The question of how much will we miss Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye was answered quite disappointingly against Arsenal. A number of players had a chance to come in and take the opportunity, and didn’t.
It’s further evidence for me that the squad needs strengthening this January. I know how difficult it can be to get players in this transfer window – well, at least the ones you really want – but they must if the club don’t want the season to peter out.
The team have done well this season so far but there are clearly weak spots within the squad, especially after the first 14 players or so. It’s important also to remember that there are mitigating circumstances as to why that is. For instance, players looking to settle in the Premier League, some having to play in unfamiliar positions and, of course, a few key players missing through injury.
What was to blame for Everton’s loss to Arsenal? 🫣
Everton vs Arsenal full time score.
Credit: Getty Images/Oli SCARFF / AFP.
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Everton’s lack of squad depth reared its head in loss to Arsenal
The drop-off in quality in the midfield against Arsenal, with no Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Gueye or N’Diaye, was glaring. You can’t expect players that haven’t played a lot such as Tyler Dibling, Charly Alcaraz and Merlin Rohl to come in and hit the ground running against the sort of quality Arsenal and the likes have.
Then you look at the bench, two goalkeepers, a couple of under-21 players, and you have to realise that the recruitment department has a lot to do.
Whether that happens next month is tough to answer, there are so many factors to take into consideration – some beyond the club’s control of course. At the risk of repeating myself, there is a need to get some more players in, even with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman and the two AFCON departures eventually returning.
So where to start? I’ve said before and still believe another striker is a priority. The team is not causing opposition defences enough problems in the box in my opinion.
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It’s great that the likes of Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall contribute to the goals tally but Everton need more from their strikers, and at this point there is nothing to suggest that will happen in the second half of the season with what we have currently.
Of course a player, or two, can go on a purple patch as Beto did at the end of last season but I don’t think we can take that risk if we want to see a top half finish this season – which incidentally is entirely achievable with a few additions.
David Moyes will have money to spend in the transfer window
If I’m honest I don’t know who is out there and available with a proven Premier League track record, which is what is needed, but try they must to get someone.
How many signings do you want to see made in January? 💰
A striker, a midfielder and a right-back… are we missing anything here?
David Moyes ahead of Everton vs Manchester City in the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Visionhaus.
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I think defensively we need more too. Branthwaite’s return will be a blessing and also take some pressure off the likes of O’Brien and, in turn, James Garner not having to fill in at times at right-back. Suspensions and injuries will be a big factor in the second half of the season, they always are so I believe a right-back and also a deep sitting midfielder are also required.
The good news is that there are funds available to bring players in, something we haven’t really had for a good few seasons now, so it’s not necessarily the case of looking for a lucky loan or a free transfer, money can be spent.
The recruitment team will already be doing their due diligence I’m sure and I think we have people in place to make things happen. Despite a couple of defeats, I think there is a good feeling around the club, the fans feel much more comfortable with how the club is progressing in general and this window is an opportunity to build on that.
Having said all that I guess it’s just time to wish all Evertonians and readers and everyone associated with Everton News the very best wishes for Christmas and New Year, and here’s to a happy and peaceful time for you and your families.
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