David Moyes must resolve key Everton problem in January as alarming stats revealed
Everton must pick themselves back off the canvas after their humiliation at the hands of Newcastle United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle saw the Toffees crash down to earth following their historic 1-0 win over Manchester United.
David Moyes’ men were picked apart by a resurgent Magpies attack, with a Malick Thiaw brace and goals from Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade sealing an emphatic win for the visitors.
Moyes will order an instant response from his side when Everton travel to Bournemouth on Tuesday night, although the Scot will be wary of one issue that needs fixing.
Everton’s lack of attacking threat exposed vs Newcastle
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored Everton’s consolation against Newcastle, with his excellent touch and finish beating Aaron Ramsdale.
But it was ultimately another game where the Toffees’ lack of attacking threat was exposed, creating just an xG of 1.01 and registering just two shots on target.
| Everton’s xG last four Premier League games |
| 1.01 vs Newcastle |
| 0.16 vs Manchester United |
| 2.31 vs Fulham |
| 1.01 vs Sunderland |
According to Stats Muse, the team from Merseyside have averaged just 10.38 shots per game this term, ranking them as the sixth-worst team in the division.
Moyes’ men have also scored the fourth fewest goals in the Premier League (14), with only Leeds United, Wolves and Nottingham Forest netting fewer.
So, there are no surprises that Everton are looking to sign a striker in January after watching Thierno Barry and Beto struggle to set the world alight.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall praised for recent form
A natural goalscorer, arguably someone in the mould of Ivan Toney, can take the Toffees to the next level and give them a chance of gatecrashing the European spots.
Currently, Moyes is relying on his wingers and midfielders to deliver the goods, with Dewsbury-Hall scoring for the second game running last time out.
In his column for the Liverpool Echo, former Everton player Michael Ball likened Dewsbury-Hall’s finish to something Dennis Bergkamp once produced.
“Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made a fantastic run, it was a half-decent ball in from James Tarkowski, but what an unbelievable touch and goal. I didn’t think it was so good at first.
“I thought it took a deflection off a defender, but watching it back on the replay, that type of goal deserved to be a winner, it was Dennis Bergkamp-esque, how he brought the ball down from behind and to keep your eye on the ball is one of the difficult skills of football.”
Ball also questioned where that attacking intent was throughout the game, and urged the Toffees to get more shots off.
“To have the composure to put it away was unbelievable. But then you’re thinking, where was that run in the first half?,” he asked.
“I feel we’re still very shot shy. I saw Phil Foden’s last-minute winner for Manchester City against Leeds United and it looked like he was about to shoot against a brick wall, but he’s popping the question.”
Everton will need some of their biggest attacking players to turn up against Bournemouth; otherwise, another defeat could be on the cards.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Everton news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews