Everton were beaten for the first time in the Premier League on Saturday against Chelsea, and one change already looks likely for David Moyes against Arsenal.

Everton lost 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium to the Blues, with Pedro Neto scoring twice for the visitors. His first goal came just after half-time, and he then struck in injury time to ensure the win for the visitors.

There was frustration about the result for Everton fans, who were obviously well in the game at half-time. But the first goal by Neto meant Everton had to change their plan. But David Moyes then made some questionable decisions, such as putting Christian Norgaard on towards the end, and failing to turn to the likes of Charly Alcaraz, Tyler Dibling and Hayden Hackney.

Everton’s defensive solidity appears to have gone AWOL all of a sudden – and the form of Ainsley Maitland-Niles has definitely dipped.

Jake O’Brien could replace Ainsley Maitland-Niles against Arsenal

Maitland-Niles had a dream start at Everton, scoring that stunning equaliser against Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

But in the last two games he has struggled. Against Hull, he made mistakes for both of the Tigers’ goals, although he did get a good assist for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

And then against Chelsea, the goal came down his side. He might have had more help from Rohl, but it was ultimately too easy as Jorrel Hato raced into the box after making the overlap. Maitland-Niles was hooked after 55 minutes, which was quite early for Moyes to make a substitution. Rohl then moved to right-back as Tyrique George came on.

Maitland-Niles’ form is now a bit of an issue, and up next for Everton is Arsenal – and this just screams for Jake O’Brien to make his first Premier League start of the season.

O’Brien has warmed the bench for the most part this term, making just three substitute appearances so far in the Premier League.

But this will be a game that massively suits him, with Arsenal obviously known for their physical style. The 6ft 6in defender is obviously great in the air, and we all know how dangerous the Gunners can be from set-pieces.

But O’Brien also carries an attacking threat from Everton set-pieces as well.

So Maitland-Niles will probably be keen to play against his former club, but it makes far more sense – factoring in Maitland-Niles’ own form – to go with O’Brien next weekend.

What David Moyes said about Jake O’Brien’s starting prospects

Moyes said of O’Brien recently: “He’s an important member of the squad, but he’s going to have to wait his turn and wait and see when the opportunity comes up for him.”

It will have been a frustrating past few weeks for the Irishman, but he can certainly have high hopes of coming into the starting XI next weekend, given how suited he is to the opposition.

Moyes selected Rohl to play against Chelsea because he thought the German would be able to nullify Pep Chavarria, who didn’t end up playing. That was just a reminder that the Scot makes choices based on the opposition, and with Arsenal having so many players well over 6ft, surely O’Brien starting makes perfect sense.