David Moyes has urged his Everton side to be more ruthless after a 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal. The loss at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday was the team's second consecutive Premier League setback, leaving them eighth in the table with 10 points from seven matches. Their record of two wins, four draws, and one loss from those seven games has them 11 points behind leaders Manchester City.
Ezri Konsa opened the scoring from a corner in the first half, and Gabriel Magalhaes added a second after the break to seal the win for the Gunners. This latest result, following a 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday 17 October, means Everton have lost their last two matches. Their recent form across the last five games stands at two wins, one draw, and two losses, a sequence that includes a 2-2 draw at Hull City on 11 October and victories over Ipswich and Wolves in September. Everton, who have now conceded seven goals this season, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite showing some defensive resilience. Moyes noted that his team's goal minutes came in the 38th and 83rd minutes, with the second goal arriving just as they were trying to build momentum to get back into the game at 1-0.
Moyes' Reaction
Moyes highlighted the need for his players to capitalise on their moments in games against top opposition. "I thought there were better bits in the second half than in the first," the manager said. "We pressed them and got after it." He pointed to positives in the team's defensive organisation for long spells but noted that a lapse in concentration cost them the second goal just as they were trying to get back into the game at 1-0.
The manager's assessment comes with Everton's form showing two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings. They have scored eight goals this term, with T. Barry the top scorer on three. The club now sits 11 points behind leaders Manchester City in the title race. Moyes emphasised that the team's inability to convert their periods of pressure into goals is a recurring issue that must be addressed. Their overall goal difference this season stands at positive one, having conceded seven goals.
Looking Ahead
Attention turns to a key away fixture against Newcastle United on Monday 2 November. Newcastle currently occupy 11th place, making it a key opportunity for Everton to halt their losing run. The manager will be demanding a response from his squad, particularly from his key players, as they aim to climb from eighth in the standings. The trip to St James' Park represents the next challenge in a packed Premier League calendar, and Moyes stressed the importance of taking their chances in that match to get back to winning ways.
This story first appeared at evertonfc.com
