Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was left frustrated after his late goal against West Ham United didn’t count for anything, but had praise for teammate Tyrique George.
Everton lost 2-1 to the Hammers at London Stadium, in what was a damaging result.
David Moyes’ side could ill-afford to drop points today, but that they did – and they gave a really poor performance down in the capital.
Who was Everton’s worst player in the defeat against West Ham? 🫣
West Ham United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Everton came unstuck in injury-time, with Callum Wilson finding space in the box to finish for West Ham.
This, after Everton got back on level terms when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall cancelled out Tomas Soucek’s header.
After the game, Everton goalscorer Dewsbury-Hall did suggest that Tyrique George’s cameo was a small positive from the game.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall praises Tyrique George as Everton lose to West Ham
Tyrique George playing for Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Fans have been clamouring for George to start starting for Everton.
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Dwight McNeil’s form has dipped again after a decent period when he first came back into the team, and many feel George should be playing far more than he is.
He came on today in place of McNeil and as he did against Brentford, and just injected a little bit more urgency on that left side.
As per Sofascore, he completed 13/14 (93%) passes, and had 22 touches, meaning he was almost as involved as McNeil, who had 27 in 65 minutes on the pitch.
After the game, Dewsbury-Hall was asked about George, and dropped a positive verdict.
Who is to blame for this defeat, then? 😡
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Warren Little
He said (via BBC Sounds): “Fair play to him, he’d done that in the last couple of games. He’s a positive player.
“Hopefully he keeps coming on doing that and helping the team, because I know in the last four games we’re going to need that.
“He could have maybe scored today. One or two chances, he created some good chances. But unfortunately he didn’t get the last final moment. But if he keeps doing that and keeps making an impact, he’s definitely going to help us in the last four games.”
George must start for Everton
It is now high time for George to start for Everton.
McNeil had previously been justifying his selection but now he’s come out of his purple patch – and Everton need George’s pace and threat.
He again made a difference today when he came on, and it’s clear at this point that Dewsbury-Hall rates him highly.
Indeed, Dewsbury-Hall praised George recently after the draw with Brentford, talking up how he’ll be needed for his impact in the run-in.
Hopefully, Moyes will see it the same way and finally give him the start he’s overdue for.
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