Everton Under-21s head coach Paul Tait believes a lack of match sharpness could have played a factor in Friday evening’s defeat to West Ham United - but is confident the result is merely a blip in what has been a promising season to date.
Despite a stunning free-kick from Tom Cannon in the closing stages, the young Blues were condemned to a 2-1 Premier League 2 loss in their first outing of the calendar year.
After a slow start for the hosts, Tait said he was proud with the application and response from his players – especially in the second half.
“I thought we started poorly in terms of our intensity and physicality, and we got caught out a little bit by West Ham’s physicality,” he told evertonfc.com.
“We didn't play well enough at all in the first half, and they rightly scored.
“Second half I thought we got a lot more control of the game, but we were still lacking in transition, especially defensive transition, and that's where the second goal comes from.
“And then after that, it was all us. I thought the subs did well when they came on, they made a difference. I thought we were a much better team setting off and probably could have nicked a draw.
“Overall, I felt we were off a little bit, but everyone will be better for getting those minutes in.
“I thought bits of the performance was good, but that cutting edge wasn’t quite there.
“However, I’m confident that’ll return as we work with the players over the next few weeks.”
Cannon gave the young Blues a fighting chance for a point when he placed a free-kick beautifully into the top corner – his 12th goal for the Under-21s this season.
Tait praised his prolific goalscorer as one who ‘scores goals for fun’.
“It was an incredible strike, wasn’t it?” he added.
“To get it over the wall and into that side, it’s incredible.
“It’s a pity we couldn’t get him more service.
“I think the next part of his journey and pathway will probably be a loan, I would imagine.
“He certainly didn’t do himself any harm showing his finishing power with that strike.”
The Under-21s boss added that several of his in-form stars may be sent out on loan this month as they look to continue their development in first-team environments.
“We’ve had discussions around loans within the Club and we’ll see what happens this month," said Tait.
“There definitely will be some going out - they need to.
“They showed in the Papa John’s Trophy that a lot of them are ready for men’s football and that’s the next part of their development.
“We’ll have to wait and see what materialises as you can never be 100-per-cent sure in the transfer window.
“In the meantime, we’ll continue to work and try to improve each player.”
