Goodison Analysis: Virginia shows promise with four saves v Man City
Though Everton failed to progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup against Manchester City on Saturday, goalkeeper Joao Virginia gave an impressive account of himself.
The Portugal youth international was thrown in at the deep end against the Premier League leaders with both Jordan Pickford and Robin Olsen out injured.
Despite the pressure on the 21-year old’s shoulders, Virginia performed admirably and could do little about the two goals that he conceded.
According to stats gathered by WyScout, Virginia managed four saves against Pep Guardiola’s side, two of which were reflex stops.
Virginia’s first stop was fairly routine, with Raheem Sterling firing a long-range effort straight into his arms.
Sterling had another chance to give his side the lead shortly before the hour mark, with a low ground cross from Everton’s right finding him unmarked in the centre of the box.
Virginia pulled up an excellent fingertip save to push it past the post, denying the Cityzens an easy strike.
City ramped up the pressure as the game entered the final ten minutes, with Foden hoping to catch Virginia off-guard with a strike from Everton’s right.
Everton’s shot-stopper watched the ball well though and met it with safe hands.
Ultimately misfortune would see Virginia concede his first. Aymeric Laporte was allowed to surge forward unopposed, where he was able to get a shot off following a quick one-two with Kevin De Bruyne.
Laporte’s attempt was met marvellously by Virginia, who’s sharp reflexes tipped the ball onto the crossbar…
Unfortunately, the ball would rebound off the bar and straight back into the danger area, where Ilkay Gundogan reacted quickest to score a diving header into an open net.
Virginia was undeniably considered to be Everton’s weak link heading into the game but he performed well for someone only making their second senior appearance at the highest level.
Having come on as a first-half substitute for Jordan Pickford the week prior after he aggravated a rib issue against Burnley, Virginia pulled off three reflex saves to stop Burnley from scoring. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done.
With Olsen back in training it appears likely that he’ll be fit to start once the international break has concluded, but Ancelotti will be buoyed knowing that he can turn to his third choice without too much concern should injury strike once more.
In other Everton news, France manager Didier Deschamps believes that Lucas Digne often gets overlooked because he plays for Everton.