Everton were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City on Saturday in the Premier League – and one decision by David Moyes has left fans perplexed.
The Toffees fell to only a third defeat in the Premier League since David Moyes returned to the club as manager.
Everton did well, but came unstuck right at the end.
The loss of James Tarkowski to injury put wind in City’s sails, and Nico O’Reilly opened the scoring for the visitors on 84 minutes.
That was a big blow for Everton, and then City made sure of the win when Mateo Kovacic scored a second.
Everton couldn’t breach City at Goodison Park which was disappointing considering their struggles lately.
Ultimately, there just wasn’t enough quality in the final third, and Armando Broja failed to take his chance after earning a second successive start.
After the game, Moyes revealed that Youssef Chermiti had missed out on the matchday squad as a ‘selection decision’ (via journalist Joe Thomas), which prompted a reaction from Evertonians on social media.
Everton fans left baffled why Youssef Chermiti missed out vs Man City
With Everton not under threat of relegation, these remaining games for Everton present chances for players who have something to prove.
Chermiti is a player who falls into this category, having missed most of the season through injury.
Against City though he did not make the squad, having made the previous six before that, playing twice against West Ham United and Liverpool.
Moyes said after the loss that Chermiti was left out as a selection decision, and some Everton fans have been left baffled by that admission.
@RealSvelo said: “yet has 3! RB options on the bench? Make it make sense…”
@Stylo_____ felt similar, saying: “So we had three right backs on the bench that we proceeded to ignore when we should have subbed them on, but we can’t find room for a striker who looks far more exciting than Broja.”
@mfefc1878 added: “Ridiculous Moyes.”
@jablett1 said: “Offers more than Broja as a Cf.”
@EFCBugg said: “Embarrassing from Moyes, what is there to like with Broja???”
Chermiti must respond for Everton after Moyes snub
Chermiti’s absence on Saturday was intriguing.
One would think that Chermiti would be a focus for the manager in these remaining games, especially because he’s an actual Everton player, unlike Broja who’s only on loan.
The admission by Moyes is a bit of a concern. And also a surprise, as Moyes had suggested Chermiti is in line for more minutes.
For Chermiti to miss a squad on the basis of a selection call, and for three right-backs to be on the bench, is strange.
Hopefully, he can respond to the setback and get back in for the next game against Chelsea.
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