View: Three things we learned from Everton in loss v Burnley
Everton fell victim to back-to-back Premier League defeats after losing to Burnley at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Chris Wood and Dwight McNeil both scored to put Burnley two goals up inside half an hour, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header after the half hour mark brought the Toffees back into the game.
Unfortunately though the England international’s goal would prove to be little more than a consolation, with the Clarets holding out for all three points.
At Goodison News we have picked out three things we learned from the home defeat…
Holgate isn’t a right-back
If his crossing ability is anything to go by, Holgate isn’t suited to playing on the right-side of defence for Everton. The Blues need someone who can offer just as much in attack as they do at the back, and Holgate’s crossing ability isn’t up to scratch.
Holgate has long been seen as a centre-back and he’s played on the right this season largely due to Seamus Coleman being frequently unavailable, but this performance further highlighted his issues playing that role.
Allan needs to play further forward
Brazilian midfielder Allan might be a natural spoiler, but his ability on the ball is too vital to bury him as a No.6. With Abdoulaye Doucoure absent, Tom Davies needs to play that deeper role to allow Allan to play in a slightly more advanced position.
Especially alongside either Andre Gomes or Gylfi Sigurdsson, Everton need an extra yard of pace and added grit further up the field, and Allan brings that if he’s playing slightly further forward.
Injuries are unavoidable
Because of what is going on in the world it has been a crazy and unpredictable season, and it seems as though injuries have run rampant for almost every club.
Everton could now be set to face Manchester City in the FA Cup next weekend without either of Jordan Pickford or Robin Olsen, which would mean Joao Virginia would be set to start.
Injuries are unavoidable at this moment in time, and Everton need to tighten up and hold on as we near the finish line.
In other Everton news, Ancelotti remains confident that JP Gbamin could play for the Blues this season.