System questions
It probably would have been little surprise to many Everton fans to see Frank Lampard opt for a five-at-the-back system against Dynamo Kyiv.
It's what served him well in the closing stages of last term, and it's looked much more comfortable for his side in pre-season so far as well. In essence, the Blues don't yet have the right profile of player to play the 4-3-3 that many fans might prefer - with the absence of a true No.6 most notable in that sense.
This is still a warm-up match this summer, even if it is the final one before the start of the campaign, so it's not worth analysing with a fine-tooth comb in some respects. But, there are still some interesting points that do need to be picked up on.
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At the back, this is a formation that does seem to suit Everton. The wing-backs, this time being Nathan Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko for the most part, are allowed a lot of opportunity to push forwards and join the attack while the three central defenders all seem comfortable in their roles.
James Tarkowski is good at passing the ball out from the back and making strong challenges, Ben Godfrey clearly enjoys the ability to burst forwards whenever he gets the opportunity, while Michael Keane looked solid in the aerial duels and mopping up any loose balls.
Everton probably won't start with Alex Iwobi and Abdoulaye Doucoure in midfield against Chelsea and there's a reason why. While the former is strong in possession, the latter is less so - their combined energy and engines are strong but even they can't cover enough ground if an opposing side beats the first line of engagement.
And that brings us to the starting forward line, who were very good out-of-possession in closing down the Kyiv defence and giving them little time in possession. But, for Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray, it probably would have been something of a frustrating game.
Playing wing-backs effectively negates the need for out-and-out wingers further forward, causing the pair to adjust their strategies a little and drop deeper to search for possession. They did that competently and managed to fashion some opportunities for themselves, but it might not be the best system for them in the long term.
But, as previously stated, this was still only a pre-season game. Maybe it's not the time to look too deep into the intricacies of Everton's system, but perhaps Lampard will have been.
Calvert-Lewin glimpse
We all know how frustrating last season must have been for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. In short, it's not really worth going into all that much.
Looking ahead to the current campaign, you're just hoping that there would be no repeat of the niggling issues that consistently kept him out of contention in the latter stages of 2021/22. The striker missing the last game against Blackpool, then, won't have filled anybody with joy.
But, with an hour to go before kick off, the good news came that he was straight back into the line-up from the start. So, what could he do with his time on the pitch?
Well it took him about four minutes to find the scoresheet. A lot will be made of Tarkowski's excellent pass to find him over the top of the Dynamo Kyiv defence, but don't take anything away from the finish either.
It was a clever, late run from the England international to make sure he even met the lofted ball, even if he did have to stretch his tall frame somewhat to actually get his head onto it. However, you wouldn't have thought that was the case if you'd only seen the ball fly into the back of the net.
The goalkeeper was somewhat rooted to the spot as he watched the header fly into the top corner of the net, from an angle which seemed very implausible. It really was an excellent, instinctive finish from the striker.
He wasn't given another opportunity like that throughout the game, unfortunately, but that was a glimpse into what Everton fans are longing for this season. Keep Calvert-Lewin fit, give him opportunities on his head particularly, and he can certainly be the man to produce goals.
He's scored two in his last two at Goodison Park, of course, in wildly different circumstances. But, keeping that confidence and eye for goal up could be crucial...and keeping him fit. That's the real key here.
Patterson claim
Many were viewing this pre-season as an important opportunity for Nathan Patterson to stake a claim for a place in the side. He was back from a long-term injury, sustained when he was on the verge of his Premier League debut, and he was clearly raring to go for his new side.
Many have been waiting with bated breath to see what the January transfer could bring to the club. He was highly rated as an exciting talent during his time in Scotland and those who have worked with him in the national team clearly have high hopes for what the future will bring.
He's been given the chance to show that in royal blue this summer and the last two matches in particular have given an exciting glimpse into what Evertonians can expect. While Seamus Coleman has been out of the side with his own injury in recent weeks, the 20-year-old has stepped into his role well.
From the opening minutes of the match you could instantly tell that he was going to be vital to his side. Playing as a wing-back, he was allowed a lot of opportunity to burst forwards and the defensive line had clearly been instructed to knock the ball long to him if possible.
He won a couple of strong headed duels on the right flank and was close to getting to some intriguing balls down the flank in the first knockings of the game. Later on when he did get into crossing positions, he got his head up well to try and pinpoint teammates rather than fall into the trap of aimlessly putting the ball into the box.
He was energetic throughout his time on the pitch and he was clearly very eager to impress. There are obviously some things to work on, namely with some defensive positioning issues, but that's what you would expect from a young defender.
He was almost reminiscent of a young Coleman at some pivotal points of the match, and that's certainly not a bad thing. Let's hope he can further grow into that position when the campaign gets underway.
Chelsea preparation
And so, next up for Everton is the beginning of the Premier League season. They welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park in what is set to be another raucous atmosphere.
What have we learned about the line-up and the tactics? Well, arguably not all that much if we're honest - especially when you consider the possibility of new signings coming into the mix.
It will likely be a five-at-the-back for Lampard but which defenders will make up that line? Who will play in midfield? We know a bit more about one of those questions than the other realistically.
But, this game and the win over Blackpool will have at least managed to breed a certain amount of positivity - as will the new signings of Tarkowski, Dwight McNeil and Ruben Vinagre. Of course it was never going to be a negative beginning to the campaign in that sense, but the pair of disappointing results in the United States did set up a certain amount of concern.
They haven't all been allayed by victories over Blackpool and Dynamo Kyiv, but there is a lot more to be optimistic about. And, after what was such a demoralising 2021/22, you've got to take everything you can get in that sense.
Evertonians will bring the noise the next time the side play at Goodison. Let's hope the players can produce the same result as the last time Thomas Tuchel brought his team to Merseyside.
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