Ten-man Everton hold on to claim victory against Huddersfield

Everton got back on track after being dumped out of the FA Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on a very cold night at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Richarlison netted from close range for the Merseyside outfit and plunged the hosts into more trouble as their hopes of survival become thinner still.

Lucas Digne was sent off for the visitors leaving them to play the final 25 minutes a man light but Marco Silva’s men held on to ensure Jan Siewert’s first game in charge of the Terriers ended in defeat.

Things did not go to plan early on when Tom Davies ghosted his way into the penalty area and flashed a low cross into Richarlison. The Brazilian saw his first effort saved but he was on hand to poke in the rebound and give the visitors a lead inside two minutes.

Huddersfield responded well to falling behind. Their quicker moving of the ball caused Everton problems, including a wonderful backheeled nutmeg pass from Jason Puncheon, though the move fizzled out when the away side scrambled back to defend the danger.

Siewert was a constant on the touchline as he barked orders and encouragement at his squad, and they responded with encouraging flurries forward.

Puncheon continued to be the best option for getting the Terriers up the pitch. His smart turns, touches and energy were a constant thorn in the Everton side.

Under former manager David Wagner the hosts could have been accused of not moving the ball quick enough. That was certainly not the case here, although their eagerness to get up the pitch led to some sloppy passes.

They were almost made to pay for their inaccuracy when Andre Gomes pounced on a wayward pass from Jonas Lossl. The Portuguese midfielder sent Richarlison away who sent in a driven cross but Terence Kongolo was alert to the danger.

Tempers began to flare up with the home support unhappy with the decisions of referee Stuart Attwell. The officials did not endear themselves any further when Attwell stopped play for Kurt Zouma to receive treatment just after the hosts won possession in the Everton final third.

Steve Mounie had a couple of half chances for Huddersfield but failed to test Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal.

The hosts started the second half with much more urgency as they pinned back the visitors who defended deep. Aaron Mooy was introduced to proceedings ten minutes into the second period marking his return to action after suffering a knee ligament injury in early December.

Everton’s best chance of the half came when Richarlison blasted over a free-kick from 25-yards.

Just after the hour mark, the most significant moment of the match came.

Juninho Bacuna played a quality ball over the top for Diakhaby to chase. Lucas Digne was in hot pursuit of the winger and hauled down his fellow Frenchman with him baring down on Pickford’s goal. Digne was shown a straight red card.

Mooy brought out a great save from England’s number one from the resulting free-kick on the edge of the penalty area.

After that, the hosts spent most of their time camped in the Everton half and fashioned a series of decent chances. Bacuna failing to connect with a header from close range with the goal gaping after a flick on from Mounie.

Kachunga then saw his header pawed away by Pickford with the former Sunderland man exhibiting cat-like reflexes to turn the ball round the post.

The game became more stretched as it ticked into the final ten minutes with the hosts dominating possession, often in the Everton final third, but struggled to break down the solid Toffees defence.

Town continued to push for the equaliser and Siewert threw on Laurent Depoitre in aid of a leveller. 

The hosts can be encouraged by how the Terriers went about their business but their narrative of spirited performances without any points to show for it continues.