Dewsbury-Hall signing a masterstroke, fellow newbie struggling – three things learned vs Roma
Everton fell to a 1-0 defeat to Roma at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in their final pre-season game before the new Premier League season.
Despite many players for Moyes‘ side having impressive individual performances, it was not enough to overcome the Serie A outfit, as multiple missed chances proved to be costly.
The Roma game highlighted the need for more new arrivals for Moyes if he wants to kick on and continue to propel the Blues up the Premier League table.
With Matias Soule’s strike proving to be the difference between the two sides, Goodison News picks out the three biggest talking points from the game.
Excellent first impression from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Dewsbury-Hall was a solid addition on paper following his arrival from Chelsea, but the Evertonians in attendance were treated to a special performance over 60 minutes from the midfielder.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall stats vs Roma:
- Accurate passes – 25/26 (96%)
- Big chances created – 2
- Key passes – 4
- Accurate crosses – 2
The 26-year-old thrived in the number ten role, where he was able to pick the ball up in the middle of the park before turning and driving at the Roma defence.
With Everton’s defence already being solid, the Toffees look to have added another exciting attacking player, who, alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Iliman Ndiaye, have the potential to cause a host of problems for opposition defences.
No chance of Mark Travers breaking into Everton’s starting XI
Travers is one of the recruits brought in at Everton over the summer, with the Irishman joining to be the club’s number two goalkeeper behind Jordan Pickford.
In Pickford, Everton have one of the finest shot-stoppers in the Premier League and judging by his performance against Roma, the England international is showing no signs of slowing down.
Whilst Everton looked good during spells during the game, their defence became stretched at times, particularly late on, and Pickford was forced to be at his very best to keep the deficit at just one goal.
- Pickford made five saves in the match, including three inside his box
If the 31-year-old keeps performing at this level, then Travers may well have to get comfortable on the bench next season.
Moyes may need to bring another striker in before opening game against Leeds
With Thierno Barry failing to find the back of the net in pre-season and struggling again against Roma, Moyes may have fears about a lack of quality up top entering the new season.
The Frenchman made a pig’s ear of a relatively routine chance, scuffing an effort on his left foot as he attempted to chip the onrushing goalkeeper.
Beto hasn’t been much better either, with his only goal in pre-season being a penalty, and Moyes openly criticising the striker.
Unless a marquee signing like Jack Grealish can bring the best out of Barry, the Toffees may be forced to look at bringing another forward in before the end of the window.
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