Sheffield United Halt Everton's Goodison Run
21st September 2019
The Blues were keeping their visitors penned back under a weight of home possession – 67 per cent in the first 45 minutes
- Marco Silva had made three attacking changes and Goodison was bracing itself for a grandstand finish when Lys Mousset escaped on the counter to all but wrap up his team’s victory on 79 minutes - and send Everton to a home loss for the first time since 6 February
- Mina was unsighted, perhaps right the way through this episode, and luckless. The ball hit the Colombian’s back and dribbled over the line
- Richarlison persisted to get past Chris Basham at the second time of asking following smart approach work from Morgan Schneiderlin and Gylfi Sigurdsson
LIVERPOOL, England- Everton fell victim to a Sheffield United smash-and-grab raid as a goal in either half consigned the Blues to a first Goodison Park defeat in eight matches.
The unfortunate Yerry Mina deflected a corner into his own net five minutes before the interval to give the hitherto under-the-pump visitors something to cling to.
Marco Silva had made three attacking changes and Goodison was bracing itself for a grandstand finish when Lys Mousset escaped on the counter to all but wrap up his team’s victory on 79 minutes - and send Everton to a home loss for the first time since 6 February.
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If Everton didn’t pepper Sheffield United’s goal in the opening half then they certainly had a fair number of efforts.
Ten of them to be precise. The visitors for their part reached the interval without aiming anything at goal – literally nothing, the Blades did not try to score once.
That was nothing to do with their gameplan because Sheffield United are an ambitious side under Chris Wilder and used to winning matches after a lightning climb from League One.
Everton were keeping their visitors penned back under a weight of home possession – 67 per cent in the first 45 minutes.
When the Blades did break and win their first corner on 40 minutes they made it count. With a bit of help.
Oliver Norwood swung in the left-wing set-piece. Jordan Pickford came from his line to punch but was jolted by the body in front of him – the goal was subject to a lengthy VAR check.
Mina was unsighted, perhaps right the way through this episode, and luckless. The ball hit the Colombian’s back and dribbled over the line.
Everton played some good football early in the match.
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Richarlison persisted to get past Chris Basham at the second time of asking following smart approach work from Morgan Schneiderlin and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Forward Richarlison advanced into the box, burrowing to the left before checking onto his right foot and shooting past the far post.
Bernard started and finished a direct move on the half hour.
The Brazilian, back in the side here after missing out in Everton’s past two matches, got on his bike after clipping a ball for Mina at the back stick.
Mina climbed and nodded down for Sigurdsson, who located Bernard’s run. The attacker had to twist his body to connect, however, and sent an overhead kick racing over the top.
Everton were utilising their full-backs with characteristic regularity – Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman had a combined 95 touches in the opening period – while retaining some variety in a bid to unlock their immaculately-drilled opponents.
Richarlison’s drive through the heart of the field ushered Digne into the box where he was smothered by John Egan 60 seconds before Bernard’s acrobatic effort.
On 17 minutes Digne had drawn a sharp stop from Dean Henderson.
Everton advanced down the right on that occasion with Seamus Coleman serving up the cross.