Everton’s win-less run extended to a third straight game with defeat to Swansea City.

In a lifeless first half, Fernando Llorente rose above Phil Jagielka to head the home side in front.

The introduction of Ross Barkley at half-time sparked some life into the Blues but they were unable to provide a serious test to Lukasz Fabianski in the home goal.

Here are the main talking points from the Liberty Stadium:

Away form in stark contrast to Goodison

 

When Ronald Koeman and his team sit down to assess this season, they will largely be pleased by how things have gone.

A top-seven finish and a return to Europe next season is likely would have been the minimum aim and that was secured with three games to go.

What will not please him is the form that his side has shown away from home.

The defeat to Swansea made it their eighth on the road this season and left them languishing ninth in the Premier League’s away form table.

Contrast that to them currently enjoying the third-best home form and it is evident where Everton must improve if they are to push for the top four next season.

Sigurdsson signing must be a priority

 

With a busy summer seemingly on the horizon, there are likely to be plenty of names linked with a move to Goodison Park in the coming months.

One who has already been named as a potential target is Gylfi Sigurdsson, having been a star performer for the struggling Swans this season.

If Everton making a move was dependent on his performance in this game, expect calls being made to the Liberty Stadium boardroom sooner rather than later.

Although Sigurdsson was largely marshalled out of the game by Everton’s defensive players, he produced tangible when he was given the chance.

The Icelandic midfielder’s set pieces suggested that an Everton team in dier need of a creative force could do with his presence to help fill that void next term.

DCL has to do more in starring role

 

By and large, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has justified Ronald Koeman’s faith in youth.

A number of solid if uninspiring displays earned the striker a new five-year deal with Everton earlier this week.

If the 20-year-old is to remain a regular fixture within the first-team, though, he must start to offer far more than he is currently showing.

He quickly faded after a less than stellar start at the Liberty Stadium and was consequently replaced by Ross Barkley during the half-time interval.

Everton are progressing rapidly and Calvert-Lewin must start to show similar signs of his breakthrough development if he is to retain that place in future.

Is Kenny the next in line?

 

Largely disheartened Evertonians leaving south Wales will have taken of solace from at least one youngster’s performance in Jonjoe Kenny.

Introduced for the last ten minutes in place of Mason Holgate, he slotted seamlessly into the right back spot and instantly picked up the pace of the game.

Unlike his fellow youngster, the 20-year-old showcased his crossing ability on several occasions, causing the Swansea defence noticeable problems.

With Seamus Coleman out until the New Year at least, there is an opportunity for Kenny to become the next youngster to make the step up at Goodison.

It would be no surprise to see him replacing Holgate in the first team for the visit of Watford next week after his brief cameo here.