Jack Harrison ‘to be hooked’ at halftime after anonymous Everton showing v Palace
Everton have struggled to pose much of a threat in the first half of their clash with Crystal Palace despite leading 1-0.
With emotions high after Everton secured a last-gasp equaliser last time out against Liverpool, the Toffees had plenty of momentum to take into the encounter at Selhurst Park.
However, as of yet, that momentum is yet to shine through with the hosts looking the most threatening in the opening stages of the game and Everton struggling to compose themselves.
The absence of Iliman Ndiaye is certainly being felt with the Toffees perhaps fortunate not to have been a goal down after the hosts had a goal disallowed after the ball was deemed to have gone out of play.
Despite Everton taking the lead in the latter stages of the half, Palace have looked dangerous and without a change, they may inevitably find a way back into the game, if it isn’t killed off.
Jack Harrison to be axed at halftime
Jack Harrison was brought into the team in place of the absent Ndiaye but his impact has been few and far between.
Everton are struggling to get him into the game and with him failing to win his duels, it is just allowing Palace to come straight back at the Toffees and the longer that goes on, the bigger the challenge comes for the Toffees.
David Moyes doesn’t have many options on the bench, but a slight reshuffle in formation could aid them in getting a foothold in the game, which will then allow them to start dictating the play, something they are failing to do at the moment.
Ultimately, had it not been for some poor decisions in the final third from the hosts, Everton would be trailing in this game and they’d have very few complaints about it.
With a 1-0 lead at the break, Moyes could look to sure up the midfield, withdrawing Harrison in the process.
Everton are missing Iliman Ndiaye
So far, this game has been devoid of individual quality, something which Ndiaye has typically brought to the table every time he has played.
But with the Everton forward out injured, Moyes must find a different way to utilise his squad if they are to keep picking up points.
Given the number of injuries they are dealing with, it will certainly be easier said than done but if Everton are to avoid a relegation fight, needs must.