Predictably, the second half was a little more open, chances few and far between with errors and misplaced passing advertising this as two very ordinary teams both fighting for form. A triple change announced for the Hammers at 63 minutes and I wondered what the resources about to enter the fray would be to try and lift our performance: Danny Ings, Carlos Soler and Vlad Coufal entering in place of Antonio, Rodriguez and – Wan Bissaka. The stadium almost stirred into a response. But not quite.
This could be a classic Danny Ings’ 89th minute shinned goal to win it. It has the hallmarks of that kind of game. the substitutes have a look of little impact but at least Summerville and Bowen are both still on the pitch unlike last week. Pretty dire fare, to be honest.
And then one moment, a through ball from Paqueta, Summerville runs on and – hits the post. That was the first moment of quality after about 74 minutes. shame.
Ings almost followed my script with a shot on 86 minutes well saved by Pickford. Finally something had happened to raise a round of applause from the fast-emptying stadium. Four minutes of added-on time – I feel sorry for those watching at the ground, knowing what they’ve put up with, £6 beer, £8 sausages, walking traffic lights, queues and trains at Stratford Station – to watch ‘that’.
Right at the death, Ings hits a shot, deflected and another great save from Pickford to keep Everton’s point secure. The whistle blows, boos ring out. Probably that’s the first impression at the final whistle – Pickford kept Everton in it with those two late saves.
I’ll be back in an hour or so with a full match summary once I’ve deciphered my notes and fully roused myself from this dreary torpor.
Gonzo is away this week so just for once there’ll be no player ratings although of course I’ll be giving you my thoughts later. If I were doing it, everyone would get a ‘4’.
