No. 6 in a regular series of Everton articles
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| The two match-winners; Koeman's half-time substitution and Lukaku's hat-trick won the match for Everton |
Following the first half of Monday evening’s fixture at the
Stadium of Light it was evident to Ronald Koeman that something needed changing.
The substitution of Ross Barkley for Gerard Deulofeu was the
most significant turning point in the game. Much to the delight of Koeman and
the many watching Evertonians, Deulofeu dug in and was far more instrumental than
the man he replaced. Evidently the plan was to supply Lukaku effectively and
trust him to do the rest and the introduction of the Spaniard allowed Everton
to do exactly that. From that point onward Everton went on to play the most
deadly and enjoyable football of Koeman’s reign thus far.
It was never going to be too long until Lukaku found his
shooting boots once again; the Belgian looked relatively sharp in the first
half yet was starved of adequate chances, except for one which resulted in an
impressive save from Jordan Pickford. However in the second half the quality and
intensity of the football enhanced. The opportunities carved out for him by the
incredible Idrissa Gueye, the entertaining Yannick Bolasie and the re-energised
Kevin Mirallas were perfect for Lukaku. It was his first Premier League hat-trick
for the Blues and during the 11 minute spell during which the Belgian scored
three times and struck the crossbar he appeared to be absolutely the player he believes
he is.
Yet the strike-force was perhaps not even the most pleasing
aspect of Everton’s performance; Koeman’s organised and astute defence, with
the partnership of Williams and Jagielka at its heart, has turned Everton into
a secure unit almost overnight. Add to that the cover from Gueye and Barry with
Marten Stekelenburg between the sticks and the nightmarish defending of
Martinez’s era seems a
long time ago indeed. The Toffees have only conceded two goals this season and it was
extremely satisfying to watch them cruise to their second clean-sheet in a row.
Everton’s excellent second half further highlighted the
collision of the Blues’ past, present and future on the touchline. After his
eleven years at Goodison Park I hope David Moyes does well at Sunderland,
however it was impossible to ignore the difference in quality between him and
Koeman and it represented the Blues’ change in ambition initiated by the
investment of Farhad Moshiri.
Moyes is evidently aware his career has headed south
somewhat since his departure from Everton and his reminiscent quotes in the
build up to the match, specifically about what could have been achieved had he
possessed a striker of Lukaku’s quality, proved exactly that. Furthermore, his
comment that “the expectations at Everton have changed dramatically…with the
money they’ve now got they’re in a position to really challenge the top teams”
highlighted not only the changes that have occurred behind the scenes at
Goodison Park but that Moyes’ natural level is that of Sunderland’s. He is an
expert at building up the opposing team in order to assume the role of the
underdog. On the other hand Koeman’s level is very much the opposite and the
way the two managers and their sides approached the game proved this. Both men
are intelligent realists, however because of the shift in ambition at Everton
recently they naturally operate at different levels.
The Dutchman’s comments after the match were particularly
pleasing and emphasised that there is a drive within himself and at Everton to continuously
improve. Jokingly, he said “if we play like the first [half], I think we will
be in 13th or 14th place”, yet it was obvious he was dissatisfied. "I was
really disappointed about our first 45 minutes”, he went on to say. “From the
start, it was not the Everton I like to see. We lost a lot of easy balls - too
many players were not on our level in possession.”
When on form Koeman’s well-organised Blues look exciting,
and examining the transfer window retrospectively, it ultimately does not
matter too much at the moment that Everton for whatever reason were unable to
make that marquee signing. That will come in time. What matters the most, and
what is most pleasing about Koeman’s side, is that the performances of a group
of players who largely underachieved last season have turned on their head. Thanks
largely to the attitude of a certain Dutchman and the intelligent signings he
and Steve Walsh have made, Everton display fine teamwork and a burning desire
to win. By working continuously for one another Koeman’s side know how to
attain three points in convincing fashion or by grinding them out.
And there lies one of, if not the, most pleasing aspect of
the new-look Everton. So far this campaign they have been dynamic and
adaptable; with Koeman in charge the Toffees are not afraid to alter their
approach to a football match. Against West Brom the introduction of Lukaku and
his holdup play midway through the first half proved as influential as Deulofeu’s
exchange for Barkley at the Stadium of Light. The first team is strong, fit and
confident and the Blues are facing a run of four very winnable games. No doubt
Koeman will be targeting seven to nine points prior to what will arguably be
the most testing fixture of the season so far away to Manchester City in
October.
Koeman’s strive for excellence echoes the values present in the
club’s motto that have been neglected for decades. No longer do Evertonians have
to live with being relegation candidates or the underdogs or the overachievers.
No longer do Evertonians have to live with a delusional fantasist in charge.
The thoroughly enjoyable second half against Sunderland confirmed Ronald Koeman
certainly believes that nothing but the best is good enough and he is not
afraid to make bold changes in order to achieve that. While I am of course
aware that it was in a sense only Sunderland
that Everton defeated, what is most pleasing and most significant for now is
the attitude of the manager and players, rather than the results or the
opposition. Finally there is somebody in charge at the club who expects the
same level of quality and dedication as you and I.
There’s no feeling quite like the one after an outstanding Everton
performance. I hope it is one we become well acquainted with over the course of
the season.
NSNO.
@AlexLen1995.
