Everton fell short with a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium due to a significant blunder by centre-back Jake O’Brien.
The Everton player was positioned at right-back, as is typical under David Moyes, but somehow lost focus and handled the ball within the area.
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As a result, Arsenal were awarded a penalty, which they successfully converted, maintaining their lead until the final whistle, leaving the Toffees in tenth position on the Premier League standings.
O’Brien typically plays as a centre-back, but has been stepping in at right-back for the team.
Nevertheless, he is currently hindering Everton’s chances, and Moyes may need to think about replacing him.
The 24-year-old struggled to succeed in any of his tackle attempts, achieved a disappointing 19 out of 27 completed passes (70% accuracy), and lost possession 15 times.
Only one of the four long balls he tried found its target.
Moyes ought to consider giving another player a chance at right-back, with O’Brien appearing quite out of place there.
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He cannot continue to be a liability for the Toffees.
Sadly, the Toffees are not exactly overflowing with options, and Moyes might have to wait until the winter transfer window to make a move.
Everton require a new right-back in the winter transfer window
Everton evidently need bolstering in the right-back slot and should pursue Bayern Munich’s Sacha Boey, who is reportedly on the market.
He is deemed excess to needs in Bavaria after struggling to secure a spot in the starting lineup, and Moyes could benefit from his talents on Merseyside.
Injuries have affected his growth, but Boey remains a fierce, two-way right-back capable of making a difference for the Merseysiders, at least for the next six months.
Bringing him in would enable O’Brien to revert to his natural centre-back role.
Perhaps returning to his true position would allow him to perform better for the club in Merseyside.
