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Marco Silva’s time in charge of Everton could come to an abrupt end in the not too distant future if the Portuguese manager cannot improve the Toffees' defensive record.

On the chalkboard

Silva was supposed to bring a bright future to Merseyside, but that dream is far from reality six months on, and the ‘attractive, attacking’ style of play the former Watford boss was supposed to bring to Goodison Park suddenly feels like a distant memory.

A tricky start to life as head coach was accepted after months of safe but bland football under Sam Allardyce, and when results eventually picked up Everton looked amazing, particularly down to how well Richarlison adapted to his new surroundings.

But in line with the Brazilian’s dip in form came the speculation over Idrissa Gana Gueye’s future and the Senegal international has been out of the squad since Sky Sports News reported he handed the club a transfer request.

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Gueye was the rock in the middle of the field for much of the season and still leads his teammates for tackles made by some margin. So without his presence, the weaknesses behind are creeping to the fore.

The opposition can stand off and lift their heads to spot a pass without Gueye shutting them down, and the backline could not deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers' attack on Saturday, as the visitors demolished Michael Keane, Kurt Zouma and Leighton Baines.

Wolves had the freedom of Merseyside and this cannot happen again, or Silva’s time in charge could well be brought to an abrupt end.

What can he change?

Unfortunately for Silva, simply changing the players will not answer the issues creeping into his side, as his tactics need to be addressed.

The defenders he can call on should all know the basics, and yet they shut off on Saturday as Wolves could ghost into the box and challenge Jordan Pickford.

Silva needs to find a way to keep their attention focused on the man they’re supposed to be marking, instead of holding a strict position in a rigid backline.

Had Nuno Espirito Santo’s attackers beat England’s number one with their early efforts beyond the penalty, the game would have been done and dusted inside twenty minutes - although it eventually took until the second half.

A tenth defeat of the season now leaves Everton in ninth place, and with seven points from their last six games. Clearly something needs to change.