View: 0% star's limitations exposed as Everton pay the price for selection v Manchester City

Everton were excellent against Manchester City, with the Toffees digging deep and coming so close to carving out three points against the title challengers.

David Moyes’ team selection beforehand would have raised eyebrows, with Merling Rohl handed a rare start by the Scotsman against opposition such as Pep Guardiola’s side.

However, one decision that will not shock supporters was the ever-present selection of Jake O’Brien at right-back.

The Irishman had one of the toughest jobs on the night, with the quick and tricky Jeremy Doku threatening down the left wing.

Despite the Blues performing well, Everton’s draw versus Man City could have been much more if it were not for that one-versus-one battle between the Belgian and Irish internationals.

Jeremy Doku proves Jake O’Brien cannot start every game at right-back

O’Brien has had a strong season, and it is clear that Moyes rates the Irishman at right-back. After all, he would not consistently use him there if he didn’t.

However, his qualities are not a perfect fit for every match against Man City; Moyes found that out the hard way.

The Merseyside club are looking to finish in European places, and the last-minute goal by the Citizens was a heartbreaking conclusion for Everton.

Ultimately, it was Doku who proved key in deciding the game, with O’Brien being left exposed for much of the 90.

O’Brien was by no means Everton’s worst player, and he did not look out of place; it was simply a case of not having the right attributes needed.

The Irishman struggled to negate the threat, failing to win any of his two tackles attempted, leaving him a zero per cent success rate as per Sofascore.

He also won just two out of eight ground duels; he was dribbled past twice and was drawn to commit three fouls throughout the match.

Doku had a field day on the left wing, completing five out of seven dribbles and being fouled on seven occasions.

He ended the game with two goals, proving to be the decisive player with his last-minute equaliser.

Overall, if Everton had been reactive to the situation, they could have given O’Brien more help with dealing with the Belgian, who proved to be the difference maker, and shown the Irishman is not well-equipped for every fixture.

However, he did manage to score the goal to put Everton 2-1 up, with his height and power at set pieces a weapon for the Toffees.

David Moyes did not have any other choice than O’Brien

Sympathy does lie with Moyes, who did not really have any other option to play at right-back besides O’Brien.

Nathan Patterson has been cast to the side, and calling him up against a team of the magnitude of Man City would not have been wise.

Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman, at 37 years old, may have had the same issues in dealing with Doku’s pace, as he is no spring chicken himself.

Perhaps James Garner at right-back was the solution, but then Everton would lose his qualities in the middle, which were vital to going 3-1 up in the first place.

If anything, the match proved that Moyes needs different profiles in his squad to deal with different threats put against the Toffees.

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

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