David Moyes should be pleased with every single one of his Everton players following their outing against Nottingham Forest.
Everything seemed like it was going against Everton as they headed into the game at the City Ground with even more injury issues to their name.
Michael Keane and Charly Alcaraz are now injured as Moyes’ options take yet another hit ahead of the turn of the year.
However, the 62-year-old saw every single one of his players put on a big showing against Sean Dyche’s side to secure the points.
James Garner has been hailed for his Everton showing as he added a goal and an assist to his tally for the season.
Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy has named another two players who he thought were simply brilliant for the Toffees, though.
Everton duo the unsung heroes in win over Nottingham Forest
Ahead of the game, Dyche praised James Tarkowski and Keane for the consistent performances they’ve shown on Merseyside.
The latter was not in action due to injury, but the defensive dominance remained as Everton secured another clean sheet against Forest.
Speaking on Tuesday night’s Match of the Day, Murphy waxed lyrical about Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien’s aerial dominance as only eight of Forest’s 46 crosses proved successful.
Has this just become Everton’s best central defensive pairing? 👏
Dominant throughout the game against Forest
“Watching the game, you see the quality of the crosses and the only reason the success number is low is because of the performance of O’Brien and Tarkowski,” said Murphy.
“They were absolutely outstanding. There were a couple of poor headers from Forest when they got the first contact.”
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall hailed O’Brien for his performances at right-back earlier in the season, but he was able to assert himself back in his natural central role.
Although injuries are the last thing that Everton need, it is apparent that Moyes should not have any concerns over a dip in quality with O’Brien playing instead of Keane.
Everton’s need for a right-back in January increases
Nathan Patterson made his first Premier League start of the season as O’Brien left the right-back spot vacant.
It is believed that Everton were already keen to sign a new right-back ahead of the January transfer window.
What position do Everton need to strengthen in most, right-back or striker?
With O’Brien now needed in the centre, the need to add more players at right-back has just become even more important for Everton.
The January window is now just hours away from opening and Angus Kinnear and co have to be ready to go.
There is no doubt that Moyes will be pushing for every possible signing he can get next month.
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