Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea won’t harm the club much in the long run, especially at a stadium that they have struggled at in the entirety of their Premier League era.
However, David Moyes should have made a certain tactical switch much sooner if his side were to avoid defeat at Stamford Bridge, especially with a depleted squad to deal with coming up.
Jack Grealish didn’t have his best game in an Everton shirt, failing to muster much in the final third despite Everton knocking on the door for large periods of the game.
And that should have seen Moyes utilise Tyler Dibling earlier – not only to replace Grealish for the time being, but with a run of Africa Cup of Nations games to contend with for Iliman Ndiaye.
Everton manager David Moyes.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Everton boss David Moyes made a mistake by not introducing Tyler Dibling at Stamford Bridge
Tyler Dibling has not been playing as regularly as he would have liked at Everton. The summer signing from Southampton has been Iliman Ndiaye’s backup for the season, which hasn’t been to his benefit.
Iliman Ndiaye has been in fine form for Everton recently, and although he was unlucky not to score against Chelsea, he and Idrissa Gana Gueye will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday afternoon.
That means that the right wing slot is up for grabs and Dibling is the leading contender to take that particular shirt.
Who do YOU want to see more from at Everton with Ndiaye away and KDH likely out? 😫
David Moyes on Everton's loss to Chelsea.
Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones.
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However, with a real lack of minutes to prove himself recently at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, David Moyes should have introduced him earlier.
Dibling has only fared in one Premier League game for longer than 10 minutes this season, starting against Crystal Palace in early October before being hooked at half-time – but that lack of minutes could really hinder the Toffees going forwards.
Everton could struggle in the festive period if Tyler Dibling isn’t up to scratch for the Toffees
Dibling evidently hasn’t found much of a rhythm since his move to Everton, that much is clear.
But with games against Arsenal, Burnley and Nottingham Forest to at least contend with due to Iliman Ndiaye’s absence, Dibling will have to get up to speed quickly if the Toffees are to push for European spaces.
What went wrong for Everton against Chelsea? 🧐
Another visit to Stamford Bridge without a win… 31 years and counting!
Chelsea vs Everton full time score
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His lack of minutes could really hinder the Toffees going forwards, especially in away games against sides who are battling to stay in the Premier League this season.
Failing to win at home to Arsenal won’t define Everton’s season but failing to pick up three points at a beleaguered Burnley and Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest with a lack of attacking intent could really be detrimental to their cause.
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