Soccer
Everton show signs of hope after transfer window disappointment
A cursory glance at the headlines in the days after the close of the transfer window suggested Armageddon was around the corner for Everton after a farcical end to their business.
Failed deals and ill-timed sales left David Moyes with just 18 senior outfield players – one of whom (new signing Christian Norgaard) is injured – including one striker and just two full-backs.
But where Moyes, and Everton for that matter, thrive is in adversity and amid the rubble of a disastrous summer window there remains a glimmer of hope that all is not lost.
Where they did manage to do some canny business was recruiting the 20-year-old Tyrique George for an initial £18million and the former Chelsea winger enjoyed his best moment for the club he originally joined on loan in January with a brilliant goal in the 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United.
The departure of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City means there is a role for a tricky, goalscoring winger and while he is competing with Brennan Johnson and Jack Grealish there is plenty of room for development.
Judging by the roar which greeted Grealish, returning for another loan spell, the Manchester City winger will be a talisman for the team after his previous campaign promised so much but was prematurely ended by injury.
Moyes will have to work his motivational magic again in wringing out performances stronger than the sum of his squad’s parts but things may not be looking as blue for Everton as was initially feared.
