Everton's winless run in the Premier League was extended to three matches after an underwhelming goalless draw at Burnley on Saturday. The stalemate, which came on the back of consecutive defeats by Chelsea and Arsenal, is a setback for David Moyes' side who are searching for a place in a European competition after a seven-year hiatus.
Everton's winless run in the Premier League was extended to three matches after an underwhelming goalless draw at Burnley on Saturday.
The stalemate, which came on the back of consecutive defeats by Chelsea and Arsenal, is a setback for David Moyes' side who are searching for a place in a European competition after a seven-year hiatus.
But the Everton boss is facing a considerable challenge negotiating the busy festive period amid the lack of availability of some of his key attacking players.
He is without their joint top scorers Iliman Ndiaye, currently representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, and the injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall while defensive midfielder Idrissa Gueye is also part of the Senegal side looking to go all the way.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman have both remained sidelined with hamstring injuries and adding to Moyes' woes on Saturday was the absence of Jack Grealish, who the manager explained missed out because of a "virus".
With only six outfield players on their bench - four of whom were yet to make their full Premier League debuts - the Toffees only produced an expected goals (xG) of 0.88 in the game to settle for a point against the relegation-threatened Clarets.
With games coming thick and fast, Moyes would hope to get his fringe players like Dwight McNeil and Tyler Dibling firing to their full potential if they are maintain their push for a top-half finish this season.
Category: General Sports
