This Saturday marks the highly anticipated Merseyside derby.
When David Moyes took over as Everton manager in January, the club found itself in a precarious position with only 17 points from 19 matches, sitting at 16th in the Premier League table—just a single point above the relegation zone. The threat of relegation loomed large. However, the experienced Scotsman, who previously managed Everton for 11 years, not only stabilized the team but also lifted them to a commendable finish with 48 points, ending the season in 13th and placing above Manchester United, Tottenham, and his former club, West Ham.
Before Moyes’ return, Everton seemed to have lost much of its identity and passion, with fans disheartened due to ongoing off-field issues and a lackluster performance on the pitch. Fast forward nine months, and the landscape has transformed significantly. The club boasts a new stadium, fresh ownership, and a vibrant roster filled with talent. The attacking lineup featuring Jack Grealish, who joined on loan from Manchester City, promising young talent Tyler Dibling from Southampton for €40.5 million, and Iliman Ndiaye is sure to excite fans. With Moyes at the helm, the club appears poised for a new chapter.
Analysis of Moyes’ Premier League Record Since Returning to Everton
To highlight Moyes’ achievements since his return, we can compare his points haul to his fellow Premier League managers. As depicted in the accompanying graphic, Moyes has accumulated 38 points since his reappointment, placing him among the top managers in the league. Only Arne Slot (50 points), Mikel Arteta (43), Pep Guardiola (43), and Enzo Maresca (41) have earned more points, all leading teams that finished in the league’s top four last season. This impressive record underscores Moyes’ successful mission to steer the team away from relegation.
The season commenced with a disappointing loss to promoted Leeds United, with Moyes’ side underwhelming in their performance. However, they have since remained unbeaten, scoring five goals and conceding only two. Grealish has been particularly impressive, amassing four assists in just four Premier League appearances for Everton—doubling his total from his last two full seasons combined at Manchester City. Yet, the toughest challenge awaits Moyes and Grealish this Saturday as they head to Anfield for the Merseyside derby, a venue where Moyes has historically struggled.
Can Moyes Overcome His Anfield Challenge?
Anfield is renowned as one of the most daunting venues in world football. Unfortunately for Moyes, his record at this illustrious stadium is less than favorable. Over his career, he has faced Liverpool here 19 times in the Premier League without a single victory, managing five draws with Everton during his earlier tenure. The remaining 14 matches resulted in defeats, including a string of nine consecutive losses in his recent visits with Manchester United, Sunderland, West Ham, and Everton last season. Everton narrowly missed out on a result last term, losing 1-0 to the champions due to a late goal from Diogo Jota.
Moyes aims to break this Anfield curse this Saturday afternoon. Despite Liverpool’s perfect start to the season with five victories across all competitions, they have demonstrated vulnerabilities. Each of those wins required goals scored after the 80th minute, and they conceded two goals against Bournemouth, a 10-man Newcastle, and a weakened Atlético Madrid. A victory for Moyes at the home of their rivals would not only mark a significant milestone in his career but would also signal the club’s continued progress under his leadership.
