Tom Cannon continued his impressive start to Everton Under-21s' Premier League 2 season with a brace that almost provided the foundation for a comeback victory.
The teenager bullied the Manchester United backline and could have had a hat-trick but for an incredible fingertip save from Nathan Bishop. His performance was one of several that caught the eye as the young Blues fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Southport FC's Haig Avenue last night.
Had Charlie Whitaker or Lewis Warrington, who both came close late on, snatched a winner for the hosts few could have complained such was Everton's second=half dominance. As Paul Tait's side continued their unbeaten start to the season, this is what stood out.
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Dominant striker too strong for United defence to handle
There were times in this game when Cannon looked as though he was a senior professional playing in the U21s to gain match fitness - as Seamus Coleman recently did - such was his dominance over the United centre-backs. He looked stronger than his opponents, winning most of the aerial challenges he competed in and showed intelligence in using his body to shield the ball and draw fouls when he became isolated from his team-mates. With the game goalless he charged down Bishop in his own area and created a chance that just would not fall for Whitaker. Fed by Sebastian Quirk he rounded Bishop but the angle was too tight for him to squeeze the ball in and he then forced Bishop into a stunning save after getting onto the end of a Quirk cross. He was not to be denied, however, and smashed in Everton's first before powering in a header from an inch-perfect Mackenzie Hunt cross. That is now four goals in three games for the teenager.
Lewis Warrington a touch of class and composure
Warrington was a figure of calm in front of the Everton defence against a talented crop of Manchester United players. Often under pressure, he repeatedly showed for the ball and set in motion the passage of play that would help the Blues escape a tight spot. One of the features of the night was the teenager picking up the ball facing his own goal before spreading a cross-field ball to find a full-back in space. Warrington showed good sportsmanship by bumping fists with Kobbie Mainoo after his opposition number six left him needing treatment. He also nearly grabbed a late winner with a long range effort that narrowly went over the bar. Warrington is a player who has clearly benefited from his exposure to first-team football at Tranmere Rovers last season and with Everton this summer.
Strength down Everton's right-hand side
Captain and right-back Kyle John, as well as Quirk, who played on the right side of midfield, were two of Everton's stand-out performers on Friday night. The pair linked up well in attack and both looked dangerous. John repeatedly relieved pressure on his defence by surging forward with the ball while Quirk was a menace to the United defence, feeding Cannon for a great first-half chance and providing the cross from which the striker forced Bishop into an excellent save. Quirk was later replaced by Katia Kouyate and he too looked a dangerous asset as he ran at the United defence, sparking panic.
Another centre back who looks comfortable on the ball
Everton supporters have been fortunate to witness the range of passing and vision displayed by James Tarkowski in the early days of his Everton career. The 29-year-old is comfortable on the ball and has often been an unexpected source of creativity this summer. In the U21s Joe Anderson produced an adept performance on Friday night that showed his own creative ability from centre-back. On several occasions Anderson took hold of the ball and drove forward, beating challenges and penetrating the United midfield and sparking Everton attacks.
A glimpse of the long-term future?
Part of director of football Kevin Thelwell's Finch Farm overhaul has focused on introducing a consistent philosophy through Everton's setup. Ideally, he wants the same style of football replicated throughout the academy and first team so it is easier for players to transition between sides. It has been well documented that Frank Lampard is probably without the flexibility in the first-team squad to play his preferred way - which may well be with four at the back and an aggressive team that presses high up the pitch. In the U21s there were glimpses of that. The side lined up in a 4-4-2 formation and the front line heaped pressure on United in their own half and forced a number of errors. The full-backs were often outlets and weapons of attack due to the freedom Warrington afforded them through the protection he offered as the number six - a position Lampard is himself desperate to fill in the senior team.
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