Journalist McNulty criticises ‘lack of urgency’ in Everton v Brighton

Wed 14 April 2021 11:00, UK

BBC Sport journalist Phil McNulty has criticised Everton for lacking urgency in their loss against Brighton on Monday.

The Blues were without a number of first-team players through injury against the Seagulls, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side limping to a goalless stalemate at the Amex Stadium.

Jordan Pickford, Andre Gomes, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Fabian Delph, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Josh King, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Bernard and Allan were all unavailable in the Premier League clash on the south coast.

Despite Everton’s injury issues however, journalist McNulty was critical of the way the Toffees approached the game against Brighton, labelling their urgency or lack thereof as awful.

Engaging with Everton supporters on Twitter who were also critical of Everton’s performance, McNulty tweeted: “It was the lack of urgency that had been in evidence for weeks.

“Injuries should not rob you of that basic intent to at least look like you want to win the game.

“It was awful and to say anything else is delusion.”

It was the lack of urgency that had been in evidence for weeks. Injuries should not rob you of that basic intent to at least look like you want to win the game. It was awful and to say anything else is delusion.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) April 12, 2021

View Tweet

Accurate assessment

McNulty has every right to question the method behind Everton’s disappointing performance because, despite the injuries, the Blues were never at the races.

With just seven wins in the Premier League this season and hovering above the relegation zone, Brighton should certainly have been seen as a winnable game, and after dropping points against Burnley and Crystal Palace the Brighton result stings even more.

Everton never had the momentum to pick up the ball and drive at Brighton. Despite being away from home, where they’ve fared much better this season, they weren’t willing to commit men forward and try to challenge the Brighton back-line.

That’s what McNulty is criticising, Everton’s lack of intention to take the game to the Seagulls, and he’s right to do so. Everton supporters want to see their players fight in every fixture, regardless of whether the club have enough quality. Showing effort goes a long way.

Perhaps Ancelotti could be at fault for instructing his players to sit back, or perhaps the players weren’t delivering upon Ancelotti’s instructions. Either way the performance just wasn’t strong enough.

In other Everton news, Rio Ferdinand thinks Manchester United should sign ‘fantastic’ Everton ace.

Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.