David Moyes ‘makes huge error’ as Iliman Ndiaye starts for Everton v Arsenal
David Moyes has confirmed his Everton starting lineup to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, making a questionable decision.
Mikel Arteta’s team have travelled to Goodison Park on 5 April as the hosts look to bounce back from their recent defeat.
The Toffees are coming off their 1-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, which ended their nine-game unbeaten run in the English top flight.
While the Blues had several draws during that run, it has seen them open up a decent gap with the relegation zone in the league table.
Everton make three changes in starting XI v Arsenal
Moyes has made three changes to his starting lineup confirmed by the Toffees on X (5 April) as the Gunners make their way to Goodison Park.
Jordan Pickford has been the mainstay in between the sticks, and it isn’t surprising to see the England international start once again with a backline that sees Nathan Patterson replace Vitalii Mykolenko.
In the middle of the park, James Garner has been replaced with Tim Iroegbunam, while Carlos Alcaraz also misses out.
Up front, Iliman Ndiaye makes his long-awaited return to the starting lineup, with Jack Harrison on the opposite wing to support Beto in the number nine position.
Today's Toffees! 🔵#EVEARS pic.twitter.com/2orNV4NhMR
— Everton (@Everton) April 5, 2025
Tarkowski should’ve been dropped by Moyes v Arsenal
Tarkowski was involved in a controversial incident at Anfield as his challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was scrutinised by many.
While the English centre-back received a yellow card on the day, there’s consensus among many that he should’ve been sent off.
The 32-year-old has formed a decent partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite at Goodison Park, but his recklessness against Liverpool shows he isn’t reliable.
Tarkowski could prove to be a weak link against Arsenal, and the officials will arguably focus more on his challenges against Arteta’s team, who will undoubtedly try to pressure the referee to send the defender off during the fixture for even the slightest mistake.
Moyes has shown faith in Jake O’Brien at right-back since replacing Sean Dyche in the Merseyside outfit’s dugout, and it would’ve made sense to test how the Ireland international plays alongside Branthwaite in the centre of defence.
The Toffees aren’t under threat of being relegated as they sit 14 points above 18th-place Ipswich Town, but the players need to prove their worth for the upcoming campaign.
Arsenal will be a tough test for the Blues, and it will be interesting to see how their starting lineup fares against the North Londoners.