In the early stages of Everton’s clash against Manchester United, the ball appeared to hold up in central areas.
Gary Neville made a point of mentioning the sogginess while on commentary duty for Sky Sports, highlighting the pitch after a pass back to Jordan Pickford held up and forced the Everton No.1 into an unexpected sprint.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium has already been a problem in itself for David Moyes so far this season, with only four wins in 14 Premier League games at the new ground after the visit of Manchester United – and Neville seemed to suggest ground staff had potentially overwatered the pitch.
What’s your thoughts after that, Toffees? 😫
Three points were there for the taking!
Everton vs Man United full time score
Credit: Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole/Offside
What Gary Neville said about the Hill Dickinson Stadium pitch
After that hairy moment involving Pickford, the 51-year-old said: “I know it’s rained a bit but the pitch looks soaked. It’s unusual to see it hold up like that.”
Neville – who called the Merseyside derby a “myth” recently – had only just praised the “zip” of the pitch before his comments, but the incident involving Pickford suggests some areas were watered too heavily, or the drainage in certain positions is poor.
Only Everton will know if it was a deliberate tactic to stop the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes dictating the game from the middle of the pitch.
Everton would be wise to make life uncomfortable for opponents
With only five wins out of 16 in all competitions at the Hill Dickinson Stadium now, Everton do need to find an edge at the new ground. It seems almost too nice a venue for opponents to visit, compared to the more intimidating structure of Goodison Park.
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Just like Manchester City once did in 2013 when moving the advertising hoardings against Stoke to stop Rory Delap’s giant throws, Everton would be wise to delve into the dark arts to achieve a better home record.
Arsene Wenger even once complained to the FA (Football Association) about Stoke deliberating keeping their grass long to stop Arsenal playing football – while Norwich painted their away dressing room pink on the way to winning the 2019 Championship title as the colour is ‘said to lower testosterone levels and have a calming effect’ on people.
What do you miss most about Goodison Park after months in the Hill Dickinson Stadium? 🥺
The new stadium has surpassed all expectations so far 🔥
Gary Neville quote on Goodison Park's shaky gantry.
Credit: Getty Images/Matt McNulty.
If Everton begin to explore these marginal gains, perhaps results at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will improve.
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