Dele Alli has lauded two Everton players who have really impressed him this season while playing pundit on Sky Sports Monday Night Football.
Cole Palmer netted a first-half hat trick to put Mauricio Pochettino’s side in complete control before halftime. Nicolas Jackson also netted in the first period before Palmer added his fourth from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.
Youngster Alfie Gilchrist completed the scoring in what was a damaging night for Everton and their Premier League survival chances.
To rub further salt into the wounds, Evertonians had to deal with Alli picking apart the Toffees’ performance during Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
Of course, it was refreshing to see the 28-year-old back in a seemingly positive mood after what has been a difficult couple of years. Above all, his well-being has to come first.
Alongside Jamie Carragher, the midfielder produced some interesting comments at half time.
Dele Alli lauds two Everton players during 6-0 defeat to Chelsea
Alli was full of praise for two players that Dyche opted to hook off at half time. Amadou Onana and James Garner were out of their depth in the heart of midfield. Per FotMob, the Belgian failed to win any of his tackles and lost five of his eight duels.
It was a similar story for Garner, who couldn’t handle Chelsea’s intense pressure in the early stages at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, Alli claimed both players cannot be judged on one game.
“The two players he brought off from what I have seen have been great this season,” he told Monday Night Football.
“They both have a lot of quality, and maybe it wasn’t their night tonight, but you can’t judge them off one game. They have been incredible. Pickford, he has saved them a number of times; you can’t judge him off one game tonight.”
Dele Alli protects teammates with halftime comments on Monday Night Football
Clearly, Alli is trying to protect his teammates. At no point would he head onto our screens and lambast his colleagues. He was likely sent to Sky Sports as a PR stunt under strict orders not to say anything negative towards his employers.
Unfortunately, the result was far from ideal for the former Tottenham star. Dyche must use the West London humbling as a severe wake-up call. On a weekend where Luton Town were beaten 5-1 by Manchester City, there was an opportunity for Everton to show they’re far too good to be floundering near the foot of the table.
Instead, Dyche’s men are now firmly in the thick of a battle to avoid the drop. Nottingham Forest and a trip to Kenilworth Road are to come in what is shaping up to be a massive couple of weeks for the Blues.