David Moyes has completely reinvented Everton since replacing Sean Dyche in January.
Everton are no longer looking over their shoulders towards the relegation zone, the focus is very much on returning to Europe.
“In the early parts of my career when I was Everton manager, we did get to Europe quite regularly and it has to be, I feel as if it has to be a target for us,” David Moyes said in June.
The Toffees currently reside in sixth place, having picked up a respectable seven points from a possible 12.
Moyes’ assistant Alan Irvine has revealed that they’ve changed a tactic that has really helped them go up a level.
Everton coaches David Moyes and Alan Irvine.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Alan Irvine says Everton have changed tactics this season
Speaking to The Athletic, Irvine has admitted there is a lot less focus on possession this season as they’re prioritising a different approach.
“We’re getting less overwhelmed about possession and starting to think penetration is surely more important,” Moyes’ assistant said.
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“People are becoming more pragmatic. There are less ridiculous goals being scored because of teams trying to play out with players who can’t do it.
“We’d all love to play like Man City have played, but we can’t. You need the players to do it, and if not, you probably have to adapt.”
It’s been working really well as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye, especially, have been able to make more runs in behind the backline.
Jack Grealish has been dropping in to link the play with the midfielders, so there’s a really nice balance at the moment.
𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲 & 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗰𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
"He still has that drive & work ethic. He’s got great energy
“It’ll be 6.30 & 'can you have a look at these 2 players?’
"If you’re working with David, you don’t look at your watch!”https://t.co/XlZgCbB3JQ
— Patrick Boyland (@Paddy_Boyland) September 18, 2025
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Everton will be looking to counter-attack vs Liverpool
It’s the big one this weekend as Everton take on Premier League leaders Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby.
The Reds had a pretty exhaustive game with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, so it’s not a bad time to play them.
Moyes’ side will likely set up to counterattack, with Arne Slot’s side often playing a very high line, so there will be opportunities to make those penetrative runs in behind.
That may actually suit Beto, more so than Thierno Barry, so the Scotsman may start the former with Ndiaye and Grealish on the wings.
The Toffees have good reason to be confident as it’s perhaps the best shape they’ve been in since the 2020/21 season – when Carlo Ancelotti was in charge.