Everton crashed to defeat against West Ham United on Saturday – and David Moyes took an unusual step after the game which could prove to be significant.
The Toffees lost 2-1 at London Stadium, in what was a frustrating result.
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
Everton have now lost ground in the race for European football, and can’t really afford any more slip-ups from now until the end of the season.
It was a poor performance from Everton down in the capital.
The Blues missed in-form Beto up top, with Thierno Barry again struggling, and there was also an element of bad fortune, with the handball by Mateus Fernandez going unpunished.
After the game, Moyes gave his thoughts – and went particularly heavy with his praise for one member of West Ham’s team.
David Moyes piles praise on Tomas Soucek after goal vs Everton
David Moyes walks onto the pitch.
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
When Everton lost, Moyes is not particularly forthcoming in his post-match press conference.
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It is likely the last place he wants to be having just lost a game – and the same can probably be said for most managers.
It’s not all that often he gives lengthy answers to journalists after a defeat.
And it’s certainly not common for Moyes to praise an opposition player when Everton have lost – but that’s what he did on Saturday evening as he complimented Tomas Soucek.
Moyes already praised Soucek ahead of the game, and after it he said in his press conference: “He’s great. Does great. He’s done brilliant for West Ham.
“And I think he’s come in for a little bit (of criticism) over certain times, but his worth has been enormous.
“Because of his goals, the type of boy he is, everything about him. He epitomises a lot of things you want as a coach. Somebody who’s willing to work hard. He does a lot of the unselfish jobs for the team.
“He heads the ball in both boxes quite regularly. So he’s been a big player for West Ham.”
Crystal Palace v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Moyes was then asked a different question, before he talked about Soucek again unprompted.
He added: “Let’s be fair Tomas Soucek might not be the first pick as a technical football player. But because he can score and because he can head it out of the other box, he becomes really important in the team setup.
“That’s why I try to get the balance right between that type of player and small or maybe more technical players. We’re just having a bit of a difficult time in the last two games with it (defending set-pieces).
Moyes will sign Soucek for Everton if given the chance
Moyes’ praise of Soucek felt significant.
It’s very clear that the midfielder is still someone he rates really highly, and would probably love to have at his disposal.
Everton being linked to Soucek again… thoughts? 💭
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek.
In recent weeks, Everton have been linked with a move for Soucek, who may yet leave West Ham this summer.
And given what Moyes has said here, it’s hard to imagine the Scot not throwing his hat in the ring this summer for Soucek if he’s seeking a new club.
It felt like a bit of a charm offensive from the manager, so it’d be no surprise if a pursuit was made.
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