Everton just came up short against Liverpool at Anfield, despite a spirited second-half fight back from David Moyes’ side.
Liverpool beat Everton 2-1, with Hugo Ekitike’s well-placed finish ultimately proving to be the difference between the sides.
Idrissa Gueye had found a goal back for Moyes’ side in the second half, but the Toffees were unable to find the leveller.
Danny Murphy was impressed by Everton’s structure in the second half, however, with the home side unable to recreate the early domination they had enjoyed.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sets private targets at Everton
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was bizarrely booked for taking a free-kick too quickly on Saturday, in what was a frustrating 90 minutes for the midfielder.
The former Chelsea man struggled to leave an impression on the game, and was constantly pressed and harried by Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
It was a first lacklustre performance for the 27-year-old, who has looked superb since signing for Everton in the summer.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Vs Liverpool (A)
Minutes played 90
Dispossessed 5
Tackles won 0/2
Dribbled past 1
Ground duels won 4/10
Against Wolves in August, Dewsbury-Hall bagged his first goal for the club, and Chris Beesley has revealed that the midfielder revealed his personal objectives after getting off the mark.
“Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a really astute signing for Everton and I think he’s going to do well,” the journalist told the Liverpool Echo’s Royal Blue podcast on Monday.
“He already got his goal at Wolves, and he came out after the game and he said he’s not going to say it publicly, but he is going to set himself targets in terms of, he doesn’t want to just get one or two goals.
“He wants to be getting the goals and assists playing in that area of the pitch, and that’s what you need from someone who’s operating as that number 10.”
Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s stats
Credit: Sofascore
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall can still get better for Everton
Such was the speed of Dewsbury-Hall’s adaptation to his new surroundings, it is easy to forget the midfielder has made just five appearances for Everton.
The Englishman has superb, often acting as the facilitator for both Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish, whilst getting into the box himself.
But the former Leicester City man can still go up another level, and may need to be more willing to be braver in certain situations.
Moyes will be extremely happy with his new signing’s impact, however, with Everton set to benefit throughout the season from a clever piece of business.
