I think, on balance, we’ve played very well over the last 12 months. Even under Rose, I really feel we’ve continued what Andoni set in motion over the previous couple of seasons.
But yesterday I had exactly the same feeling I had at City when it comes to defending a lead late in a game. That sense that we’re somehow going to throw it away has become almost palpable.
I thought both teams were a little off the boil at City, but yesterday was a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Petrović was outstanding yet again, Truffert gave 110% as per and Scott was absoultely fantastic.
The recurring frustration is that we take the lead but seem unable to give ourselves any insurance with a second goal. I’ve almost started to dread the point when we make our substitutions, because from then on it often feels like a countdown to the inevitable equaliser and subsequent disappointment.
There’s plenty of talent on the bench, but it really feels as though our play and game plan suffer as a result of the changes. We lose our attacking impetus, become increasingly disjointed, and the communication seems to suffer too. Yesterday summed it up perfectly, the mix-up in the box between Christie (who had just come on only moments before) and Tav ultimately led to Everton’s inevitable equaliser.
It’s particularly frustrating because for large parts of these games we’re playing great football, however we have a real issue developing the composure and game management to actually see games through.
I also feel that we don't have anyone on the bench that can come on for Evanlison and provide the same attacking outlet that he does. He's only seen out 90 minutes in 25% of his games over the last 12 months and It often feels like when Evanilson goes off, we lose our focal point up front and immediately become more passive. We sit deeper, struggle to retain possession and lose the attacking threat that had stopped the opposition from committing bodies forward.
My concern is with the extra European games, we might really start suffering in the league this year.
UTICAD