Everton’s great run of form came to an end at the hands of Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat in the capital.
However, David Moyes thought Everton played really well and explained that the supporters can be proud of their performance.
Moyes thought James Garner was Man of the Match, and insisted after the game that he won’t allow him to leave amid interest from Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
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Chelsea v Everton - Premier League
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Iliman Ndiaye also earned glowing praise from Chelsea fans, who were in awe watching him play at Stamford Bridge.
Unfortunately, Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye will now be absent for a while as they jet off to the Africa Cup of Nations, but Jake O’Brien explains that there is one silver lining in that.
Everton right-back Jake O'Brien.
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Jake O’Brien suggests Tyler Dibling will finally have his chance to shine
Ndiaye and Gueye could miss seven Everton games while they are away with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Chelsea game was actually their final game before departing, and O’Brien admitted that they’ll be huge misses.
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David Moyes on Everton's loss to Chelsea.
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However, he did suggest that the silver lining is that the likes of Tyler Dibling will now get a chance to show what he’s about.
“(They’re) two huge losses,” the Republic of Ireland international explained.
“I think they’ve both been brilliant this season, but it’s an opportunity for those who aren’t starting to come in and take a place.
“We’ve brilliant players on the bench who can come in and do a job, as well.”
Dibling has been impressing coaches in training, and many have actually been surprised by his lack of game time, but during this festive period, he will now get his big opportunity.
Jake O’Brien says Everton weren’t clinical enough vs Chelsea
O’Brien discussed Everton’s performance at Stamford Bridge and admitted they simply weren’t clinical enough.
“I think at times we played well, and we created chances and, on another day, we take them. We just gave them two goals at the start and it kind of killed us for the rest of the game.
“I mean, we’ll go back and look at it. I think we got in good positions and, as I said, on another day, we take them and it’s a whole different game.
“But, yes, the performance wasn’t bad today. I’m disappointed by the result, but I think there are positives to take from the result today. We can bring that into next week.”
Everton fans were disappointed by Thierno Barry’s display, and Jack Grealish also received criticism for missing a good chance.
Clearly, the Toffees need to add more firepower in the January transfer window, and Moyes is thought to be exploring a number of deals.
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