Everton: Sean Dyche must axe Ben Godfrey at half-time v Manchester United
Sean Dyche must substitute Everton defender Ben Godfrey at half-time if he wants to get back into the game against Manchester United.
The Toffees find themselves 2-0 down at the break after conceding two penalties, with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford converting from the spot.
But despite arguably being the better team from open play, two clumsy challenges from defenders have cost them so far and Dyche now needs to find a way to get more direct and get back into the game.
Ben Godfrey has to come off
James Tarkowski made the first tackle and took down Alejandro Garnacho from a standing position which was poor, but Godfrey conceded the second penalty and it summed up his half.
He dangled a leg out against the tricky winger who was running at pace and basically begged the Argentine to trip over it, gifting the home side a 2-0 lead from the spot.
But it’s clear that Godfrey, despite relatively good form in recent weeks, isn’t a natural right-back and the Toffees need to get him off to find more balance in the team.
Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young are all on the substitutes bench and all would present better options with their crossing and mobility going forward and their level of defending in one on one situations.
Everton have caused United big problems in transition and from set-pieces which would make any of those players an upgrade.
Dyche needs to make the decision and get Godfrey off if he wants any chance of finding a way to points.
In other Everton news, one Toffees star failed a late fitness test to play v Manchester United.
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