Vitalii Mykolenko exposes worrying David Moyes problem in Everton loss vs Chelsea
Everton were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea on Saturday, and the defeat exposed multiple problems for David Moyes to address.
Firstly, the Toffees weren’t clinical enough in the final third and failed to score at Stamford Bridge despite amassing an xG of 1.34.
As a result, Moyes has already admitted that Everton need to sign a new striker in January to provide Thierno Barry and Beto with some healthy competition.
In many ways, the transfer window can’t come quickly enough, as Iliman Ndiaye is heading to AFCON and Jack Grealish has suffered a possible injury, leaving their attack thin on the ground.
However, whilst a new centre-forward is top of Moyes’ agenda, the Scotsman must also bolster other areas of his squad.
Vitalii Mykolenko had a nightmare vs Chelsea
Everton could improve three areas of their squad next month, and one of those is a new left-back to challenge Vitalii Mykolenko.
The Ukraine international is the first choice in that role, as the only other natural left-back in the squad is 19-year-old Adam Aznou.
But this is where an issue is created for Moyes. Mykolenko produced a subpar performance at Stamford Bridge, both in and out of possession, yet there is no serious option to replace him.
| Vitalii Mykolenko stats vs Chelsea |
| 90 minutes played |
| 0 accurate crosses |
| 11 times possession lost |
| 26/30 accurate passes (87%) |
| 3 recoveries |
| 1 tackle won |
Mykolenko struggled to live with the pace and directness of Pedro Neto, whilst losing possession 11 times and only making one tackle.
In an ideal world, someone would come into the starting lineup for the 26-year-old, but that is why a new left-back is required in January.
Everton want Antonee Robinson
As it stands, Everton are plotting a transfer for Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, the player they sold for just £2million in 2019.
Robinson is available for around £25m, presenting a potential opportunity for Moyes to sign one of the league’s best left-backs.
The USMNT international returned from injury to start in Fulham’s 3-2 win over Burnley on Saturday evening, and the 28-year-old is highly rated by Marco Silva.
Indeed, with Mykolenko seeing his contract expire in 2026, it will be interesting to see if Robinson is someone Everton launch a bid for.
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