To avoid letting my heart rule my head is a hard one this time. We were absolutely excellent for the entire game. It was the best defensive display I’ve seen from an Everton side in recent years, as our young stars managed to outshine City’s big guns. Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford, Tom Davies and especially Dom Calvert-Lewin were all beyond exceptional.
We started the game, and after a shaky opening seven or eight minutes we were thoroughly in control of the first half and gave City only one avenue of attack all half. Pickford was cruising, Holgate, Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams looked like they were enjoying themselves and the forward line of Wayne Rooney and Calvert-Lewin produced their best display yet.
The second half was only marred by a refusal to capitalise on the fact that Walker’s antics had him sent off, as we continued the lethargic pace that put us in control after Rooney’s opener but couldn’t push us on for more to end the game.
Sterling equalised and it stung, but when we look back it’s a superb point for the Blues.
It’s certainly Koeman’s Everton now, as his system is fully implemented and it’s full of snide shenanigans.
Onwards.
