David Moyes will be forced into transfer market after Everton man flops again vs Arsenal
Everton were beaten by Arsenal on Saturday evening as a lack of squad depth came back to bite David Moyes.
Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal of the contest from the penalty spot, as Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes was without Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye for the visit of the Premier League leaders, due to injury and the African Cup of Nations.
The replacements who came in for the absent stars failed to deliver, highlighting the need for the Toffees to reinforce during the January transfer window.
Everton have no replacement for Iliman Ndiaye
Ndiaye has been one of Everton’s most important players this season, but the winger has now jetted off to AFCON with Senegal.
The 25-year-old will be away until the start of January at the very least, and his absence could extend well into the middle of next month.
With Ndiaye not available against Arsenal, Moyes opted to bring in Dwight McNeil for his first Premier League start of the season.
McNeil lined up on the right wing but had no real impact on the game and was replaced by Tyler Dibling after 75 minutes.
The 26-year-old had just 22 touches, lost possession eight times and failed to register a single shot during his time on the pitch.
| Stats | McNeil vs Arsenal |
| Minutes | 75 |
| Shots | 0 |
| Touches | 22 |
| Possession lost | 8 |
| Crosses completed | 0/4 |
| Dribbles completed | 0/1 |
To make matters worse, all four of his crosses didn’t find their intended target, and he didn’t complete a dribble.
David Moyes has worrying issue at Everton
Dibling came on for McNeil with 15 minutes left to play against Arsenal, but the summer signing also put in a below-par performance.
Everton have such an exciting trio behind the striker when everyone is available, in Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye and Jack Grealish, but the squad depth just isn’t there.
The Toffees’ issues are laid bare when they have to call upon their backup options, and they must strengthen in that area during the January window.
Reinforcing their squad will not only provide cover for their first team stars, but it will also push them to perform even better, as there is competition for places.
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