View: Moyes still hasn't fixed Everton issue that could derail Euro bid

Everton once again failed to win at home after suffering a late 2-1 defeat by Liverpool.

The very first Merseyside derby to be played at Hill Dickinson Stadium ended in heartbreak for David Moyes‘ European chasers on Sunday afternoon.

It was another chastening day for the Toffees at a venue which has offered little by way of creature comforts since the big move. Clearly, there is a glaring issue that must be fixed.

They have managed just six wins in the Premier League in front of their own supporters this season, with the loss against their fiercest rivals the latest setback.

With Everton hoping to qualify for Europe, Moyes has little choice but to find a solution to their woes at home. However, he will know that the clock is ticking.

Why do Everton struggle at home?

It is difficult to point out just one single flaw. Instead, a multitude of problems have stacked up over the course of the campaign, and each of them must now be unpicked.

The bottom line, though, is that the Toffees may be suffering from teething problems at their new venue. Moyes himself has even pointed to past examples of clubs enduring slow starts after moving grounds. He may very well have a point – but why?

Well, there is less of an intimidating atmosphere at Hill Dickinson in comparison to the emotional din that bid farewell to Goodison Park. Supporters are still finding their voice in their new seats, while the club haven’t quite found the right balance to stoke up the noise.

This has been a curious side note to an otherwise largely superb season, but the drop in volume was notable after Mohamed Salah had put Liverpool in front.

The contrast could also be connected to the style of play. Away from home, Moyes’ side are traditionally much more direct, using long balls and incisive runs.

At Hill Dickinson, they tend to have more of the ball. But this has often led to situations in which they have been pressed and then surrendered possession cheaply.

They also don’t move through the gears quite as well as they do on the road, and that allowed their Merseyside foes to build up momentum before Virgil van Dijk’s winner.

It is little wonder Moyes was so frustrated on the touchline.

More bravery needed in race for Europe

It was disappointing to see Everton struggle to shift the momentum as the visitors pushed for all three points. As full-time approached, they were ruthlessly punished.

The 11 added minutes allowed the Reds to gather steam, and Moyes could not rouse a response from his players. It was a brutal reminder about football at its harshest end.

However, the Toffees are still very much in the race for Europe. They have five more fixtures remaining, two of which are at home against Manchester City and Sunderland.

It is crucial, then, that they find a better balance in the atmosphere and style of play, because it may be enough to carry them over the line in the coming weeks.

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

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