David Moyes faces a tactical dilemma as Idrissa Gueye’s return from AFCON clashes with James Garner’s rising influence. Data shows a role reversal, with the veteran Gueye pushed further forward while Garner mops up. Moyes must find the right balance to halt Everton’s winless run and climb the table.
Everton is currently grappling with a tactical puzzle following a decline in their recent form, which has seen the team fall to eighth place in the Premier League. The challenges were particularly evident during a recent 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth, a match where, despite recording a notable 2.8 expected goals (xG), the team was unable to capitalize on a promising first-half lead created by Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana.
The core of the issue lies in a shifting midfield dynamic involving veteran Idrissa Gueye and the emerging talent, James Garner.
During Gueye’s absence for the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, 24-year-old Garner excelled in a senior role, leading the league in ball recoveries and ranking second for tackles behind Joao Palhinha. Data suggests a notable role reversal between the two players. Gueye now occupies positions further up the pitch, while Garner is tasked with more defensive responsibilities.
This shift appears to have impacted their performance, with Gueye’s tackle average dropping from 3.9 to 2.1 per 90 minutes this season, possibly indicating fatigue from an intense campaign. Manager David Moyes acknowledged that reintegrating Gueye and Onana immediately following their international commitments may have been premature, noting that Onana has been slow to regain his early-season form. To address these concerns and fill the void left by Jack Harrison’s season-ending injury, Moyes is integrating January signing Tyriq George into the squad.
Establishing a cohesive, effective midfield remains the primary objective for Everton as they seek to end a six-game winless streak at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
