Post by deadbat on May 11, 2024 17:02:59 GMT
It is becoming all too predictable for the Blades yet another defeat came in the Premier League – this time at Goodison Park to Everton. It seems like the chances of United even registering another point now seems unlikely – as the Blades made it 6 defeats on the bounce and 14 games without a victory. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s first half header separated the two sides but Everton were good value for the win in a game that they were never really settled and just eased to a comfortable victory.
United became the first ever side to concede 101 goals or more and for the only the fourth time in their history, failed to keep a clean sheet in an away game over the duration of a season – the last time being 1977-78. Also, the Blades have now lost to every side at least once this season as the records – of an unwanted nature – continue to tumble. United’s players looked completely devoid of fight and ideas as they almost settled for a narrow defeat – summing up the complete lack of quality and confidence to register any kind of result at this level and almost seem resigned to losing every single week now.
There were two changes with Ahmedhodzic suspended and Osborn injured. In came Souza and Larouci with Souza switching to left wing back and Holgate ineligible against his parent club. Everton had won four on the bounce at home and were safe from relegation, despite the points deductions and financial uncertainty off the field. Former Blade Dominic Calvert Lewin started up top.
United began the game on the attack and a long throw and a corner saw a chance to get the ball into the home side’s box but nothing resulted. Everton settled into dominating possession and Calvert Lewin’s lofted effort from the right was clutched from Foderingham. The first real chance came for Everton when the forward ball from McNeil found Doucoure completely unmarked but his header was straight at Foderingham.
On 12 minutes Souza played Calvert Lewin onside and he knocked it through the legs of Trusty and fed Doucoure and he was in but his close-range effort was saved from Foderingham. As the ball looped up, Trusty headed it towards his own goal and his keeper had to help it over the bar.
The next period of the game saw the home side completely dominate possession and the Blades were unable to get out of their own half as it became wave after wave of attacks. Calvert Lewin’s shot deflected off Arblaster and Foderingham had to down to his left and make the save. The first effort from the visitors came when Archer came out of a tackle with Coleman but as he took it on, his curling effort went wide of the post.
The opening goal came not long after as the ball was played forward and no challenge came in on McNeil who was allowed to play an unopposed pass. Calvert Lewin was similarly left to run through with no pressure and rounded Foderingham and sent over a cross that saw DOUCOURE to head home into an unguarded net with Robinson too slow to get across. The midfielder could have had a hat trick already but finally got his goal as the Toffeeman took a deserved lead.
Robinson was given a yellow card after a petulant push as he reacted to Calvert Lewin going under him on the aerial challenge. The captain’s reaction was ridiculous and he was lucky to survive a VAR check to upgrade to a red card. The ex-Blade was booked for his role in the incident as a melee ensured after the raising of the hands.
On 39 minutes, United had their best chance as Brereton Diaz linked with Archer but the latter took too long and Pickford made the save, continuing the poor run of form for the striker in front of goal. Brooks then had a chance as he came inside and was as positive as he has been for some time, taking the shot on but Pickford pushed away. The Blades had at least fashioned a few chances after being passive so far for much of the game.
Doucoure continued to be the most influential player in the game, as he played in a more advanced position supporting Calvert Lewin and he drove across and the ball just evaded Calvert Lewin. Robinson mis controlled but the flag went up to spare his blushes.
Archer did get in on the angle but his shot nicked off a defender to go behind for a corner. This came to nothing and quickly Everton broke to win their own corner at the other end. Foderingham punched this delivery into the air but caught it himself as it dropped down. Doucoure then headed across goal soon after as Everton looked to exploit the lack of assertiveness in the Blades side as they continued to sit off and wait for chances to come.
The half time whistle came soon after and it was a deserved and comfortable lead for Everton.
Everton started with the ball in the Blades half for the opening 10 minutes of the second half but were unable to create too much but a few shots were blocked with Onana twice firing in efforts but the second flicked behind off a defender – but somehow a goal kick was given.
United had not really threatened to create much at all an Arblaster’s frustrating afternoon was summed up when he clouted his man with a late lunge and got a yellow card. Larouci and Brooks came off for Lowe and Slimane before Brereton Diaz had a speculative effort well over the bar. Hamer was more involved this half and fed Brereton Diaz but Tarkowski made a good block. Appeals for a penalty were waved away soon after as Hamer again was involved in the build-up.
Curtis came on for Arblaster and Souza went into midfield and Bogle moved into a right centre back position. There was a chance for United as the ball dropped to Robinson and he sent a cross over but Brereton Diaz’s header cannoned off a defender but once again the referee got it wrong, pointing to a goal kick.
Brereton Diaz was cautioned for another cynical foul as United continued to look lazy and petulant in attempts to recover the ball. Everton’s first changes saw Dobbin and Gomes on for McNeil and Doucoure.
From a ball over, Robinson tried a half volley on the angle but his shot was blocked by the face of Onana. Archer then had a half chance but took too long and Hamer’s effort was deflected wide. United had at least had a series of attacks but most of the efforts were long range and Pickford had only had the one save to make (Brooks) all afternoon.
Everton has not offered much attacking wise for the last period of the game but still had not been really endangered at the other end. Gomes shot wide and then Calvert Lewin headed down but the ball was blocked. The former Blades went off to be replaced by Chermiti with just over 10 minutes to play.
Archer had an effort well wide and that was his last act as Brewster came on to replace him. The substitute got down the right but overhit his cross as Lowe stretched. Brereton Diaz had been roaming around the pitch in an attempt to get involved but his loose touch nearly sent Everton away and then it dropped for Chermiti who fizzed over on the angle.
Foderingham has to push away as he clashed with Slimane as the game entered 4 minutes of additional time but after the keeper needed treatment – there was additional time added on. Wilder was booked for protesting a stoppage for Gomes going down – but the sub was subbed with youngster Warrington making his debut. Chermiti had another chance but Foderingham came out to narrow the angle and got caught on the rebound. After another delay, which saw a defender kick it out initially, Foderingham smashed the ball out of play in his own half summing up United’s day and season.
Garner had another chance right on full time but blazed badly over when he should have scored but it mattered little as the home side eased to a routine victory over a punchless Blades side. The only consolation was that the Blades did not endure another hammering but Everton never really got out of first gear in a rather comfortable afternoon.
United – Not much to say. I am repeating the same thing every week. The only difference this week is we did not score or create much at all and this time did not concede loads of chances/goals. However, the general theme of us being poor with the ball, sloppy defensively and unable to really look like scoring at the other end -continued. The lack of fitness and ability to press, even from the start of games means we are almost aways defending and just hoping somehow teams will miss the inevitable chances that come.
We have been a lot worse than today but thought it was a really boring game and Everton just cantered to an easy win. We had few half chances but nothing clear and Pickford only made one save all game. The first half they controlled it – other than a 10 minute spell – and if Doucoure takes his chances it probably is 3-0 at the break. The goal is so easy but had been coming. We had a bit of a spell but Everton still looked more likely and had so much time on the ball. We continued not to pick up runners and sit off.
We did look better second half and the changes actually gave us a bit more in terms of some fresh legs and we did have a few moments but not sure there was anything that close to a goal. Everton just sorted of eased through it, made lots of changes and in the end, they finishes stronger and had 2-3 more chances to score again as Wes made a few saves or a few went just wide.
I was really bored by the team’s performance and felt the side just did not seem bothered (can say same about Everton) but wanted us to try and have a go and get men forward but it was almost as if we settled for a narrow defeat. Sad to think that is our mentality as it is such a damaged group. He picked a fair few loan players again or ones that will not be here but again does he have any choice? Also, as much as the subs were no worse in some cases, than those who departed (certainly the double change early on) I wonder why he waits 10 minutes for these instead of doing at the break?) you look at the likes of Trusty, Curtis, Slimane, Brewster, Lowe and these are players who would struggle in the lower places in the Championship. It shows how much work we have to do over the summer.
The season is just petering out now and we know we will lose next week and probably go onto concede close or more than 105 goals. We have broke records all over the place and just continue to look completely out of our depth. I salute those that went but it seemed like a game neither side could be bothered with and almost felt like an unspoken gentleman’s handshake of ‘you can have the win, just do not hammer us!’
We have seen the news of the changes in the infrastructure in terms of Mike Allen and Jamie Hoyland coming in but if that is the big restructure, just seems like more of the same with two people who have been before and no real sign of big chances in terms of how we recruit – just two of Wilder’s old pals coming in – one who was part of some poor recruitment in the Premier League before. Hopefully we see meaningful changes in stuff behind the scenes and personnel but with limited funds, hard to see how we make the big chances we need? I think it says it all that I will be just glad the season is done and can have a break and will not be thinking too much about United for a while after next weekend.
Ratings:
Foderingham 5/10 – Seen some say he maybe went too early on the goal but I felt he had to go out and try and deny Calvert Lewin as no one came across and was in on goal. Maybe he should stay but not then Calvert Lewin would have just been straight in on goal? I am not sure it was an obvious error but might be wrong? He did make a few routine saves either side of this but again was left way too much to do with a few chances coming in where no one marked or attacked the ball. Got a few kicks at the end and his distribution – which had been poor all day – got even worse! Says something that him conceding just one is a big upgrade on what has gone before!
Bogle 5.5/10 – Not really involved as an attacking threat and they got between the wing backs and centre backs all first half. Mis controlled it a few times too from simple passes to him. He tried to get involved but had a quiet game but at least kept going and thought looked one of more comfortable players as the game went on. Ended up at right centre back to finish – would have maybe liked to have seen him further forward and in midfield.
Larouci 5/10 – Looked way off the pace and they had a lot of space down this side. He did not make glaring errors but not sure he know where his man is most of the time! He offered nothing going forward and then as he always does, was fatigued and had to go off.
Trusty 5/10 – Never seems to win a header/challenge or impose himself at all. He just seems to timid in everything he does. I worry that he seems to shrink when the ball goes up to him. No huge errors but part of a defence that switches off and leaves clear headers/men in the box.
Robinson 4/10 –Thought he was really poor today. Ended up nearly getting sent off – lost his man constantly and just seemed frustrated. Think he has been one of those that has done ok at times of course this season but today he was as poor as the rest in losing his man (the goal what is he doing?) and then chasing things without keeping any defensive shape – played them onside twice too.
Souza 5/10 – He was ok actually to begin. Not sure he did lots wrong and was tighter to his men than the above. He was moved into midfield and we actually had more ball after this but not sure he did much with it – kicked two straight out – but did at least give us more of a presence. Love the fact he continues to point to others - one awful cross and then highlight of his games seems to be to find a mate on the oppo to chat to on full time.
Brooks 5.5/10 – Best he has been first half in that he at least tried to go forward, competed more and had a few passes into the front and the effort on goal. Few wayward passes and at times looks scared to try and take it on but I thought at least got involved a bit today and thought it was harsh he came off when the other two had been worse up to that point.
Hamer 6/10 – Completely anonymous first half. Took a few set plays but never on the ball and forgot he was playing. Second half he was our best player in that he got on it and made forward passes and drove us on a fair bit. Had a really good 5-10 minute spell and a few through balls or blocked shots. Faded at the end.
Arblaster 4/10 – His worst game since getting in the side. Gave it away a lot and not sure he influenced the game like he has been doing at all. He barely found a yellow shirt all game and did not pick up the ball like he has been doing. Also gave away a few poor fouls and one that was not good at all. Came off not long after.
Brereton Diaz 5/10 – Tried to link and get on it but he looked sluggish at times too but at least he did try and find a man or run the channels. He had one shot over the bar and tried to combine with Archer but his strike partner’s greedy play meant he never got the ball back. Ended up chasing the ball a lot and coming back inside.
Archer 4/10 – Continued poor form and decision making. Looks slow to react and when he has had chances, he has taken too long. Had a great chance but denied by Pickford as he took too long and then anther and again he was too slow to make a decision. He did get into some good areas and made some decent runs but his end product was appalling yet again. He looked a bit disinterested at times. A signing that has not worked at all in his goals output and overall contribution. Kept hearing he was a finisher and a poacher but in the last 4 or 5 games, he has missed a hatful of chances or been really selfish when others have been better placed. Might as well play Brewster next week.
Subs -
Slimane 5/10 – Had a few tackles/touches but nothing of note at all and another that looks woefully unfit. No worse than many others but distinctly average still and did not really influence the game much.
Lowe 6/10 – He was ok when he came on and at least got forward and linked with others. Says something that Lowe was one of the better players (only ordinary)! We had a few attacks down this side at least.
Curtis 3/10 – Seen him a few times of the u21’s and he looked a long way off first team level lacking pace/athleticism and awareness and I got panned for this opinion by some. Well he came in today (admittedly his first game) and looked very nervous (which is understandable) but was miles off the pace of this level. Gave it away almost every time he had it or was robbed.
Brewster – Had one run and cross but that was it.
Manager: Wilder 5/10 – We did not get hammered. We still lost meekly again and it was a nothing sort of performance. After 6 months, I still have no idea what our style is? We do not press, we do not keep possession, we do not go long, we do not keep it tight, we do not try and break? I have no clue. It’s a nothing style of play where we seem to just hope other teams miss chances and we might get the odd break when we do attack. Granted much of that is down to the poor players and the terrible conditioning of the side – we had no real identity under Hecky too – so not pinning it on Wilder. I am as concerned about the lack of fight and the way the players have just gone through the motions (even before we went down). The acceptance of losing every week is something I thought he would not put up with but he seems almost resigned to this too now and looks powerless to change it. Keeps talking about huge changes but no idea how he gets the players in with the lack of funds (we will sell a few but that will be to cover the costs of going down)?
Everton – An easy win really. Came out and got the lead, after missing a few chances early on and then just strolled to the win. Will feel they got sloppy second half but Pickford was largely untroubled and kept another home clean sheet and continued their good form. Dyche has done well to keep them up – especially after the points deductions – ad done what he always does in getting his teams defensively sound and well organised. I am not sure how they can push on much more from a lower Premier League team – mid table the best they can aspire for – with the financial uncertainty?
Opponent Man of the Match – Calvert Lewin was a handful but Doucoure was the match winner with the winner and a number of other moments where he was involved and could have had more?
Opponent Weak link – Thought Coleman looked slow and probably showed why despite great service, his time will be up at Goodison.
Referee/Officials – Thought United committed some petulant and stupid fouls (not even in a way where we got about them and competed – just late and stupid) and on another day, Robinson could have got sent off. BBD and Arblaster also both put in really late dangerous fouls. The officials missed at least 3 clear corners for both sides, giving goal kicks. Should have been an easy one to ref but at times they almost seemed to want to make it more interesting by giving some baffling decisions? Nothing really that big affected the game and no VAR checks summed up how uncompetitive it was.
United became the first ever side to concede 101 goals or more and for the only the fourth time in their history, failed to keep a clean sheet in an away game over the duration of a season – the last time being 1977-78. Also, the Blades have now lost to every side at least once this season as the records – of an unwanted nature – continue to tumble. United’s players looked completely devoid of fight and ideas as they almost settled for a narrow defeat – summing up the complete lack of quality and confidence to register any kind of result at this level and almost seem resigned to losing every single week now.
There were two changes with Ahmedhodzic suspended and Osborn injured. In came Souza and Larouci with Souza switching to left wing back and Holgate ineligible against his parent club. Everton had won four on the bounce at home and were safe from relegation, despite the points deductions and financial uncertainty off the field. Former Blade Dominic Calvert Lewin started up top.
United began the game on the attack and a long throw and a corner saw a chance to get the ball into the home side’s box but nothing resulted. Everton settled into dominating possession and Calvert Lewin’s lofted effort from the right was clutched from Foderingham. The first real chance came for Everton when the forward ball from McNeil found Doucoure completely unmarked but his header was straight at Foderingham.
On 12 minutes Souza played Calvert Lewin onside and he knocked it through the legs of Trusty and fed Doucoure and he was in but his close-range effort was saved from Foderingham. As the ball looped up, Trusty headed it towards his own goal and his keeper had to help it over the bar.
The next period of the game saw the home side completely dominate possession and the Blades were unable to get out of their own half as it became wave after wave of attacks. Calvert Lewin’s shot deflected off Arblaster and Foderingham had to down to his left and make the save. The first effort from the visitors came when Archer came out of a tackle with Coleman but as he took it on, his curling effort went wide of the post.
The opening goal came not long after as the ball was played forward and no challenge came in on McNeil who was allowed to play an unopposed pass. Calvert Lewin was similarly left to run through with no pressure and rounded Foderingham and sent over a cross that saw DOUCOURE to head home into an unguarded net with Robinson too slow to get across. The midfielder could have had a hat trick already but finally got his goal as the Toffeeman took a deserved lead.
Robinson was given a yellow card after a petulant push as he reacted to Calvert Lewin going under him on the aerial challenge. The captain’s reaction was ridiculous and he was lucky to survive a VAR check to upgrade to a red card. The ex-Blade was booked for his role in the incident as a melee ensured after the raising of the hands.
On 39 minutes, United had their best chance as Brereton Diaz linked with Archer but the latter took too long and Pickford made the save, continuing the poor run of form for the striker in front of goal. Brooks then had a chance as he came inside and was as positive as he has been for some time, taking the shot on but Pickford pushed away. The Blades had at least fashioned a few chances after being passive so far for much of the game.
Doucoure continued to be the most influential player in the game, as he played in a more advanced position supporting Calvert Lewin and he drove across and the ball just evaded Calvert Lewin. Robinson mis controlled but the flag went up to spare his blushes.
Archer did get in on the angle but his shot nicked off a defender to go behind for a corner. This came to nothing and quickly Everton broke to win their own corner at the other end. Foderingham punched this delivery into the air but caught it himself as it dropped down. Doucoure then headed across goal soon after as Everton looked to exploit the lack of assertiveness in the Blades side as they continued to sit off and wait for chances to come.
The half time whistle came soon after and it was a deserved and comfortable lead for Everton.
Everton started with the ball in the Blades half for the opening 10 minutes of the second half but were unable to create too much but a few shots were blocked with Onana twice firing in efforts but the second flicked behind off a defender – but somehow a goal kick was given.
United had not really threatened to create much at all an Arblaster’s frustrating afternoon was summed up when he clouted his man with a late lunge and got a yellow card. Larouci and Brooks came off for Lowe and Slimane before Brereton Diaz had a speculative effort well over the bar. Hamer was more involved this half and fed Brereton Diaz but Tarkowski made a good block. Appeals for a penalty were waved away soon after as Hamer again was involved in the build-up.
Curtis came on for Arblaster and Souza went into midfield and Bogle moved into a right centre back position. There was a chance for United as the ball dropped to Robinson and he sent a cross over but Brereton Diaz’s header cannoned off a defender but once again the referee got it wrong, pointing to a goal kick.
Brereton Diaz was cautioned for another cynical foul as United continued to look lazy and petulant in attempts to recover the ball. Everton’s first changes saw Dobbin and Gomes on for McNeil and Doucoure.
From a ball over, Robinson tried a half volley on the angle but his shot was blocked by the face of Onana. Archer then had a half chance but took too long and Hamer’s effort was deflected wide. United had at least had a series of attacks but most of the efforts were long range and Pickford had only had the one save to make (Brooks) all afternoon.
Everton has not offered much attacking wise for the last period of the game but still had not been really endangered at the other end. Gomes shot wide and then Calvert Lewin headed down but the ball was blocked. The former Blades went off to be replaced by Chermiti with just over 10 minutes to play.
Archer had an effort well wide and that was his last act as Brewster came on to replace him. The substitute got down the right but overhit his cross as Lowe stretched. Brereton Diaz had been roaming around the pitch in an attempt to get involved but his loose touch nearly sent Everton away and then it dropped for Chermiti who fizzed over on the angle.
Foderingham has to push away as he clashed with Slimane as the game entered 4 minutes of additional time but after the keeper needed treatment – there was additional time added on. Wilder was booked for protesting a stoppage for Gomes going down – but the sub was subbed with youngster Warrington making his debut. Chermiti had another chance but Foderingham came out to narrow the angle and got caught on the rebound. After another delay, which saw a defender kick it out initially, Foderingham smashed the ball out of play in his own half summing up United’s day and season.
Garner had another chance right on full time but blazed badly over when he should have scored but it mattered little as the home side eased to a routine victory over a punchless Blades side. The only consolation was that the Blades did not endure another hammering but Everton never really got out of first gear in a rather comfortable afternoon.
United – Not much to say. I am repeating the same thing every week. The only difference this week is we did not score or create much at all and this time did not concede loads of chances/goals. However, the general theme of us being poor with the ball, sloppy defensively and unable to really look like scoring at the other end -continued. The lack of fitness and ability to press, even from the start of games means we are almost aways defending and just hoping somehow teams will miss the inevitable chances that come.
We have been a lot worse than today but thought it was a really boring game and Everton just cantered to an easy win. We had few half chances but nothing clear and Pickford only made one save all game. The first half they controlled it – other than a 10 minute spell – and if Doucoure takes his chances it probably is 3-0 at the break. The goal is so easy but had been coming. We had a bit of a spell but Everton still looked more likely and had so much time on the ball. We continued not to pick up runners and sit off.
We did look better second half and the changes actually gave us a bit more in terms of some fresh legs and we did have a few moments but not sure there was anything that close to a goal. Everton just sorted of eased through it, made lots of changes and in the end, they finishes stronger and had 2-3 more chances to score again as Wes made a few saves or a few went just wide.
I was really bored by the team’s performance and felt the side just did not seem bothered (can say same about Everton) but wanted us to try and have a go and get men forward but it was almost as if we settled for a narrow defeat. Sad to think that is our mentality as it is such a damaged group. He picked a fair few loan players again or ones that will not be here but again does he have any choice? Also, as much as the subs were no worse in some cases, than those who departed (certainly the double change early on) I wonder why he waits 10 minutes for these instead of doing at the break?) you look at the likes of Trusty, Curtis, Slimane, Brewster, Lowe and these are players who would struggle in the lower places in the Championship. It shows how much work we have to do over the summer.
The season is just petering out now and we know we will lose next week and probably go onto concede close or more than 105 goals. We have broke records all over the place and just continue to look completely out of our depth. I salute those that went but it seemed like a game neither side could be bothered with and almost felt like an unspoken gentleman’s handshake of ‘you can have the win, just do not hammer us!’
We have seen the news of the changes in the infrastructure in terms of Mike Allen and Jamie Hoyland coming in but if that is the big restructure, just seems like more of the same with two people who have been before and no real sign of big chances in terms of how we recruit – just two of Wilder’s old pals coming in – one who was part of some poor recruitment in the Premier League before. Hopefully we see meaningful changes in stuff behind the scenes and personnel but with limited funds, hard to see how we make the big chances we need? I think it says it all that I will be just glad the season is done and can have a break and will not be thinking too much about United for a while after next weekend.
Ratings:
Foderingham 5/10 – Seen some say he maybe went too early on the goal but I felt he had to go out and try and deny Calvert Lewin as no one came across and was in on goal. Maybe he should stay but not then Calvert Lewin would have just been straight in on goal? I am not sure it was an obvious error but might be wrong? He did make a few routine saves either side of this but again was left way too much to do with a few chances coming in where no one marked or attacked the ball. Got a few kicks at the end and his distribution – which had been poor all day – got even worse! Says something that him conceding just one is a big upgrade on what has gone before!
Bogle 5.5/10 – Not really involved as an attacking threat and they got between the wing backs and centre backs all first half. Mis controlled it a few times too from simple passes to him. He tried to get involved but had a quiet game but at least kept going and thought looked one of more comfortable players as the game went on. Ended up at right centre back to finish – would have maybe liked to have seen him further forward and in midfield.
Larouci 5/10 – Looked way off the pace and they had a lot of space down this side. He did not make glaring errors but not sure he know where his man is most of the time! He offered nothing going forward and then as he always does, was fatigued and had to go off.
Trusty 5/10 – Never seems to win a header/challenge or impose himself at all. He just seems to timid in everything he does. I worry that he seems to shrink when the ball goes up to him. No huge errors but part of a defence that switches off and leaves clear headers/men in the box.
Robinson 4/10 –Thought he was really poor today. Ended up nearly getting sent off – lost his man constantly and just seemed frustrated. Think he has been one of those that has done ok at times of course this season but today he was as poor as the rest in losing his man (the goal what is he doing?) and then chasing things without keeping any defensive shape – played them onside twice too.
Souza 5/10 – He was ok actually to begin. Not sure he did lots wrong and was tighter to his men than the above. He was moved into midfield and we actually had more ball after this but not sure he did much with it – kicked two straight out – but did at least give us more of a presence. Love the fact he continues to point to others - one awful cross and then highlight of his games seems to be to find a mate on the oppo to chat to on full time.
Brooks 5.5/10 – Best he has been first half in that he at least tried to go forward, competed more and had a few passes into the front and the effort on goal. Few wayward passes and at times looks scared to try and take it on but I thought at least got involved a bit today and thought it was harsh he came off when the other two had been worse up to that point.
Hamer 6/10 – Completely anonymous first half. Took a few set plays but never on the ball and forgot he was playing. Second half he was our best player in that he got on it and made forward passes and drove us on a fair bit. Had a really good 5-10 minute spell and a few through balls or blocked shots. Faded at the end.
Arblaster 4/10 – His worst game since getting in the side. Gave it away a lot and not sure he influenced the game like he has been doing at all. He barely found a yellow shirt all game and did not pick up the ball like he has been doing. Also gave away a few poor fouls and one that was not good at all. Came off not long after.
Brereton Diaz 5/10 – Tried to link and get on it but he looked sluggish at times too but at least he did try and find a man or run the channels. He had one shot over the bar and tried to combine with Archer but his strike partner’s greedy play meant he never got the ball back. Ended up chasing the ball a lot and coming back inside.
Archer 4/10 – Continued poor form and decision making. Looks slow to react and when he has had chances, he has taken too long. Had a great chance but denied by Pickford as he took too long and then anther and again he was too slow to make a decision. He did get into some good areas and made some decent runs but his end product was appalling yet again. He looked a bit disinterested at times. A signing that has not worked at all in his goals output and overall contribution. Kept hearing he was a finisher and a poacher but in the last 4 or 5 games, he has missed a hatful of chances or been really selfish when others have been better placed. Might as well play Brewster next week.
Subs -
Slimane 5/10 – Had a few tackles/touches but nothing of note at all and another that looks woefully unfit. No worse than many others but distinctly average still and did not really influence the game much.
Lowe 6/10 – He was ok when he came on and at least got forward and linked with others. Says something that Lowe was one of the better players (only ordinary)! We had a few attacks down this side at least.
Curtis 3/10 – Seen him a few times of the u21’s and he looked a long way off first team level lacking pace/athleticism and awareness and I got panned for this opinion by some. Well he came in today (admittedly his first game) and looked very nervous (which is understandable) but was miles off the pace of this level. Gave it away almost every time he had it or was robbed.
Brewster – Had one run and cross but that was it.
Manager: Wilder 5/10 – We did not get hammered. We still lost meekly again and it was a nothing sort of performance. After 6 months, I still have no idea what our style is? We do not press, we do not keep possession, we do not go long, we do not keep it tight, we do not try and break? I have no clue. It’s a nothing style of play where we seem to just hope other teams miss chances and we might get the odd break when we do attack. Granted much of that is down to the poor players and the terrible conditioning of the side – we had no real identity under Hecky too – so not pinning it on Wilder. I am as concerned about the lack of fight and the way the players have just gone through the motions (even before we went down). The acceptance of losing every week is something I thought he would not put up with but he seems almost resigned to this too now and looks powerless to change it. Keeps talking about huge changes but no idea how he gets the players in with the lack of funds (we will sell a few but that will be to cover the costs of going down)?
Everton – An easy win really. Came out and got the lead, after missing a few chances early on and then just strolled to the win. Will feel they got sloppy second half but Pickford was largely untroubled and kept another home clean sheet and continued their good form. Dyche has done well to keep them up – especially after the points deductions – ad done what he always does in getting his teams defensively sound and well organised. I am not sure how they can push on much more from a lower Premier League team – mid table the best they can aspire for – with the financial uncertainty?
Opponent Man of the Match – Calvert Lewin was a handful but Doucoure was the match winner with the winner and a number of other moments where he was involved and could have had more?
Opponent Weak link – Thought Coleman looked slow and probably showed why despite great service, his time will be up at Goodison.
Referee/Officials – Thought United committed some petulant and stupid fouls (not even in a way where we got about them and competed – just late and stupid) and on another day, Robinson could have got sent off. BBD and Arblaster also both put in really late dangerous fouls. The officials missed at least 3 clear corners for both sides, giving goal kicks. Should have been an easy one to ref but at times they almost seemed to want to make it more interesting by giving some baffling decisions? Nothing really that big affected the game and no VAR checks summed up how uncompetitive it was.
