Everton were toothless in the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

David Moyes’ side looked completely bereft of ideas, and Thierno Barry squandered the best chance of the game.

Barry, who has significantly improved his output in front of goal this term, had a tough afternoon and clearly still has a lot of development left in his game.

Braiden Graham should get more minutes after Everton’s defeat to Chelsea

Graham is the most exciting talent in Everton’s academy and has been included in Moyes’ matchday squads this season.

The 18-year-old forward scored 21 goals for the reserve team last year and has netted three in four this term.

So, Moyes should now seriously consider handing Graham minutes off the bench, particularly when Barry is having an off day.

The Northern Ireland international could’ve made an impact when Everton were chasing a goal yesterday, as he’s no doubt one of the best finishers at the club.

Understandably, Moyes and his coaching staff are probably being quite cautious as he’s not physically developed yet, but surely there is a role for him playing in and around the number nine as a fox in the box.

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill believes Graham can operate as a winger: “He’s adaptable and he’s adaptable because he’s such a good player.

“I think at this minute in time his best option would be to play a little bit off the side, possibly as a 10, maybe around a bigger striker if you play a front-two, which not many teams do.

“What he has shown us in training, is a real high technical level and the ability to stick the ball in the net.”

Everton have a League Cup tie against Newcastle United towards the end of the month, so perhaps that’d be a good chance for Graham to be assessed in a senior game.

There’s no doubt Moyes needs another solution up front until a striker is signed during the January transfer window.