Everton suffered another defeat in the United States on Wednesday evening, losing 2-1 to Graham Potter’s West Ham United.
The game in Chicago started off fairly well for David Moyes and his men after Idrissa Gana Gueye opened the scoring.
However, the Toffees came undone by conceding either side of the half, which saw West Ham claim the victory.
One more Summer Series game lies ahead for Everton, against Manchester United, before they return to Merseyside.
With the game across the pond playing into the early hours in England, Everton News has picked up on five things that were learned from the defeat at Soldier Field.
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Harrison Armstrong continues to impress at Everton
Harrison Armstrong created the opening goal for Idrissa Gana Gueye after converting his interception into an assist.
The youngster is going from strength to strength this summer in a clear message to Moyes who holds his fate in his hands.
Armstrong has impressed Moyes already during the pre-season preparations, with the 18-year-old being handed an opportunity to show his worth.
He did not look out of place against the Hammers and was even able to provide the goods in attack. So far, so good for the youngster who isn’t doing much wrong this summer.
James Tarkowski makes timely return from injury
For the first time since April, James Tarkowski featured in an Everton squad following his injury picked up against Manchester City.
Tarkowski said he’d be back for Everton’s pre-season after his surgery; the defender has stuck to his promise.
With around 22 minutes remaining in the game, the Everton captain made his welcomed return to the action.
This is not to say Everton do not need to add another centre-back to their squad, though.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury absence will be a slight concern, and only highlights the lack of depth currently in Everton’s defence.
Beto left feeding off scraps
Iliman Ndiaye may have been darting all around the pitch, but there was a real lack of service being fed into Beto.
Playing in a different formation will take some adaptation, and that may be something which is hindering the striker’s opportunities in front of goal.
Moyes has liked what he’s seen from Beto in training, but the 27-year-old has been unable to flourish in the games with a lack of creativity in the Everton attack.
Everton are eyeing a deal for Jack Grealish; this would certainly be a step in the right direction and would be warmly welcomed by the likes of Beto.
Jake O’Brien looked more comfortable at right-back
During the second half, Jake O’Brien was shifted out to right-back following a host of substitutions from Moyes.
It has to be said, the Ireland international immediately looked more at home in his less natural position.
O’Brien admitted he wants to return to centre-back, but he fired in a stunning cross for Barry, which should have resulted in an assist.
The 23-year-old was looking like one of the very few creative outlets for the Toffees during that second half when he was placed on the right flank.
Lots to improve for Everton before Leeds United opener
Fortunately for Moyes, there are still a number of weeks before the curtain raiser away to Leeds United.
Moyes has been frustrated by the lack of Everton signings to date, which the club are looking to rectify sooner rather than later.
A lack of new signings to select has left Moyes’ options depleted and that is certainly showing during these pre-season games.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to hear another public plea from Moyes after the game over securing some further signings.
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