Ally McCoist brands Seamus Coleman mistake a ‘disaster’ as Everton lose 4-1 to Liverpool
Ally McCoist branded Seamus Coleman’s mistake against Liverpool a “disaster” as Everton lost 4-1 in the first Merseyside derby of the season.
Coleman, 33, started at right-back in Wednesday’s (1 December) clash at Goodison Park, but the Republic of Ireland international endured a tough evening against a rampant Reds side who blitzed the Blues with goals from Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah (two) and Diogo Jota.
It was Salah’s second goal to make it 3-1 to Liverpool that really set the seal on the victory for Jurgen Klopp’s side and make Demarai Gray’s goal redundant.
“It’s a disaster for Seamus Coleman,” McCoist said of Salah’s second-half goal on commentary for Amazon Prime Video.
“I’m actually watching him, he wants to play it first time over the top high but he’s uncomfortable, he doesn’t get it. He takes a touch and Salah’s in quick as a flash as you’d expect, you cannot mess about when he’s in town.
“It’s Coleman’s fault and Coleman’s problem but Gray’s got to give him a better ball to deal with, it’s an awkward height for him.
“He should handle it better, of course he should, however, it’s not a great ball back from Gray.”
All on the board
Coleman has been one of the finest players to pull on an Everton shirt since the turn of the 21st century, and is arguably the best pound-for-pound signing in the club’s history after moving for just £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in 2009.
He has been a fixture in the starting XI since the 2010/11 campaign, save for a few injury issues.
However, Everton should not be in a position where Coleman is the only right-back at the club.
There is, of course, Jonjoe Kenny, but he’s not even being considered for selection after failing to kick on after his early promise.
Coleman has face criticism in recent weeks for his performances, but that’s not down to him.
He has played over 350 games for the club and run himself into the ground for the Blues.
But he needs protection and that should have been offered to him in the form of another right-back being signed to share duties.
The club captain is currently being hung out to dry.
In other Everton news, the Blues were in a European transfer mission on Saturday as this Spanish sensation starred with a brace.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.