Everton will look to add to their Premier League points tally on Boxing Day when they take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Toffees come into the match following a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday. That result, their first game since The Friedkin Group completed its takeover of the club, came on the back of another goalless draw with Arsenal the previous weekend.
Under Sean Dyche, Everton appear to have tightened up defensively in recent weeks. However, concerns remain about their attacking output.
With just 14 goals scored in 16 Premier League matches this season, the team’s offensive struggles are glaring. Four of those goals came in a single match against a struggling Wolves side, underlining the inconsistency in front of goal.
As a result, the team’s forwards have faced criticism throughout the campaign. Among those under the spotlight is Jack Harrison, who has borne the brunt of some of the harshest assessments.
Dyche, however, has come to the winger’s defence ahead of the daunting clash with Manchester City.
Sean Dyche claims Jack Harrison is ‘up with the best’ despite recent criticism:
Harrison had an opportunity to be the difference-maker against Chelsea, finding himself in a prime position to score. However, the 28-year-old couldn’t convert, with Robert Sanchez thwarting him at a critical moment.
The missed chance drew further ire from Everton fans, adding to the criticism that has followed Harrison this season. Despite making 17 appearances for the club during this loan spell, he is yet to score, despite being given consistent minutes on the pitch.
Nevertheless, Dyche expressed his support for the winger ahead of the City match, insisting Harrison offers plenty to the team beyond goals and assists.
He said (via the Liverpool Echo): “Jack Harrison has his question marks, he does an enormous shift. His tactical understanding is excellent.
“He’s up with the best. Put him in the number 10 and he knows the role. Put him out wide and he knows the role, without shadow of a doubt.”
Harrison surely unlikely to seal permanent Everton move:
Despite Dyche’s praise, many Everton fans are unlikely to share the manager’s glowing assessment of Harrison.
While his work rate and tactical discipline are appreciated, the winger’s output in the final third has fallen short of expectations. Across two loan spells with the club, Harrison has managed only four goals and three assists.
Jack Harrison for Everton:
Appearances – 52
Goals – 4
Assists – 3
Such numbers suggest Harrison has struggled to deliver consistent contributions in attack. Given Everton’s current options in wide positions, it’s difficult to envision him securing a permanent move. A return to Leeds United in January seems increasingly plausible.
That said, recent reports suggest Everton are not planning to send Harrison back to Leeds mid-season.
However, unless he can significantly improve his performances in the latter half of the campaign, it’s hard to see the club committing to a permanent deal.
With The Friedkin Group now in charge, the focus is likely to shift toward acquiring players capable of making a more immediate impact.
