Demarai Gray must improve as Everton tactics need proper execution
Everton have improved under Frank Lampard but the defeat against Tottenham Hotspur has shed light on a few important points.
It’s not the defeat, but the manner of it, that needs to be discussed.
Lampard has got a poor record away from home. He now boasts a strong squad, but his mentality away from home needs to change.
Probably, we will see a more expansive display going forward if Lampard finds the right player, read as: bring in more quality players.
At the moment, Lampard’s plans away from home is very basic – remain tight at the back, and look to hit on the counter-attack.
It is similar to what Jose Mourinho often does, and for that you need players who can finish off those chances, mainly your wing players.
That is where Demarai Gray plays a crucial role in the side.
He is fast and skilful, his movement is brilliant, and he is perfect for Lampard’s away tactical plans.
Against Spurs, Gray got a brilliant opportunity to put the club ahead. He raced inside the Tottenham penalty box from a dangerous counter-attack, exactly how Lampard had envisaged.
But, there was no end product. That is really frustrating.
Gray has managed just one goal in the Premier League in 10 outings, and he is yet to register an assist.
He takes 2.1 shots per game and manages 1.3 key passes, as per Whoscored, and it is not a bad effort. But what about the end product?
This is where Everton are badly suffering away from home. Gray’s output has been dreadful, his numbers are horrible, and that needs to improve quickly.