Danny Murphy rages at ‘absolutely ludicrous’ Ben Godfrey incident in Everton defeat v Manchester United
Danny Murphy has slammed Ben Godfrey after the Everton defender was caught napping during the Toffees’ 2-0 loss to Manchester United.
Goals from Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial saw the Red Devils seal a vital three points to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Godfrey was caught out of position after a long ball from Bruno Fernandes and Murphy was scathing of the 25-year-old’s positioning.
Speaking on Match of the Day on Saturday night (8 April, 51m10s), he said: “Ben Godfrey played left-back for Everton. He obviously doesn’t play there often, we know that.
“But there are some basics you can’t do. Fernandes turns, we know he’s a great passer of the ball.
“Godfrey’s got to drop off there – and Keane – they’re playing against two of United’s quickest players – if not two of the quickest players in the league.
“It’s a straight ball over Godfrey’s head and Anthony’s in on goal. It’s an absolutely ludicrous way to defend when you’re going away to Old Trafford fighting for your lives.”
Move on
This is one for Sean Dyche to brush under the table quickly. Everton were good value during their draws against Tottenham and Chelsea but the trip to Old Trafford was a bridge too far. United are enjoying a good season and will more than likely finish in the Champions League places.
Everton were certainly bold in their defensive shape and it’s probably something Dyche didn’t encourage. Holding a high line against one of the best counterattacking teams in the Premier League is certainly brave and it didn’t pay off.
Dyche’s side now enter a far more favourable run of fixtures with free-falling Fulham, Crystal Palace and Leicester to come in three of their next four fixtures. These are the games which will define Everton’s season and a run of wins is a must.
The battle to avoid the drop is developing every single week and there promises to be plenty of twists and turns between now and the end of the season. With Leicester, Southampton and Nottingham Forest in poor form, Everton must look to capitalise.