Everton’s ‘bottlejob’ crisis masked by David Moyes’ obsession that ignores the bigger problem

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I, like every other Everton fan at the Hill Dickinson Stadium at the weekend, watched David Moyes in complete disbelief as he once again blamed officials after Everton became the first team to concede a result-altering goal in the 90th minute or later for three consecutive Premier League games.

As the smoke settles on a chaotic 3-3 draw with title-chasing Manchester City, Moyes’ fury directed at Michael Oliver feels increasingly like a smoke screen covering an uncomfortable truth. Everton have bottled it, and they only have themselves to blame.

Who is to blame for this? 🙄

This is becoming a real issue for Everton and costing them valuable points! 😭

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Van Dijk’s winner, Callum Wilson’s tap-in and Jeremy Doku’s finesse finish cost the Toffees 4 points, which would have put us in contention for a Champions League spot.

I am sure all Evertonians would have taken a point against Pep’s side before kickoff. Despite the collective fan expectation of defeat, the way the game played out made the draw heartbreaking, and the emotion inside the ground was clear.

As Jeremy Doku’s last-gasp shot struck the back of the net, pandemonium filled the away end, whilst the dejected Everton faces made their way to the exits.

Why do Everton keep conceding late goals?

The question every Evertonian is asking is clear. Why do we keep doing this?

Following the last three results, David Moyes has been vocal regarding the standards of officiating.

The Glaswegian questioned the referee’s decision to add extra time on for stoppage-time substitutions after Doku’s equaliser. The game week before, Moyes was “furious” after the dismissal of a handball penalty. Finally, during the Merseyside Derby, the Everton manager appeared enraged, stating, ‘If there is one club that gets all the decisions, it is Liverpool Football Club.”

Another penalty decision not going in Everton’s favour? 🫣

Bernardo Silva wasn't even looking at the ball 🤷‍♂️

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Perhaps the referees are not to blame, but instead players are crumbling under pressure in the dying moments of the game.

Moyes remains tellingly silent on why his defensive players keep crumbling the moment the clock hits 90. By deflecting on officials, Moyes is ignoring a clear tactical issue that has seen four season-defining points vanish in stoppage time, likely taking Everton’s Champions League dreams with them.

Moments of defensive laziness have cost Everton. A lack of pressure and an unfortunate slip from Nathan Patterson gifted Doku the time to shoot; James Tarkowski’s poor marking permitted van Dijk’s free header, and the centre-half’s cautious approach let Callum Wilson tuck home a late winner at the London Stadium.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
7	BrentfordBrentford	35	14	9	12	52	46	6	51
8	BrightonBrighton	35	13	11	11	49	42	7	50
9	ChelseaChelsea	35	13	9	13	54	48	6	48
10	EvertonEverton	35	13	9	13	44	44	0	48
11	FulhamFulham	35	14	6	15	44	49	-5	48
12	SunderlandSunderland	35	12	11	12	37	46	-9	47
13	NewcastleNewcastle	35	13	6	16	49	51	-2	45

If Moyes is to remain stubborn and constantly blame the officiating, European qualification will simply not be achieved. Despite it being a realistic target not too long ago, Europe seems to be slipping out of our hands.

READ MORE: Why Thierno Barry apologised to Everton fans during 3-3 draw with Man City

Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Tottenham await in the final three games of the season, with it looking increasingly likely that the top, bottom and everything in between will be decided on the final day.