JUST NOW: “Sean Dyche Urged to Axe £80k-a-Week Everton Star After Dismal 72% Duel Defeat Against Aston Villa!”

While Everton’s display against Aston Villa wasn’t overtly dismal, squandering yet another two-goal advantage suggests some subpar individual showings. Sean Dyche’s squad, as has become a pattern, faltered in crucial areas, with the midfield particularly exposed.

The Toffees’ inability to maintain possession, even fleetingly, left them susceptible to relentless opponent onslaughts. This mirrored their AFC Bournemouth encounter, where initial control crumbled into a monumental collapse as fatigue set in.

Witnessing this seemingly inevitable downfall is exasperating, but among the Villa Park letdowns, Idrissa Gana Gueye’s performance was notably lackluster, potentially warranting his exclusion from the starting eleven against Leicester City.

The once-reliable Senegalese midfielder, now 34, has lost some of his former tenacity. Despite this, he remains a fixture in the lineup alongside other seasoned players, clocking an average of 83 Premier League minutes per match this season.

In Saturday’s clash, the ex-PSG enforcer’s 64-minute stint was alarmingly ineffective from the outset. His mere 20 touches and paltry eight completed passes, as per Sofascore, underscored his invisibility on the pitch.

Such anonymity might be excusable if compensated by defensive prowess, but Gueye faltered here too. He emerged victorious in just two of seven duels, committed a pair of fouls, relinquished possession thrice, and was bypassed by an opponent once.

While Gueye’s showing was difficult to stomach, Orel Mangala’s performance was scarcely better. Ironically, the Belgian might be Dyche’s sole option to supplant Gueye in their upcoming King Power Stadium fixture.

Given the dearth of right-back options and Vitaliy Mykolenko’s early Villa Park exit, James Garner could be deployed at right-back, with Young occupying the opposite flank.

Tim Iroegbunam has shown promise but also exhibits predictable shortcomings stemming from his youth and inexperience.

With no other viable midfield alternatives, Mangala may need to prove his mettle in Tuesday’s EFL Cup match, potentially using it as an audition for a Premier League comeback.