Why David Moyes frazzled journalist's head as really worrying Everton trend emerges

Everton are looking for a response to a defeat for the first time this season.

The Toffees had started the season unbeaten under David Moyes until last week's 2-0 reverse to Chelsea.

It was a defeat that left the Blues eighth in the Premier League, with 10 points from their seven games played in the top flight.

Things do not get easier next time out for Everton, either.

Moyes is preparing to take his side to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday for a clash with Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta who played under Moyes during his first spell at Everton.

And one concerning trend has been pointed out ahead of Everton making the trip to North London.

Everton getting caught in the traps as David Moyes baffles

Everton had held their own pretty well in the first half of their contest against Xabi Alonso's side.

But within a minute of the restart they were behind to Pedro Neto's opener at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Neto would later score in the last minute of normal time to leave the game beyond Moyes' side.

It was the third time this season that Everton have conceded within the opening three minutes of the secodn half.

Journalist Patric Ridge, who works for Stats Perform and runs More Than A Game, joined Matt Jones on the Blue Room podcast.

He pointed out the statistic, and was also left frustrated by Moyes' lack of proactivity after Everton went behind.

Ridge said: "That's the third goal we've conceded now within the first three minutes of the second half.

"We also conceded two big chances against Ipswich in the first couple of minutes of the second half, that's a really worrying trend."

He added on Moyes: "My head was genuinely frazzled that he was just stood there doing nothing for half an hour.

"He brough Tyrique George on, fine. I think you could have taken either Merlin Rohl or Ainsley Maitland-Niles off."

Everton have to be alert against Arsenal

If Everton have a concentration problem after half-time, then frankly they cannot afford to do that against Arsenal.

The Gunners faced a midweek trip to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and played out a frantic 2-2 draw.

But it is a scenario Arteta's men are well versed in now, and Everton will have to be at it right from the off at Emirates Stadium.

If they switch off at the start of the second half, then Arsenal will not hesitate to take any gifts that come their way.