5 Telling Stats from Everton’s Gritty 3-1 Win Over Crystal Palace

Not the best of performances, but another three points in the bag. How un-Everton.

But what did the numbers tell us?

Height Matters

In-form Holgate dropped for bigger Keane

One of the biggest surprises coming into this game was to see Everton’s best player of the last few months, Mason Holgate, replaced by the out-of-form Michael Keane in the starting line-up.

Despite the shock revelation, it was surely a tactical move by Carlo Ancelotti.

Crystal Palace are a direct team with a big strong striker in Christian Benteke (6’3). While Mason Holgate (6’0) is a very good ball playing defender, he might have had difficulty in dealing with the taller, heavier Benteke. Michael Keane (6’2), however, is almost the same frame as Benteke, while Yerry Mina (6’5) certainly shouldn’t have any problems.

And it’s not just Benteke that Everton needed to be watchful of. Palace are full of big grocks, with six of their starting line up measuring over 6’0. Everton compensated for this by bringing in Keane, ensuring they had five players of at least 6’0 too.

Counter-Attack

Third goal on the counter of the season (all under Carlo)

Everton nicked a late win at Watford last week thanks to a ruthless counter-attack and it was the same again against Palace.

Fast counter attacks where an effective part of Marco Silva’s early days, however they slowly disappeared from the game. Carlo Ancelotti, has brought the counter back in style though – and it’s certainly reaping the rewards.

King Carlo

2^nd in the league?

Only Liverpool have picked up more Premier League points than Everton since Carlo Ancelotti arrived at the club.

Five wins, two draws, one defeat. One of those draws was the freak comeback by Newcastle and the loss was away at Manchester City. You can’t get much better.

Transfermarkt

Schneiderlin

The best of the Frenchman

Morgan Schneiderlin has been the resident boo-boy for the last couple of seasons at Everton.

But he was back to his best against Crystal Palace – showing the kind of form that marked his first six months at the club.

If we can have this player every week, the critics will be silenced.

Coming of Age

11 league goals for Everton’s number 9

Never in a million years did I think that this lad would be where he’s at now.

The value of a great mindset and workrate.

Well done, DCL. You’ve proved me wrong.