It may be winter outside but at Everton it’s spring, to use the words of a famous tune.
The feelgood factor is all around and there’s still nearly three weeks to Christmas, however while the fans may be getting a touch giddy seeing their club in the top six of the Premier League I’m sure the owners, manager and players have their feet firmly on the ground.
I don’t begrudge the fans – of which I’m one – the opportunity to bask in the glory of three wins in the last four games. It’s not before time that they have some joy going to games and long may it continue.
After the Newcastle game I said that we shouldn’t be too quick to jump on the manager and players and, conversely, we shouldn’t jump too high now. As I’ve also said this is an Everton evolution, the last number of years can’t be fixed overnight and calm heads are needed with both winning and losing runs.
However, momentum is a massive thing in football, a winning habit is, when you can get it, something that can really take hold of a club and be a pivotal moment in a journey such as the one we are witnessing at Everton.
Relive THAT stunning performance all over again. How far can David Moyes take Everton this season?✈️
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Why Everton need to attack Chelsea and Arsenal in upcoming games
It won’t be lost on players and fans alike that there are two very tough games on the horizon, but with momentum comes confidence, and the temptation to risk more and play a more relaxed and enjoyable style of football.
Neither Chelsea nor Arsenal will be happy to be playing Everton in the next few weeks, of that I have no doubt, and along with a cautionary note I say go out there and take these sides head on.
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For months now, I and many others have lamented the lack of goals from our two main strikers, and with justification. It’s so pleasing to talk about young Thierno Barry getting off the mark against Forest. The sense of relief from everyone around the Hill Dickinson Stadium was palpable as the ball hit the back of the net, and having watched Barry’s short message on TikTok to the fans after the game, it’s clear he’s starting to come out of his shell a bit.
The influence of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is growing on this team, and with another goal he’s showing just how important a player he will be going forward. A lot of the headlines arc towards Jack Grealish and that’s understandable, but the way KDH has gone about his business at the club has been both professional and understated. He is a very valuable player to the manager.
Was KDH the signing of the summer?
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's Premier League goal record.
Credit: Getty Images/Naomi Baker.
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Despite recent wins, The Friedkin Group still need to give David Moyes a big January transfer window kitty
Despite the feelgood factor, however, the cold reality is Everton will need signings in January and nobody should lose sight of that during this good run.
It’s easy, especially for those who foot the bill, to think everything is great and maybe we can save some money, but that is definitely not the way forward. This manager needs help now, we have a glimpse of what is achievable and, the difficulties accepted, this window is really important as far as the next stage of this evolution is concerned.
Manchester United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
I still believe another striker is a priority, then a right-back and a central midfielder after that, going back to my initial point, let the fans enjoy the ride but now is a time for focus and concentration for the powers that be more than ever.
It seems the confidence around Everton is spreading to the women’s team too. It was a fantastic and well-earned victory against Chelsea on Sunday. Their second league win of the season, along with Chelsea’s first defeat, earned thanks to a terrific strike from Honoka Hayashi – her turn and hit was worthy of the victory. As with the men’s team though, tough games lay ahead but hopefully this win can see them start to rise up the table and have a great second half to the season.
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