Marco Silva endured his first Premier League defeat as Everton manager this past weekend, succumbing 3-1 to Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham side, who picked up their first win in five league games.
Coming into the match, the Blues had to contend with an extensive injury and suspension list which only extended during the international break as Seamus Coleman acquired a stress fracture to his foot. Summer signings from Barcelona, Yerry Mina & Andre Gomes, were also deemed unfit to be involved in the squad.
Despite the lacklustre performance against a side that had only won once at Goodison Park in 13 years, Evertonians can take great comfort in the inspiring performance of Bernard, who came on as a first-half substitute for Morgan Schneiderlin.
The 5’3 Brazilian winger was a live-wire during his time on the pitch, often producing awe-inspiring touches and trickery that gave the Goodison faithful something to shout about in an otherwise dull performance.
Twitter: Ah, the all to familiar feeling of disappointment when #EFC comfortably lose a game they should have controlled. Po… https://t.co/jm3AruqlEw (@Max_Carlyle)
With fellow Brazilian sensation Richarlison now completing his three match ban and a host of players nearing ever closer to match fitness, Silva’s Everton 11 looks likely to undergo a series of changes, particularly in defence, with Micheal Keane coming back from a hairline fracture sustained against Bournemouth and the aforementioned Yerry Mina, who’s debut is highly anticipated following his €30m move from the Spanish champions.
After Everton’s first home loss since March, deputy right-back Jonjoe Kenny urged patience amongst fans and players alike to avoid the redeveloping the toxic environment that existed during Sam Allardyce’s tenure.
Bouncing back is what this football club is about. We’re going to be in tough times this season and we’ve all got to stick together: the fans, the players have to stick around for what the manager is going to produce.
After accumulating five different managers over the last six years, patience is a virtue that Everton can afford. Silva has a footballing philosophy that appeals to both fans and players, accompanying with a vision for the club alongside Director of Football Marcel Brands that will take a few years to implement due to the negative impact the high turnover of managers has had on the club.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was Manchester City’s current dynasty. Everton must grind through this transitional period without jumping the gun with the current regime. The best is simply yet to come.
