Everton experienced a difficult start to their Premier League campaign this afternoon, with the club falling to a massively disappointing 3-0 home loss at Brighton this afternoon.
Having been involved in relegation battles for the last number of seasons, it was hoped that the Merseyside club could avoid being dragged into a similar scrap this time around. While it is far too early if that will be the case, the signs during their opening fixture were not promising.
Everton were thoroughly outplayed at Goodison Park. Brighton would take the lead through Kaoru Mitoma after 25 minutes, with Danny Welbeck doubling the advantage just before the hour mark.
The game was all but over as a contest when Ashley Young received a straight red card a few minutes later, with Simon Adingra adding a third in injury time.
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Everton Fans Baffled By Jake O'Brien Decision After Brighton Loss
Sean Dyche will certainly have plenty to ponder after this performance from his side, although he is already coming in for some criticism for some selection calls he made in this game.
The Everton boss chose to start the likes of Ashley Young and Michael Keane at the back, both of whom produced very poor performances. He would also introduce Mason Holgate in the 85th minute, bringing him on for an attacking player despite the fact that they were chasing the game.
The absence of Jake O'Brien was particularly puzzling, with Everton having forked out €20million to bring the Irishman to the club in recent weeks. The decision to play Keane ahead of him, someone who made just four Premier League starts last season, was baffling to say the least.
Quite a few Everton fans were quick to question Dyche's team selection in this contest, especially the call to leave O'Brien on the bench for the entire game.
What’s the point of signing Jake O’Brien if we still play Keane and Holgate ahead of him. Pathetic showing as always, why do we even get our hopes up!
The fact that Keane, Young, Holgate all still get game time for us shows our level! SHITE— JP (@belfasttoffee) August 17, 2024
I'd be insulted if I was Jake O'Brien
— Fergus O'Connor (@Feedtheyak22) August 17, 2024
Jake O'Brien sack your agent https://t.co/NpZimj2ua9
— Johnny (@_JohnnyKelly) August 17, 2024
Much rather we were beat today with Jake O'Brien, Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrøm in the side.
Instead we got big Mick Keane, Mason Holgate and the tiredly tried Abdoulaye Doucouré.
We asked for today’s defeat and everyone seen it except the manager.— Alan Collins (@EFCCollins11) August 17, 2024
Big Dyche fan, but that result is on him. Starting line up was awful, looking at the options we had on the bench. Keane, dunno how he’s still an Everton player, but playing him over O’Brien, our big new signing. Plus Lindstrom, start him over McNeil surely. And Ashley Young, wtf.
— Harry James (@hjervis11) August 17, 2024
@Everton I give up. What’s the point of buying a decent centre half in O’Brien, but bring on Mason Holgate who let’s face it, isn’t good enough for most championship sides. What does that say about him. Absolutely clueless man management. Absolute shambles of a performance.
— CyclingOfficer (@CyclingOfficer) August 17, 2024
If Holgate gets subbed on instead of O'Brien, I don't think I can be bothered watching Everton this season unless they sack Dyche
— Kieren (@Stotty101_) August 17, 2024
You would imagine that Jake O'Brien will come into the Everton side over the next couple of weeks, perhaps as soon as their visit to Spurs next week.
The Irishman impressed during his brief appearances in pre-season and his arrival had excited the Goodison Park faithful. Hopefully he will get the opportunity to show what he can do at the club this season.
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