Everton are in need of a strong response this weekend following a disappointing defeat to Southampton that ended their five-game unbeaten streak.
Sean Dyche’s team came away from the south coast bruised, with frustrations mounting both on and off the pitch.
The Everton manager partly laid blame on VAR for the loss, noting that Southampton’s Jan Bednarek was fortunate not to see red.
However, there’s growing unease at Goodison Park, with Dyche’s decision to leave Jarrad Branthwaite on the bench questioned by fans and pundits alike.
One defender who did start, Ashley Young, has come under sharp criticism from Jamie Carragher for his performance against the Saints.
Carragher didn’t hold back during Monday Night Football, where he analysed Young’s defensive positioning and communication.
“When we talk about communication in football, we always talk about what you’re saying. This is all about eye contact,” Carragher explained.
He pointed out Young’s failure to track the play properly:
“Look, he doesn’t look at the ball, there’s nobody in the box, there’s nobody making a move. He touches it, but he’s not looking down. He’s now made eye contact with Armstrong here.
“Keep an eye on Ashley Young. You see Ashley Young, he’s actually looking over his left shoulder, the wrong way, his body position is wrong because these communicate not through words, through eye contact.”
Carragher added: “He knows he’s now going to play that ball in there, Ashley Young, he’s been done. It’s great play from Southampton.”
Despite Carragher’s harsh assessment, Dyche praised Young’s contribution, describing the £40k-per-week veteran as ‘excellent’ in his post-match comments.
Yet, the scrutiny around Everton’s defensive line has only intensified, particularly with injury concerns affecting their options at right-back.
The club has struggled with absences in the position, including injuries to Seamus Coleman and a suspension for Young.
Meanwhile, Nathan Patterson, sidelined with a thigh injury, has missed considerable time this season.
Though he’s been back in the squad for Everton’s last three league matches, Patterson is yet to play any minutes as he gradually works toward full fitness.
Just two weeks ago, Dyche indicated that Patterson is nearing a return, saying: “He’s looking fitter and sharper every time. Not quite there yet but he’s training all the time and so far he’s coming through it clean which is really important.”
Everton could use a dependable, long-term solution at right-back, with Patterson inching closer to reclaiming his spot in the side.
Dyche has recently floated the idea of a positional change for Patterson, but with the team’s defensive frailties on display, he may have little choice but to bring the young Scotsman back in his natural role soon.
As Everton attempt to stabilise their season, Dyche will be under pressure to find answers within his current squad, particularly in a defence that’s become increasingly vulnerable.