Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Mon 29 December 2025 15:10, UK

David Moyes is getting no help from his Everton substitutes this season.

The Toffees are down to the bare bones right now, specifically in attack, as Moyes is without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye due to the pair being away for the African Cup of Nations.

Everton drew 0-0 with Burnley last time out in the Premier League, and a heavily rotated attack was unable to break through the Clarets’ defence.

However, the lack of a goal-scoring threat on display from squad players on Saturday only highlighted a key issue that Moyes has had to face all season so far.

The Friedkin Group will be scratching their heads over it.

Everton bottom of the Premier League for substitute impact

Dwight McNeil was given a rare start against Burnley, as were Tyler Dibling and Carlos Alcaraz, but the trio showed why Moyes isn’t keen on giving away undeserved starts.

There have been plenty of times where the 62-year-old may have looked to his bench and sighed this campaign, with the same attacking options in particular frustrating.

According to EFC Statto on X, Everton are the only team in the Premier League to have zero goal involvements from substitutes this season.

Although it may be slightly unfortunate that the Blues don’t have a single recorded contribution from the bench after the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace in October.

Tim Iroegbunam won a penalty that was converted by Ndiaye, and Beto had a header saved, which rebounded to the feet of Jack Grealish for the late winner.

However, this was a rare instance in which Moyes’ subs actually paid off.

So not only do the Friedkin Group need to improve Moyes’ starting eleven, but quality in depth needs to be addressed too.

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The front three of Ndiaye, Grealish, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have had Bluenoses buzzing all season long, despite the evident striker struggles.

The Toffees are perhaps one striker away from having one of the most underrated attacks in the Premier League, as the core of Moyes’ team is already set.

There are some concerns in the full-back areas that need to be improved, but Vitalii Mykolenko and James O’Brien would still both be adequate squad players – although the pair won’t help in front of goal.

If offers come their way for players who are surplus to Moyes’ plans, the Toffees should try to offload as many unwanted players as possible.

Moyes is no fool; he will be nagging Dan Friedkin for the required signings, but more than a couple may be needed in January to fuel an outside push for European football.

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