Duncan Ferguson calls out Everton star live on air David Moyes should not play again after awful display vs AFC Bournemouth. He’s had enough

Duncan Ferguson Blasts Everton’s Jake O’Brien After Costly Bournemouth Defeat, Urges Moyes to Bench HimIn a fiery post-match rant, Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has expressed his deep disappointment with defender Jake O’Brien following the Toffees’ 2-1 home loss to AFC Bournemouth at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The defeat, which occurred on February 10, 2026, marked another frustrating chapter in Everton’s inconsistent season under returning manager David Moyes, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the team’s defensive frailties.

The match started promisingly for Everton, who took the lead in the 42nd minute through Iliman Ndiaye’s confidently converted penalty. The Senegalese forward slotted home after a foul in the box, giving the home side a deserved halftime advantage. However, the second half unraveled dramatically. Bournemouth, known for their resilient comebacks, capitalized on Everton’s vulnerabilities.

The turning point came in the 57th minute when O’Brien was shown a straight red card for unsportsmanlike conduct following a heated altercation with Bournemouth’s players. Reduced to 10 men, Everton’s defense crumbled. Just four minutes later, Rayan equalized with a powerful header, and Amine Adli sealed the win in the 64th minute with another clinical finish. Despite late pressure, the Toffees couldn’t recover, extending their poor home form—with only one victory since November 8, 2025.

Ferguson, a former Everton striker and coach who left the club in 2022 to pursue managerial ambitions, didn’t hold back in his analysis during a Sky Sports segment. “That was a shocking display from O’Brien,” Ferguson fumed. “He was completely lost out there—positionally all over the place, and that red card? Absolute madness. You don’t play like that when you want to win games. It cost us the match, plain and simple.”

The 54-year-old icon, beloved by Evertonians for his passionate tenure, went further by directly addressing Moyes, who returned to Goodison (now Hill Dickinson) in January 2025 after Sean Dyche’s sacking. “David, I’ve got massive respect for you, but don’t play him again,” Ferguson urged. “We’ve got options at the back—bring in the youngsters or shuffle the pack. O’Brien’s head isn’t right, and we can’t afford these schoolboy errors if we’re to climb the table.”

Moyes, in his post-match press conference, acknowledged the setback but defended his squad. “It’s a tough one to swallow. Jake’s young and learning, but discipline is key. We’ll review it internally.” Everton currently sit mid-table, six points off European spots, but with mounting pressure on Moyes to stabilize the ship.

Ferguson’s comments have sparked debate among fans, with some agreeing that O’Brien’s recklessness epitomized the team’s woes, while others call for patience with the 24-year-old Irish international. As Everton prepare for their next fixture, the spotlight remains on whether Moyes heeds his old ally’s advice. This loss underscores the challenges ahead in what promises to be a pivotal season at their new home.