Fans left the Hill Dickinson Stadium frustrated again on Tuesday night as Everton lost to Bournemouth.
The Toffees’ home woes continued, with Andoni Iraola’s side coming from behind to win 2-1.
Everton were made to pay for wastefulness in front of goal, with striker Thierno Barry missing two gilt-edged chances
Who was Everton’s biggest let down in that defeat to Bournemouth? 😤
There were a number of really poor displays out there! ❌
Jake O'Brien is sent off against Bournemouth.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Then, Everton had a terrible eight-minute period in the second-half that saw Rayan and Amine Adli score for the visitors.
Jake O’Brien was then sent off for Everton for a last-man foul, making the task of coming back difficult.
Iliman Ndiaye got Everton’s goal, converting from the penalty spot. And after the game, David Moyes was asked for his verdict on the winger.
Moyes admits Iliman Ndiaye has come back to Everton a ‘little bit slow’ after AFCON
Iliman Ndiaye ahead of playing for Everton.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Most Everton fans would say that Ndiaye is the club’s best player.
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Since arriving in 2024, the star has shown himself to be a technically gifted player who can provide magic in games.
Last night against Bournemouth, he scored and was a threat for Everton. Moyes does feel that he’s arrived back from AFCON ‘a little bit slow’, but the manager’s verdict was positive overall.
What would your message to David Moyes be after another loss at home? 😫
He seemed fairly pleased with his players despite the defeat 😬
David Moyes' response on Everton's form at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA.
He said in his post-match press conference: “Ili’s a really good player. He’s come back a little bit slow from the African Nations. But the goal will hopefully help his confidence and build him up. He’s beginning to get back into form.
“I hope that continues. He’s played really well for us over the period I’ve been here.”
A lot of fans have remarked how Ndiaye looks a little jaded following his return from AFCON. Those fans have also made the same suggestion about Idrissa Gana Gueye, who may benefit from being rotated.
The problem with Ndiaye is that he is by far and away the best attacking player on the books.
Moyes could rotate Gueye and there would potentially not be too much drop off, given there is good midfield depth.
Iliman Ndiaye playing for Everton.
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
But Everton really need Ndiaye on that pitch, otherwise it’s difficult to see where the creativity comes from, aside from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Ndiaye could perhaps do with a bit of a rest. But Moyes’ verdict suggests that it’s unlikely he will be rotated any time soon.
While Everton still remain in contention for European football, it is perhaps unlikely he’ll get one.
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