Three Talking Points - West Ham 0 Everton 1

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Everton came into this game in terrible form - 1 win in our last 7 is not the kind of run you want to be on when you're trying to achieve Europe.

However, call me a fool but I was actually fairly optimistic before this game. Whilst our form in general is poor, our away form is up there with the best. We also have a very good record against West Ham. In fact, prior to today Everton have won more Premier League games and more Premier League away games against West Ham than against any other side.

Throw in the fact Spurs were beaten yesterday and somehow, unbelievably, European qualification was back in our own hands and the hope was starting to build again.

The performance wasn't the easiest on the eye, particularly in the second half, but the lads showed the grit and determination that has been lacking all too often over recent weeks and got the job done - which is all we can ask. A fantastic 3 points in what could be seen as a European "6 pointer".

Here are my 3 talking points from the game.

1. Free Allan!

Today was Allan's best game since he has returned from injury by some distance. His stats demonstrate just how effective he was in the game:

Pass Completion - 78.9%

Take-Ons - 2

Ball Recoveries - 7

Tackles - 4

Interceptions - 2

Clearances - 2

Headed Clearances - 2

It absolutely benefitted Allan having a holding midfielder alongside him allowing to roam freely and hunt the ball down. I think if we are are to get the best out of him between now and the end of the season this is the tactic we must employ.

To me it makes no sense to restrict him to sitting in front of the defence. Of course he can do a job in that position but Allan thrives when he is unleashed and doesn't have to worry about what he is leaving behind him.

Throw Doucoure in with him when he is 100% fit and the intensity and tempo of the midfield - and subsequently the team - is automatically lifted to a higher level.

2. 3-5-2 is the Way Forward

In my view 3-5-2 is the formation that suits us and the players we have best.

When James Rodriguez is not fit all of our creativity comes from our full backs. We're not blessed with many options in wide attacking areas - and this is something that must be addressed in the Summer.

Setting up in a 3-5-2 gives us more width by allowing Digne and Coleman more licence to get forward whilst giving them some added protection. In theory this should mean more service for Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison which can only be a good thing.

My only reservation with playing 3 at the back is I don't think it necessarily suits all of our centre backs - particularly Michael Keane. However, with 4 games to and with Europe now in our hands I'd like to see us go and play on the front foot, especially at home. 3-5-2 gives us the best platform to do that.

3. We Must Keep Mina!

Yerry Mina is our best centre half. Pure and simple. Ben Godfrey has had a tremendous first season and Michael Keane has had his moments but Mina would be the first centre half on the team sheet for me.

I thought he was outstanding before he went off injured today, completing 2 blocks, 6 clearances and 3 headed clearances. Hopefully his injury is not too serious and he was just taken off as a precaution because we will need him in the run in.

It came as a surprise to me that he has been linked with a move away over the last couple of weeks. If the rumours are true I suspect it is more to do with the club wanting to cash in a player approaching his twilight years and the end of his contract while he still retains some value rather than deeming him surplus to requirements.

Either way, I think we should be doing everything we can to keep him. In Mina and Godfrey I think we have the makings of an accomplished centre back partnership and I can see that being the pairing going into next season should both players still be at the club.

There is a long list of players that I would sell in the Summer but Yerry Mina certainly isn't on it.