Upon his return to Everton, 11 years after his initial departure, many were skeptical of David Moyes' appointment. The club was struggling financially and had recently faced a points deduction, finding themselves just a point above the relegation zone. However, under Moyes' guidance, the team has undergone a significant transformation, now aiming for European competition, including the Champions League, ahead of their first Hill Dickinson Merseyside derby. A victory over Liverpool on Sunday would place them just two points shy of the fifth spot, guaranteeing a Champions League return.
Since Moyes' return, Everton has risen to seventh in the Premier League table, surpassing Manchester United, Newcastle, and Tottenham, all of which have either played in or currently occupy a Champions League spot. Notably, these clubs have spent significantly more than Everton in the last two transfer windows, with each spending over £100m, whereas Everton has achieved success despite limited expenditure.
The key to this transformation lies in Moyes' ability to improve the team's away form, a long-standing weakness since his departure from Manchester United in 2014. Everton has become one of the best-performing teams on the road, with only Arsenal and Manchester City accumulating more points away from home. The team's ability to remain tough to break down has allowed them to secure points from major stadiums, including Old Trafford, St James' Park, and Villa Park.
However, their home form remains a concern, with only six Premier League wins in front of their supporters, leaving them 14th in the home standings. Perhaps the new stadium has impacted the atmosphere, making it less intimidating for opposing teams. The statistics indicate that Everton's playing style differs significantly at home, where they have more possession but are more susceptible to defensive vulnerabilities.
In contrast, their direct approach away from home has proven more effective. To achieve their European ambitions, Moyes and Everton must address their home form, potentially by adopting a more direct approach similar to their away games. By doing so, they may bring European football back to the blue half of Merseyside, a feat that seemed unthinkable at the start of the campaign.