Winning away from Merseyside has become a regular theme of David Moyes' second stint - he wants that to continue
David Moyes celebrates following the Premier League win at Wolves - a third Everton away victory in four matches. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
David Moyes celebrates following the Premier League win at Wolves - a third Everton away victory in four matches. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
David Moyes hopes to make one of the hallmarks of his return a common theme for some of his biggest backers. The Blues boss took three points from Brighton in his first away match after returning in January with Everton mired in a relegation fight.
It was a hard-fought, gruelling win that came at a cost, with Orel Mangala suffering a season-ending knee injury and Dominic Calvert-Lewin picking up a serious hamstring issue.
But Iliman Ndiaye’s first half penalty proved enough and, as the players tussled on the pitch at full-time, Moyes strode to the away end and celebrated with the travelling fans.
It became a recurring theme as Everton pulled clear of trouble before ending the campaign with a surge of momentum.
The February win at Crystal Palace effectively pushed the Blues to safety and by May, the club was able to enjoy carefree away days that players and supporters made the most of - ending with wins in the sunshine at Fulham and Newcastle United.
After a disappointing opening game of the new campaign at Leeds United, when a poor Everton display ended in late defeat - though only through a controversial penalty - the travelling fans were celebrating again at Molineux last weekend as Jack Grealish led the team to a thrilling 3-2 win over Wolves.
It was a welcome statement of intent for Moyes, who wants Everton to become a force on the road again this season - not least because of what it means to those who spend valuable time and money to support his squad.
Reflecting on the start to the season, he said: “Look, when you think of the away wins last season, we've done really well. We've lost to Leeds to a dodgy penalty in the end. We might have taken something from it.
“So, we want to be really good away from home because we've got a brilliant travelling away support and I hope they get more good away days this season.”