‘Magic’: BBC pundit seriously impressed by 26-year-old Everton star vs Manchester City, but says he’s too inconsistent

Add as preferred source on Google

Garth Crooks was left seriously impressed by Everton star Demarai Gray’s performance against Manchester City, but told BBC Sport that he is too inconsistent.

Frank Lampard’s men picked up a valuable point at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after a spirited display. 

Everton were coming off a disappointing home defeat to Wolves and needed to respond in what is arguably the most difficult fixture on paper. 

City took the lead in the first-half through no other than Erling Haaland as the Norwegian bagged his 21st Premier League goal of the season.

John Stones also hit the post during the opening 45 minutes but the Toffees fought their way back into the game in the second-half through Gray.

The 26-year-old scored a brilliant goal just after the hour mark after picking up the ball just inside City’s half. The winger was held up by City defenders but still found the space to curl a wonderful effort into the top corner.

And Crooks has praised Gray for earning his side a point with an inspired effort, but feels he needs to be more consistent under Lampard.

Crooks impressed by Gray

Crooks named Gray in his Premier League Team of the Week but says a player of his quality should be putting in these types of displays more often.

“Everton and Frank Lampard in particular needed the point at Etihad Stadium far more than Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. Lampard’s team was struggling before the World Cup break and nothing has really changed on their return to domestic football,” Crooks said.

“What has saved Lampard has been Everton’s ability to never throw in the towel and to fight on regardless. This was their biggest attribute against Manchester City, along with a touch of magic from Demarai Gray.

“This is a player who has the tools to hurt any opposition but his best performances are far too infrequent. It is Lampard’s job to fix this and to get Gray to be more consistent and do what he did on Saturday on a more regular basis.”

Gray was a standout performer for Everton last season and has proved to be an astute piece of business.

But the winger has certainly struggled to find the same level of consistency during the current campaign and has only managed two goals in the league.

It’s no secret that Eveton have struggled to score frequently this season as they’ve only managed to find the back of the net 13 times in 17 games.

Lampard will be hoping the result in Manchester will give his side some much-needed confidence ahead of their clash with Brighton tomorrow night. But the Everton boss will also be relying on the likes of Gray to start providing more cutting edge in the final third.