- Moyes faced tactical criticism following costly second-half defensive collapse.
- Individual errors from a makeshift backline handed Sunderland a 3-1 victory.
- Everton shift focus toward squad restructuring after missing out on Europe.
The post-weekend chat around Everton has focused on the tactical (mis)management of David Moyes following the damaging 3-1 defeat to Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson.
Much scrutiny has been placed on the manager’s approach to squad rotation, with many noting a pattern of vulnerability late in games, with the team conceding multiple second-half goals.
Others have defended Moyes’ tactical approach and have highlighted the key absentees in the defensive third, in particular, the latest absence of Jarrad Branthwaite due to his hamstring injury. Idrissa Gana Gueye is another whose defensive presence has been badly missed over the last few games.
Despite Merlin Rohl handing Everton a first-half lead on Sunday, it was the lack of defensive cohesion that ultimately cost them three points, leaving them 12th and with little hope of securing European qualification.
Player regressions
A decline in individual performance levels has coincided with the sharp downturn in form during the crucial late-season run-in. Central defender Jake O’Brien faced criticism, but for most of the campaign, he had to cover at right-back, as he did on Sunday.
It was O’Brien’s costly technical error that directly allowed Brian Brobbey to score Sunderland’s equaliser before Enzo Le Fee and Wilson Isidor completed the job for the Black Cats.
Furthermore, some big-name attacking figures have come under scrutiny. Iliman Ndiaye’s performance was widely cited as one of his least effective of the campaign, with some pointing to his lack of off-the-ball intensity.
Summer recruitment and transfer targets
With the European dream all but ended, emphasis now shifts to squad restructuring ahead of next season. Club sources have talked of a comprehensive transfer shortlist, with particular focus on the troublesome right-back position.
Some reports indicate that the club has actively explored a move for Midtjylland’s highly coveted 22-year-old Chilean, Dario Osorio. The versatile player, who can operate as a right wing-back or a wider forward option, has emerged as a priority target, though Everton will face stiff competition from Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.
The Toffees are also tracking Netherlands international Lutsharel Geertruida and are reportedly lining up a £20m summer move following his loan spell at Sunderland.
Additionally, the recruitment team has reportedly expressed an interest in Tottenham midfielder Conor Gallagher, and are ready to swoop should a deal become a possibility.
Another name being linked is the scorer of Sunderland’s third goal, striker Wilson Isidor, who they believe could inject some necessary dynamism into the Everton attack.
