Phil McNulty rips into ‘toothless’ Everton and delivers Goodison Park transfer verdict
BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty has questioned the summer transfer business at Everton after their “toothless” display against Leicester City.
Frank Lampard’s side went down 2-0 at Goodison Park after a wonder goal from Youri Tielemans and a second-half strike from Harvey Barnes.
McNulty feels that Toffees have improved in the 2022/23 season but will struggle due to their lack of firepower in attacking areas.
He said (personal Twitter account, 5 November): “Everton have looked toothless and that is because they are toothless. This is down to the failure to line up adequate attacking replacements for Richarlison knowing full well Calvert-Lewin’s fitness was suspect.
“Improved in areas but will not score enough goals.”
Day to forget
It was a day to forget for Everton and Lampard, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin again forced off. Injury problems have blighted the 25-year-old’s career, and this latest setback could well see his World Cup hopes diminish.
It’s been a good start to the season, particularly after narrowly avoiding relegation at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. However, Lampard is probably pleased the World Cup break is fast approaching. There have been some good moments from his side so far, but consistency is still alluding the Toffees.
January will be an interesting period, with attacking additions being the priority for Lampard, after drawing a blank against the Foxes. With just eleven goals scored, his side are the third-lowest scorers in the top flight. Everton have been good defensively for the most part so if more goals can be added to the equation, there’s no reason why they won’t climb the table.
Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Daichi Kamada (Fussball Transfers, 2 November) is a name that has already been linked to Goodison Park. Hopefully, there will be more in the following weeks.