.
Heads Above the Rest
Richarlison has had most headed shots in the league
Although DCL has been collecting all the headlines in recent weeks, a surprising stat came to light about his Brazilian strike partner.
Richarlison has had the most headed shots on goal in the Premier League so far this season (16), while another Blue, Yerry Mina, is in second place with 14.
Richarlison has had more headed shots on goal than any other Premier League player this season with 16. It's such a big part of his game these days.
— David Alexander Hughes (@DAHughes_) January 1, 2020
He is followed closely by Yerry Mina with 14 - surely it's only a matter of time before he gets his first goal of the season? pic.twitter.com/a5uj2trnPI
Love VAR
VAR comes to Everton’s rescue
Phil Foden looked to have put Man City ahead on 17 minutes, but the Blues finally reaped the rewards of the virtual assistant, who picked out an offside City player in the build-up.
The VAR Gods looked like they may have turned back on the Blues though when a penalty review took place when Riyad Mahrez toppled down following a mild gust of wind. Unlike the infamous Michael Keane penalty against Brighton, though, VAR made the right call.
Finally.
Failing to Out-City City
Everton played 32% of their passes in their defensive third
Early in the game, Everton seemed to be very content to play a Man City-style passing game very close to their own goal. The trouble was, while Man City typically find a way to break the other teams press and start playing through the lines, Everton would keep the ball for a long time before playing a largely aimless long ball.
In total, Everton played 32% of their total passes within their own third, compared to Man City who played just 19% of their passes in their defensive third.
Unbeaten Streak Comes to End
First defeat in six
The feeling around Everton couldn’t have changed much more in the past month.
Optimism has been restored following an unbeaten streak following Marco Silva’s final derby defeat.
Sadly – and somewhat inevitably – the Blues run came to an end at the Etihad.