While Nuno Espirito Santo faced criticism from some West Ham United fans for his sidelining of Adama Traore at Selhurst Park, second-half substitutions were also a topic of discussion following Everton’s heartbreaking Merseyside derby loss to Liverpool a day earlier.
A lack of quality squad depth has been a concern all season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
And the drop-off from David Moyes’ first-choice starters to his second-string could hardly have been more apparent on an afternoon in which Everton somehow contrived to concede a last-gasp Virgil van Dijk winner, despite dominating much of the previous 99 minutes.
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David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United, celebrates with their winners medal after the team's victory during the UEFA Europa Conference League 2022/23 final match between ACF Fiorentina and West Ham United FC at Eden Arena
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Some felt West Ham ‘missed an opportunity’ during Monday’s bore draw at Crystal Palace. Nuno’s decision to leave Adama Traore on the bench frustrated many, especially as Jarrod Bowen was so well marshalled by Oliver Glasner’s physical backline and Crysencio Summerville visibly tired.
But for Moyes, it was the substitutions he did make – or was forced to make – which accounted for much of Sunday’s post-match autopsy.
West Ham United face an Everton reeling from Liverpool loss
Beto injured - FBL-ENG-PR-EVERTON-LIVERPOOL
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Everton lost star centre-back Jarrod Branthwaite to a hamstring injury against Arne Slot’s Champions League-chasers. Goalscorer Beto was also forced off, Thierno Barry missing a couple of big chances in his place.
On the left, Tyrique George entered the fray and fired cross after cross into the ankles of a nearby defender during a similarly disappointing cameo.
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Had Jack Grealish not been ruled out for the season, the chances are that George – underwhelming since joining from Chelsea – would have remained Everton’s fourth-choice winger; behind Grealish, Dwight McNeil and the effervescent Iliman Ndiaye.
Instead, he and Barry were the manager’s first port of call in his desperate attempt to refresh Everton’s forward-line.
“David Moyes’ introduction of Thierno Barry and Tyrique George sent Everton’s performance plummeting,” The Guardian wrote shortly after Van Dijk guided a header past Jordan Pickford deep into stoppage time.
“Barry was dreadful, his lack of effort in particular a disgrace, and the loss of Beto and Jarrad Branthwaite to injury badly disrupted the home performance.”
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West Ham and Everton combined XI
The Hammers may have better attacking options in reserve
The positive news, from an Everton perspective, is that Beto is expected to be available to feature on Saturday at the London Stadium.
Speaking on the Royal Blue podcast, Everton reporter Chris Beesley reveals that Beto has been cleared of concussion, meaning he will be at Moyes’ disposal this weekend. Still, that Everton are sweating on the fitness of a striker who is – at his best – wildly inconsistent does not reflect fondly on the attacking alternatives available to the Scot.
“There are signs [Everton’s] squad depth may not be enough to sustain a push for European qualification,” the BBC stated back in December, highlighting a problem which continues to cost the Toffees valuable points in their race for a top-seven finish.
“It is a major issue for Everton, who boast an outstanding starting XI.”
Everton v Bournemouth - Premier League
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West Ham have a couple of potential match-winners among their substitutes these days. Not only Traore, but also Callum Wilson; the man who sparked their mid-season revival with a stoppage time tap-in at relegation rivals Tottenham in mid-January.
If the two sides cannot be separated heading into the final 20 minutes on Saturday, given the respective benches of West Ham and Everton, Nuno may fancy his chances.
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