admin“0/2 tackles won, 15x possession lost: Moyes told must Axed 24y/o Everton star after poor display v Arsenal
Everton slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, with a costly mistake from Jake O’Brien proving decisive.
The defender was again deployed at right-back by David Moyes, despite being a natural centre-half, but endured a difficult afternoon and conceded the penalty that led to the game’s only goal.
While O’Brien has filled in admirably at times, his continued use out of position is beginning to hurt the Toffees, and Moyes may need to rethink his options.
The 24-year-old struggled throughout the contest, failing to win a single tackle and completing just 19 of his 27 passes. He also surrendered possession on 15 occasions, while only one of his four long-ball attempts found a teammate.
With performances like that, O’Brien is starting to look uncomfortable in the role, and Everton may benefit from giving another player an opportunity at right-back.
However, alternatives are limited, meaning Moyes could be forced to wait until the January transfer window to address the issue.
Everton’s need for reinforcements in that position is clear, and Bayern Munich’s Sacha Boey has been mentioned as a potential option. The Frenchman is reportedly available after struggling to secure a regular starting spot in Germany.
Although injuries have disrupted his progress, Boey remains an aggressive, energetic full-back capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.
A short-term move could suit all parties, allowing O’Brien to return to his preferred centre-back role and rediscover his form.
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