Arsenal FC v Everton - Premier League 2026/27
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David Moyes looks on.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall warms up for Everton.
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James Garner playing for Everton.
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David Moyes reacts during Everton vs Chelsea.
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Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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David Moyes explains why Merlin Rohl started over Tyrique George in Everton vs Chelsea
Everton winger Merlin Rohl.
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Everton were bereft of ideas in the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea this afternoon.
Everton were really poor going forward and hardly troubled Chelsea at all, with fans pointing the finger at David Moyes.
Moyes picked a defensive line-up as he decided to leave Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling on the bench, with Merlin Rohl, who has played right-back all season, operating as a winger.
With that said, the Scotsman has now come out in his post-match interview and explained why Rohl started on the right flank.
It's a first defeat of the season for Everton as they lose 2-0 to Chelsea 😡 Give us YOUR reaction 👇
It’s baffling to me that Tyrique George is still not a regular starter in this team. After such a promising start as well!
@cheet57 because they aren't picking the arse of moyes, get rid now
This Grealish is slowing us down last season he was going past defenders he's lost pace we need to look to the younguns to get us out of this malaise attack the fans would be behind the team win or lose show the effort we need change
David Moyes wanted Merlin Rohl vs Chelsea wing-back Pep Chavarria
Speaking to Everton’s media team, Moyes admitted he expected Chelsea left wing-back Pep Chavarria to start, so he felt Rohl was needed to help Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right-back.
Chavarria wasn’t in the squad, so it ended up being a really strange decision from the Scotsman.
“We expected (Chavarria) to start, with his attacking work,” the Toffees manager explained.
“We thought the best person to work against him was Merlin. That was the reason for that. But Merlin’s played wide right, right-back, different roles for us.
“I thought he probably did better at right-back because he put in a couple of good crosses for us.”
In hindsight, Moyes should’ve taken the handbrake off and given George the nod after his impressive performances this term.
The 63-year-old has a habit of going safety first in the big games rather than allowing his talented young players to attack the game.
Ultimately, he got it wrong today, but it feels harsh to criticise him too heavily. Moyes has overseen a very positive start to the season after a disastrous summer transfer window.
That was Everton’s first defeat of the campaign, so it’s important to keep perspective and remain balanced.
Chelsea have one of the best attacks in Europe and could be in a title race in Spring.