Yesterday something amazing happened…Lukaku didn’t score against West Ham! In fact, he never actually looked like scoring. The credit for that must be given to our defenders and in particular our very own Ginger Pele. He was immense, and alongside the returning Winston Reid, we looked defensively sound. Now that’s something we haven’t been able to say much this season.
It was a good performance with a much-depleted side. Let’s not get too carried away, Everton weren’t firing on all cylinders and in fact, some of them looked as if they were lining up at passport control. Having said that, we were certainly not at full strength ourselves.
What was pleasing was the way some of the so-called fringe players applied themselves and put in some really solid performances. Masuaku was fantastic, both going forward and defending, he said himself it was his best game for the club and I think we would all agree. Something for Cresswell to think about.
Edimilson Fernandes had a steady performance, he looks a little naïve with his decision making, but he does also look like a youngster who will eventually be a very good player indeed.
Nordtveit started off slowly, with his ball control letting him down, but he certainly grew into the game and looked comfortable in the centre of midfield. For me the jury is still out with him.
Finally, there is Calleri. He works extremely hard up front and yes, it is very difficult being the lone striker, but he just isn’t good enough for the Premier League. If Bilic decides to keep him next season, I for one will be very surprised.
Personally, I think it was the correct decision to reintroduce Adrian and drop Randolph. Everton did not test Adrian at all, so not much can be said about his performance only that it was a clean sheet. Adrian should play the remaining four games and these are so important for him and his future at West Ham.
As I mentioned earlier, yesterday’s performance was a good one and with a little more of an attacking threat, we could have taken all three points. Sakho made a big difference when he come on.
With four games remaining we are relatively safe. Looking at the table and the fixtures left for both us and those in the bottom three, just one more point should be enough to insure we are playing Premier League football next season.
We all know we need a huge clear out of players and need to invest in some real quality players if we are going to be like Everton and challenge for Europe and a top 6 finish next season.
COYI