Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Everton U21s took the lead but found themselves losing the game at Walton Hall Park against Sunderland on Friday evening.
Paul Tait’s side were handed the lead by Demi Akarikiri, but a mad three-minute spell saw the visitors turn the game on its head.
Braiden Graham was quiet yet again, but he did not have the goal to his name like he has in his last two outings for the U18s and U21s.
Everton are in danger of missing out on the Premier League 2 play-offs, with the dropped points at Finch Farm and Walton Hall Park proving costly.
It was a frustrating night for Everton who are only left with themselves to blame.
TalkingPoints user on Braiden Graham.
TalkingPoints user on Braiden Graham.
You can look back on the key moments from the game between Everton’s U21s and Sunderland below.
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton - Premier League 2
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
There’s the chance…
Graham with THE chance to level the scoring and he places his header straight at the goalkeeper.
Almost an instant goal from Loney
Davis gets a cross in from the right-back spot and the Sunderland goalkeeper fumbles it, but it bounces out for a corner before Loney can tap it in.
Corner to Everton
Van Schoor does well to catch Sunderland on the break. He plays the ball into Ebere who earns a corner from his deflected shot.
Braiden Graham taking up the quarterback role
With Olayiwola now off, Graham has returned to the strike position, but he is once again finding himself playing that Harry Kane-esque role where he drops way too deep.
Another fine stop from Lukjanciks
Lukjanciks has bounced back from his error for the opening goal and he’s just kept Everton in this game.
Graham almost scores a beauty
What a goal that would have been. Graham has looked so much more effective on the left-wing.
He uses the defender and the wind to whip a curled effort goal bound – so close!
Get Boakye on the ball
Everton have to get back on the front foot. When they were in possession they were in control of this game.
Boakye has the beating of the left-back, which Tait will surely be telling his players in the dressing room.
Everton only have themselves to blame
The Young Blues made a really good start to the game yet came undone at the first sign of any pressure from the visitors.
Tait’s side have proven they can get in behind Sunderland, but the attack looked static for a lot of that first-half.
Boakye misses a golden chance
That would have been one of the team goals of the season, but Kingsford Boakye misses from inside the box.
He has to do better from that distance. No control in his shot at all.
GOAL Sunderland take the lead
And just like that, Everton find themselves behind. A penalty awarded against Thomas and the Geragusian scores from the spot.
Overhit cross from Van Schoor
This is so much better than Monday afternoon from Everton. Still yet to find the end product, but much more promising.
Lukjanciks makes a smart stop
Douglass Lukjanciks forced into a smart save from a wayward cross from the Sunderland right winger.
Paul Tait hails Braiden Graham
“He’s had a consistent season. He’s scored throughout, but he’s red-hot at the moment in terms of his goals,” said Tait.
“His all-round game has been good. There’s areas we’re working on to make him better every day. He’s got the attitude and desire to get better.”
Bradford City v Everton U21 - Vertu Trophy
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
All eyes on Braiden Graham again
It is Graham’s third start in eight games, but can he make it three goals in three?
The forward has been in fine form in the Premier League 2 having already netted eight goals.
Francis Gomez loses his spot
After almost being sent off against Burnley, Francis Gomez has been removed from the starting XI.
Paul Tait was not impressed with the midfielder at Finch Farm and he’s made that known by starting Malik Olayiwola.
Everton U21 team news has landed
Everton's Braiden Graham.
Credit: Getty Images/Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto
Everton U21s land Borussia Dortmund tie
Everton have now learned they will be facing Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the Premier League International Cup.
Date, time and venue are all still to be confirmed.
How to watch
Everton U21s vs Sunderland will be played at Walton Hall Park, where fans can attend to watch in person.
Alternatively, you can watch the game streamed through EvertonTV, but stick with Everton News for comprehensive coverage of the game.