Everton simply not good enough against the Hammers

Everton fans get used to unexpected results, as Evertonian’s, we become hardened to disappointment at an early age. It builds character people tell us. However, as an Evertonian of 30 years, I feel I have enough character and would just like to watch a decent Everton team.

Now to our latest misery, Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat against a West Ham team who suddenly looked like Brazil despite a four-game losing streak to start the Premier League campaign.

Everton are nothing if not generous. Whenever a team needs a victory Everton are the ideal opponents, as we will give you just what you need. On Sunday, we did just that, although I have to say West Ham did produce a good performance.

Just not good enough

From back to front, Everton were simply not good enough. Even the trusty goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played a part in the Hammers goal. The very young Toffees backline looked like they had never met each other.

Mason Holgate showed why his natural position is at full-back and centre-back partner Kurt Zouma showed why he is not turning out for Chelsea. Youngster Jonjo Kenny tried hard and was decent going forward, but is not good enough to play against Premier League players.

New signing Lucas Digne on the other flank had a slightly mixed day. He was superb going forward, looking like a threat with every attack. However, defensively he was awful and two of the Irons goals came down his side of the pitch.

The midfielder duo of Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin just does not work. Both are decent footballers but it is becoming evident that they are not great as a pair. Schneiderlin has produced improved performances this season.

However, the French midfielder was hooked just before half-time in this game. The fact his father has recently passed away was obviously on his mind. Gueye did not look like his usual busy self in the centre of the park either.

Theo Walcott enjoyed a quiet afternoon before his substitution. He was a doubt heading the game and did not produce his usual lively display. On the other wing, Dominic Calvert-Lewin works hard but had little effect on the game.

Gylfi Sigurdsson scored the goal and attempted to work hard. However, playing in both the number ten role and deeper role he struggled to create anything meaningful for his team.

Arguably, the biggest disappointment for Everton was Turkish international striker Cenk Tosun, though. The former Besiktas star missed numerous chances and has now scored just once in his last 13 Premier League appearances.

Silva’s options limited

One positive for Everton is that they still have the likes of Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes, Seamus Coleman and Richarlison to return to the starting line-up. Even the much-maligned Michael Keane is likely to come straight back into the team when he recovers from injury.

It must be frustrating for boss Marco Silva not being able to select his first choice eleven, as it is majorly frustrating for our supporters. If the Toffees did not have so many absentees I believe the likes of Gueye, Walcott and Schneiderlin may not have played against the Hammers.

However, Silva has to persist with the players he has at his disposal. The likes of Kenny, Holgate and Calvert-Lewin are unlikely to start if Everton ever manages to get their whole squad fit.

Top-six is unrealistic

When Everton started the campaign in a reasonable manner, there was talk of a top-six finish. In fact, Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both tipped the Toffees as a dark horse for top six finish this season.

The Toffees are now odds of 9/1 to finish in the top six this season. However, the way the Blues are playing at the minute, they are more likely to be involved at the bottom end of the table this season.

Portuguese boss Marco Silva was always going to need time to turn things around. It may also be early days in his Everton career, but he now has to show that he has the tactical acumen and man management skills to get more out of the current group of players.

The Toffees have a squad full of international footballers. I hope that once key players are embedded into the team that performances improve. However, having witnessed enough new dawns to frighten a vampire, I am not completely convinced by the new boss and I am sceptical about whether he can turn things around at the club.

Can Marco Silva turn Everton’s performances around?