Everton led twice against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, but ultimately it ended in a 2-2 draw.
David Moyes’ side knew they probably had to win to keep their European dreams alive, so that unfortunately just about seals their fate.
It’s still been a season of massive improvement for Everton, as they are nowhere near the relegation battle and look well-placed to finish in the top half.
Has that just ended Everton’s hopes of European qualification? 😫
More points dropped by the Blues… 😡
For that, Moyes deserves huge praise, however, if we’re being hypercritical, there are elements of his management that may have held this team back.
That was certainly evident in the 91st minute, when something quite telling happened.
Why hasn’t Tyrique George been getting more opportunities?
All season, Moyes has been criticised for his treatment of the young players, with the likes of Tyler Dibling and Adam Aznou hardly getting a kick.
Tyrique George, who joined on loan from Chelsea during the January transfer window, is another notable example.
George arrived with big expectations and was tipped to replace the injured Jack Grealish, but it hasn’t panned out like that at all.
Which Everton player frustrated you the most against Crystal Palace? 😬
The 20-year-old did come on in the final 10 minutes today and showed in the little time on the pitch why he should’ve played a lot more football.
In the 91st minute, George broke away with pace and jinked past tackles before sliding in Iliman Ndiaye, who should’ve scored the winner.
That moment just proves that Moyes has been far too cautious with the young players, as quite clearly the Chelsea loanee could’ve brought more match-winning moments over the last few months than perhaps Dwight McNeil.
If Everton are to make that next step up and get into the top seven of the Premier League next season, the Scotsman has to place more trust in the new recruits rather than solely relying on the old guard a lot of the time.
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