Everton won yet another game in the Premier League this season to move them up to fifth in the Premier League table – seeing fans and pundits alike shout about earning a potential European place.
Everton went into their home clash against Nottingham Forest in 10th place in the Premier League, and quickly took the lead when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross was turned into his own net by Nikola Milenkovic after two minutes.
Thierno Barry then added to the lead with his first Premier League goal, much to the delight of the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Dewsbury-Hall got in on the act with a well-taken strike late into the second half.
Everton are currently sat just one point outside of the Champions League spots, and David Moyes has a real chance of securing European football. That has led Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy to urge The Friedkin Group to back their Scottish boss in the transfer window to potentially secure a top six finish.
David Moyes celebrates after Everton's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images
The Friedkin Group must back David Moyes in the January market to secure Europe
Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy admitted that Everton would have to avoid major injuries to their squad if they were to qualify for Europe.
But he admitted that there was a chance of a top eight finish, and potentially even a top six finish in the Premier League – but only if Moyes is backed in the market.
Speaking on Saturday night, Murphy said: “I mean, they would have to be lucky with injuries. They haven’t got great strength in depth.
Will Barry really kick on now?
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“But he’s done an exceptional job and probably exceeded all Evertonians’ expectations.
“It’s remarkable really, and hopefully for his sake and the club’s sake, he’ll be backed again in January to kick on and maybe try to cement a top eight, top six finish.
“Probably, top eight is more realistic than top six.”
Everton haven’t had European football for eight years and Moyes’ upturn in form with the Toffees could certainly end that spell if they can keep their form up.
Everton now have the attacking talent to qualify for Europe
Everton have been primed for their defensive work in recent years, with their sturdy backline being a major reason for not falling through the trap door to the Championship.
The likes of Jarrad Branthwaite have impressed over the years, with Everton’s rearguard nature being better than other bottom-half sides – though their attack has always fallen short of the required standard.
Relive THAT stunning performance all over again. How far can David Moyes take Everton this season?✈️
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But with summer upgrades via the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish, as well as the upturn in form from James Garner and Iliman Ndiaye, the Toffees now look like they can hurt teams in both areas of the pitch.
Thierno Barry scoring his first goal has hopefully seen the Frenchman turn a corner in a royal blue shirt and if he can continue scoring, then a European place will not be out of the question by the end of the season.
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