2. Everton’s squad needs strengthening
Everton’s thin squad showed in this fixture, and they will need to strengthen immediately in the remaining days of the transfer window. They had a host of key players out due to injury, and that showed in their game. Despite hogging 61% of the possession, they failed to make it count when it really mattered.
Romelu Lukaku had to be substituted early in the first half due to an ankle injury and that will only add to Roberto Martinez’s growing concern. They looked toothless up front with the big Belgian, and unless Martinez dips into the transfer market to increase the squad depth, Everton stand the risk of losing ground in the race for the fourth spot.