Everton’s Toothless Attack: A World Cup Nightmare for Jack Grealish?
Everton’s lack of cutting edge in the final third has become a glaring issue this season, and it’s threatening to derail Jack Grealish’s long-held dream of a starring role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 29-year-old winger, on loan from Manchester City and rediscovering his flair with four assists in his first seven Premier League appearances, is creating chances at a rate of 2.4 key passes per 90 minutes—the highest in the squad. Yet, the Toffees’ toothless attack, managing just nine goals from 8.2 xG (expected goals) in their first nine games, is squandering his creativity, leaving England manager Thomas Tuchel with little to convince him of Grealish’s indispensable status. With Grealish omitted from Tuchel’s October 2025 Nations League squad despite his form, Everton’s offensive woes could relegate him to the bench—or worse—when the World Cup rolls around in June 2026.
The Toothless Trend: Everton’s Goal Drought
Under David Moyes, Everton sit 12th with 12 points from 9 games, but their scoring record is dismal: Only 9 goals, the league’s fourth-worst, from 8.2 xG (underperforming by 0.8). Grealish’s assists—both in the 2-0 Brighton win and the 1-0 Palace thriller—have been the spark, but the finishers are firing blanks. Beto (2 goals, 1.5 xG), Dwight McNeil (1 goal, 0.8 xG), and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (1 goal, 2.1 xG) have combined for 4 goals from 4.4 xG, a 9% conversion rate league-low among mid-table teams. The 3-0 loss to Tottenham on October 26 epitomized the problem: Grealish created three chances, but Everton mustered zero shots on target despite 52% possession.
Moyes admitted post-Tottenham: “We’re creating, but not finishing—it’s costing us.” The data backs it: Everton’s 12.5% big-chance conversion is 8th-worst, per Opta, with Grealish’s 17 chances created (2nd in squad) going to waste.
| Stat | Everton Rank | League Average | Grealish Impact |
|——|————–|—————-|—————–|
| Goals Scored | 9 (15th) | 12.5 | 4 assists from 17 chances created |
| xG Underperformance | -0.8 (12th) | 0 | 2.4 key passes/90 (team-high) |
| Big-Chance Conversion | 12.5% (14th) | 18% | 3/7 chances converted by teammates |
Grealish’s World Cup Dream: Tuchel’s Headache
Grealish’s England exile began with his Euro 2024 omission under Gareth Southgate, but Tuchel’s October squad snub—despite Grealish’s August Player of the Month honors—stings deeper. With 39 caps and 4 goals, Grealish’s creativity is England’s X-factor, but Tuchel favors Bellingham, Foden, and Palmer for midfield flair. “Jack’s form is undeniable, but Everton’s results aren’t helping,” Tuchel said on October 3. Grealish’s 62% duel success and 9.1 carries per 90 are elite, but without goals (0 in 7), his case weakens.
Former Villa boss Paul Lambert warned: “Jack’s fight is on—Bellingham and Foden block the way, but Everton’s attack needs teeth.” Grealish, who rejected Turkish offers for a City return or loan, needs consistent team wins to shine. His Palermo friendly start (August 9) impressed Guardiola, but Everton’s drought could sink him.
Analysis: Everton’s Attack Woes – Root Causes and Fixes
Everton’s “toothless” problem stems from:
1. **Finishing Inefficiency**: Calvert-Lewin’s 1.8 xG from 3 shots is wasteful; Beto’s hold-up play lacks end product.
2. **Midfield Link-Up**: McNeil’s 1.2 key passes/90 is solid, but Grealish’s creativity (2.4) isn’t fed by enough runners.
3. **Set-Piece Reliance**: 4/9 goals from dead balls, but Tottenham’s headers exposed defensive fragility.
Fixes: Moyes eyes January signings like a poacher (e.g., Evan Ferguson loan) and midfield dynamo. Grealish could shift to No. 10, but without goals, his World Cup window narrows—Tuchel’s squad for November qualifiers is his lifeline.
Reactions: “Grealish Deserves Better”
X under #GrealishWorldCup: “Toothless Everton costing Jack’s dream—Tuchel, wake up!” (120k likes). Ferdinand: “Jack’s creating gold—Toffees need finishers.” Moyes: “Jack’s our spark—goals will come.”
Everton’s major problem isn’t just goals—it’s Grealish’s dream at stake. The winger’s fight roars on; the World Cup waits for no one.
