Royal Blue Mersey: All Posts by It's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2022-06-15T12:00:00+01:00https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/authors/1602778118/rss2022-06-15T12:00:00+01:002022-06-15T12:00:00+01:002021-2022 Everton Report Cards: Goalkeepers Pickford and Begovic
<figure>
<img alt="Everton Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d0EFIaqTpDdyIF6YWTTB7_GRd_M=/0x0:4387x2925/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70978170/1394560473.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Our season review continues with a look at the two goalies</p> <h3 id="IbRiQs">
<em>We continue our review of the past </em><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com"><em>Everton</em></a><em> season with the goalkeepers.</em>
</h3>
<p id="lDAdSB">With all the chaos around Everton, goalkeeper was thankfully a spot of calm. Jordan Pickford continued his quality run of form from the latter part of the 20-21 season, while Asmir Begovic proved capable as his deputy. </p>
<p id="a2muL6">Their performances could be considered even more impressive keeping in mind the shambolic defence. Injuries, transfers, errors and poor form prevented continuity in the backline and the midfield, a requirement to a successful team defence. Though Frank Lampard has a number of challenges this summer, finding quality centrehalves will help not only the defence but the goalkeeping as well.</p>
<h2 id="JhPNTP">Jordan Pickford - Grade: A-</h2>
<p id="Bt8quS"><em>Starts - 37, Goals Allowed/90 - 1.7, Saves - 117, Clean Sheets - 7 </em></p>
<p id="eYpFQ1">It is hard to understate the effect Pickford seemed to have on Everton this year. Critical saves during the relegation battle helped secure numerous points. It seems that the young (he’s only 28), England #1 has been able to put together a full season without many mental lapses. It was no surprise to see him named Everton’s <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2022/5/25/23141333/everton-2021-22-season-awards-pickford-player-of-the-year-gordon-mykolenko-george-bennison">Player of the Season</a>. </p>
<p id="v1V0mR">As usual, Pickford’s distribution was excellent. That facet really came into play when Frank Lampard took over and implemented a more direct style of play. Pickford was able to alleviate pressure and start attacks with that distribution, and once Calvert-Lewin was back to full form we saw a glimpse of how useful that distribution is.</p>
<p id="4Dcf0O">In goal Pickford will certainly be remembered for his amazing saves, but across the entire season some of the advanced stats showed Pickford’s overall performance was as expected. Based on the xG of all the shots Pickford faced, he saved an extra .1 goal than what you would expect, indicating either a little bit of luck or a little improvement in performance. For comparison in the 2018-2019 season he saved an extra 3.4 goals, 2019-2020 allowed an extra 4.3 goals, and in 2020-2021 rounded it out with an extra .7 goals saved. What we are seeing is the maturation of a young goalkeeper who has seen success, let it go to his head, and then learned how to keep his focus and perform well. </p>
<p id="hriQZU">On the contract front Pickford has two years remaining on his deal. Given his performance and the difficulty in finding top goalkeepers it wouldn’t be surprising to see an extension announced in the next year. With all of the issues in this squad trying to find marginal improvement at this position isn’t worth it for Everton.</p>
<div id="p9mvnD">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations to Jordan Pickford, winner of the Castrol Save of the Season! <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PremierLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/c8l4xRV0Nk">pic.twitter.com/c8l4xRV0Nk</a></p>— Castrol (@Castrol) <a href="https://twitter.com/Castrol/status/1530557083896139779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h2 id="fvaJRs">Asmir Begovic - Grade: B</h2>
<p id="y9BRmT"><em>Starts - 7, Goals Allowed/90 - 1.77, Saves - 21, Clean Sheets - 2 </em></p>
<p id="NwGKLZ">Fine is probably the best way describe Begovic. He only made 3 Premier League starts this year and didn’t screw things up too badly. He’s exactly what a squad needs in a backup goalie. A dependable person off the bench who can play when called upon and won’t be a liability in Cup matches. </p>
<p id="OakDmL">Begovic is 34 and assuming he wants to he could easily be the backup at Everton for the next few years. The club extended his contract last week through the upcoming season, but if he really wants to be a starter he will need to move to the Championship or see if another lower top flight club needs a new starter.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2022/6/15/23168208/2021-2022-everton-report-cards-goalkeepers-jordan-pickford-asmir-begovic-lampardBrian_Goodison2018-09-22T19:00:02+01:002018-09-22T19:00:02+01:00Everton at Arsenal: Tactical Preview & Film Analysis
<figure>
<img alt="Arsenal v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AjbjY8ZLS4v88O-p_A3Au4sobFk=/0x0:4047x2698/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61501633/913775734.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Taking a look at how the Toffees’ opponents did last weekend </p> <p id="KjntaE"><em>In this series we are going to be taking a look at our upcoming opponent’s last match in the Premier League. The goal is to look at how the team is currently playing to derive some insight into how </em><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/"><em>Everton</em></a><em> may attack and what the squad will have to avoid in order to come away with the win.</em></p>
<p id="Vnu6tZ"><em>The thoughts presented below were made as the game occurred and are based on specific events or general trends in the game with some summarizing thoughts on each half and the game as a whole.</em></p>
<p id="LaWiCu"><a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> comfortably beat Newcastle United 2-1 away, but struggled to break down their hosts in the first half and looked under pressure whenever the Toon mounted a coordinated attack. </p>
<h2 id="N4iYwJ">Arsenal Formation & Lineup</h2>
<p id="CNw1bZ"><strong>Formation: </strong>4-2-3-1</p>
<p id="1iTSTm"><strong>Lineup:</strong> </p>
<p id="w84fmj">Cech<br>Bellerin - Mustafi - Sokratis - Monreal<br>Xhaka - Guendouzi <br>Ramsey - Ozil - Aubameyang<br>Lacazette</p>
<p id="Z7SEa5"><strong>Subs:</strong> Leno, Lichtsteiner, Holding, Elneny, Torreira, Mkhitaryan, Welbeck</p>
<p id="4jsbzg"><strong>Manager:</strong> Unai Emery</p>
<aside id="Yi0UUY"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Everton vs. Arsenal: Projected Lineup","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/9/21/17882240/everton-lineup-arsenal-starting-11-projected-injury-report-latest-news-richarlison-yerry-mina"},{"title":"Everton at Arsenal: Writer Prediction League","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/9/22/17887750/everton-arsenal-score-predictions-preview-bets-richarlison-return-suspension-marco-silva"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="R6K5fB">1st Half</h2>
<p id="dJs5OF">I’m not sure either team has possessed the ball in the attacking third in the first few minutes. Arsenal is desperate to go down <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle’</a>s right flank with Aubameyang, but Newcastle is holding firm.</p>
<p id="uM1iHj">The Gunners are almost extreme in their desire to play out of the back rather than hitting long balls. It has already hurt them this year and they’ve had 3-4 near misses against Newcastle.</p>
<p id="56hnZX">Arsenal’s back line are very uncomfortable running on the counter. Newcastle was able to play a ball through the midfield and pressure the backline on the counter and really had an excellent sequence.</p>
<p id="Dre4wh">Mustafi has definitely had a bit of a drop off. He’s making some real mental errors, one of which almost leads to a goal. Arsenal definitely has some speed in the back this year though and they recover well.</p>
<p id="Pcyyvs">As odd as it sounds, Arsenal almost seems the most comfortable in countering. They just aren’t stringing any sort of possession together and they want to break quickly. </p>
<p id="sdqM0O">It’s funny, Arsenal’s only real chance today has come from swinging the ball across the field and attacking Newcastle’s left. The Gunners continue to try the right but don’t break through until they then swing the ball across, but bungle the opportunity.</p>
<p id="f6Lxyx"><strong>1st Half Thoughts - </strong>This was pretty ugly. Arsenal were determined to overload their right side to attack and it did nothing. Newcastle was up to the challenge and were able to easily crowd the midfield to prevent Arsenal from doing anything. </p>
<p id="AHdBcO">That said, the defense for Arsenal was susceptible to balls over the top. If we still had Lukaku this would probably be a 3-1 type win for <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> if Arsenal continued to play like this. There isn’t enough help in the defensive midfield for Arsenal to have that stout defense. </p>
<p id="W0PbhM">Midfielders Mattéo Guendouzi and <span>Granit Xhaka</span> are both good distributors of the ball, but also show positional naivete and struggle to win the ball back. If Gylfi Sigurdsson is on song, he will be traipsing past this pair all game long. </p>
<aside id="Imqhwq"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Marco Silva looking for Everton reaction against Arsenal","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/9/21/17886266/everton-arsenal-match-preview-news-injuries-latest-marco-silva-comments-reaction-west-ham-loss"},{"title":"Silva provides Everton injury update","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/9/21/17886216/marco-silva-everton-injury-update-jagielka-gomes-coleman-mina-richarlison"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="ZjRvIE">2nd Half</h2>
<p id="zt7VL4">Arsenal finally score, with the first shot on goal of the match, but it is a free kick and it is hard to say this is really deserved.</p>
<p id="C9MXDH">Now we are seeing a little of the “classic” Arsenal. A lot of short passes just outside the box that lead to nothing. They’ve finally begun to settle into a bit of possession, but it isn’t meaningful possession right now.</p>
<p id="2dG0JI">Mesut Ozil finally rescues Arsenal with some nice play for the second goal. It has been all Arsenal this half. It really is a classic Arsenal goal where they get the ball wide then slide it into the middle for a shot. Then in the ensuing chaos Ozil can slot it home. </p>
<p id="j4JAaQ">This one is really over and sort of peters out. Newcastle get a goal right at the death but it was more a result of an utterly awful attempt to play out of the back by the two centrehalves and Peter Cech. </p>
<p id="nJxLOy"><strong>2nd Half Thoughts - </strong>Arsenal can still be dangerous, and they lull you into a false sense of security sometimes before putting two or three past you, but there is still a lot of vulnerability in this defense. The key is to exploit it while still being sound enough to stop Arsenal’s skill players. </p>
<p id="joevcc">The Gunners are also one of those teams where there is a decent amount of individual talent, but they haven’t figured out how to play together yet under Emery. That causes a lot of the confusion that Everton will need to take advantage of.</p>
<aside id="kXmV1z"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Yerry Mina reportedly set to face Arsenal","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/9/20/17883092/yerry-mina-arsenal-everton-news-latest-injury-report-richarlison-keane-mccarthy"},{"title":"Everton at Arsenal: The Opposition View ","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/9/20/17874560/everton-arsenal-match-preview-blogger-qna-interview-short-fuse"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="j6lNBH">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p id="uhh0MM">With the tale of two halves here it can be hard to really know which Gunners Everton will face. Is Arsenal really rounding into form or are they just playing well in fits and starts? </p>
<p id="9H1OYd">Either way Everton will have some opportunities in this one. As much as I’m loathe to say it the high press could be very effective in this one. The Arsenal backs are not very good and are susceptible to pressure, as is Cech. But for this to be successful Everton needs to solidify their midfield play. Without it Arsenal will be able to pass out of the pressure and counter. </p>
<p id="upaHAn">If indeed Lucas Torriera (who has come on at halftime in the last three games) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan miss out, then we’ll be facing the same starting lineup as last week. Both Guendouzi and Xhaka are weak points and the Blues will need to focus on them. </p>
<p id="ObCMsy">With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang now out on the left wing, expect them to attack Jonjoe Kenny. The Gunners showed a desire to go down their left and the Everton defense will be well tested with speed and precise passing. Don’t be surprised to see Arsenal find some success there as Alexandre Lacazette has done well holding up the ball and will force the midfielders and defenders to track the late runners like <span>Aaron Ramsey</span> who feasted on Everton last season. </p>
<p id="WNuSBf">Finally, set pieces. Everton didn’t concede last weekend but it is always a concern with Arsenal. The set piece goal they gave up late against Newcastle was odd, but a good measure of Arsenal’s quality.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/9/22/17863594/everton-arsenal-tactical-preview-film-match-analysis-unai-emery-midfield-passing-out-the-backBrian_Goodison2018-08-30T20:26:23+01:002018-08-30T20:26:23+01:00Everton vs Huddersfield Town: Tactical Preview & Film Analysis
<figure>
<img alt="Huddersfield Town v Cardiff City - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nIVdIqnLO1B0D0tNUqZKX0L-eHo=/0x0:3900x2600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61084593/1023142638.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Hogg of Huddersfield Town and Joe Ralls of Cardiff City | Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Taking a look at how the Toffees’ opponents did last weekend </p> <p id="KjntaE"><em>In this series we are going to be taking a look at our upcoming opponent’s last match in the Premier League. The goal is to look at how the team is currently playing to derive some insight into how </em><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/"><em>Everton</em></a><em> may attack and what the squad will have to avoid in order to come away with the win.</em></p>
<p id="Vnu6tZ"><em>The thoughts presented below were made as the game occurred and are based on specific events or general trends in the game with some summarizing thoughts on each half and the game as a whole.</em></p>
<p id="m7nZKD"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/huddersfield-town">Huddersfield Town</a> drew 0-0 at home against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/cardiff-city">Cardiff City</a>, playing the last half an hour of the game with a man short after Jonathan Hog was sent off. </p>
<h2 id="N4iYwJ">Huddersfield Formation & Lineup</h2>
<p id="BRci2a"><strong>4-2-3-1</strong></p>
<p id="RFOp4G">Hamer</p>
<p id="tZPE2I">Hadergjonaj - Zanka - Schindler - Kongolo</p>
<p id="hGxzDh">Hogg - Billing</p>
<p id="u397UG">Diakhaby - Mooy - van La Parra</p>
<p id="zRB6GI">Mounie</p>
<p id="ougnIu"><strong>Subs:</strong> Lossl - Smith - Lowe - Mbenza - Depoitre - Pritchard - Stankovic</p>
<p id="wvngqr"><strong>Manager:</strong> David Wagner</p>
<h2 id="R6K5fB">1st Half</h2>
<p id="yn51DT">So Cardiff’s kits are.... visible. I’m pretty sure my eyes are going to hurt from looking at these guys.</p>
<p id="Iq3h1i">Huddersfield got split by some Cardiff pace here and Hamer does well to come out, but it is an ugly collision. Both are down for awhile but Hamer is fit to continue as Mendez-Lang is stretchered off. As for the play, the back line is doing well to stay level, but not a lot of communication between the fullbacks and the centerbacks. Something to exploit for <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>.</p>
<p id="ouDqei">The Terriers really like going down their right and they have some speed with the wingers. If Leighton Baines plays this weekend it could be a real problem for Everton. Right now Huddersfield has all of the possession but they aren’t doing anything with it. A few times they get down the right flank to put a cross in, but the crossing is ugly. They just haven’t found much success stringing an attack together. </p>
<p id="l9DPzL">This is an ugly game. Huddersfield just doesn’t seem to want to do anything beyond long balls down the right side. The thing is they are dominating the ball but just don’t have the interest to try and build up to an attack. It’s almost like they are scared to attack.</p>
<p id="HH9QhH">Huddersfield is now spreading it out a bit better, they’ve gone down the left a bit more but they aren’t really finding much success. They don’t want to challenge the middle of Cardiff’s defense so every move is going out wide. </p>
<p id="UzD5a8"><strong>1st Half Thoughts - </strong>Everton should beat Huddersfield based on the first half. There wasn’t much creativity other than long balls over the left side of Cardiff’s defense. But that wasn’t exactly effective. David Wagner is going to have to do something to challenge his side and convince them to attack with purpose. Right now there isn’t a strategy and it looks a lot like a David Moyes side from 2008-2011 against an inferior opponent.</p>
<h2 id="zADqge">2nd Half</h2>
<p id="NEOTsI">We have our first shot on goal! 50 minutes in and it is an ugly duck from 20 yards out right to the Huddersfield keeper. Cardiff is definitely more interested in attacking right now, but it isn’t what you’d call good.</p>
<p id="Buamfw">Huddersfield finally gets a great chance by driving through Cardiff’s defense then playing it out wide. This creates some space for an attempted header that the keeper puts out for a corner. That’s what Huddersfield needs to do, create unrest then put the ball wide.</p>
<p id="E2Ynfj">Huddersfield is doing much better now that the game is opening up a bit. They’re able to hit on the counter which is where they want to be, not dominating possession and trying to create. Expect them to sit and counter against Everton which could cause problems just like Bournemouth.</p>
<p id="1gOIgq">HANDBAGS! And Hogg gets a red card for Huddersfield in what was basically a more forceful repeat of Richarlison’s sending off for Everton. Have to wonder if refs are beginning to crack down on near head butts.</p>
<div id="dkGpg6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hogg dismissed but Arter, for the second game running, is lucky to escape a red card. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HTAFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HTAFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bluebirds?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bluebirds</a> <a href="https://t.co/qoveM91BRR">pic.twitter.com/qoveM91BRR</a></p>— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1033389650105327616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="YJCe5B">The game is more open, but Huddersfield haven’t been able to take advantage because of the red card. Cardiff has looked.... better than Huddersfield, but it isn’t pretty. That said Everton can definitely take advantage of this Huddersfield defense by being patient and attacking. </p>
<p id="n99yb7">Stop this if you’ve heard me before, but Everton could have issues on set pieces against Huddersfield. They are not afraid to get up and attack the ball and have created more than a few opportunities against Cardiff.</p>
<p id="QYH35j"><strong>2nd Half Thoughts - </strong>The second half has been much better than the first. Huddersfield came out and actually tried to attack. It was still disjointed, but there was an attempt to swing the ball across to try and probe Cardiff. But the red card changed things and Cardiff was able to get in a few looks.</p>
<div id="fogGci">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">xG map for Huddersfield - Cardiff. So far still not much from Huddersfield that makes them look like they're good enough for the league this year. <a href="https://t.co/peDoLJypKc">pic.twitter.com/peDoLJypKc</a></p>— Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Caley_graphics/status/1033706106433019905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="xaKMRu"><strong>Final Thoughts - </strong>Really this game should play out similar to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/afc-bournemouth">AFC Bournemouth</a>, just against a worse team. Everton should have some success if they can attack the middle of Huddersfield’s defense. I’m curious to see where Marco Silva goes with the central midfielders given Idrissa Gueye’s injury and <span>Morgan Schneiderlin</span> may not be risked for a full ninety minutes. Luckily for Everton this is a match they should get away with without too much creativity from a defensive midfield position. </p>
<p id="ADjpMK">Huddersfield were thumped <a href="https://twitter.com/Caley_graphics/status/1031186469514342400">6-1 away</a> at <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/Caley_graphics/status/1028313078901993472">3-0 at home</a> by <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> to begin the season, so it’s hard to see them providing more than token opposition at Goodison Park this weekend. And as always, we’ll probably need to be careful on set pieces. But what else is new.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/8/30/17788656/everton-huddersfield-town-tactical-preview-film-match-analysis-what-to-expect-david-wagner-silvaBrian_Goodison2018-08-23T19:32:32+01:002018-08-23T19:32:32+01:00Everton at Bournemouth: Film Preview
<figure>
<img alt="West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S0Ye-T5WtnIKt_UbV7vCBiHVG8U=/0x0:3354x2236/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60997895/1018933292.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Taking a look at how the Toffees’ opponents this weekend are playing</p> <p id="KjntaE"><em>In this series we are going to be taking a look at our upcoming opponent’s last match in the Premier League. The goal is to look at how the team is currently playing to derive some insight into how </em><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/"><em>Everton</em></a><em> may attack and what the squad will have to avoid in order to come away with the win.</em></p>
<p id="Vnu6tZ"><em>The thoughts presented below were made as the game occurred and are based on specific events or general trends in the game with some summarizing thoughts on each half and the game as a whole.</em></p>
<p id="81ARwe"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/afc-bournemouth">AFC Bournemouth</a> beat <a href="https://bracethehammer.sbnation.com/">West Ham United</a> 2-1 away last weekend. </p>
<h2 id="N4iYwJ">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/afc-bournemouth">Bournemouth</a> Formation & Lineup</h2>
<p id="GOTXJq"><strong>4 - 4 - 2</strong></p>
<p id="jaLkQs">Begovic</p>
<p id="9lb8tb">A. Smith - S. Cook - Ake - Daniels</p>
<p id="TXbgUt">Brooks - Surman - Gosling - Fraser</p>
<p id="0ZOoJW">Wilson - King</p>
<p id="4xDPF8">Subs – Mousset, Cook, Mings, Ibe, Boruc, Francis, Defoe </p>
<h2 id="Uk9GM4">1<sup>st</sup> Half</h2>
<p id="dMvcPd">Bournemouth is really trying to overload the left side early when they have the ball. Even when West Ham gains possession a lot of the play is down that same side though West Ham seems to have the most success attacking Bournemouth’s right.</p>
<p id="YYCeOA">The Cherries do well to prevent counters in transition. They get 4 defenders back quickly. Eddie Howe prides himself on having sides that play fast. The forwards are not pressing much, but they do a good job of moving together and preventing the easy square or line pass for West Ham to bypass the striker.</p>
<p id="9e1A7x">It seems like the goal is for the Bournemouth midfield to pounce on passes from the opposing defense before it reaches the midfield. The strikers moving together limits the passing lanes and allows the midfielders to anticipate the passes.</p>
<p id="CXWN49">Bournemouth is getting sucked into crosses pretty badly and it leaves a lot of open space at the top of the box for those late runners.</p>
<p id="aeDCoj">Dan Gosling is a dirty lad, 4 fouls in 15 minutes led to a yellow card and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him try that against Richarlison on Saturday. Striker is not Bournemouth’s strong suit, wide open from 16-17 yards out and Bournemouth can’t score.</p>
<p id="0T9In5">One of the dangers of conceding possession so much is some ‘yakety-sax’ moments in the box. Bournemouth has one and it leads to a penalty and goal for West Ham. </p>
<div id="8Z3ACl"><div style="width:100%;height:0px;position:relative;padding-bottom:56.327%;"><iframe src="https://streamja.com/embed/N0lB" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen="" style="width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="1Z2NPc">The Hammers are seeing some real success with long balls to their forwards. With Morgan Schneiderlin out again Everton could use this tactic to bypass Bournemouth’s midfield and transition into the attack.</p>
<p id="cSnuDg"><strong>1st Half Thoughts -</strong> Bournemouth is going to sit and wait for moments to counter. Even against West Ham they have no interest in possessing the ball and attacking, pretty much everything comes on the counter. But the problem is they don’t have the talent to break down West Ham’s defense so far.</p>
<p id="ai5uy2">If I’m Marco Silva I’ll look to play down our left against them. West Ham is seeing a lot of success down the right side of Bournemouth’s defense but doesn’t have the quality to make those crosses work.</p>
<h2 id="HOv9qA">2nd Half</h2>
<p id="cEUL6d">Bournemouth is much more aggressive in this half and they are a bit more settled. They get rewarded with an excellent move by Wilson to beat five West Ham defenders. Yea, this is mainly a screw-up by West Ham, but Bournemouth had an excellent pass to the forward from a deep midfield position and Wilson took his chance very well. </p>
<div id="EsvkjI"><div style="width:100%;height:0px;position:relative;padding-bottom:56.327%;"><iframe src="https://streamja.com/embed/j2gw" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen="" style="width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="4kC27O">The speed Bournemouth was missing in the first half is here now. And it causes problems for West Ham and leads to a set piece, which leads to a second and winning goal. Terrible defending at a setpiece for the Hammers, and something for Everton to learn from too as the zonal marking has been an issue for the Toffees so far. </p>
<div id="SsjxC9"><div style="width:100%;height:0px;position:relative;padding-bottom:56.327%;"><iframe src="https://streamja.com/embed/nzb4" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen="" style="width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="1XrsiU">Even though Bournemouth only have four midfielders they are really able to control the midfield against West Ham here. Bournemouth are going to see this one out pretty easily, but West Ham still got some opportunities, they just didn’t have the quality to turn them into real chances.</p>
<p id="3uWqaq"><strong>2nd Half Thoughts - </strong>Everton is going to have to apply pressure quickly if they lose the ball in Bournemouth’s half. A lot of West Ham’s problems were because Bournemouth was able to get that outlet pass and start the counter. </p>
<p id="jezjZ3">Everton are going to have to be careful on set pieces. Bournemouth was dangerous on a lot of theirs and it hasn’t been a strength for the Blues. </p>
<p id="YmwEtF">Bournemouth can hurt Everton, but as long as the players are aggressive when they lose the ball and look for the holes in the Cherries’ defense they can win. The key is going to be avoiding frustration when Bournemouth cedes possession and not getting caught on the counter.</p>
<div id="Yu48E7">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">xG map for West Ham - Bournemouth. <br><br>Do West Ham fans need to sacrifice a juvenile goat on the solstice to get their manager to play a coherent midfield or something? Yikes. <a href="https://t.co/vkCM0XmjcG">pic.twitter.com/vkCM0XmjcG</a></p>— Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Caley_graphics/status/1030849647877779456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="VmHVCT">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">xG map for Bournemouth - Cardiff <a href="https://t.co/Ane9C3vni2">pic.twitter.com/Ane9C3vni2</a></p>— Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Caley_graphics/status/1028312103743041536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/8/23/17766418/everton-bournemouth-film-preview-premier-league-match-previewBrian_Goodison2018-07-30T20:12:05+01:002018-07-30T20:12:05+01:00Everton Season Preview: Goalkeepers
<figure>
<img alt="Everton v Southampton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/97DIVN7zD1QWnF8B5hZ1BEPFars=/0x0:4284x2856/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60668117/956191078.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Thank God for Jordan Pickford.</p> <h3 id="Bwjs84">Stats:</h3>
<div id="8qm0vi"><div data-anthem-component="table:1396510"></div></div>
<h3 id="jz3zn2">Current Players: </h3>
<h4 id="XVQpNj">
<span><strong>Jordan Pickford</strong></span><strong>:</strong>
</h4>
<p id="RPtjOS"><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> #1, England #1, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a> Hero. The list of accolades is only going to grow for the young Everton goalkeeper. This year is all about showing consistency. Pickford has had an excellent career as a professional over the last two years, but now everyone knows how talented he is and there is going to be a lot of pressure to perform. The expectation is that Pickford is going to meet the challenge, but it will be important to remember that every mistake is not the end of the world.</p>
<p id="NmZyG3">Right now we know Pickford is going to be a great shotstopper. Ignore what you hear from guys like Allardyce and Courtois. Pickford has the height needed and more importantly he has the agility needed to stop shots. Height may save you if you get old or get slow, but agility is the real thing any quality keeper needs. It also helps that Pickford has shown an excellent ability to judge crosses and isn’t a bumbling baboon with them. It all provides an excellent foundation for a world-class goalkeeper, but there is room for improvement.</p>
<p id="syJSCZ">Personally I’m looking for Pickford to improve in his distribution. Yes, Pickford hits a beautiful ball up the field, but he can be pretty inconsistent with it. There were a lot of missed opportunities because the ball flies out of touch or 30 yards beyond the top striker. I want to see more consistency out of Pickford on those balls. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="West Ham United v Everton - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FO4TuLc5JpaRdK58-YjD8DrIhMw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11894577/958071662.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="0N7sB5">Pickford also needs to read the game situation a little better when distributing the ball. There was a tendency last year to play too quickly or too slowly relative to the rest of the team. Yes, it is possible Pickford was following the manager’s instructions and the rest of the team wasn’t, but a quick distribution to players who aren’t ready can be disastrous. Most of Pickford’s improvement going forward is going to come from improvement in these areas since his shot stopping is already great.</p>
<p id="eXYRSm">The next step for Pickford is going to be turning into a leader in the box. He has no problems yelling or directing players, but as he gets more experience with this group he needs to lead them, not just yell. It is one part of a goalkeeper’s repitoire that requires experience so it isn’t a knock so much as it is something that he’s got to continue to work on. But we’ll always have his anger at <span>Wayne Rooney</span> for making stupid passes in the defensive third to warm our hearts.</p>
<p id="KyPUtB">Granted all of this assumes <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> doesn’t come in and poach Pickford...</p>
<h4 id="w2rHcg"><strong>Maarten Stekelenburg:</strong></h4>
<p id="JJJGCu">Stekelenburg is... well he’s fine. He can make some great saves, but he doesn’t really command the box and he isn’t an authoritative presence in the box. He’s kind of the perfect fit for a backup keeper on this squad. He seems to enjoy playing for Everton and has enough quality to push Pickford, but not enough to create a goalkeeper controversy. He’s likely going to play a lot of League and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> matches where he’ll do well. It will be interesting to see how he does there given Everton’s recent troubles against inferior opposition.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Bury v Everton - Pre-Season Friendly" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LbOuSlC9XPrpCdxpRd7bdRBl_D4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11894465/1001460694.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<h4 id="gD8GKC"><strong>Mateusz Hewelt: </strong></h4>
<p id="WEIRgw">We’ve had discussions about the need to bring in a third keeper to replace Robles. And the truth is that Everton doesn’t need another keeper, Hewelt should fill that role. With the number of competitions this year it is unlikely Everton will play more than 2 keepers this year, barring injury. There isn’t a reason to have 3 Premier League-ish keepers in the squad. If we see Hewelt on the team sheet more often expect the club to look for an emergency loan relatively quickly.</p>
<h3 id="vk7JE8">Status of the Position:</h3>
<p id="x87eBT">This may be the healthiest position in the squad. Jordan Pickford is in the running for one of the best goalkeepers in the EPL and still has room to improve. Maarten Stekelenburg is a more than capable backup as well. While we may not want him to be a long term starter should Pickford go down to injury, he’s more than capable for cup ties and the occasional EPL start. Goalkeeper should continue to be a strength for this Everton side.</p>
<p id="coxw9l"></p>
<p id="mDajXo"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/7/30/17630038/everton-season-preview-goalkeepers-jordan-pickford-england-world-cup-stekelenburg-heweltBrian_Goodison2018-05-15T13:00:04+01:002018-05-15T13:00:04+01:00Allardyce didn’t save Everton, sacking Koeman did
<figure>
<img alt="Huddersfield Town v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8qz2f_aEGrqjvnPdlwd1ilQywyU=/0x0:3974x2649/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59733291/952368768.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The numbers show everything you need know about Everton’s three managers this season</p> <p id="txOlGw">With <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>’s disappointing season finally done we can get a real look at how all three men in charge of the Toffees in 2017-18 actually did. We’ve talked a lot about why this manager should stay, be given a chance, or be fired. And a lot of it has to do with aesthetics. This article isn’t about that. This is all about the numbers and what actually happened on the field. Managers are ultimately judged by results and performance, something Everton lacked a lot of this year. </p>
<p id="hZ9X4q">The chart below shows the points (Pts), goals scored (GS), goals allowed (GA), expected goals scored (xGS), and expected goals allowed (xGA) per game for all three managers the Blues had this season: <span>Ronald Koeman</span>, David Unsworth and <span>Sam Allardyce</span>.</p>
<div id="tI7x6g"><div data-anthem-component="table:1064827"></div></div>
<p id="R1J21S"><em>Numbers courtesy of </em><a href="https://understat.com/league/EPL/2017"><em>UnderStat</em></a></p>
<p id="6spnaC">It isn’t a surprise to anyone here that Koeman had the worst numbers. We can talk about injuries, the difficult schedule, or needing time for the squad to gel; it really doesn’t matter. Koeman was not able to get it done against the good teams and the bad teams. And that sealed his fate. Even the advanced statistical numbers back his dismissal. Twenty years ago Koeman might have gotten a chance to turn this around, but with so much money and hope on the line that wasn’t going to happen.</p>
<p id="fxgfvM">But what is interesting is how things change immediately after his removal. Unsworth seemed clueless at times, but he improved Everton’s points per game by 50% and Everton immediately began to score more even while conceding at the same rate. That 4-1 loss to <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> hastened calls for his departure, Allardyce didn’t really improve things.</p>
<p id="8qwyxV">And that’s the rub, Allardyce would have outperformed Unsworth by .76 points over an entire season. But Everton also saw a dramatic decrease in goals scored. Big Sam was able to improve the defense, but not enough to overcome the dramatic fall in goals. Even the statistics bear this out. Everton under Allardyce saw a drop in expected goals scored and expected goals allowed. </p>
<p id="xQvYzK">This is why it isn’t Allardyce that saved Everton. There is no doubt Everton were headed for a true relegation battle with Koeman at the helm, but hiring Allardyce didn’t save the Toffees. The club had already begun to turn things around with Unsworth at the helm. Maybe it would have tapered off, but based on the data we have it is fair to say that sacking Koeman was the true catalyst to salvaging this Everton season from ending up in complete ruins. </p>
<p id="ojdUvi"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2018/5/15/17354024/sam-allardyce-everton-manager-search-ronald-koemanBrian_Goodison2017-10-03T13:42:47+01:002017-10-03T13:42:47+01:00Read this before you go shouting that Everton should fire Koeman
<figure>
<img alt="Everton v Burnley - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t0EOqNxtU6bOLGDs3EVZamG61_U=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56957435/856258842.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Match for match, we’re not very different than last season</p> <p id="AdbkLL">So that wasn’t much fun. Despite looking and playing better than in any match since the <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> draw, <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> lost once again. To <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc">Burnley</a>. Not exactly confidence-inspiring. All of this has led to real talk about <span>Ronald Koeman</span>’s status as Everton manager. </p>
<p id="SL8aHw">But how bad have the results really been? Fans see this start, compared to last year, and are concerned. Yet despite this concern there is rarely any acknowledgement that the opening run of matches has been much tougher this year. Arguably it is the toughest in the Premier League this year. That has to mean something.</p>
<aside id="GKJOFk"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Farhad Moshiri backs Ronald Koeman - but should we be worried by his latest comments?","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/10/2/16395722/everton-manager-latest-ronald-koeman-farhad-moshiri-bill-kenwright-carlo-ancelotti"},{"title":"Everton reportedly hold talks with candidate to replace Ronald Koeman","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/10/2/16401370/ronald-koeman-sack-out-everton-managerial-odds-tuchel-ancelotti-walter-mazzarri"}]}'></div></aside><p id="NwltOx">Because of that we wanted to take a look at the numbers for the matches this year and compare them to the same matches from the previous campaign. So we looked at home against Stoke, Bournemouth, and Spurs this year and last year. We also looked at the away matches between Manchester City, <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>, <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>, and Burnley for this season and last year. The first table we have below is a look at points earned.</p>
<div id="jvPM7O"><div data-anthem-component="table:680704"></div></div>
<p id="VCoywU">So Everton has 5 points fewer this year than last year in the same matches. A loss compared to a win over Burnley is the big difference. Five points isn’t really that much when you get to the end of the season. And given the opponents so far this year this isn’t really that big of a deal. But it is understandable that fans are concerned</p>
<p id="PqaaSF">Now let’s look at goals scored. Which is..... not the most exciting chart to look at.</p>
<div id="MDr1eJ"><div data-anthem-component="table:680712"></div></div>
<p id="XSJ2qH">Shocking absolutely no one, the goals scored in Premier League is down, by 9. But if you look at the individual games you see last year was boosted by 6 goals against Bournemouth. But in the other games the goals scored is eerily similar or off by 1. Plus we aren’t even accounting for the departure of Romelu Lukaku. As we’ve detailed before, 20 goal strikers don’t grow on trees and replacing his production was never going to be easy.</p>
<p id="Byt5oR">The next table we wanted to look at is goals allowed. This chart isn’t pretty, but it is interesting just how similar the numbers are to last year.</p>
<div id="nKQNS1"><div data-anthem-component="table:680713"></div></div>
<p id="SRS5YZ">Everton have given up the same number of goals this year, shockingly enough. Seems hard to fathom, but the defensive problems we are seeing right now aren’t exactly new. But when you can score much more easily a bad defense can be papered over.</p>
<p id="k2lMgh">Now goals scored and allowed are nice, but that doesn’t tell us the root of the problem. Is Everton really struggling to create chances? Just score? Or something in between? What about on defense, are we just a bit unlucky or is there a real problem with defense conceding high quality chances.</p>
<p id="quFKW5">To look at these questions we are turning to one of the advanced stats in soccer, expected goals or xG. This is a metric designed to determine how many goals a team “should” score, or concede, in a match. The idea is that we can see if Everton is creating chances and unlucky in not scoring, or we aren’t creating chances.</p>
<div id="9MNK4g"><div data-anthem-component="table:680715"></div></div>
<p id="dI3CYG">So unsurprisingly Everton’s xG is down this year by 3 goals. But there is still a difference between this year and last year because of luck. Last year Everton outperformed their xG by about 40%. If Everton did that this year they would have 7 or so goals. So another 3-4 goals on the season. Do you think that would make a difference in how the season is going? Even if that was 1 goal a game in a few cases it likely means at least an extra point, maybe even 3 or more depending on the fixture.</p>
<p id="dTGSR7">Below is a look at Everton’s expected goals against, or xGA. This may be the most stunning revelation out of everything we’ve looked at.</p>
<div id="dB1caH"><div data-anthem-component="table:680716"></div></div>
<p id="1Wa8ON">This is pretty stunning. Everton should not have conceded as many goals as they have this year. The defense is actually performing better this year than last year by our expected GA. But reality is much different. Some of that is going to be luck, and some of that is going to be individual mistakes. But when goals like Harry Kane’s go against a team there may be some bad luck going on.</p>
<p id="bi5Y9A">So on offense Everton is a team that scores slightly less than you’d expect. But more importantly they aren’t generating enough scoring chances with less than 1 expected goal per game. That’s not going to result in many points. But the problem there is pretty obvious. Losing Lukaku, and not finding a quality replacement, is going to be a problem. But it is a problem we are going to see regardless of the manager. Until January at least.</p>
<p id="x6oPLI">Defense is another story. Everton has been extremely “unlucky” this year. I use unlucky as a quantifier for everything. Maybe some poor reffing decisions, a few unlikely mistakes, and a few shots a la Harry Kane. Even Antonio Valencia’s goal was a bit unlucky for Everton. It was a beautiful strike, but the odds of a one touch shot like that going in are pretty low, even from the center of the box. </p>
<p id="nf0lug">And when looking at what we’d expect from goals allowed Everton shouldn’t have conceded this much. That isn’t necessarily something that should cause a move, yet fans and pundits are talking openly about Ronald Koeman losing his job.</p>
<aside id="1uJYvq"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ronald Koeman’s new Everton setup didn’t solve the club’s major problems","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/10/2/16402508/ronald-koeman-everton-manager-tactical-analysis-burnley-sigurdsson-rooney-niasse-wingers"},{"title":"Koeman sends veiled threat to Everton Board","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/9/30/16389268/koeman-wants-top-striker-in-january-everton-board-transfer-rumours-news-latest"}]}'></div></aside><p id="IX4N8P">Where you come down at that question is the result of answering one question, how much does perception matter? Right now the perception is that Everton are struggling and could even dip into a relegation fight. And that’s understandable because the poor run of results also includes some ugly Europe League matches. </p>
<p id="q3Em3c">There has also been some.... questionable to completely bone-headed tactical decisions and lineup selections. The lack of wingers has been covered time and time again. As has the refusal to utilize the speed present in Everton’s squad. But even then there have been solid lineup decisions like Manchester City, Bournemouth, and even <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/stoke-city">Stoke City</a> to some degree.</p>
<p id="c2niPi">And despite this perception Everton isn’t that far off from last year. The early schedule has been brutal in terms of opponent quality and number of fixtures. Pulling the trigger now is likely a panic move that doesn’t solve anything. Giving Koeman another month or so is going to give us more information on what Everton is under him and honestly there is no real downside to it. Worst case he completely craters and Everton fires him. But remember replacing a manager doesn’t let us buy new players and fill holes in the squad and to see meaningful change that’s what needs to happen.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="RxzVNA">
<p id="lkZXH8"><em><strong>NOTE:</strong></em><em> There was an error in the Burnley stats from last season that has been corrected, with the tables and text updated to reflect those changes. </em></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/10/3/16394562/comparing-everton-last-season-this-season-koeman-results-comparison-analysis-expected-goals-againstBrian_Goodison2017-09-29T15:43:00+01:002017-09-29T15:43:00+01:00Everton Faces Several Challenges Against Burnley
<figure>
<img alt="Everton FC v Apollon Limassol - UEFA Europa League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/arY4bqRooQNxiuSq6ga42qZr754=/0x0:3692x2461/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56910327/855234506.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="peufGR">This weekend <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> gets a second “easy” Premier League opponent in a row. The schedule is finally becoming a bit easier, even if Everton’s performances don’t quite show it. The midweek tie was ugly, terrible, and completely avoidable. Once again there are several lessons from the match that maybe, just maybe <span>Ronald Koeman</span> will finally heed.</p>
<h3 id="e7cOTb">Will the Mason Holgate at RB experiment finally end?</h3>
<p id="b4xZ6z">Let’s be frank, Mason Holgate is not a Premier League RB. He may not even be a Premier League player. But given Everton’s reliance on the outside backs to generate an attack, Holgate is an absolute disaster and should not be allowed anywhere near the touchline. </p>
<p id="MJvhWq">Jonjoe Kenny did not have the greatest game on Thursday — but he’s more of an attacking threat, and this is <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc">Burnley</a>. Defensive ability doesn’t need to be a primary concern. I understand injuries to the defense may force Holgate into action, but put him at center back. Maybe against a team like Burnley he can actually get some confidence defending, especially when he doesn’t have to worry about attack.</p>
<h3 id="f2h40l">Can we get some Siggy In the Middle action?</h3>
<p id="wqczhz">One of the big problems with Ronald Koeman’s squad selection has been playing midfielders out of position. We’ve documented his hatred of wingers, and his lineups’ lack of them, countless times. In multiple matches, Koeman has deployed Gylfi Sigurdsson out wide to terrible effect. But then through substitutions or tactical changes, we see Siggy moved to the middle of the pitch where he does extremely well. </p>
<p id="J5l9XQ">Maybe Koeman could actually start him in the middle, especially against Burnley when guys like Rooney started and played 90 minutes on Thursday. Maybe we can try out that whole squad rotation concept? </p>
<h3 id="bYuXYh">Will Koeman rely on young speed for goals?</h3>
<p id="lyVSvk">Thursday’s draw showed us one thing — pace is absolutely deadly, especially against inferior opposition. DCL and Vlasic completely changed the game for Everton with their speed. Even if their runs, or execution, weren’t the greatest, their pure speed caused problems. That speed can cause Burnley problems. It provides an outlet over the top of the defense and it forces defenders to track back.</p>
<p id="6drRSl">In turn this gives the Everton midfield more time and space on the ball. That leads to better decisions and fewer panicky clearances. If Everton wants a result this weekend, they have to utilize the speed of some of the younger players.</p>
<p id="6BCMM5">Oh and play Oumar Niasse in this one please. From the start?</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/9/29/16383892/everton-burnley-preview-premier-league-three-keys-ronald-koeman-wingers-sigurdsson-holgateBrian_Goodison2017-09-15T20:00:02+01:002017-09-15T20:00:02+01:00Everton at Manchester United: 3 Things To Watch For
<figure>
<img alt="Manchester United v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hnQq-L3w-KN1irvJRN5XKJpsIOs=/0x0:3684x2456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56698365/664754826.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Leighton Baines at Old Trafford | Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Things could get ugly quickly at Old Trafford, unfortunately</p> <p id="wOO07a">It has not been a good week to watch <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>. Really the entire season has been a little rough, but losing by some lopsided scores over the past week has made it really suck.</p>
<p id="YWKygl">The good news for everyone is we get an opportunity to get beaten down even more on Sunday! Feel the excitement, the energy, and the sinking feeling of despair as Everton likely loses to <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>. But even with what seems like certain doom confronting Everton, there are some things to keep an eye on in this one.</p>
<h3 id="Uiy0Vu">Will there be tactical competency?</h3>
<p id="kiuNam">The last two games are not ones that <span>Ronald Koeman</span> will be putting into his <em>“Best Of”</em> folder for tactics. Everton have been a mess tactically with central midfielders playing out wide, no outlets for defenders to move the ball upfield, and no real way to generate goals. Last year Lukaku provided an outlet regardless of the formation, this year more work is required. </p>
<p id="lNq2M2">Koeman has trotted out the same formation the past two matches with similar results. It is one thing to get blasted by Spurs because of their speed, but to have it happen on Thursday was disconcerting. If we see the exact same formation and a similar lineup on Sunday it is just pure incompetence. That’s the type of incompetence that gets you relegated and deserves a firing.</p>
<h3 id="DWhqBT">Does Everton have a way to stop Lukaku?</h3>
<p id="laDxww"><span>Romelu Lukaku</span> is a beast. Everton fans know his strengths and his weaknesses. Even when he seems to be out of a game a long ball can give him the chance to score. Now Everton has to actually defend against that, a little bit harder than watching him do it to other teams.</p>
<p id="z8pFdW">Frankly the mess this defence has had the past few games shouldn’t give anyone confidence. But Everton should be able to stop just the Belgian. The problem is that stopping Lukaku likely means someone else on this Manchester United team is free. That’s a little scary given how deep their lineup is and how many weapons they possess, even without Paul Pogba. </p>
<h3 id="47dxb8">Can Everton generate any shots?</h3>
<p id="gGJ0ZA">LOL NOPE! Just watch this one without expecting anything. That way you’ll be pleasantly surprised at any sort of non-loss result, and not too upset with a loss.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gw0iAYqbGGO-pO_9Rex9yKwVxlA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9255649/giphy.gif">
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nR9NyG2J2YSmBRlSYi-staHzkMQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9255941/giphy.gif">
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Vx6k4yUeVoMlyiclP2cdV3BsZJM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9255951/9jooIzM.gif">
</figure>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/9/15/16313904/machester-united-everton-lukaku-ronald-koeman-previewBrian_Goodison2017-09-07T20:00:02+01:002017-09-07T20:00:02+01:003 Things To Watch For As Everton Faces Tottenham
<figure>
<img alt="Chelsea v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dbydP5OVXIfD6jBPslKUfTLZOnM=/0x0:4162x2775/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56563927/839824082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Back to the Premier League this weekend</p> <p id="GMatDQ">After a perfectly timed international break <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> faces the second half of their difficult opening fixture list over the next few weeks. First up though is a match against <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a>. The folks in North London have always given Everton a tough game the past five years, but they are beatable. </p>
<p id="jJsTiB">However, to get 3 points the Toffees are going to need to show more than we saw against <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>. Here are our 3 things to keep an eye on at Goodison Park this weekend.</p>
<h3 id="jN7Dx5">Can Everton improve their effort?</h3>
<p id="IcFVo9">Let’s be honest, the worst part of the Chelsea match was how uninterested Everton looked. There was no fire, not much running, and a general lack of caring by most players. Everton went down early and stayed down. The second half performance was better, but it really wasn’t good enough. </p>
<p id="j1Aix8">Hopefully that was just the effect of so many matches within a few weeks to start the season. It would certainly be understandable, especially without much depth due to injuries. But with a full 13 days between matches Everton should look a lot better this weekend. If the players aren’t putting in the effort on Saturday and making a go of the game, even if we have a more defensive strategy, there are some big questions that have to be asked of this squad and <span>Ronald Koeman</span>.</p>
<h3 id="FvpzXY">Will Sandro provide the offensive threat Everton needs?</h3>
<p id="5C62WG">The transfer window is closed. Everton did not find another striker to help fill the void left by Romelu Lukaku. That means Everton’s attacking output will come from some combination of <span>Wayne Rooney</span>, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Sandro Ramirez and Oumar Niasse. The new arrival is supposed to be fit for the weekend match and it will be a good chance for fans to get a real idea of what he can do. We’ve seen glimpses in some matches, but this is the type of fixture where the team needs Sandro to step up.</p>
<p id="wZKQ8y">Sandro doesn’t have to be Lukaku, though it would be nice. But he does have to be a threat to opposing defenses. His speed, ability to get outside, and hopefully shooting ability will test Tottenham. If Everton isn’t getting anything from Sandro it will be a long Saturday afternoon, even if Niasse gets a shot late in the game. </p>
<h3 id="xbgmsH">Can Everton function without true wingers?</h3>
<p id="d8K5jq">Normally Tottenham has one of the best pairs of outside fullbacks in the Premier League. But right now it is a bit patchwork, perfect for attacks from the wings. As we’ve lamented on RBM, Koeman has decided true wingers are not something he’s interested in. But even without true wingers he has shown a desire to attack from the flanks using wingbacks and central players like Gylfi Sigurdsson played out wide.</p>
<p id="AZ3gIJ">Tottenham will provide an interesting test of this hypothesis because the flanks will be open and the center backs are not the type of behemoths in the air fans are used to seeing from clubs like Stoke or <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a>. Crossing could work, but it requires getting players wide into dangerous areas. Saturday we’ll see if Everton can do it.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/9/7/16266138/everton-tottenham-hotspur-match-preview-keys-to-game-three-thingsBrian_Goodison