Maybe it was the same old players used by Everton again in this demanding run of matches; as the team seemed to lack their usual energy and pressing power in this match; with the swirling wind conditions not helping matters as well. Time & time again; the home side could not get a grip on the ball and passes went astray; much to the consternation of the home support who had expected much better.
Things were to get worse for Everton four minutes from half-time; as former academy product Antonee Robinson's cross was unfortunately flicked-in for an own goal by Michael Keane; who had been in good form the previous match against Burnley.
Credit to Sean Dyche's side though; they never backed down and came out strong in the second half; and their increasing pressure was finally rewarded when substitute Beto headed in after some pandemonium in the Fulham box from James Garner's shot ricocheting off Robinson.
Everton then came a whisker away from advancing to the semi-finals and a mouth-watering Merseyside Derby against Liverpool; when Jordan Pickford's relentless antics seemed to pay off from saving from Bobby Decordova-Reid. Alas; Amadou Onana's tame penalty was saved by Bernd Leno; leading to more heart-attack moments as the shootout went into sudden death. Something had to give; and it was nervous Idrissa Gueye - for whom shooting is not his strong suit - who finally shot against the post; leaving Man-Of-The-Match Tosin Adarabioyo to edge his penalty over the line and seal a priceless victory for Fulham.
No comments:
Post a Comment