After criticising Sean Dyche’s issue at Everton, David Moyes has come in and fixed it instantly.
The last eight months have been positive at Everton, as Moyes’ return has been a stark contrast from Sean Dyche’s disappointing end.
From the get-go, Moyes wanted more possession than Dyche, and the start of this season has shown the Toffees improve in the final third as well.
Plenty of elements on and off the pitch have been improved, with the Scot playing a major role.
But a new issue has been resolved, and it’s a very impressive job done by the Blues’ manager.
Everton manager David Moyes.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Everton haven’t conceded a set-piece goal since February under David Moyes
It’s obvious the overall squad has been revamped under Moyes, but other improvements have gone under the radar.
Arguably, the most impressive one, which was sourced by Opta analyst Aaron Barton, is that Everton haven’t conceded a set-piece dating back to the 26th February 2025.
Everton haven’t conceded a Premier League goal from a set-piece (excl. pens) since February 26th.
Of the ever-present clubs since the start of last season, only Newcastle United (Feb 23rd) have went longer without conceding from a set-piece than #EFC. pic.twitter.com/sdcCDWM4Uk
— Aaron Barton (@Aaron__Barton) September 10, 2025
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The Toffees and Newcastle United share an almost seven-month-long record, as Yoane Wissa’s header from a long throw was the last one Moyes’ side let past Jordan Pickford.
It’s quite remarkable to see with the Blues looking like an unstoppable force from these positions, especially with a new set-piece coach needed at Everton.
But Moyes is making it work with a well-structured backline, and to make matters better, it was a Dyche issue that needed to be fixed.
David Moyes criticised Everton’s set-piece defending when Sean Dyche was in charge
What Dyche did so well was score from set-piece situations, as it’s something he’s succeeded with throughout his career.
But what began to fall off at the end of his tenure on Merseyside was the quality in defending these set-plays, as Moyes criticised Everton’s set-piece defending before he was appointed again.
The Toffees boss said Dyche’s side gave away goals that were ‘unlike’ Everton, and the need to improve set-play defending was clear, as the 62-year-old impacted this, along with the club’s overall form when he joined.
Moyes has rectified the issue, and in some style, as James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite have played a key role in commanding the defence.
Although their fortunes haven’t been great in scoring, only one team does it better than Moyes’ set-up when stopping set-piece goals going in.
It’s another win for the Everton boss over Dyche, and it has made a striking difference in the Premier League.