David Moyes started the front four that fans wanted to see against Brighton, combining new signings Thierno Barry, Jack Grealish, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with last season’s top scorer, Iliman Ndiaye.
It worked a treat, with two assists for Grealish, a goal for Ndiaye, some great link-up play from Dewsbury-Hall, and some good moments of hold-up from Barry.
But for all the optimism about the chosen attack, there were certainly concerns regarding the decision to put James Garner back in at left-back. Not only did he have to contend with winger Yankuba Minteh, but it meant Tim Iroegbunam started again in midfield alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye.
The 22-year-old central midfielder, who joined from Aston Villa last summer, struggled against Leeds United in Everton’s 1-0 loss on Monday night. He provided minimal defensive cover for the back four, winning just three of seven duels, had zero interceptions, and gave away two fouls while winning none. He also offered nothing going forward, though the entire team struggled in that department.
But while his name won’t pop up in Premier League teams of the week like Grealish’s inevitably will, Iroegbunam put in a workmanlike performance against Brighton, and deserves serious plaudits for his maturity in turning things around after a tough season opener.
After Everton took the lead in the 23rd minute, Iroegbunam was pivotal in ensuring the Toffees didn’t concede before the half despite some positive play from Brighton.
When Brighton released Minteh down the right-hand side in the 32nd minute, his drive into the box eluded Garner, Gueye, and Michael Keane. It was Iroegunam’s lunging block on Matt O’Riley that prevented the visitors from taking a dangerous shot on goal.
He also made several key interceptions in midfield, as Brighton looked to bypass the midfield with decisive passes from Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul Van Hecke into their attacking players.
In addition, he showed some quality with the ball. Jack Grealish found him in space outside the box in the 34th minute, and Iroegbunam did very well to bypass three incoming Brighton players and take a shot, which he swept just wide of the post.
In the second half, he showed some of the same. Dribbling past two in the 49th minute and earning a free kick in a dangerous position outside the Brighton box.
That was something else he did well today. Twice more gathering the ball in the Everton half and forcing Brighton to foul him, which relieved pressure and burnt valuable seconds from the clock.
Despite coming off with a cramp in the 70th minute, Iroegbunam finished the match with seven duels won, tied with Idrissa Gana Gueye for second most in the team, and a 100% aerial duel win rate.
He also finished the game with more interceptions and blocks than any other player, with five combined, and won three free kicks, level with Dewsbury-Hall for the most on the day.
There was still plenty of room for improvement. His passing percentage leaves much to be desired, finishing with a 55% completion rate after giving the ball away on several occasions when attempting to make overly difficult passes. He also received an unnecessary booking towards the end of the first half, his second in as many games.
But all in all, it was a performance to be proud of, for a player who looked the weakest link in a side loaded with weak performances in matchweek one. Hopefully, it’s a jumping-off point for him, because at a young age, he has plenty of room to grow in an Everton shirt.