David Moyes went into the game against Newcastle United without Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye, and that certainly showed.
Monday night’s win over Manchester United saw a hugely positive reaction in the Everton ranks after securing three unlikely points.
The good vibes did not last long on Merseyside, with Newcastle quickly halting the Toffees run of two consecutive wins.
Moyes now faces a difficult run of fixtures in the coming weeks, which starts with a tough away trip to face Bournemouth.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was praised for his goal to get the Blues on the scoreboard, but Moyes made his feelings very clear about Tim Iroegbunam.
The 62-year-old’s options have become extremely limited due to injuries and suspensions, with an intriguing selection decision now ahead of him.
Everton v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images
David Moyes makes his thoughts well known on Tim Iroegbunam
Gueye is set to receive an internal fine at Everton for his sending off against Manchester United earlier in the week.
The Senegal international was sorely missed in the Everton midfield and Moyes was not impressed by Iroegbunam.
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Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Moyes shared his frustrations in missing Gueye, as his thoughts on Iroegbunam were made clear without even saying his name.
“We just looked as if we were a little bit open. Not as firm as we would normally be,” said Moyes.
“But I will also give credit to Newcastle because they made some quick passes and combinations through the middle of the pitch and broke on us very fast.”
During his press conference on Friday, Moyes admitted he could play Charly Alcaraz in midfield, with Dwight McNeil named as another option.
Following his display against the Toon, it is hard to imagine the 22-year-old starting against the Cherries on Tuesday.
Tim Iroegbunam cannot start against Bournemouth
Ironically, Moyes admitted Everton could recall Harrison Armstrong in January, which may have become a much more appealing option after Saturday’s showing.
However, one thing that is certain is that Moyes cannot start Iroegbunam again on Tuesday evening after he was hooked at half time.
Tim Iroegbunam simply CANNOT start on Tuesday vs Bournemouth!
Everton v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
With Merlin Rohl out of action until January now, Moyes is simply going to have to look to Alcaraz or McNeil to fill in.
45 minutes played
27 touches
0 interceptions
0 clearances
1 error leading to a goal
The 62-year-old felt his side were way too open against Newcastle and they are going to be facing an equally as dangerous Bournemouth.
Everton fans may have raised their expectations, but another poor result could see them quickly begin to slide down the table.
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