03/11/2025
Where to even begin with that.
A superb opening half an hour followed by panic stations and poor game management.
The opening 30 minutes was as good as Everton have played all season. Quick on the counter, with Ndiaye and Grealish very much dictating proceedings.
Ndiaye showed his quality once again, with an early goal of the season contender. It's been coming for the last few weeks. His dazzling footwork and speed across the grass was too much for Sunderland. What a finish on his wrong foot as well.
How we didn't score a second was baffling. Grealish hitting the post from distance was one thing, but that Thierno Barry miss was another. What we'd all give for him to score a goal. His overall play was good, but he simply had to score.
Whoever flicked a switch on 30 minutes, I don't know, but Everton simply retreated and look a shell of the team we saw earlier in proceedings.
The manager's substitutes were generally baffling, with McNeil on for Ndiaye the strangest of the lot. He has to be more proactive when making changes. Röhl and Dibling yet again sitting the match out.
You can argue we were lucky to leave with a point, but for all Sunderland's huffing and puffing, Pickford only really had to make one save of note.
It's another match in which we have thrown points away from a winning position. We simply have to do better when leading. 🔵⚪️
