What Tim Iroegbunam did in Everton win vs Bournemouth has gone massively under the radar
Tim Iroegbunam was crucial for Everton against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Everton secured a 1-0 win against Bournemouth on Tuesday night, piling that little bit of extra pressure on Andoni Iraola, who is now winless in five.
Jack Grealish’s deflected strike saved the day for the Toffees, who were below par in most aspects of their performance.
However, several players took the game by the scruff of its neck and aided the Toffees to victory, and Iroegbunam was one of them.
Everton have Tim Iroegbunam to thank for latest triumph
Idrissa Gueye’s sending off away to Man United has left David Moyes with little choice other than to start Iroegbunam in his absence.
On paper, it may seem like a downgrade in quality, but Tuesday’s game showcased exactly why Iroegbunam is in the squad, and certainly why he is more than worthy of a place in the starting 11 when needed.
Via Sofascore, the 22-year-old completed 86 per cent of his attempted passes, misplacing just one of those inside his own half.
Iroegbunam won 10 defensive duels, which was the most of anyone on the pitch, and his seven tackles were also the most in the game.
Very rarely has he let Everton down when called upon, and his performance against the Cherries showcases his true worth to this team, even if not many people are talking about him.
Everton were far from their best vs Bournemouth
At the end of the day, and certainly during the festive period, the only thing that matters is getting three points on the board.
The Toffees achieved that, but Moyes will be aware that his side were below the standards he usually sets for them.
Their passing was often loose, and they hit the target with just three of their 14 attempts on goal, one of which was Grealish’s deflected strike that proved to be the winner.
Attention will now turn to the weekend, when Everton host Nottingham Forest in a game that they will be expected to win.
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