Jamie Carragher stated during his commentary stint on Sky Sports on Saturday evening that Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to substitute Calvert-Lewin during Everton’s win against Arsenal was ‘strange’.
In stoppage-time, Everton won a free-kick near the dugout in the oppositions half with Ancelotti deciding to take his towering centre-forward off the pitch and bring on Cenk Tosun.
Calvert-Lewin actually got booked for taking his time for coming off, as he either was initially confused as to whether he was the one going off or just surprised himself that he was going off just before an attacking set-piece was taking place.
Even though there were only minutes left on the clock, and given that the score was only 2-1, Carragher didn’t agree with Ancelotti’s decision, which in the end resulted in no problems from occurring.
“It’s a strange one that,” said Carragher. “I am surprised at that one. I think he’s really important for Everton, set-piece-wise. Still only 2-1 and some big headers for them defensively, as well.
“Everton could still be put under pressure towards the end of this game.”
Perhaps the argument could be made that Calvert-Lewin should have been allowed to be involved in that set-piece situation before going off.
Not forgetting that Arsenal had conceded the decisive winning goal from a corner and they had lost to Burnley from a delivery following a dead-ball situation.
Either way, Ancelotti knew what he was doing as he has helped Everton move into second place, but they will more than likely drop a little further down as those teams below them play today.
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