Merlin Rohl sets Everton focus ahead of Newcastle cup tie

Merlin Rohl says Everton must quickly turn their attention to Newcastle United after suffering a second successive Premier League defeat.

David Moyes’ side were beaten 2-0 at Arsenal on Saturday, a week after losing by the same scoreline against Chelsea, but Thursday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Hill Dickinson Stadium provides an immediate opportunity to respond.

Attention turns to Newcastle

Everton stayed in the game for long periods at the Emirates but were unable to recover after conceding an early goal, with Gabriel adding Arsenal’s second midway through the second half.

There is little time to dwell on the result. Newcastle visit on Thursday with a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at stake, before Everton travel to St James’ Park in the Premier League two days later.

Rohl offers Moyes flexibility

Rohl started at right-back against Arsenal, continuing a run which has seen the Germany international used in several roles by Moyes. The 24-year-old has previously said he enjoys playing at right-back, where he has worked closely with Leighton Baines, despite spending much of his career in midfield.

That versatility could be useful again this week, particularly after Vitalii Mykolenko was forced off at Arsenal and James Garner had to finish the game at left-back.

Everton have options for cup changes

Moyes could use Thursday’s game to freshen up his side after successive league defeats. Tyler Dibling, Hayden Hackney, Charly Alcaraz and Christian Nørgaard were all on the bench at Arsenal, while Tyrique George and Jake O’Brien were handed starts after being used more sparingly during the opening weeks of the season.

Cup offers chance to respond

Everton reached the fourth round by beating Wolves 1-0 last month, with Alcaraz scoring the winner. Their unbeaten start to the Premier League season has now been followed by consecutive defeats, making Thursday a useful test of how Moyes’ side respond.

It also carries its own significance. Victory would take Everton into the last eight of the Carabao Cup and leave them three wins away from a Wembley final.

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