Everton secured a potentially valuable point by holding on for a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest today. Although Demarai Gray and Abdoulaye Doucoure twice gave Everton the lead, Forest, led by Brennan Johnson’s two goals, fought back twice, displaying real resilience and determination in their own battle for survival.
Ultimately, a 2-2 draw was likely a fair result for both sides. For Everton, earning a point away from home is positive, as their home form will be crucial in their bid to stay up, and manager Sean Dyche will likely be satisfied with the draw.
However, Dyche faced criticism from the BBC’s Clinton Morrison for his decision to substitute both Alex Iwobi and Demarai Gray as the game approached injury time. Morrison expressed confusion about Dyche’s reasoning while watching on.
Morrison said: “I don’t know what Sean Dyche is thinking? He’s taking off his best two players.”
While Morrison’s criticism of Dyche’s late substitutions may have some merit, it’s also possible that Dyche was simply aiming to secure a draw. By bringing on fresh legs to see out injury time, he was likely trying to protect the point his team had earned.