Alan Smith slams ‘poor’ Nathan Patterson in first half of Everton clash v West Ham United
Alan Smith has blasted Nathan Patterson after what he did in the first half for Everton against West Ham on Sunday (29 October).
Speaking on co-commentary on Sky Sports Main Event (01:23pm), the pundit said it was a “poor” bit of defending from the Scotland international when he failed in his attempt to tackle Lucas Paqueta.
He added that the 22-year-old defender “committed himself” before the Brazilian international laid the ball off to Jarrod Bowen, who couldn’t guide his effort on target.
“Poor bit of defending from Patterson there,” said Smith. “He committed himself and you don’t want to do that against Paqueta. If you want the ball to fall to anyone it’s probably Jarrod Bowen but it’s a complete miscue.”
Got away with it
It wasn’t good enough defensively from Patterson and he was fortunate that it didn’t lead to Everton going behind in the game against West Ham.
The Brazilian is extremely good on the ball and is able to twist and turn well in tight areas, so Sean Dyche will have been disappointing to see him dive in.
The defender has been recalled for this game in place of the suspended Ashley Young, meaning this is his opportunity to try and win his place back in the side.
The Scotsman was just a bit too keen in the first half as he got beat a couple of times by Hammers attacker, but he did get away with it and no real harm was done.
He will be hoping to a bit more solid and not make any mistakes in the second half as his side look to take a positive result away from the London Stadium.
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan has shared what Bill Kenwright told him about Farhad Moshiri.