Silva eager to keep lid on expectations
Marco Silva did not seem sure how to accept the compliment from Chris Hughton. Everton, Hughton suggested, could challenge for a place in the top six this season. On the evidence of a destructive attacking performance against Brighton, he had a point.
It is not clear what Silva thinks of that. Everton’s coach does not give much away at the best of times. If you ask him if Everton wear blue he will probably tell you he understands the question, before respectfully explaining why all views on the matter deserve respect. So it was when Hughton’s remarks were put to him. “I look to Chris as a very good and honest manager,” said Silva. “This is his opinion. Even if it is a different opinion, I respect the opinion. For me, it reflects how we performed. I spoke to him before the match and he can see our team growing and performing, the quality we are showing in some games.”
Suffice to say, Silva picks his words with the same care as the names on his team-sheet. At the moment, Everton are occupying that most welcome position of quietly and efficiently evolving into a fine side just below the usual suspects. Unless they play like this with more consistency, that is where they will stay for a while longer. There is still much to improve for Silva. Using Richarlison as the main striker worked here – the Brazilian scored another two fine goals – but it is not the longterm plan. Think how much better it will be when Everton end a search for Romelu Lukaku’s replacement, already 18 months too long.
We are also yet to determine the favoured centre-half combination, Yerry Mina making his first appearance here to rapturous applause in the closing minutes. It is to Michael Keane and Kurt Zouma’s credit there has been no cause to rush the introduction of the summer signing from Barcelona.
Seamus Coleman – who at his best may be the finest right-back in the league – signalled the end of a painful 20 months, inclusive of a year out with a broken leg. Everton’s crucial second following Lewis Dunk’s equaliser was Coleman’s first since January 2017.
Brighton have not often been ripped apart in this manner. Hughton was honest about that. Those in mid-table have days like this. “They’ve spent big money and will be pushing for the top six this season,” said Hughton. “They’ve got good players, and you have to be at your best to get something out of games away from home like this and we weren’t.”
For Everton to match Hughton’s public prediction – and those Silva keeps to himself – their away form must improve, especially at the venues of those they wish to replace at the top. Everton go to Chelsea next.
That will offer a greater clue as to whether the top six should worry, or Silva must realistically limit this season’s hopes to being the best of the rest.