What Everton fans did in the 61st minute vs Southampton proves that £40k-a-week player’s time

What Everton fans did in the 61st minute vs Southampton proves that £40k-a-week player’s time

For the second time in four days, Everton fans appeared to have predicted what would happen to their club before it happened.

After all, when Sean Dyche’s side first faced Aston Villa on Saturday, few anticipated they would be able to hold on to the 2-0 lead they had unexpectedly taken.  And then, after once again taking a 1-0 lead Friday night, penalties were written in the stars, especially as the equalizer came not long after their first.

The encounter was a dreadful one, between two teams that so far deserve to be at the basement of the Premier League. But there was one moment of supporter indignation that summed up the night and delivered a message to one player that he was no longer wanted in the starting lineup.

Everton fans boo Ashley Young substitution

As the Toffees attempted to restore the lead, there was frustratingly little pressing thrust from the frontline, which was frequently shown standing still while the Southampton defence went from side to side.

They did not threaten with this tactic, but it resulted in a frustrated Goodison Park, where emotions were rising. After all, given the start to the campaign, many believed that last night would be a cathartic moment in which they could finally put their terrible run behind them.

Unfortunately, it was not to be, and they can now add an early departure from the Carabao Cup to their record of early-season mistakes. Thus, rage and worry erupted in the 61st minute, when Dyche walked to the bench to freshen things up.

Given how ineffective Beto had been in commanding the aforementioned stationary press, he decided to make a tactical adjustment. It was only bad that it included bringing on Ashley Young as the striker, allowing Dwight McNeil to move forward.

Goodison Park, however, was not pleased with the transfer and let their sentiments be known with a chorus of boos as the former Aston Villa player hobbled onto the pitch. It’s unsurprising that he missed the key penalty, smashing it straight at the goalkeeper, who saved it on the post.

Sean Dyche has no Plan B

This incident served as a microcosm for a dismal night under the floodlights, when an eager Goodison Park was presented to a disastrous game of football.

The visitors attempted their ambitious and naive brand of play with scant success, while the hosts were content to concede possession.

However, while the displeasure with Young’s substitution was likely not entirely personal, there was an element of malice that sprang from the £40k-per-week veteran’s frequently dismal performances.

There has been growing dissatisfaction with his continued selection, and whether it was directed at Young, Beto, Dyche, or someone else totally, it will not have aided the player coming on.

His place in the team may have grown untenable today, given that Everton fans booed Mason Holgate’s substitution in August, only for the defender to be moved off later that month.

What was most annoying about the tactical changes was that their play style remained consistent, and despite shifting Iliman Ndiaye up front, a typically diminutive and skilful player, they still pumped balls long enough for him to lose in the air, unexpectedly.

Dyche’s lack of backup plans could cost him his job.

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