David Moyes faces key Iliman Ndiaye decision as Everton aim to recover from Merseyside Derby defeat

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Once again, a lack of potency in the forward positions has cost Everton dearly in the Merseyside Derby, and David Moyes faces a quandary as he searches for solutions.

The 247th Merseyside Derby felt over after just 30 minutes when Liverpool went 2-0 up, but a much better performance in the second half made things a lot more palatable than they could’ve been for Everton fans.

The persistence in playing constant long balls in the first half was a frustrating watch for me, especially when most of them were coming straight back. It’s just one of many things Everton got wrong in the game against Liverpool.

However, when Everton get the ball to the feet of Jack Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, they look so much better as a threat. Once again, though, it felt like when the ball did make its way into dangerous areas, not a lot was going to happen.

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David Moyes faces striker selection headache after Anfield defeat

It’s a big shout to leave out Beto and Thierno Barry but is there an argument to maybe try playing Ndiaye as a main striker?

As I’ve said before, Beto’s endeavour and hard work deserves more goals but it doesn’t appear to be happening at the moment for the big man and Barry is still finding his feet in the Premier League.

I remember a time when Graham Stuart was played as a striker by Joe Royle and was second top scorer behind Andrei Kanchelskis despite coming to the club as a midfielder, and I just wonder whether Ndiaye could do something similar.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
7	SunderlandSunderland	5	2	2	1	6	4	2	8
8	FulhamFulham	5	2	2	1	6	5	1	8
9	Manchester CityManchester City	5	2	1	2	9	5	4	7
10	EvertonEverton	5	2	1	2	6	5	1	7
11	Manchester UnitedManchester United	5	2	1	2	6	8	-2	7
12	LeedsLeeds	5	2	1	2	4	7	-3	7
13	NewcastleNewcastle	5	1	3	1	3	3	0	6

It may well be an overreaction from me. And, of course, in doing so, we may well lose what Beto brings on a regular basis; which is an exciting and impressive style of play and something Evertonians are really enjoying, with him putting in a number of top performances already this season.

I thought Thierno Barry looked lively when he came on in the second half on Saturday and that will be a big boost to him, but he needs time too.

But as each game passes I wonder how Everton are going to get the goals to take advantage of all the creativity they now possess, and it’s important that those making the chances don’t get frustrated when their work doesn’t get the rewards it deserves.

There was a lot to be admired about the second-half performance at Anfield. I really do see a huge improvement from recent seasons. There is a lot more to enjoy when watching the team now and if they can get either the strikers firing or find an alternative, then this will be a good season I’m sure.

Many times in the past, going two down at Liverpool would see a capitulation, but one thing you’ll always get with a David Moyes team is a never-say-die attitude, and that really bodes well for the season ahead.

• READ MORE: Everton star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall reacts on social media to controversial yellow card vs Liverpool

Everton must push for Carabao Cup success

Coming up now is a run of three games from which Everton can be positive about getting results, in both cup and league. There’s a chance to really build on what has been a positive start to the season, despite the defeat at Anfield.

Tuesday brings an intriguing match away at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup. I know the Premier League is a priority, but winning a trophy should also be a huge priority for Everton.

While I’m sure we will see changes to the team, I hope we really go for it and get through to the next round. Given Everton’s positive record against Wolves, and the poor form of the latter, you’d hope that can happen.

The club is desperate for silverware. David Moyes is desperate for silverware. And the fans are more desperate for silverware than anyone. Moyes got the club to a couple of semi-finals and a final during his previous tenure and I think this competition, in particular, is one Everton can go far in.

One thing’s for sure: we can’t leave the pitch on Tuesday with any regrets.