Andy Hinchcliffe exposes Everton outcast for multiple 'ball-watching' incidents vs Man City

Ex-Everton star Andy Hinchcliffe wasn’t too impressed by Merlin Rohl’s first-half performance against Manchester City.

David Moyes had a late setback with Idrissa Gana Gueye and explained that the midfielder missed the squad due to a knock in training.

This then prompted Rohl for a huge opportunity in a game that always had the Toffees as the underdogs, but he still needed to impress.

The German made some good defensive contributions in the first 10 minutes, but as the first half went on, Manchester City exposed his lack of Premier League experience.

Everton fans have felt sorry for Rohl with his lack of game time so far, but perhaps Hinchliffe’s points are exactly why Moyes is not in favour of the Frieberg loanee.

Andy Hinchcliffe says Merlin Rohl needs to be more aware

It feels like Moyes has gaslighted Everton fans over Rohl’s lack of involvement this campaign, as his start against Pep Guardiola’s side only came through an injury to a team-mate.

But that’s another story, and when his start came around, the German needed to take his chance to impress Moyes.

Manchester City had most of their success down Everton’s right side, as Nico O’Reilly has multiple chances to cross in and aim for Erling Haaland.

Hinchcliffe pointed out one of these moments, blaming Rohl for being too naive, before once more calling him out while allowing Jeremy Doke into a dangerous position.

Hinchcliffe said, while commentating on Sky Sports: “Rohl hasn’t tracked his run. [James] Garner does well just to slide in and get a foot in. You can have bodies back, but if you watch the ball and get caught ball-watching against this City team, their movement off the ball will catch you out.

“He hasn’t tracked his man once again; he has to be aware, it’s happened a number of times.”

It was Doku who then curled in a beautiful strike on the edge of the box to give the visitors the lead, putting Everton’s European hopes into further doubt before the break.

Rohl should have had first Everton assist

Hinchcliffe explained how Everton’s best chance of the 45 came when Rohl found himself in behind City’s defence with an onrushing Beto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall waiting to put the ball into the net.

The 23-year-old had two Everton teammates to aim for, and looked for Beto, who would have been able to tap into an empty net.

However, Rohl’s square pass was intercepted by a big stretching save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, and moments later, the Blues conceded.

It’s these small margins that can sometimes flip the script for a player who is struggling, and so far in this one, it’s not gone Rohl’s way.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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