David Moyes admitted Everton did not do enough in their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth before making clear that he still wants to strengthen his squad — and does not want to lose his better players.
James Tarkowski struck in the 91st minute at the Vitality Stadium to rescue a point after Alex Scott had given Bournemouth the lead four minutes before half-time.
It leaves Everton with four points from their opening two Premier League matches, following last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, as well as a place in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Moyes, though, was not particularly happy with Saturday’s performance.
“All in all I’m disappointed with the performance,” he told BBC Sport.
Everton were playing for the third time in eight days after facing Palace last Saturday and Preston North End in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, while Bournemouth had enjoyed a free midweek.
That may have played a part as Everton faded after a promising opening period.
Moyes disappointed despite late escape…
Everton certainly had opportunities before falling behind.
Djordje Petrovic denied Jarrad Branthwaite and Iliman Ndiaye before producing another excellent intervention when Everton threatened through Tyrique George and Thierno Barry.
Barry had further chances to add to his four goals from the opening two games, but Everton could not make their first-half pressure count.
Scott did.
Evanilson carried Bournemouth forward before finding the midfielder, who put the home side ahead in the 41st minute.
Everton found life considerably more difficult after the interval.
“I didn’t think a goal was coming,” Moyes admitted.
“We stuck at it, resilient. We were good away from home last season, so hopefully we can keep it going.”
Bournemouth had opportunities to make the game safe, and Everton required some outstanding defensive work to stay within one.
“We needed somebody to come up with something,” Moyes said.
“We did some amazing blocks late in the game. Pleased with a point.”
Tarkowski was ultimately the man who produced that something.
Bournemouth failed to clear an Everton corner in stoppage time, and the captain reacted quickest, firing beyond Petrovic to turn what appeared certain to be a defeat into a useful away point.
For all the satisfaction of the late equaliser, Moyes’ overall assessment remained measured.
Everton had played better during the opening half and could have taken the lead themselves. By the closing stages, however, they were hanging on before Tarkowski dramatically changed the outcome.
Moyes wants Everton strengthened…
The conversation then moved to a transfer window which could prove just as significant as anything that happened at the Vitality Stadium.
Asked whether he was looking forward to the window closing on Tuesday, Moyes smiled.
“Might want the transfer window left open so we can get a few more players in!” he said.
“It closes Tuesday, let’s see what happens. I have said we could do with strengthening and hopefully we can do that.
“We have a good basis. Let’s hope we can build on it.”
It follows Moyes’ comments before the Bournemouth game, when he again discussed Everton’s need for further additions and addressed the speculation surrounding Iliman Ndiaye and the club’s remaining transfer plans.
The subject of departures is becoming increasingly important too.
Nottingham Forest are working on a move for Harrison Armstrong, with the possibility of Everton selling the academy graduate already prompting us to argue that losing Armstrong would send completely the wrong message.
Ndiaye has also been the subject of interest as the deadline approaches.
Moyes’ response when asked about the possibility of losing players was revealing.
“I don’t think we can afford to lose any players, certainly not our better ones,” he said.
“The club dictates a lot of that, and we will see how the next few days go.”
Moyes has made his preference clear, but he has stopped short of guaranteeing that nobody will leave. With only a few days remaining, Everton could yet face decisions over both incomings and departures.
What the manager wants is considerably clearer.
Everton have four points from six in the Premier League and have progressed comfortably in the Carabao Cup, but Moyes still believes the squad requires strengthening.
Today also offered a reminder of the value of keeping the players already at his disposal.
Everton needed their defenders to keep them alive and their captain to rescue them at the other end.
Now Moyes will hope the final days of the Everton summer transfer window leave him with more options rather than fewer.
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Thierno Barry hat-trick helps Everton cruise past Preston in Carabao Cup
Thierno Barry hat-trick helps Everton cruise past Preston in Carabao Cup
Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace: Dewsbury-Hall and Barry give Blues perfect start
Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace: Dewsbury-Hall and Barry give Blues perfect start