Everton faced Premier League title-chasing Arsenal without their most talented forward Iliman Ndiaye, away with Senegal at the Africa Cup Of Nations, as well as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall’s creativity and goals have been crucial to Everton this season, especially with Thierno Barry and Beto only contributing two league goals between them while falling short of Premier League quality.
And how they were missed after Everton’s bright start was undermined by O’Brien’s mistake that led to the penalty.
Everton were nursing a sense of injustice in the second half when they were sure they had a penalty after William Saliba floored Barry by kicking his foot, but the video assistant referee decided no offence had taken place.
David Moyes’ side could not be faulted for effort, although there were times in the first half after the goal when they afforded Arsenal too much time and space, but all their attempts to move forward this season will be hampered by the lack of a quality striker.
This must be addressed in the January transfer window.
The recalled Dwight McNeil was peripheral, Tyler Dibling’s impact was minimal after coming on as a substitute, while Jack Grealish did not have one of his more influential nights.
It all added up to pure frustration for Moyes, Everton and the capacity Saturday night attendance at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
