Judging Everton’s 2-2 draw with Blackpool on Saturday is a difficult prospect, since there was much to admire in the Toffees’ performance but also much to cause concern. Twice coming from behind to level is undoubtedly a positive note, but the slips in concentration that allowed the Seasiders to take the lead – and nearly win the game late on – cannot be replicated against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.
Neil Eardley’s opening goal may have been a stunning free-kick but the foul from Arteta that led to it was sloppy in the extreme, and the Everton back line had ample opportunity to clear before David Vaughn slammed Blackpool back in front shortly after half-time. On each occasion, Everton showed great resilience to draw level almost immediately but a more experienced Premier League side are unlikely to live up to the old axiom that you are never more vulnerable than when you have just scored as Blackpool were at Bloomfield Road. Ian Holloway’s side have spent the season overturning the odds and proving their doubters wrong, but their inability to hold onto a lead was a rare clich
