Everton fans would largely have been happy to see Frank Lampard's line-up for the match against Minnesota United.
Not necessarily because of the personnel involved, although it did strike as a stronger side than was used at the start against Arsenal. In essence, most still want to see a lot of new signings added to the squad before the transfer window comes to an end.
But, it was patently clear to see that the Blues were using a different system this time around. Gone was the five-at-the-back formation that had been utilised against Arsenal, and throughout most of the back end of last season in fairness.
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It was replaced by something more of a 4-2-3-1, or a 4-3-3 depending on which way you looked at it. Three in midfield in particular is what many supporters have been desperate for, with Everton often being overrun in that area of the pitch in some of their worst matches in 2021/22.
Many believed that this change in system would be the key to unlocking something better for the side. Granted Lampard himself admitted that there wasn't someone in the natural No.6 profile as of yet, but there were players who could fit into that role while a new signing was sought, right?
Arguably, the most frustrating thing is that the system did work in places.
Everton did look more fluid in their attacking play especially in the early stages of the first half. They were able to slice down the flanks of their opponents into great crossing positions, but weren't able to put chances on a plate for any of their teammates.
Intricate play in and around the penalty box was more common, runners were able to come from midfield without leaving too much danger behind. Overall, the signs were promising that this was something the Blues could build on.
However, after those opening minutes, things went south pretty quickly. And that's where the concerns and the confusion will begin to set in.
Let's not beat about the bush, defensively Everton were shocking. It was a pre-season friendly and there's still time on the training pitch to iron certain aspects out, but even so that only provides fleeting comfort.
Because, yet again, the mistakes that were being made were often individual. An own goal being scored, being beaten in a one-on-one, getting dragged too far infield, lagging behind the line and playing attackers onside.
These are all simple aspects of defending, but they all seem to blight the Blues on a regular basis. Whether they have five defenders on the pitch or four, their propensity to make these errors doesn't necessarily change.
That's not to say there wasn't problems with the system though, too. Everton's midfield was lacking the energy, tactical awareness and quality on the ball that was really needed to make this work.
The flanks were left a little too exposed with wingers often being caught up the pitch rather then taking up their defensive duties. And, there was often too much space in front of the back four for an attacker to pick up possession and run directly at a centre-back, rather than facing a midfielder first.
Things still looked good in moments at the other end of the pitch, but the travelling side were far too sloppy with the chances that fell their way. On another night, they might have scored at least three easy goals - with the simplest of the bunch being Dele's opportunity from barely two yards out in the second period.
Missing those chances is hardly a problem with the system, in fact it's a benefit that the system is providing those opportunities to begin with realistically. But, it still creates a confusion on what is to come.
The easy thing to say is that transfers are needed to really make this formation a success for Everton, and it's hard to argue with that point in all fairness. A proper No.6, a creative and goalscoring winger, perhaps even another box-to-box central midfielder as well - all of that would make things much more rosy.
And that provides a little pressure for Lampard and Kevin Thelwell, with a challenging transfer budget in terms of finding quality for all of those positions. Until that happens, what is the manager to do?
As things stand, he's no closer to truly knowing what his best system actually is. Until his players cut out the individual mistakes, which are little fault of the coaching, he won't have the clearest assessment of where he and his staff need to improve their methods at Finch Farm.
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