The Toffees have been good guests in recent years, and we have no reason to complain (well Sead might) about them today. Their goals both came off set pieces and some questions can be asked about how Kolasinac and Bellerin kept the scorers onside, but that's how it goes sometimes. Our goals all came in the run of play and were gorgeous. Saka's cross and Eddie's finish for the first were majestic--wow. The through ball from Luiz, and the run and finish from Auba, for the second were equally sublime. Auba's header from Pepe's excellent cross was both brave and expertly done. There were several more chances for both sides, too. It was a great show.
Saka must be feeling the wear and tear of being used so often. In the second half, he gave the ball away several times. Tierney is probably not going to be fit until April, and Kolasinac appears to be another long term absence; it's a worry. Why not Maitland-Niles as backup? I know he's a right footer, but he can play fullback.
Nketieh justified his selection, but I really expected Laca to start.
Ceballos blows hot and cold. This was a dropoff from his last EPL outing, but on balance he was fine. Ozil was similarly in and out of the game. Xhaka continued his run of excellent form. The assist from Pepe was great; when he has time he can put in a perfect ball. His decision making is a little off the pace most of the time, though; he can beat almost anyone on the dribble, but tends to keep the ball too long. Auba had two really fine goals and helped on defense. Bellerin is pretty solid now. Our center halves did the business and we can have no big complaints about them. Leno was once again superb.
Don't look now, but we're just four points off fifth, the final ECL spot this year now that City has been banned from Europe. Just win, men!
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