‘A concern’ – Everton handed stark warning after Leeds United horror show
Everton’s season could not have started any worse and they have been told matters won’t improve until they act.
James Tarkowski endured a tough evening against Leeds and conceded a controversial penalty, as Lukas Nmecha’s spot kick sent Everton back to Merseyside empty handed.
Tim Iroegbunam was lucky not to be red carded and hand manager David Moyes more misery following a late tackle on Ethan Ampadu.
Moyes has spoken out on Everton’s struggles in the transfer market, and despite handing Man City loanee Jack Grealish his first minutes for the club, the Toffees went down with little fight at Elland Road.
Everton slammed for ‘awful’ performance
BBC Sport’s Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty [19 August], stated it was a “truly awful Everton performance” and called on the club to act in the transfer market.
McNulty was shocked by the Everton players and claimed Leeds looked fitter than their opponents.
With the transfer window closing in a couple of weeks, McNulty said “time is running out,” and “there is so much work to do.”
McNulty believes there lack of activity is “a concern” and that with the brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton need to sign new players to be able to give the supporters a performance they deserve.
Everton will played their first match at their new home against Brighton this weekend.
Moyes in dire need for further summer arrivals
Football Insider Verdict
It was the worst possible start to the season for Moyes, whose thin squad was brutally exposed against a more powerful and hungrier Leeds outfit.
Everton offered little going forward and despite the controversial nature of the penalty deserved to lose at Elland Road.
| Total Shots | 7 |
| Shots on Target | 1 |
| Big Chances | 1 |
The mood is therefore grim on what should be an exciting week as Everton prepare for their first ever competitive fixture at their new stadium.
Instead the atmosphere against Brighton may be tense and less joyful as first predicted, with the players under pressure to give the supporters a performance.
Moyes desperately needs to add bodies in all areas of the pitch and will have a hectic end to the transfer window to ensure positions are all adequately covered.
In need of a goal and a spark on the pitch, Moyes only made two substitutions at Leeds as Everton did not have enough impact on their bench to change the game, again highlighting their need for extra quality to be added to the squad.