Merson: fears for Everton

I worry for Everton because even though the score was 3-2, Blackburn were dominant for many parts of the game.

Paul Merson
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Everton 2-3 Blackburn
Soccer Saturday analysis

Paul Merson admits his opinion of Blackburn has changed after watching their 3-2 win at Everton.

Andre Ooijer stole the points in the dying moments to give new Rovers boss Paul Ince his first win in his first competitive game in charge of the club in a thriller at Goodison Park.

Merson had tipped Rovers to struggle this season, but admits he was impressed by their performance, particularly in the first half.

"They played very well in the first half and David Dunn scored a great goal to deservedly put them in front," he told Soccer Saturday.

"But Mikel Arteta scored on the stroke of half-time - I'd put that down to Paul Robinson - and they went in at 1-1. I think David Moyes would have been happy to go in just 1-0 down because it was so one-sided.

"Everton got better in the second half and Yakubu scored, but Roque Santa Cruz equalised one minute later. If that goal hadn't gone in it would have been interesting.

"Everton missed a good chance, then Blackburn went up the other end and scored, but I was impressed with them.

"I thought they'd struggle a bit this season, but if they can keep their players fit they might do okay because they've got some good players."

Menace

Merson felt Blackburn's strike force of Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts provided a constant menace to Everton's defenders - ans he's not surprised that Santa Cruz has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

He continued: "I think they're a good team. Santa Cruz could have had a hat-trick with two good headers and then a great goal.

"Sir Alex Ferguson was there today. I don't know if he was watching the team or Santa Cruz, but you'd take him all day long.

"On his day Jason Roberts is a handful. For me, he doesn't score enough goals but he's one of those guys who's great to play up front with because he does all the donkey work for you."

Youngster

One bright note for Everton was the appearance of Jose Baxter as a second-half substitute, becoming their youngest ever player at the age of 16 years, 191 days.

And Merson says the youngster showed immediate flashes of brilliance.

"Everton's bench was weak, but the lad Baxter came on and he looks like a good player," he said.

"He had a chance to score and you can tell when someone can play. He got on the ball and looked comfortable; I know he's only 16, but he does look good.

"They do need more players and their squad is very thin. I worry for Everton because even though the score was 3-2, Blackburn were dominant for many parts of the game."