David Moyes was left far from impressed with Everton’s performance at the weekend, but they’re already being given the opportunity to bounce back on Tuesday evening.
The 62-year-old manager is now dealing with a number of injury and suspension issues at Everton as the Blues head into the busy festive period.
Gary Lineker said it was simply not Everton’s day vs Newcastle United, but there is a lot to be improved in a small amount of time before Tuesday’s trip to the south coast.
Everton looked like a side who were missing Idrissa Gana Gueye, who was missing through his suspension picked up at Old Trafford.
It was made apparent after the game that Moyes did not rate Tim Iroegbunam’s performance as he filled in for the Senegal international.
The midfield spot alongside James Garner is going to give Moyes a big decision to be made before kick-off, with an obvious candidate standing out to replace Iroegbunam.
Everton v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Everton must start Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall alongside James Garner
Heading into the game against Newcastle, Moyes admitted he could start Dwight McNeil or Charly Alcaraz in midfield.
However, he has the obvious player in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ready to partner Garner in the deeper role.
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Finish this sentence – David Moyes should start … alongside James Garner in midfield vs Bournemouth.
Everton v Newcastle United - Premier League
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Dewsbury-Hall has already admitted his best position is at number eight, which allows him to get from box-to-box.
In comparison to someone like McNeil or Alcaraz, the summer signing could provide more defensive protection, which Everton really missed in the absence of Gueye.
Last 365 days (per 90 minutes) Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Charly Alcaraz Dwight McNeil
Tackles 1.97 1.44 0.85
Blocks 0.91 1.27 0.46
Interceptions 0.49 0.42 0.39
Clearances 1.62 0.85 0.13
Stats via FBref.
Alcaraz replaced Iroegbunam on Saturday at half-time, but his better moments were when he received the ball higher up the pitch.
Dewsbury-Hall scored a stunning goal against Newcastle, with that aspect of his game at risk of being missed if he plays deeper.
However, Moyes was aware after Saturday’s drubbing that the cover in front of his defence was almost non-existent.
Jack Grealish may benefit from Dewsbury-Hall playing deeper
Moving Dewsbury-Hall further back could improve Everton’s defensive shape, and it could also benefit the likes of Jack Grealish.
Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall have struck a strong bond on Merseyside, with Grealish knowing his teammate’s game inside and out.
Quite worrying that…
Bournemouth 2-1 Everton (March 2024)
Everton 2-3 Bournemouth (August 2024)
Bournemouth 1-0 Everton (January 2025)
Everton 0-2 AFC Bournemouth (February 2025)
However, the 30-year-old’s only goal of the season came in the game against Crystal Palace where Dewsbury-Hall was missing through suspension.
With more freedom to roam inside, Grealish was able to occupy a more central role for the cross into the box.
James Tarkowski claimed Grealish’s goal was ‘shocking’, but Everton will take any goal they can get at the moment.
With Dewsbury-Hall potentially playing slightly deeper against Bournemouth, Moyes would certainly be hoping for more of a threat on goal from Grealish.
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