Everton stumble at one of the last hurdles for a top seven finish after losing disappointingly to Sheffield United 1-0 at home. 

The Everton lineup was one that pleased fans due to it being our strongest possible only without the presence of Yerry Mina. The fact that a five back was being played again is comforting as it seems the players have become accustomed to that system.

The return of Colombian maestro James Rodriguez was also a welcome sight as Everton are a team seriously lacking in creativity without his ability and progressive passing.

The opening five minutes were comfortable for the Blues finally looking like a dominant team in a home game, knocking the ball around nicely and overall on the front foot. 

That’s where the positives ended as it was the visitors who made the breakthrough when 17 year old Daniel Jebbison tapped into an empty net after some good determination from full-back Jack Robinson. 

Aaron Ramsdale was forced into a sublime save after the ball fell to Allan on the edge of the area following a corner where the Brazilian delivered a thunderous outside the boot shot. 
The goal seemed to flatten the Toffees who now suddenly couldn’t string three passes together and had no real impetus to fight for the three points even though the club still had something to play for.

The opponents on the other hand, were full of confidence and were playing good quality football, probably due to the fact their early relegation means they have no pressure on the remaining matches.

Fans will find it shambolic that a team with top seven ambitions found great difficulty in opening up the defence of an already relegated team.
Mason Holgate can count himself lucky after he saw his wayward back pass intercepted by Jebbison, only for the young striker to be denied by Jordan Pickford. 

Its been a common theme at Goodison this season that Everton cannot break down defences that sit back as no player seems willing to put themselves in 1 on 1 situations. Time and time again attacks are forved all the way back only for the ball to be lost with a sloppy five yard pass. 

Everton did fashion a chance on the 37 minute mark when James was found in a central position where he created his own shooting opportunity which was unfortunately deflected over. 

Just a few minutes later Richarlison saw his header denied by yet another Ramsdale save only for the rebound to be saved again from a Dominic Calvert Lewin shot. A chance he really should’ve buried.

The second half started in the same vein as the first with the Sheffield United players hungry and determined, not giving Everton players space and time to play. Their midfield in particular were putting in the effort which desereved the lead.
Lucas Digne is a players that can come under scrutiny for his recent performances as he seems to be half the player we saw a year or two ago.

His stubbornness to always get the cross in is obviously a nice trait but there are times when he’s aiming for no one and simply putting a ball in there for no reason. Whether this has to do with a lack of chemistry with the man in front of him or its just a poor season remains to be seen.

The lack of chances wasnt improving as that first progressive pass was consistently poor, often being intercepted or finding the wrong man. It seemed as of the Blues would have to find a miracle to score in this game. 

There was a sense of frustration as the visitors were a growing threat as opposed to Everton, with every delivery into the box there was an open Sheffield United player. 

Despite an increased amount of urgency in play, the final fifteen minutes reeked of desperation as passes became lazy, players became tired and the prospect of Europe well and truly lost.

One can only hope the return of fans can turn this abysmal home record around because if not, Everton will be going through a lot more ‘rebuilding’ seasons.

The same things have been repeated all season long, too much deadwood in the squad, no real style of play, severe lack of quality in the attack third and most importantly too many players blowing hot and cold.

You look at players like Richarlison who have some value and wonder is it worth keeping him when another winger would surely contribute more than he has.

Despite the poor showing from the Toffees, praise has to be given to the Blades who worked nonstop from minute one and actually made Everton look like the relegated team.

Player Ratings:

Jordan Pickford – 7

Lucas Digne – 5

Ben Godfrey – 6

Mason Holgate – 4

Michael Keane – 5

Seamus Coleman – 5

Allan – 7

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6

James Rodriguez – 6.5

Richarlison – 4

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 4.5

Substitutes:

Gylf Sigurdsson – 5

Bernard – N/A

Andre Gomes – N/A