Everton’s encouraging transformation under Ronald Koeman continued with a dominant, resilient but fortunate win over Stoke. The contest proved a perfect platform for the Dutchman to further differentiate himself from Roberto Martinez, who lost in consecutive years at Goodison to the Potters, as Everton defended a narrow lead and emerged victorious. Seven points from nine represents a fine start for the new man.
The home side’s nine corners to Stoke’s two, their 21 shots to the Potters’ eight, and nine on target to just one paints a vivid picture though the Blues may not score a more fortunate goal all season. Tracking Ashley Williams from a corner, Phil Bardsley appeared to trip over Phil Jagielka before upending the Welshman. These are precarious times for the penalty box grappler, there’s a new world order at corners. Michael Oliver whistled, Everton had the opportunity they craved. When forceful chants of “Baines! Baines! Baines!” were honoured, that seemed all there was to it, and yet there was more, a fair bit more in fact. Baines’ weak effort was palmed away by Shay Given but only to the ricocheting uncertainty of the post, then onto his head and in. There’s no swear word cathartic enough for such an occurrence.
For all the fortune of the winner, there was endeavour elsewhere for the Toffees. In particular, Idrissa Gueye was outstanding. He made the most tackles (6), had the second most touches (85), and completed the second most passes (67) with the third best passing accuracy (91%). Complementing Barry’s stellar ethic, he’s added strength and anticipation. Everton are regaining the ball back quicker and higher. It’s an insight into how narrow our focus can become in this country that an almost identical player to the title-inspiring N’Golo Kante could ply his trade so similarly almost secretly 42 miles away.
At right-back, Mason Holgate again caught the eye. For one so undoubtedly raw, he’s remarkably polished. Outleaping here, intercepting there, Holgate exhibits measured understanding of all that’s required, as shown when he dribbled between three in a tight area to win Everton a free-kick late on. Marko Arnautovic’s presence on Stoke’s left marked Saturday as a challenge; the Austrian’s ineffectiveness confirmed it a success.
A replacement for Distin at last
Williams started solidly alongside Jagielka. The pair combined for 16 clearances, six tackles and five successful aerial duels. The latter was particularly useful given Stoke’s tactic, quite reasonably in consideration of Everton’s aerial frailty and Peter Crouch’s midweek hat-trick, of playing it long and high. Bereft of Xherdan Shaqiri, Joselu and for 78 minutes Bojan Krkic, the Potters lacked energy and impetus, and barely threatened Everton’s goal. A deflected Arnautovic effort onto the bar, and a spurned opening from Jonathan Walters was the best Mark Hughes’ side could muster. Everton’s second clean sheet of the week arrived comfortably.
Koeman 38th-minute switch at West Brom drew widespread praise but his first change against Stoke seemed problematic When Everton needed livening up and reinforcing, he brought on Arouna Kone for Kevin Mirallas. Oddly, Yannick Bolasie seemed to step up at this moment, creating an attacking 4-3-3 that left Holgate and Baines isolated. Eerily similar to Martinez. In fairness, subsequent changes, Ramiro Funes Mori for Ross Barkley on 84 minutes, and Tom Davies for Bolasie on 88, adequately addressed the imbalance. Besides, Koeman likely kept Lukaku and Bolasie on to develop fitness.
As for Lukaku’s day, it was one of slight worry and equally slight encouragement. Three games without a goal under Koeman, 11 in total for Everton, and several good opportunities wasted, but a definite hint he’s prepared to up his workload from last season. He dropped into space, turned and shot quicker – “shoot straight and don’t wait” said Koeman after the game offering insight perhaps into one of his coaching mantras and/ or rap credentials. Lukaku also pressed and regained his position quicker. The Belgian’s return to goal scoring form is the next necessary step for Everton: back-to-back one-goal wins, but now to decrease the risk.
Lukaku’s barren spell, the lack of goalkeeping, creative midfield and striking reinforcements and Gerard Deulofeu’s missed one-on-one against Spurs denying Everton four wins from four represent, I think, all major blots on the copybook after the first month of the season, which is good going. The Toffees’ transformation requires more time, more tweaking and more practice, but the template of pressing, organisation and hard work is now well-set. The players are yet to gel, but they’re playing well and getting results in the meantime.
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I offer my sympathy and condolence to the family of the 51-year-old Everton fan who collapsed during the second-half, and tragically passed away despite immediate medical attention. It will be of no comfort that this occurred at Goodison Park, but it will at the very least ensure his permanent remembrance amidst a group he belonged to.
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By Chris Smith
Follow me on Twitter @cdsmith789
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