Sean Dyche must bring James Garner on if Everton are to come from behind against Newcastle
Sean Dyche must consider bringing James Garner on at half-time to help Everton come back from behind against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
The Toffees went behind inside the first 15 minutes as Alexander Isak latched onto Harvey Barnes’ ball over the top, beat Jarrad Branthwaite and found the bottom corner.
The lack of pressure on Barnes as he picked out the Swede was typical of the issues Everton have experienced in the first half.
Their ineffective, disjointed and half-hearted pressing has allowed a depleted Newcastle side to dominate the ball, with Dyche’s men mustering just 38 per cent possession at the break.
Everton’s midfield endure tough time
Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gana Gueye have been pinned back, losing the midfield battle against the Magpies’ trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson.
As a result of the Toffees’ lack of intensity, they have been carved open time and again – only desperate defending has limited Newcastle’s clear-cut opportunities thus far.
Garner’s introduction could prove transformative, however. The 23-year-old has registered 1.57 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this season – according to FBref – and his energetic presence could help Everton disrupt their opponents and gain more of a foothold themselves.
In other Everton news, a former Premier League director has given his verdict on Farhad Moshiri’s role in the club’s PSR breaches.
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