Everton won’t be the only team to lose at the Etihad, nor fall to Erling Haarland’s goals, this season, but once again missed chances have left a sense of ‘what might have been’ for David Moyes’ side.
The striker frustration remains but I’m loath to criticise a player, Beto, who runs as much as he does, who tries as hard as he does and who gets back up after a miss to go again as often as he does.
However, I can’t help thinking about the points Everton have and will continue to drop this season by not converting chances while playing the offensive style we have seen for some time. I can only imagine how frustrated the manager is and, at the same time, having to keep Beto and Thierno Barry from getting too down about the situation.
The fact the Blues strikers are getting the chances is a positive, the endeavour can’t be questioned. However, ultimately, football is about scoring goals and getting results and, not for the first time this season, neither of those things happened.
Everton need to sign a striker in the January transfer window
It’s a conundrum for Moyes, does he try something different? Maybe Carlos Alcaraz as a main attacker and risk sapping the little confidence his strikers have, or is there a point where he simply has to change it?
One thing is for sure, the need for another front man, whether that be a 20 goals a season man – which are scarce in January windows – or an alternative option from the bench, it’s clear the recruitment team will need to do something in the transfer market.
With that said, I feel compelled to talk about the performance, once again, of Iliman N’Diaye, who was outstanding at the Etihad on Saturday. Usually an international break can take its toll on a player but that’s certainly not been the case for N’Diaye. Rather, following the last two breaks, the attacker’s performances have gone up a level.
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His ability to hold onto the ball and his silky footwork deserved so much more against City, so much so David Moyes declared N’Diaye “the best player on the pitch in the first half.”
N’Diaye, along with his compatriot Idrissa Gana Gueye, will be a big loss when they go off to the AFCON tournament in December with Senegal. Their threat and tireless work will be difficult to replace, and Moyes will be already thinking of who can fill the gaps.
New signing Merlin Rohl might answer at least one of the questions. As a second half substitute, Rohl showed signs of what he can do and, despite a frustrating early season through injury, I can see him playing a big role moving forward.
Everton need to reward James Garner with new contract following Man United rumours
James Garner of Everton applauds after the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
It was interesting to see speculation this week regarding James Garner’s future and some reported interest from his former club Manchester United.
That’s nothing new when talk of a new contract is on the table, but he is an important member of Moyes’ squad and a player, in my opinion, Everton should be looking to secure for a few years.
His versatility is invaluable in a smaller squad like Everton’s and I hope his stay at the club is extended sooner rather than later.
Everton have a run of three games now which will give a clearer picture of where they are in this current transitional period. They are games they will believe they can get something from, and with Jack Grealish returning to the fold for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur, there will be a sense of confidence next Sunday that the Toffees can bounce back with a win.