Everton must reconsider Jack Harrison loan stance after Arsenal draw
Sean Dyche will be unhappy with Jack Harrison after his underwhelming attacking display for Everton in the 0-0 draw against Arsenal.
The Blues will take plenty of positives away from the Emirates after battling to a hard-fought draw on Saturday afternoon [14 December], but Harrison would have returned to the away dressing room with his tail between his legs.
Dyche spoke out in support of the Everton loanee ahead of the clash, claiming he is a “very important” member of the squad at Goodison Park, but the boss may will be eating his words now.
Jack Harrison struggles in Everton draw v Arsenal
TEAMtalk journalist Harry Watkinson reported on Friday [13 December] that Everton have “no intention” of terminating Harrison’s loan from Leeds United – that stance needs to change.
Even when the Blues are at the top of their game, the 28-year-old finds ways to produce “woeful” performances, particularly during the 4-0 win against Wolves last time out.
And what unfolded at the Emirates was no different – Harrison walked out onto the pitch in North London with two left boots on his feet, completing only 67 per cent of his nine passing attempts in 66 minutes of action [Sofascore].
With only 23 touches of the football, the forward completed 33 per cent of his long balls, zero per cent of his crosses, zero per cent of his dribble attempts and lost possession 11 times. Indeed, he lost the ball 47 per cent of the time it was at his feet.
Furthermore, he lost 62.5 per cent of his contested duels, so there is absolutely nothing positive of note to take away from his performance for the Blues, even if the result itself was worthy of praise.
In turn, Dyche should share some blame for leaving Harrison on the pitch for as long as he did and for selecting him to start the contest.
Everton can be more than happy with a point, but had there been a better attacking option that Harrison to call upon, it could have been even better on the day.
Going forward, Dyche needs to ensure the Leeds loanee is not involved in the starting line-up.
In other Everton news, Mikel Arteta made a surprising Arsenal decision in the clash against the Blues.
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