Everton Finally Look Like a Proper Unit

Everton’s performance had big individual standouts, with Pickford’s response and Garner’s influence setting the tone. There is also a growing belief the table is there to be attacked.

I genuinely cannot remember a game where every single Everton player played well and was a 7 or above. Fair play to Pickford as well. After last week his head could have gone, but it just shows the maturity he has now compared to when he first came. Another world class save.

Garner running the show

Jimmy Garner is just a top level footballer. He is as well-rounded a player as I can remember us having. It shows his intelligence, knowing what Beto wants as a forward and playing to his strengths.

It was almost a carbon copy of when we pumped Leicester 4-0 and Jimmy played him in early doors, although this time the finish was a lot more difficult. He looked like prime Crespo against Liverpool.

Beto, Idrissa and turning moments into goals

His other goal started with brilliant play by Idrissa, sniffing out the danger like always, with a deft touch to burst clear. Beto played Fofana, appearing disinterested and then suddenly darted into the space with enough room to get his shot away. Huge slice of luck, but fair play to him, he earned it.

Then a lovely win in the air to set Ndiaye away one v one for his goal. That is exactly the sort of ruthless, simple stuff we have not always done well enough.

KDH and the levels still to go

KDH has been fantastic for us and I am not digging him out for one second, but he could go up a level if he improved his passing. He is a great ball carrier and has an instinct to be in the right positions to create or score goals, and he has a great engine, but he can be wasteful with his choice of pass.

His crosses barely beat the first man and his through balls often get cut out or run through to the keeper. Compare him to Jimmy, who rarely loses the ball. His passing accuracy is routinely in the 90%+. Garner’s fitness sets him apart as well, he never stops all game the lad.

Moyes, belief and the bigger picture

The Magician was simply phenomenal. Hopefully his words were sincere when he said he wants to win things with Everton. Ability wise, he could play for any side in the Premier League, and as soon as he is playing with better players around him, his level will go up. We actually limit how good he can be because of how ordinary some of our players are around and behind him.

It sounds a bit mental saying we should be pushing for the…