Graham wins it late
Everton left Volksparkstadion with a 2-1 pre-season friendly victory after teenager Braiden Graham produced the decisive intervention in stoppage time. Graham read a pass from Hamburg goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes to Daniel Elfadli, stole possession and saw his cross turned into his own net by Jordan Torunarigha.
The goal gave Everton a fortuitous win at the end of a match in which Merlin Rohl and Thierno Barry again impressed. The pair combined for the opener in the closing stages of the first half, with Barry driving through challenges and back-heeling into Rohl's path for a composed finish. Hamburg had enjoyed too much joy down Everton's right before the break but failed to test Mark Travers.
Midfield overrun after the break
Hamburg started the second half strongly and over-ran Everton in central areas. Travers saved from Rayan Philippe, and substitute Patson Daka turned Vitalii Mykolenko and shot into the side netting before beating Travers. Daka's goal came after Jarrad Branthwaite stepped up and the home side passed around him, finishing in front of a lively crowd.
Rohl then had a cross deflected onto the bar, and the Bundesliga side looked the more likely winners. Tim Iroegbunam and James Tarkowski were booked as Everton struggled to contain the pressure.
The vulnerability in midfield was a pertinent example of the fragility that has pushed Everton into the transfer market for a defensive midfielder. What was already a priority became a necessity after Idrissa Gueye's departure and James Garner's groin surgery. Garner was at the ground to support his team-mates.
Norgaard deal close
That search has led Everton to Christian Norgaard, who made 20 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal last season after joining from Brentford. The ECHO understands a £7m deal for the Denmark international is close, and David Moyes will know the value the 32-year-old can bring.
Positives for Moyes
Despite the defensive concerns, there were positives. Rohl, who started on the right before moving into midfield, continued his fine summer form, while Barry remained an awkward opponent for Hamburg. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had his best performance of pre-season, creating chances in a busy display marred by frustration as he was repeatedly caught late.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Hayden Hackney gained valuable minutes as they step up their recoveries from injuries that ended last season in frustration. Everton Women also won 1-0 earlier in the day, with Ornella Vignola's 20-yard strike giving Scott Phelan's side a comfortable win over Hamburg Women.
