David Moyes was speaking to preview Everton's upcoming Premier League game against Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night
David Moyes
David Moyes
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David Moyes has taken aim at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and said the responses Everton receive are 'always rubbish'. Everton contacted the PGMOL to express concerns about the consistency of officiating in the Premier League following last weekend’s defeat to West Ham United.
The Blues were beaten 2-1 at the London Stadium after Callum Wilson scored in stoppage-time, but that was only after Moyes and his players were left furious when they weren’t awarded a penalty when the score was 1-0 to the hosts. Mateus Fernandes grappled with Thierno Barry in the area and then swatted the ball away with his hand inside the box, but no penalty was awarded even after a VAR review.
Referee Stuart Attwell first waved away the appeals before Michael Salisbury on VAR duty reviewed the incident and deemed the handball to be accidental.
As a result of the decision, Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear reached out to the PGMOL to voice the club’s concerns and seek answers.
But when asked if he had heard anything back, Moyes replied: "Yes, but it's always rubbish what you get back. You never get anything good back.
“Jonathan (Williams), the secretary, spoke about it and spoke with them. I didn’t do so, but it is never what you want to hear.”
Asked if he could provide any further context, Moyes replied: “No, not really. You should ask them yourself. I was hoping you would do. They don’t speak particularly well to us when we hear from them.”
Thierno Barry complains to referee Stuart Attwell after he chooses not to give a penalty after Mateus Fernandes touches the ball in the area with his hand in the match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on April 25, 2026
Thierno Barry complains to referee Stuart Attwell after he chooses not to give a penalty after Mateus Fernandes touches the ball in the area with his hand in the match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on April 25, 2026(Image: Jed Leicester/Everton FC/SmartFrame)
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Everton’s hopes of securing European football next season have suffered setbacks in recent weeks following the defeats to the Hammers and before that Liverpool.
But as Moyes’ side prepare to welcome title-chasing Manchester City to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night, they will be boosted by the return of Beto.
The forward missed last Saturday’s defeat to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side after suffering concussion during the Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool.
But when asked if the 28-year-old would be back, Moyes replied: "Yes, he's had to go through the protocol for concussion, which was correct, so he's gone through that period and has been training."
Beto during an Everton training session at Finch Farm on April 27, 2026
Beto during an Everton training session at Finch Farm on April 27, 2026(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC/SmartFrame)
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Beto had been in fine form prior to missing last weekend's game, scoring seven times since the turn of the year, four in his last three appearances, and Moyes opened up on the forward’s continued hunger to improve.
He said: “Even today, he’s always asking and trying to find out where and if we thought he could do better. Other staff members work with him individually as well, because that’s what he actually wants, he wants extra work and he wants to try and get better.
“It’s great when you work with people who are always trying to improve and trying to step up. He’s started to score a few goals and we hope he can continue that.”
Asked about any other fitness concerns, Moyes added: "At the moment, everything is as we are. Like [always], we have a few knocks and niggles, so we'll just have to see how we are come Monday night."
City trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by three points but have a game in hand, but the gap could have grown to six points by the time the Carabao Cup winners travel to Merseyside. Moyes, though, is relishing the chance to take on Pep Guardiola’s side.
"It's not unexpected that Man City are in that [form],” he said. “They've had a bit of a change around in the past 12 months or so, and they're beginning to get things in place.
"They're always a really good side, tough to play against. In some ways, we're looking forward to it. We're looking forward to the challenge."
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