Leon Osman took aim at one Everton star, describing him as “petulant” as the Toffees were shoved aside by Brentford at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Hat-trick hero Thiago shoves Everton aside
Igor Thiago ended a six-match drought with a first Premier League hat-trick in the 4-2 victory at Everton which fired Brentford to within four points of the top four.
The Brazilian took his tally to 14 with his first goals since the end of November and only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has scored more in the Premier League.
Head coach Keith Andrews continues to confound his critics as he equalled the biggest win of his short stint in charge – against Bournemouth last weekend – as they put four past an Everton side which had four clean sheets in their last six games.
Nathan Collins headed home the other as the Bees scored their first from a corner in the league at the 96th attempt, and Beto’s 66th-minute response and Thierno Barry’s goal in added time barely papered over the cracks.
It seems incongruous to say it of nine-time league champions Everton should be looking to emulate Brentford: canny recruitment off the pitch – Thiago cost marginally more than Barry or Beto but has scored nine more league goals than the pair combined – and organised yet effective on it.
Everton now keen on signing £4m AFCON star who Victor Osimhen called "exceptional"
The Toffees could land a January addition.
ByTom Cunningham
The fact Kevin Schade opted for Brentford when there was interest from the Toffees two summers ago showed how low the club’s reputation had dropped in the wake of off-field financial problems and several relegation battles.
But even taking into account a threadbare squad, manager David Moyes is not getting value for money from a number of individuals while suffering a heavy defeat on a day when both his under-performing strikers scored.
Leon Osman slams "petulant" O'Brien
Everton’s right-back spot has been a topic of debate all season and Jake O’Brien only added fuel to the fire against Brentford. The £35,000-a-week defender, who has been playing out of position down the right-hand side, won just one tackle against the Bees and very nearly saw red after VAR reviewed his tackle.
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Former Everton forward Osman didn’t hold back with his verdict, either, saying on Sky Sports: “It’s certainly unnecessary. He’s trying to trip him up. It’s petulant and borderline, but is it serious foul play?”
If the Toffees were hoping to make the Hill Dickinson a fortress then they may have to think again. Shipping four goals in a game that Everton should see as winnable with their ambitions in mind will be seen as unacceptable by Moyes.
Whether it sparks them into life in the transfer market is also the big question. After O’Brien’s display, it’s clear that Everton could do with an out-and-out right-back before the end of the month.