Everton held their own against the Premier League title favourites Arsenal last night, but fell short through a lack of firepower.
Jordan Pickford said Everton just weren’t clinical enough, and that’s been the story of the season really, with Thierno Barry and Beto struggling up top.
David Moyes was left raging over the officiating, as it appeared as though Thierno Barry was fouled by William Saliba in the penalty area.
Should Everton have been awarded a penalty when Barry was kicked by Saliba?
Mark Clattenburg.
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Mark Clattenburg reckons Everton could’ve been awarded a penalty, and in Europe, the referee would’ve given it.
Aside from that, the Toffees can be relatively pleased with their performance, particularly Tim Iroegbunam, who did very well against arguably the best midfielder in the world, Declan Rice.
That said, Rice actually released a short statement to his former manager David Moyes after the game.
Arsenal's Declan Rice.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Declan Rice thanks David Moyes after Everton vs Arsenal
Moyes nurtured and developed Rice when the pair were at West Ham United, and clearly, they’ve maintained a good relationship.
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Rice posted a picture with Moyes after the game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with the caption ‘forever grateful to this man!’.
Moyes returned the compliment in his post-match press conference, stating: “Declan was always going to be a great player. Mikel’s made him into a real, real top player.
“He’s a great boy. More than anything, he’s a terrific boy. Because of that, it will give him a chance. A great player as well – lots of top attributes.”
Moyes admitted Tim Iroegbunam did really well up against Rice, filling the void left by Idrissa Gana Gueye.
What did you make of Tim Iroegbunam’s performance vs Arsenal?
Everton's Tim Iroegbunam vs Arsenal.
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Predicting Everton’s last two games in 2025
After back-to-back defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal, Everton need to get back into the win column before the end of the year.
Moyes’ side have just two games left in 2025, and both of them are on the road away from the Hill Dickinson.
Two days after Christmas, Everton are in Lancashire taking on Burnley, and they should be getting all three points there.
Burnley haven’t won since October and currently reside in the bottom three on 11 points, so the Toffees will be heavy favourites.
To close the year, a trip to the City Ground ensues, with Everton facing their former manager Sean Dyche.
Like Burnley, Forest are also in a tricky moment and are hovering just above the relegation zone on 18 points.
Moyes’ men should end the year with consecutive wins.
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