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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Off the Bench series, which places in-game managerial decisions and squad selections under FFC’s microscope.
Everton were left frustrated in their match against Sheffield United on Saturday, but Marco Silva made things worse for his side by making the wrong substitution early in the second half.
Decision-making
The Portuguese manager is yet to name the same starting XI in consecutive matches in the league as yet, and though that is partly due to injuries, it is not helping the squad to get used to one style of play nor allowing new signings to gel, hence why they have conceded nine and scored just five in six league matches.
For much of the game the Toffees had control of possession but failed to create any openings against a very narrow and compact opposition, as evidenced by their three shots on target.
Bernard and Moise Kean had been recalled to the starting line-up and aside from some nice touches they were mostly ineffectual, although the latter did create a great chance for Richarlison to score after crossing from the right.
As a result, Silva was right to haul of Bernard when he did, with the removal of Morgan Schneiderlin at the same time indicating a more direct approach, which was needed.
However, the fatal mistake came in bringing on Cenk Tosun, rather than Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Off the bench
It was a change which, at the time, may have appeased some of the fans who have been calling for the Turk to get more game time, but he was the wrong man for the situation, as underlined by his six touches in 36 minutes.
By contrast, Calvert-Lewin would likely have had a much more significant impact as he offers an alternative to the Everton attack due to his ability in the air.
In a tight and compact area he may have been able to provide a knockdown or score himself, and at the very least provide a challenge to the Blades defenders who found life all too easy.
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His average of 4.6 aerial duels won per game this season shows he is capable of that, whilst seven of his 18 Everton goals have come via his head, and therefore he could have made a difference in the aerial battle which was dominated by Sheffield Untied, with 24 aerial duels won compared to the Toffees’ 19.
More to the point, Silva’s side attempted 40 crosses throughout the match, only seven of which were successful, but if they had a more dominant striker like Calvert-Lewin to get on the end of them, then they would likely have had more luck in front of goal.
