Everton are now winless in seven games at the Hill Dickinson Stadium following their 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Monday evening.
David Moyes’ side were certainly competitive, but ultimately a lapse in concentration at the back allowed Benjamin Sesko to score a second-half winner.
Jarrad Branthwaite was critical of Everton’s attack after the game, admitting that they’ve been too wasteful lately.
Is is time to drop Barry? 😬
Thierno Barry's statistics vs Manchester United.
The midfield is also proving to be an issue, particularly Idrissa Gana Gueye, who is starting to show his age.
I watched Gueye closely last night, and there are very clear signs that he is rapidly declining as he approaches the end of his Everton contract.
It’s time for Everton to move on from Idrissa Gana Gueye
Gueye celebrated his 36th birthday in the autumn, so he’s one of the oldest members of Everton’s squad.
The veteran midfielder was actually the Toffees’ Player of the Season last term, but he’s struggled to replicate that same level this year.
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Everton fans have spotted Gueye’s decline at different points of the campaign, but it’s more noticeable than ever at the moment.
Does Gueye need to be dropped? 🤔
Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Since returning from the African Cup of Nations last month, the former PSG star has really struggled to cope with the intensity of the Premier League.
Everton insiders believe Gueye and Ndiaye were rushed back too quickly, but it’s showing much more in the former.
Against Man United, the Senegal international gave the ball away 11 times and only won half of his duels – which is not like him at all.
Minutes 90
Touches 62
Possesion lost 11
Inaccurate passes 8
Duels lost 4
Gueye’s Sofascore statistics vs Man United
Everton should allow Idrissa Gana Gueye to walk on a free transfer
In many ways, I felt like last night was the beginning of the end of Gueye’s Everton career.
His performance against a pretty average Man United midfield – in terms of physicality – was almost confirmation that his best days are behind him.
What would your message to David Moyes be after the loss to United? 😡
He cannot find the answer at the Hill Dickinson…
David Moyes reacts during Burnley vs Everton at Turf Moor.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport
Gueye is one of six Everton players out of contract in the summer, and the harsh reality is that he should be allowed to walk on a free transfer.
The Friedkin Group want to drive down the average age of Moyes’ squad, so that seems like a very realistic outcome, too.
Ahead of the Newcastle United game this weekend, Moyes should seriously consider dropping Gueye to the bench and moving Harrison Armstrong back into his favoured position.
Armstrong has been used as a winger in recent weeks, and that experiment just isn’t working at all. The teenager is much better in the middle of the park and would be an upgrade on Gueye.
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