Despite yet another defeat in pre-season, Everton can take positive signs from their 2-1 loss to West Ham.
After a dismal start to the Premier League Summer Series, it’s hard to look at David Moyes’ side with any hope.
Everton have lots to improve before Leeds United on the opening day, as creativity was sparse to say the least.
However, as mentioned before, there was positivity, with fans thinking Harrison Armstrong emulates Jude Bellingham after another impressive performance from the Toffees youngster.
There were also signs of a new experiment taking place at Everton, as Moyes has a plan up his sleeve.
David Moyes has new tactic at Everton after West Ham loss
After the 3-0 disappointment to Bournemouth, the Scotsman clearly fancied a change-up.
This was in the form of a 3-4-3, as the Everton boss is using pre-season to experiment with how the Toffees play next season.
It’s a tactic being used more often in the Premier League nowadays, as Moyes has previously favoured this formation with West Ham, which brought success to the Irons in the 2020/21 season.
The 62-year-old explained how the changes improved his side back then to Sky Sports as Moyes said: “I think the change to 3-4-3 fitted what we had, trying to concede less goals, trying to score more goals, and getting players in the team.
“I’ve got to say, since we’ve played it, we’ve done very well.”
Of course, it’s a work in progress for Everton, but after Idrissa Gana Gueye’s goal on Wednesday, it shows how this can be a resolution in terms of being more threatening in the final third.
Not only could it be a success with their goal-scoring fortunes improving, but it will also favour Jake O’Brien.
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As the Everton manager looks to change his regime, there are some past ambitions that might have to be amended for this to be a success.
Moyes wants more possession, but this desire might have to change if the Toffees want more goals, and with the three-at-the-back set-up, this can work.
O’Brien could be someone who benefits from this new plan from the Scotsman.
This is after Moyes promised O’Brien a centre-back role, as with three central defenders, it will prevent the Toffees boss from putting the Irishman as a makeshift right-back.
He did this throughout the second half of the season and never gave the defender the chance to shine in his actual position.
Despite the loss to the Hammers, the 24-year-old showed a crucial part of his game in the encounter, which proves why he should be a starting centre-back.
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Aerial duels won % | 100% (6/6) |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Passing accuracy % | 70% |
| Clearances | 3 |
By using this system, it not only generates possible chances of success after Moyes’ time at West Ham, but he can also incorporate the Irishman in the role he truly loves.
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