Everton may want to 'roll the dice' on Moyes
[BBC] [Getty Images] If there's ever a gift an Evertonian doesn't need, it's a crystal ball. As soon as their team takes the lead, they watch Everton drop deeper and deeper before eventually conceding - and everyone sees it coming. No-one expected Everton to be two goals in front against Manchester City last Monday.
However, failing to reset after their third goal and allowing Erling Haaland to respond instantly proved to be the killer blow - something James Tarkowski himself took responsibility for. And although he got himself on the scoresheet against Crystal Palace , lo and behold, the centre-half partnership of Tarkowski and Michael Keane once again found themselves at fault defensively. Realistically, Everton's European ambitions were over the moment Jarrad Branthwaite suffered his serious injury in the Merseyside derby.
In truth, it's probably for the best that the talk of Europe has now been put to bed. With the defensive frailties this squad possesses, Everton simply do not have the depth required to cope with the demands of both midweek and weekend football. To lead twice in a must-win game and still fail to take all three points perfectly demonstrates that.
Everton are exactly where most expected them to be: mid-table. David Moyes has at least restored a sense of stability. The big question for the owners now is whether to stick or twist with his current deal nearing its end.
Had Everton secured European football, Moyes would undoubtedly have earned a new contract. But with a World Cup on the horizon and potentially half the Premier League searching for a new manager, the market could become chaotic very quickly. The Friedkins may decide that, given the level of investment made, now is the time to roll the dice.