Iroegbunam Sets Target To Claim Vacated Everton Position

Tim Iroegbunam says he aims to secure a regular starting spot in the Everton midfield – a place he’s determined to keep even after Idrissa Gana Gueye returns from the Africa Cup of Nations. 

The Blues number 42 impressed after playing the full 90 minutes of a narrow defeat at home to Arsenal on Saturday. Viktor Gyokeres’ first-half penalty was all that separated the league leaders from the Toffees in the final Hill Dickinson Stadium fixture of 2025.

There were positives to take from the game, says Iroegbunam, who hopes Everton can rediscover their winning form after two tough outings against Arsenal and Chelsea. 

“Obviously it wasn't the result we wanted,” Iroegbunam told evertontv after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat. “We conceded an unfortunate goal through the handball but we were only 1-0 down and they didn't really cause us much trouble. 

“I just feel like we just didn't do enough to create that clear-cut chance.

“Against Chelsea last week we played well. We could say we played well [against Arsenal], but obviously you don't really get any points for playing well. So hopefully, we can play well and pick up some points in the next few games coming up.” 

Manager Moyes was forced to shuffle his pack going into the game due to key players being out for the Toffees.

Iroegbunam and Dwight McNeil started in place of Gana and Iliman Ndiaye – both with Senegal at AFCON – while Charly Alcaraz came in for the injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. 

Midfielder Iroegbunam caught the eye of Moyes, who said after the game: “I thought Tim played well. I think Tim has played well at different times for us.

“We want him to look to play forward a bit more and be a bit more positive, but his retention of the ball and his work was very good and he's done a good job against Declan [Rice] tonight.” 

Reflecting on his own display – a showing he believes he can build from – Iroegbunam said: “I worked hard, put in good tackles, carried the team forwards at some points.  Obviously, I wouldn't say it was a perfect performance.

“I've been in and out of the team. I missed the [Nottingham Forest] game because I had five yellow cards. I feel like today I did a quite-decent job. 

“There's still loads to come, but I feel like It's definitely a performance to bounce on from.” 

Everton’s Senegalese duo of Gana and Ndiaye were unavailable for the Blues at the weekend, currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

The absence of Gana – Everton’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season last term – provides an opportunity for another midfielder to establish regular minutes. 

Iroegbunam is keen to make his mark in the team, adding: “I always look up to Idrissa, but I'm hoping I can show what I can so that when he comes back, I'm giving the gaffer a reason to not put him straight back in. 

“That's on me. That's my opportunity. I’ve just got to go and grab it.”