Everton’s full-back woes continued at Crystal Palace with Mason Holgate putting them under pressure with a late sending off but they managed to escape from Selhurst Park with a point from a cagy goalless draw.
Whether that share of the spoils is another capital gain on the back of their 2-2 draw at Chelsea last month remains to be seen, as Leicester City’s 2-1 comeback win over Wolverhampton Wanderers plunged the Blues back into the bottom three despite defeats on the day for other relegation rivals Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.
With captain Seamus Coleman still injured and Ben Godfrey having endured a torrid time last time out against Fulham before going off with concussion, manager Sean Dyche chose to draft in Holgate at right-back rather than Scotland international of whom he said after the Cottagers’ visit was – along with fellow youngster James Garner – not yet a rounded Premier League bona fide player.
PLAYER RATINGS: Mason Holgate dreadful but six good against Crystal Palace
MATCH REACTION: Crystal Palace vs Everton LIVE
One thing Patterson can claim to be is a genuine full-back, though, and while Holgate is a versatile performer, the jury is out on whether it’s his best position. The Yorkshireman found himself in a fierce physical battle with old Everton nemesis Jordan Ayew for most of the afternoon and a couple of misdemeanours ultimately cost him dearly.
In the first half he received a yellow card for shoving Ayew to the turf and was left walking a disciplinary tightrope from that moment onwards.
The earlier incident came back to haunt him when Blues captain Jordan Pickford played something of a rash pass out to the wings – a move the goalkeeper was guilty of on several occasions despite making a smart save to deny Eberechi Eze – and finding himself on the back foot, Holgate bundled over Ayew and was shown his second yellow by referee John Brooks.
Holgate will now be suspended for Thursday's visit of Newcastle United to Goodison Park, meaning Dyche will have to turn to Patterson at right-back, unless Coleman returns or Godfrey is deemed fit enough to start.
READ NEXT:
Bill Kenwright left Everton fans with more questions than answers at worst time
- Bill Kenwright releases Everton statement responding to claims about his health
Bill Kenwright slammed for 'insult' response to Everton fans
- Everton youngster steps up after big week and five other things spotted in training
- Win tickets to a special night with Duncan Ferguson where Everton legend tells all
