Dwight McNeil must be axed for Everton v Sheffield United, ‘unacceptable’ in Luton Town clash
Sean Dyche must contemplate dropping Dwight McNeil from his starting XI as Everton prepare to face Sheffield United on Saturday (11 May).
The Toffees have already secured their safety in the Premier League, though Dyche will still be disappointed not to gain all three points against a relegation-threatened side at Kenilworth Road.
Drawing 1-1 with Luton, the match was not without its controversial moments as Dominic Calvert-Lewin tucked away a penalty, while McNeil believed Everton should have been awarded another spot-kick.
After going to ground after a challenge in the box from Teden Mengi, Matthew Upson said via the Premier League world feed on Friday (3 May): “That was poor from McNeil. Was looking for a penalty. I mean look at that. That’s unacceptable. No real contact sending him to the floor.”
This was not the only frustrating moment during the clash with the Hatters, with Everton unable to find a winner after being pegged by Elijah Adebayo seven minutes after taking the lead.
Dwight McNeil struggles in Everton v Luton Town
The 24-year-old midfielder has often been the source of inspiration this season, with three goals and six assists in 33 league appearances. However, he seemed to be more of a hindrance at Kenilworth Road.
With the attacking prowess of Calvert-Lewin in the box, it is a simple job for the wingers on each flank to deliver crosses into the box, but with a 0 per cent crossing accuracy, McNeil failed to deliver. [FotMob]
He also only completed 50 per cent of his long balls forward, while also winning just 50 per cent of both his ground and aerial duels.
In addition to this, the winger lost possession 19 times, the most out of any player in the Everton starting XI, having the wrong kind of impact on the left flank. [Sofascore]
McNeil is well known for his ability to charge at the opposition defence, though he was unable to attempt any successful dribbles throughout his 90 minutes on the pitch.
With Lewis Dobbin returning from injury, or a number of deserving academy players waiting in the wings, Dyche may want to rethink his decision to utilise McNeil against the Blades.
In other Everton news, King has slammed a “complicated” Premier League development.
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