Leon Osman impressed by Demarai Gray in 1-0 loss v West Ham
Everton suffered their second Premier League defeat of the season to West Ham United on Sunday, with Angelo Ogbonna’s second-half header doing the damage.
With Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin still out injured, the Toffees struggled to make the most of their chances in front of goal, and it proved costly in the end.
Despite the defeat, Demarai Gray impressed, with one moment in the first-half blowing Leon Osman away.
30 minutes into the game, the winger provided Alex Iwobi with a fine cross after a super run, but the Nigerian international missed his kick in front of goal, squandering a huge chance to put the hosts ahead.
Osman loved what he saw, showering praise on the Everton forward on BBC Radio 5 Live during the game.
He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic play from Demarai Gray.
“It’s everything we’ve seen from him this season – pace, power, desire to get over the top and chase that ball from Andros Townsend.
“He drops his shoulder and goes past Angelo Ogbonna and fires the ball in. Alex Iwobi has to do better in the middle.”
Intent
Gray has been one of Everton’s best players so far this term, but he was not able to inspire his side to victory today.
He cannot always do it alone, and Rafa Benitez needs Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin back as soon as possible.
With a fully fit squad, the Toffees would have fancied their chances against West Ham.
They do not have quality squad depth having spent very little in the summer, and that told against a strong opponent.
The Blues host Watford next weekend and will be hoping to have their two key attackers back. Gray and Andros Townsend have been brilliant in their absences, but Everton cannot always rely on them.
The former Leicester City man would have been disappointed with the narrow loss against the Hammers, and he will be looking to help his team with the Hornets come visiting on Saturday.
In other Everton news, a journo has shared a regret Toffees insider confessed after Man Utd game.
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