David Moyes praised the performance of Dwight McNeil after his starring role in Everton's 2-0 home win over his former club Burnley
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 3: Dwight McNeil of Everton competes with Maxime Esteve of Burnley during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley at Hill Dickinson Stadium on March 3, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Dwight McNeil of Everton competes with Maxime Esteve of Burnley during the Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium on March 3, 2026(Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
View Image
David Moyes praised Dwight McNeil for a stand-out performance in Everton’s home win over Burnley. The midfielder was central to the victory, winning the free-kick that led to James Tarkowski’s opening goal and then knitting play together in the build up when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made it 2-0.
It was the latest step forward for a player whose collapsed move to Crystal Palace became the main story of transfer deadline day last month. The deal fell apart late on and McNeil’s partner raised concerns about the London club’s treatment of the former Burnley man the crucial moments.
McNeil returned to the Everton starting line-up for the first time since that drama as they won 3-2 at Newcastle United on Saturday.
Author avatar
Author avatar
Author avatar
Author avatar
And after he kept his place in the side and earned the applause of all four sides of Hill Dickinson Stadium as he came off with minutes to go against Burnley, Moyes said: “Dwight was great.
“His control and his pass for the second goal to get out and then (pass) to Ili (Iliman Ndiaye)... he did really well and I'm really pleased for Dwight because he's probably had a tough time.”
McNeil has been a bit-part player for Moyes after being integral to the plans of previous manager Sean Dyche.
It was clear the Scot, who took McNeil off at half-time in his last outing at home, the 1-1 draw with Leeds United in January, viewed Tuesday night’s display as a breakthrough.
He said: “His other performances were never at the level that he played tonight, so he played much, much better tonight.
“And I've been saying he's training better, and he's getting more confidence. They nearly gave him a standing ovation coming off tonight, Dwight.
“So that tells me that everybody in the house is watching him. And they all thought he played well tonight, and he did. He did a great job.”
Moyes was delighted to finally get a home win after seven games and three months without one.
He added: “It was a good win and we deserved a victory in the end and scored a couple of good goals to go with it as well.
"(The first goal) settled us down because, look, I'd still like to have created more chances and more opportunities, but in the main we did a good job and kept it controlled for most of the game and for pretty good long periods.”
The victory moves the Blues within a point of seventh-placed Brentford, two of sixth-placed Chelsea and five of fifth-placed Liverpool.
Everton return to action on Saturday, March 14 away to leaders Arsenal.
*Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.*