Alan Shearer praises Everton ace Nathan Patterson live-on-air for what he did v West Ham United
Alan Shearer absolutely loved what Everton defender Nathan Patterson did in the dying minutes of their win over West Ham on Sunday afternoon.
The Toffees claimed their first win of the season and made it six games unbeaten in all competitions thanks to Neal Maupay’s first goal for the club in a 1-0 win at Goodison Park.
But while appearing on Match of the Day 2 [18 September, 11:35pm], Shearer was quick to point out the role of Patterson in the three points after his vital challenge to deny Maxwel Cornet was seemed like a certain equaliser late on in the game.
“What about this for a tackle, reading the game,” he said.
“Then this one here. Look at the way he’s just getting back there. Superb from Patterson, just that little touch there takes it off Cornet and that stops a goal there.”
Vital
It’s been a pretty good start to the season so far, with four draws and now a win from the opening seven games of the campaign and a tumultuous summer window.
Eight first-team signings were made and after two defeats in the opening two games of the season to Chelsea and Aston Villa there were worries about whether the club would be facing another battle with relegation.
But Lampard has addressed the issues and with Patterson as an ever-present at the back at right back, they now have the second best defensive record in the entire Premier League having played a game more than Brighton who have the best.
It’s great credit to the manager but also to the players, and Patterson especially deserves immense praise for the way he has stepped up to take captain Seamus Coleman’s place in the side seamlessly after what was a tough start to his Everton career after signing from Rangers in January.