Holding a perfect record in five matches and sitting fifth, Everton manager David Moyes refuses to entertain European talk after last season’s fantasy.
“We aren’t using those terms this season,” Moyes said bluntly after a 1-0 home win over Ipswich lifted the Toffees to nine points.
Two wins and three draws in the opening month give them a solid footing.
The painful end to 2025-26 still haunts Moyes and supporters, so no one will get ahead of themselves now.
A 3-0 March triumph over Chelsea had them eighth, just three points shy of a Champions League slot.
Fans imagined a first European campaign since 2017-18, but a winless run of seven ended that hope.
Everton finally settled 13th, four points behind Brighton’s Conference League berth and five off Sunderland, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in the Europa League.
No wonder Moyes refuses to get carried away.
When asked if he challenged his squad for Europe, Moyes replied: “Not in front of the media, that’s for sure, because we’re still preparing and want to do our best.”
“I loved saying those words last year. Think of what we achieved—relegation‑battlers in January 2025, then bounced back, bringing in 12 or 13 new faces…”
“The players performed so well I began to believe we had a real chance, and that lifted my spirit.”
Everton’s strong start, bolstered by two Carabao Cup wins and a home last‑16 tie with Newcastle in October, rests on a sturdy defence.
Moyes’ side have kept five clean sheets in seven games and earned three points at Ipswich thanks to an 11th‑minute strike from Thierno Barry, his fifth of the campaign.
Impressively, Barry is now the only recognised striker after Beto’s move to Fiorentina on deadline day and midfield ace Iliman Ndiaye’s switch to Manchester City.
Still, Moyes insists his unbeaten‑five squad has plenty to improve before he’s satisfied.
“We’ve drawn at Tottenham and Bournemouth away, which is decent,” Moyes said. “Clean sheets are something to cherish and build on.”
“Statistically we create more chances – 21 shots against Ipswich, which is great – but only two were on target, which isn’t.”
“The players deserve huge credit for staying unbeaten in five matches. It’s good, but I expect more.”
“If we think a few games make us great, we’re wrong. I’m actually more disappointed we aren’t scoring enough,” he added.
“We’re racking up chances you wouldn’t believe – why aren’t we delivering better crosses, sharper finishes, shots from the edge? That’s the missing piece for a decent side.”
When Moyes returned for his second spell in January 2025, Everton sat 16th, a single point above the drop zone.
He has faced rising expectations but quickly highlighted the club’s progress since his comeback.
“I heard many claims the previous year was poor and thought, ‘my goodness, that’s absolute baloney.’”
“It was fantastic how close we came to something special despite no money, a relegation scare, and moving into a new stadium – never an easy task, yet we nearly did it.”
For my money, Moyes has crafted a side that consistently overachieves given its resources.
“They’re extremely organised, motivated and dangerous when pressed. Fan frustration over ownership and a thin forward line is understandable,” said former England midfielder Danny Murphy.
“Yet the squad remains balanced, each knows his role, and the backline with the keeper is rock‑solid. I never saw the lack of a striker as a disaster.”
“Their defensive discipline means they snatch results even on off days. I get the fans’ irritation, but I never feared relegation because of the forward shortage.”
“It’s a thin squad, but quality still shines through.”
“You have to dig in – that’s the Everton way,” Pickford said. “We’re building momentum, staying focused, and ready when we return. A great way to end the week.”
“Barry, who netted only eight times last season, now poses a bigger threat. He works hard and the goals will follow. The first Premier League year is always tough, but he’s settled and started strongly this campaign,” Pickford added.
“Finishing with a win is always sweet, especially before a long international break.”
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