This season has started in a familiar style for Everton. An opening weekend Premier League 3-0 defeat by Brighton was followed by a horrible 4-0 loss at Tottenham.
Never had the Toffees conceded more than three goals in their opening two Premier League games.
With the ownership situation still a mess, Everton fans are understandably concerned about their club, as they have been for some time.
A morale boost against Doncaster
A second-round Carabao Cup tie against a potentially dangerous lower-league team like Doncaster Rovers could have gone either way.
The Toffees quality was also likely to shine through in the end against the League Two outfit. That was the case, as Sean Dyche’s team recorded a 3-0 win over the Yorkshire outfit on Tuesday night.
After a slightly subdued first half that ended goalless, the men from Merseyside took control in the second period and eased past Grant McCann’s team.
It may have only been a victory over a lower-league team, but it is precisely what Everton needed at this stage of the campaign. Any victory can help boost a team’s morale, especially those down on their luck and low on confidence.
The win improved the fans’ spirits. However, they showed up in lower numbers than the usual capacity crowd at Goodison Park. In fact, just 27,000 fans, including 3000 Doncaster supporters, braved the rain and the wind.
What were the positives from the game?
There were many positives to take from the game for everybody connected with the Toffees. Many of the positives came from the summer signings, who have seen minimal Premier League action.
Republic of Ireland centre-back Jake O’Brien made his Everton debut. The former Lyon produced a composed performance, looking cool on the ball and doing his defensive work with ease.
His performance certainly didn’t negatively affect his chances of starting a Premier League game in the near future.
Another player who impressed was young central midfielder Tim Iroegbunam. Due to the club’s injury crisis, the 21-year-old has started both Premier League games this season.
He has shown his ability in flashes, particularly in the home match against Brighton. On Tuesday night, he was one of the Toffees’ best players, albeit with the caveat of the level of opposition that he was facing.
The former Aston Villa star worked hard, was calm on the ball and got forward well. He also opened the scoring, despite Dwight McNeil’s claims to the goal.
With every game, the midfielder looks more and more like a bargain buy at £10m. If he continues his development, then he could become a top player in the future.
Denmark international Jesper Lindstrom looked slightly off the pace at times. However, he did pick up an assist (or pre-assist if the goal is given to McNeil), and as he gets fitter, he will become far more effective.
However, arguably, Everton’s standout player on the night was Senegalese international Iliman Ndiaye. The summer signing from Marseille scored an excellent goal, and his technical ability shone brightly.
For too long, The Toffees have been missing a player with any sort of flair. Their team has been built to be workman-like by Sean Dyche under challenging circumstances.
However, fans need players to entertain and get them off their seats. In Ndiaye, Everton finally looks to have one of those. There are enough workhorses in the squad.
Ndiaye has not started a Premier League game for the Toffees. However, surely it will now be difficult for boss Sean Dyche to drop him from the starting line-up?
There were other positives, too, with Portuguese striker Beto getting on the scoresheet, which boosted his confidence.
With speculation surrounding the future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, it can’t be ruled out that Beto may well be the team’s first-choice striker in the near future. Although he misses chances, he also works hard and will get a team goals.
The return from injury of key first-team players like Seamus Coleman and James Garner will also have been a boost. Coleman, in particular, provides much-needed leadership, even in the twilight of his career.
Garner produced an encouraging performance on his return. His versatility and quality on the ball is a great asset to the Toffees team.
Both players could solve the club’s problem regarding the right-back position. Young Roman Dixon made his debut in the position against Tottenham and was one of the few players who came out of the game with any credit.
He also came off the bench against Doncaster. With players like Coleman and Garner returning, maybe a loan move would allow him to gain first-team experience and fulfil his potential.
There could be movement before the transfer window shuts
With the transfer window closing on Saturday, Everton are expected to be busy reshaping their squad. The Merseysiders have already agreed to sign Lyon and Belgium midfielder Oriel Mangala on a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent deal next summer.
Out of favour, Mason Holgate and forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin are out of contract next summer, and the club is reportedly looking to move the pair on before the transfer window closes.
French striker Neal Maupay, whose time with the club has been nothing short of a disaster, is also expected to move on. Marseille are believed to have already had a bid rejected for the outspoken forward. However, they could return, with the Toffees believed willing to negotiate on a fee.
If Calvert-Lewin and Maupay leave, the Toffees could be in the market for a new striker. Chelsea forwards David Datro Fofana and Armando Broja are believed to be amongst the late window targets.
However, with finances tight, a loan move for Fofana seems more likely than a cash bid for Broja unless Calvert-Lewin leaves for a decent fee.
The next few days could prove crucial in how Everton’s season pans out. With the transfer window shutting and a home game against Bournemouth on Saturday, things could be looking up for the men from Merseyside by Sunday morning.
Will Everton’s win over Doncaster lift spirits at the club?