View: Three Things we learned from Everton in loss v Man City
Everton fell victim to their third successive loss in all competitions on Saturday, losing 2-0 to Manchester City in their FA Cup quarter-final clash.
The Toffees defended resolutely for the majority of the game but the Cityzens made a breakthrough with less than ten minutes left on the clock, with Ilkay Gundogan’s diving header coming moments after an impressive fingertip save from Joao Virginia.
Kevin De Bruyne stepped up minutes later to smash home City’s second, latching on to a lofted through ball before burying beyond Virginia with his left.
At Goodison News we have picked out three things we learned from the home defeat…
Capable deputy
Despite conceding twice, Virginia’s performance more than demonstrated his capability to deputise in the absence of Jordan Pickford and Robin Olsen.
The Portuguese shot-stopper will likely be relegated back to third choice soon, but he took his opportunity to show his worth with both hands, and that alone is commendable.
Break needed
Mason Holgate has been the weak link in Everton’s defence over the past few weeks now and he was fortunate not to concede a penalty after a risky challenge on Phil Foden on Saturday.
With Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Holgate all vying for space at the minute, perhaps now could be the best time to rest the only centre-back who seems to be struggling in Ancelotti’s system.
Significant funds will need to be spent
Everton cannot blame their loss on their lack of depth from the bench, but it certainly doesn’t help that the club have no one to turn to.
Of course injuries have accentuated this issue, but the fact of the matter is that the Blues don’t have a deep enough squad and Ancelotti must remedy that this summer.
In other Everton news, Rio Ferdinand believes Everton’s lack of depth from the bench cost them against City.