Everton’s 1-0 win over Chelsea continues to be talked about. And not just because of the surprise of beating a candidate for the Premier League title but because of the findings behind that victory.
Coincidentally, for that duel coach Carlo Ancelotti had several casualties, namely the usual starters Coleman, Digne and James Rodriguez.
But according to the British press, it turns out that now, in light of the results, Everton finally have a plan B without them.
The Liverpool Echo specialist newspaper explains that, although out of extreme necessity, the 4-4-2 module is functional, not only for talent but especially for sacrifice: “above all, put the amount of effort that Everton fans look forward to working hard for each other on the pitch, “he said. Sacrifice that, among other things, has been criticized especially to the Colombian.
The medium explains that betting on four central defenders, two of them improvised on the flanks, as was the case with Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate, may seem defensive but it was what was needed to not be exposed in Pickford.
And he adds that the second line of four, with Alex Iwobi, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Richarlison completed that unity that was required to stop being so vulnerable: “His task was clear: work hard, protect the back four whenever necessary and would have managed to get the ball out quickly to put Chelsea in the back foot every time he had a loss. It was simple, direct, passionate and, most importantly, effective. “
And here is the detail that the Liverpool newspaper celebrates most and that worries most about a return of James after his injury: “In front of them you had Gylfi Sigurdsson playing a much more natural role for him, behind the striker and using his energy to “His cold-executed penalty in the first half crowned an excellent 45-minute display from someone who so often divides opinion among the general fan base.”
Everton will have a tough end to the year, with rivals such as Leicester, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, and it may be an emergency solution that finds Ancelotti out of action forever. But clearly the module that worked against Chelsea earned the right to remain, with Mina as the protagonist in the back, but without James.
For better or worse, this is a reality that the Colombian already knows: rowing back to regain the place lost due to injury. The lesson must be learned and the return must be glittering. We must end 2020 as a coming and return to prominence with a firmer edge.