Everton face an uphill battle to secure European football after losing to West Ham United.
The Toffees relinquished a point in injury-time with Callum Wilson striking for the Hammers to boost their survival bid.
Everton now sit 11th in the table.
Do you share David Moyes’ concerns about Everton’s recent vulnerability defending set-pieces? 🤔
The Toffees have now conceded in back-to-back games to Virgil van Dijk and Tomas Soucek…
And while there is still a chance of getting into Europe, this latest defeat was damaging.
Certainly, there is no room for any more slip-ups by the Toffees.
After the game, David Moyes was asked about the first goal West Ham scored, which was a header by Tomas Soucek.
And the boss admits Everton’s loss of set-piece solidity is a concern.
David Moyes concerned as Everton set-piece strength goes AWOL
Coming into the game against West Ham, Everton had one of the best records in the Premier League for defending against set-pieces.
But we’ve now seen the Toffees concede from corners in back-to-back matches.
The Virgil van Dijk header last weekend was a sickener, and Moyes would surely have wanted to avoid the same thing happening against West Ham.
But that was not to be the case, and Moyes admits he’s concerned by the repeat.
He said: “Very. Very concerning.
“I think we were probably third best defensive at set-pieces or something before coming into today’s game.
“But (they are) two goals that were too similar for my liking.”
In further frustration at the other end, West Ham have conceded the most from set-pieces so far in the Premier League, but the Toffees couldn’t threaten.
Everton must rediscover set-piece strength
It is alarming that Everton have conceded two very similar goals from set-pieces in back-to-back games.
It doesn’t happen very often, and for it to be happening now of all times is concerning, as Moyes says.
It will be absolutely paramount that Everton defend better in these final four games if they’re to have any chance of making Europe.
Failure to do so will make the challenge significantly harder.
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