“I just don’t understand”: Everton’s £17m signing criticized, pundit regrets his move to the club.

Jordan Pickford produced a series of sensational stops that left Kai Havertz and his teammates frustrated throughout a thrilling 90-minute display.

The England goalkeeper was the key reason Everton managed to secure a hard-fought point at the Emirates Stadium, and he helped preserve a clean sheet.

James Tarkowski was resolute at the back, clearing everything in sight, while Ashley Young showed his experience by nullifying the threat of Gabriel Martinelli, who was 16 years younger.

In midfield, Orel Mangala was solid, rarely putting a foot wrong.

The prospect of Vitaliy Mykolenko facing Bukayo Saka on the right flank was a concern for many Everton supporters, especially given the Ukraine international’s recent struggles.

Only weeks earlier, Mykolenko had been torn apart by Amad Diallo during a heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester United.

However, the left-back has often delivered his best performances against top-tier opposition since arriving at Goodison Park for £17 million three years ago.

And in North London, Mykolenko proved to be a formidable challenge for Saka, impressing Toffees manager Sean Dyche, who described his performance as “outstanding.”

Despite his remarkable performance, there is frustration among some fans, including former Ukraine forward Viktor Leonenko.

Leonenko expressed confusion over Mykolenko’s decision to move from Dynamo Kyiv to Everton, a club constantly battling relegation.

Since Mykolenko’s arrival, Everton has finished 16th, 17th, and 15th in the Premier League, and as of now, they are 16th, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Leonenko, speaking to UKR Football, said, “I absolutely do not understand Mykolenko, who moved from Dynamo to a team struggling in the Premier League. Everton is constantly fighting for survival.”

While Everton is struggling in the Premier League, Mykolenko’s talents have not gone unnoticed by other clubs.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool showed interest in the left-back during his time at Dynamo Kyiv.

Additionally, Ukrainian agent Vyacheslav Zakhovailo revealed that Newcastle had considered signing Mykolenko shortly before he joined Everton.

Even Italian club Roma, under the management of José Mourinho, had been linked with the defender at the time.

Despite Everton’s ongoing struggles, Mykolenko’s rise at the club has been impressive.

He has played the full 90 minutes in all but one of the 13 Premier League matches he has featured in during the 2024/25 season.

Although he endured a slow start to the campaign and has faced criticism for his attacking contributions, Mykolenko’s defensive performances have been strong, earning praise from Everton icon Leon Osman.

Osman, who initially had doubts about Mykolenko’s abilities, now considers him one of the first names on the team sheet.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Osman said, “It’s been an incredible rise from Vitaliy Mykolenko. When he first joined, I wasn’t certain about him.

He looks stronger this season and is happy to go toe-to-toe with wingers.”