Everton must make Jack Harrison move permanent – Three things learned v Manchester City
Everton began the post-Christmas stretch with a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at Goodison Park on 27 December, as City made it back-to-back defeats for Sean Dyche.
Everton went into half-time 1-0 up courtesy of a Jack Harrison strike, and Dyche’s side looked the better team as they kept City locked out through their tight defensive structure.
A goal from Phil Foden to equalise in the 53rd minute changed the game, City were able to get a foothold and went through the gears as Julian Alvarez converted a controversial penalty before Bernardo Silva rounded things off by capitalising on a Jordan Pickford error.
Here are three things we learned from the defeat at Goodison Park…
Harrison should be made permanent
Harrison proved once again why he is so valuable to the way Dyche wants to play. His tireless work rate, combined with an eye for goal and wing play makes him perfect for the system.
Not only did his goal put Everton ahead, but his 100% long ball accuracy and 50% crossing accuracy, as well as seven duels, show what he offers to the boss, and they must make sure he remains at the club next season. [Sofascore]
His Leeds teammate Junior Firpo described Harrison as “unbelievable” in March [via HITC], and since arriving on Merseyside he has shown exactly why he earned such high praise from his fellow professionals.
The handball rule needs scrapping
Yet again, the referee has been called into question by a controversial decision. Amadou Onana’s attempts to block the ball were let down by the decision to award a penalty for handball, but the question remains – where was his hand supposed to go?
There are often questions over a “natural position” for a defender’s arm, but when he’s throwing himself at the ball, how could Onana possibly keep his arms by his side? To make matters worse, John Brooks appeared to give the penalty only after the City players hounded him for it. That just sums things up.
Everton will make things difficult for everybody
Dyche’s side proved once more that they will make things difficult for any team visiting Goodison Park this season. Holding City at bay for as long as they did is an impressive feat in itself, with the World Champions struggling to create any chances of note against the deep block.
That block unravelled slightly after Foden opened the scoring for the visitors, but it still took a penalty and a goalkeeper mistake to pick apart the defensive line. Against a lesser side, that effort will prove even more difficult.
In other Everton news, Alan Shearer was wowed by what one Everton player did.