Blues are hang-over the moon
RICH STRIKE EASES PAIN OF CUP DEFEAT
A PIECE of Brazilian magic from Richarlison helped to clear Everton’s massive FA Cup hangover.
Seeking redemption for their humiliating exit against Liverpool’s youngsters, this was an afternoon when Carlo Ancelotti’s side simply had to deliver.
No excuses, no fear – but no help from VAR either, which left this game on a knife-edge and the home fans pleading for the final whistle as Brighton’s veteran substitute Glenn Murray displayed his predatory powers.
Everton will claim with some justification that they should have been awarded an early penalty while VAR, in not awarding the spot-kick, also ruled out a goal from Dominic Calvert-lewin.
But at least no one could stop Richarlison whose fine first-half strike made it 14 points from seven games since Marco Silva was sacked.
“The goal was of the highest quality from a high quality player and that made the difference in this game,” admitted Brighton boss Graham Potter.
For Brighton, dry January continues. The Seagulls have yet to register a Premier League victory in the first month of the year.
Everton’s early zest and energy should have been rewarded with a fourthminute penalty.
A smart passage of play ended with Richarlison sending Theo Walcott clear in the box, the winger appearing to be tugged back by Lewis Dunk as he shot goalwards, Mat Ryan making the stop.
Walcott raged and couldn’t believe it when referee David Coote didn’t point to the spot.
We all waited for VAR to correct what appeared a clear and obvious error by the match official, but after another painful wait Stockley Park declared that the referee hadn’t erred.
The Blues had needed a bright start to clear the headache from hell – the unforgiving defeat against their neighbours. There had been three casualties from the Anfield debacle – Yerry Mina, Morgan Schneiderlin and Seamus Coleman all unceremoniously dumped onto the bench.
Thankfully, in Richarlison Everton possess a player who can hit the heights while others are still scrambling around in the foothills.
When the busy Lucas Digne crossed low to find Richarlison lurking around the penalty spot, he feinted to go one way and then went the other. He completely outsmarted would-be marker Adam Webster before planting his shot into the corner of the net.
Ancelotti said:
“The most important part of the day was the result. After the Liverpool game the reaction was good. But my idea is that we don’t react, we act.”
Brighton caused a few problems of their own, particularly from Leandro Trossard.
And they ensured an anxious finale for Everton as Murray, released from the bench, twice went agonisingly close.
“The disappointment was that we did not do enough in the final third,” lamented Potter.