Everton were always in the game against Arsenal, but Viktor Gyokeres’ first-half goal ended up being the decider.
Michael Keane and James Tarkowski were really solid at the back, but Jake O’Brien made a big error to hand Arsenal a penalty.
That ultimately cost Everton and David Moyes, speaking post-match, was far from pleased with his right-back.
If you’re David Moyes, what are you saying to Jake O’Brien after THAT? 😡
Jamie Redknapp on Jake O'Brien's handball in Everton vs Arsenal.
Credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista.
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“Well, he should (regret it) because I don’t think any player now knows that putting your hand above your head is liable to be a penalty kick,” Moyes explained.
“So I’ve not got anything for him which is positive. I’m thinking, why did you do it for? He raises his arms. He shouldn’t raise his arms.”
Moyes was really pleased with one of his Toffees players as he singled him out during the press conference.
Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
David Moyes singles out Tim Iroegbunam after Everton vs Arsenal
Everton were without Idrissa Gana Gueye last night as he departed with Iliman Ndiaye for the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Gueye could miss seven games for the Toffees, so it’s a chance for Tim Iroegbunam to step up in his absence.
Iroegbunam certainly impressed last night and Moyes hailed the former Aston Villa midfielder after the game.
“I thought Tim played really well,” the Scotsman said.
“I thought Tim Iroegbunam played really well… he was up against probably the best midfield player in the world in some ways.
What did you make of Tim Iroegbunam’s performance vs Arsenal?
Everton's Tim Iroegbunam vs Arsenal.
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“He done a really good job… he stuck to it. We wanted him to do a lot of other things, we wanted him to pass forward more, we wanted him to be a bit more creative in his play at times.
“But the other side of his game he done really well.”
David Moyes was happy with Everton’s performance
After the Chelsea defeat, Moyes came out and said he was proud of his players and how they performed at Stamford Bridge.
Following the Arsenal loss, the Toffees boss has echoed that same sentiment but highlighted the lack of cutting edge up top.
“I might get fed up saying it every week because winnings the thing you really need to do in football. You can play a well as you like and do good things but we need to get some goals. We’ve not had goals in the last two games, which is the bit that’s been missing really.
“We done a lot of things, the players effort, the spirit. Everything you’d want them to do they did tonight. It was just a bit of quality or trying to hurt Arsenal a bit more.”
Attention now turns to next Saturday, when Everton take on Burnley at Turf Moor, two days removed from Christmas.
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