Kevin Mirallas’ missed spot-kick proves disastrous for Everton and Leighton Baines owners alike as the Toffees stutter to a goalless draw with West Brom. The Baggies earn a second straight shut-out as Tony Pulis’ installation brings their defence onto our Wildcard radars.
Mixed Fortunes for Baines Owners
The major talking point from last night’s match was Kevin Mirallas’ decision to take – and subsequently miss – the Toffees’ first-half spot-kick as Roberto Martinez’ men failed to score for the fifth time in eight matches. The Belgian’s domination of set-pieces has already dented Leighton Baines’ prospects in recent weeks and the left-back suffered again after Mirallas pulled rank before striking the outside of the post.
After the match, Roberto Martinez confirmed that Baines remains the Toffees number one spot-kick taker but played down reports that Mirallas was withdrawn at half-time as a result of his penalty decision:
“He [Mirallas] wasn’t 100%, he was feeling his hamstring. He wasn’t moving freely. We had dynamic players in the second-half full of energy, and that was the reason for the substitution. Our penalty taker is Leighton Baines, but Kevin always takes penalties well and he felt confident, he wanted to take it. Leighton was quite happy to allow him to do that and both have the quality to score. If he hit the back of the net then nothing would’ve happened, but both players have enough character to convert the penalty at that moment. For me Leighton is the No.1 taker. At that point I would’ve been happy to allow Leighton and Kevin to discuss that. The issue is we haven’t scored and it becomes a talking point.”
Last night’s goalless draw did, at least, bring the Toffees a first clean sheet in 12 attempts. After a poor run of form, Baines has now delivered returns in three of the last four Gameweeks and sits just one point off fourth spot in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) defender standings, though with in-form Palace, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in the next five, he may have to up his attacking output to stay in contention.
Another Clean Sheet for Pulis
The Baggies’ new manager continues to weave his magic on their defensive assets after steering his side to a second successive shut-out since taking the helm. Once again, Pulis selected the 3.9-priced Chris Baird at left-back ahead of Sebastien Pocognoli and the former Fulham man looks poised to nail down a regular role ahead of clashes with Burnley, Swansea, Sunderland and Villa in the next six. Ben Foster’s save point potential helped the stopper to a seven-point return at Goodison, and at 4.6, could be set for increased investment as Fantasy managers line up to take advantage of the “Pulis effect”.
Berahino Back on the Flank
After netting five times in his first two appearances under Pulis, the youngster was drafted in by 24,000 FPL managers ahead of the Goodison clash. Hopes were high that Berahino was set to step up his claim for a place in our three-man frontlines but his manager’s tactical tinkering may force a rethink – Pulis switched from a 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 for last night’s encounter and opted for the muscular Victor Anichebe up front, with Berahino fielded on the left. It remains to be seen whether the Baggies boss will opt for a solitary striker for road trips only, though last night’s teamsheet certainly suggests the young striker’s versatility could go against him when Pulis is looking to tighten up.
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