Overview Of Everton’s Last Match-
The Citizens held the Toffee’s for a point, as Wayne Rooney score’s his 200th premier league goal. Pep Guardiola’s side were reduced to 10 men just before the half time mark as Wayne Rooney gave Everton a much needed lead just 10 minutes before half time. The Spaniard decided to go with a defensive 3-5-2 formation with Walker and Sane dropping back to support the defence.
Ronad Koeman excluded Davy Klaassen and Glyfi Sigudsson, which came as a surprise to many, including me. The game started with both side’s passing along the ball with creating any chances for the first 20 minutes.
Sergio Aguero rounded of a brilliant chance and the ball bounced by Pickford found Otamendi but before the Argentine could react Jagielka headed it out for a corner.
In the 34rth minute, the Citizens almost took the lead as David Silva played through the left flank and took a shot which beat Pickford but unfortunately it hit the post.
In the 35th minute, Wayne Rooney made “history”, as he scored his 200th Premier League goal and gave Everton a lead just 10 minutes before the half time whistle. Rooney made no mistake finding the back of the net, as Calvert-Lewin found him in the area unmarked.
Just a minute before the half-time whistle, City were reduced to 10 men as Kyle Walker picked up his second yellow of the match. Walker bought down Baines in the 42nd minute earning his first yellow and just 3 minute’s later he was booked once again as he gave a tough challenge to Calvert-Lewin.
Ronald Koeman decided to switch his formations to more attacking one trying to take advantage as the home side were left with 10 men on the field.
Davy Klaassen was bought on for Ashley Williams and Gylfi Sigurdsson was handed his Everton debut on the 61st minute as the Iceland international was bought on to replace Tom Davies.
This move meant that Everton would swiftly change the defensive formation of 3-5-2 to 4-2-3-1 as Holgate and Baines will play on the flanks and Keane and Jagielka will play as the center backs supported by Schniederline and Gueye in front of the them as defensive midfielder’s and Klaassen, Rooney and Sigurdsson playing as attacking midfielder and provide support to Calvert-Lewin who played as the No.9.
Raheem Sterling had a good final twenty minutes as he came close twice to give his side an equalizer. Once he took an ambitious shot from 25 yards out but his efforts were denied by Pickford.
In the second chance Sterling initiated a good attack on the right and found Danilo in the area but the Brazilians shot went straight at Pickford who made no mistake parrying it. However, the former Liverpool man eventually put the ball into the net.
Just two minute’s before full time Everton were reduced to 10 men as Morgan Schneiderlin picked up a second yellow and was told to march off the field as he made tough challenge on Sergio Aguero convincing the referee to show him a red.
City almost won the match in the extra time as Bernardo Silva chipped the ball towards David Silva who looked certain to score from the position but all thanks to Klaassen whose efforts saw Everton salvage a point from the match as he cleared it in time. The match ended at 1-1 with both side’s looking impressive throughout the match.
Why Chelsea Should Probably Have An Easy Game!!
There are a lot of reasons why the Merseyside outfit might not provide tough competition on the day, though they have improved a lot in recent times. Three of the reasons why I personally feel that it should be an easy win for the Londoner are :
1. If they can’t beat a team that is down to 10 men for more than a half, what will they win against a 11 man side that are the defending champs.
2. The game is once again away from home (at Stamford Bridge) and Everton have been rather poor on their travels.
3. Home advantage will be a key factor that should favour Conte and his team.
4. Eden Hazard could be back for Chelsea.
