Everton's recent defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal have been frustrating, particularly because of the manner of the losses. David Moyes has said the team is not doing enough in forward areas, and a solution could involve giving players like Tyler Dibling more opportunities.
Fringe players may get their chance
This could be the moment for some fringe players to step up, as frustration over a lack of minutes often requires taking an opportunity when it comes. Hayden Hackney impressed when he came on at the Emirates Stadium, getting the ball, trying to go forward and having a shot. He was not rewarded but used his football intelligence in wet and windy conditions, anticipating the keeper might spill it.
With an injury to Vitalii Mykolenko, there are question marks over who plays in the full-back positions in the next few games. That could be a huge opportunity for Hackney to start, as the midfield is open and many teams are exploiting it.
Defensive reshuffle needed
Moyes must realise that opponents are looking at Everton's slow starts, which are hurting the team and creating uphill challenges to get back into games. Playing Jarrad Branthwaite at left-back was not popular, given his injury problems over the past year, and the extra running in an unfamiliar position is a gamble with his body.
James Garner could be an option in one of the full-back positions because he is clever with position and the team wants to dictate play, especially at home. It is not a long-term fix, but it would also provide Hackney with an opportunity in midfield and get minutes under his belt, as he has tried to do the right things when picked.
Arsenal defeat analysis
Brennan Johnson does not look like an out-and-out winger, reminding of Theo Walcott with the way he stands and wants the ball in behind to run on to. A winger needs to show for the feet and get the ball like Dibling and Jack Grealish do, but he is not that type of player. He could be an option up front alongside Thierno Barry or replace him when he needs to come off, where he could spin and get behind defenders.
In the Arsenal game, the hope was to get at them early and not let them get into a rhythm, given their Champions League match on the Wednesday. But another slow start cost the team, this time in the first half. Arsenal came at Everton from the off, putting them under pressure with back-to-back corners that were not defended properly.
Johnson was supposed to be marking Ezri Konsa, a mismatch, and he did not follow the run, letting Konsa get goal-side and on his toes to get the rebound for the second ball to put it in the net. After that, Everton reacted well and went at Arsenal, with Tyrique George having a decent effort defended by Ben White.
Set-piece struggles and upcoming fixtures
Quality from corners was poor again, with delivery having been like that all season. In the away end, five Arsenal players were at the front post, but the ball was hit to the first man, which was frustrating. Against the best teams, set-pieces are important, but Everton did not make the most of them.
The reaction to the goal petered out after about 10 minutes, and Arsenal quickly got back into their rhythm. It is not just tactics but winning individual battles. Playing against the Premier League champions is a tough ask, but Everton gave them too much respect and did not challenge for the ball or press them enough.
When the changes came on, Dibling had more touches of the ball than Johnson had in the previous 72 minutes. He might slow the game down but gives the back four a chance to get up the pitch. Three matches are coming up before the next international break, including a Carabao Cup tie, and these are big games that can change the momentum of the season, with consecutive fixtures against Newcastle before Frank Lampard returns to Everton.
