Everton go in search of more Premier League points on Boxing Day with Manchester City the opponents at the Etihad Stadium.
Everton held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw on Sunday in the first game since the takeover last week by The Friedkin Group, which followed another goalless draw with Arsenal the weekend before.
Sean Dyche’s side are looking solid defensively at the moment.
But question marks remain over this team’s ability to score goals – it’s just 14 scored in 16 Premier League outings so far which is concerning. And four of those came in one game against struggling Wolves.
The forward players have understandably come in for criticism this term.
Perhaps none more so than Jack Harrison – but Dyche has lept to the winger’s defence ahead of the game with City.
Sean Dyche claims Jack Harrison is ‘up with the best’ despite recent criticism
Jack Harrison of Everton is denied by Robert Sanchez of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park ...
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Harris had the chance to be the hero against Chelsea on Sunday when he found himself in a glorious position to score.
But the 28-year-old fluffed his lines, with Robert Sanchez denying him.
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Everton fans criticised Harrison over that missed chance, and criticism for him this season has been fairly regular.
Loan winger Harrison has made 17 appearances for the Toffees, but has failed to open his account this season, despite regular minutes.
But amid the criticism, Dyche threw his backing behind Harrison yesterday ahead of the upcoming game with City.
He said (via the Liverpool Echo): “Jack Harrison has his question marks, he does an enormous shift. His tactical understanding is excellent.
“He’s up with the best. Put him in the number 10 and he knows the role. Put him out wide and he knows the role, without shadow of a doubt.”
Harrison surely unlikely to seal permanent Everton move
There won’t be too many Everton fans sharing this view Dyche has of Harrison.
He may put in ‘an enormous shift’ which is always going to please his manager, but ultimately Harrison’s output just hasn’t been good enough, with just four goals and three assists for the club across his two loan spells.
Jack Harrison for Everton
Appearances – 52
Goals – 4
Assists – 3
There hasn’t been enough evidence that Harrison is a player who can contribute even semi-regularly in the final third and, given Everton are well stocked in the wide areas – it’s hard to look past him returning to Leeds United in January.
That said, it was reported recently that Everton weren’t looking to send Harrison back to Leeds in January.
Surely if things don’t change significantly in the second half of the season then Everton won’t sign him permanently next summer, with The Friedkin Group likely wanting to bring top players in.
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