David Moyes' return to Everton has sparked a remarkable turnaround, transforming the team from relegation contenders to European hopefuls. When Moyes rejoined the club 11 years after his initial departure, many were skeptical, viewing it as a desperate attempt to revive the team's fortunes.
However, Moyes has proven his doubters wrong, and Everton now finds itself in a new home with renewed ambitions, particularly ahead of the first Hill Dickinson Merseyside derby. A win over Liverpool on Sunday would leave them just two points shy of the fifth-placed spot, which guarantees a Champions League return. Since Moyes' return, Everton has been performing exceptionally well away from home, with only Arsenal and Manchester City accumulating more points on the road. This improvement is largely due to Moyes' ability to make his team tough to break down, resulting in notable wins at Old Trafford, St James' Park, and Villa Park.
Nevertheless, Everton's home form remains a concern, with the team managing only six Premier League wins in front of their supporters, leaving them 14th in the home standings. The difference in their performance at home and away is evident in their playing style, with the team being more direct on the road and enjoying more possession at home.
However, this approach has made them more vulnerable defensively, as they leave themselves exposed to losing possession in dangerous areas. To achieve their European ambitions, Moyes and Everton must address their home form and adopt a more consistent approach, treating every game like an away match, starting with the crucial derby against Liverpool on Sunday.