It's been an up and down 2016 for James McCarthy, whose struggled for form and fitness. The 2016-2017 season has not started well for him, and today he suffered the indignity of being subbed off in the 38th minute of the Toffees' 2-1 over West Brom.
For today's trip to the Hawthornes, new Everton boss Ronald Koeman opted for an intriguing XI that featured Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Bolasie on the bench.
Bolasie and Lukaku from the bench can change the game, will run riot if brought on with 30 minutes left
— Henry (@bighfizzle) August 20, 2016
West Brom promptly took a 1-0 lead. After 38 minutes, Koeman said enough was enough and pulled McCarthy ashore. Lukaku came on for him and, rather quickly, the momentum of the match shifted. Everton fans seemed decidedly uninterested by McCarthy's performance today on social media today.
McCarthy faces a crucial fortnight, and will have to train well and perform if called upon in fixtures against Yeovil in the League Cup, as well as Stoke at home next Saturday. Sunderland have enquired about his availability this summer and with Idrissa Gueye's comfortable performances, McCarthy's place in the Everton XI seems no longer guaranteed.
