Everton have made a strong start under David Moyes’ return to Merseyside.
The season had been tough for Everton, as they found themselves battling near the bottom of the table. However, Moyes has managed to steer the Toffees to a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone, securing three wins from three matches.
While Moyes acknowledges that relegation is still a possibility, his impact has undeniably been impressive so far.
Things could have unfolded quite differently, though, as Everton had considered several other managers before settling on Moyes.
Before Moyes’ appointment, Everton had targeted Graham Potter, who ultimately moved to West Ham. However, the Toffees chose the 61-year-old, who has returned to the club where he initially made his mark in Premier League football.
Jamie Carragher found Everton’s interest in Potter puzzling. “When Graham Potter was linked with the club, my first thought was: ‘he’s not an Everton manager.’ I just can’t picture him at Goodison Park or imagine him speaking after a game,” Carragher shared on The Overlap.
Moyes, however, has been impressed with the response from Everton’s players, with some, like Jake O’Brien, who had been sidelined under Sean Dyche, now revitalized under Moyes’ guidance. One has to wonder if Potter could have received the same reaction.
Moyes’ start has been a game-changer for Everton. When he took over, the club was just above the relegation zone, but now they are comfortably nine points clear. Meanwhile, West Ham has not experienced a similar boost under Moyes’ predecessor, Julen Lopetegui, with the Hammers continuing to struggle.
After four games, it’s clear Moyes has had the better start.
David Moyes vs. Graham Potter (first 4 games):
Moyes: 3 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, 2.25 points per game
Potter: 0 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses, 0.8 points per game
Though safety is still a way off, Moyes is already planning for summer improvements at Everton. It seems the Friedkins made the right call in appointing him.
‘He’s not an Everton manager’… Jamie Carragher in shock at who The Friedkin Group wanted before David Moyes
