Moyes has transformed Everton into genuine contenders for Europe.
Improved efficiency, better chance creation, and increased box presence.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish provided the crucial creative spark.
Everton’s transformation during the 2025/26 Premier League season has been welcomed by the club’s long-suffering fans. After several seasons being part of the relegation conversation, David Moyes has effected a significant transition, pushing the Toffees away from the relegation zone and positioning them as genuine European contenders.
But beyond the improved league position and (slightly) better current points tally, just how much better are Everton?
The numbers: Attack
As the information below illustrates, there are several arears where there has been an improvement compared to last season
Everton attacking stats comparison
Stat 2024/25 2025/26* Change
Goals Scored 42 46 +4
Goals Per Game 1.11 1.28 Improved
Expected Goals (xG) 41.58 45.99 Improved
Expected Assists (xA) 26.39 31.64 Improved
Assists 27 33 +5
Shots 405 389 Slight drop
Shots on Target 143 137 Slight drop
Possession 40.7% 43.4 More control
Touches in Box 773 862 More attacking presence
Offsides 81 53 Better attacking timing
*The 2025/26 is yet to complete, so figures are subject to change
Key attacking takeaways:
Better chance creation: Assists and xA both rose noticeably.
Increased box presence: Everton are getting into dangerous areas more frequently.
Improved efficiency: Despite fewer shots, goals and xG are trending upward.
The numbers: Defence
At the back, as the figures below outline, it’s been another resolute season
Everton defensive stats comparison
Stat 2024/25 2025/26* Change
Goals Conceded 44 46 Slightly worse
Goals Conceded Per Game 1.16 1.36 Slightly worse rate
Expected Goals Against (xGA) 48.01 55.19 Slightly worse underlying numbers
Clean Sheets 12 11 Nearly identical
League Defensive Rank ~7th ~5th Improved ranking
Fouls Committed 429 377 More disciplined
Yellow Cards 80 69 Cleaner defending
*The 2025/26 is yet to complete, so figures are subject to change
Key defensive takeaways
Clean sheets have remained stable: Despite being slightly more open in the attack, Everton have still kept things tight at the back
Improved by league standards: Relative to other clubs, the Everton defence has got better
Less aggro: Despite the best efforts of some officials, Everton have actually improved their disciplinary record
Fan perspective…
For many Evertonians, the ‘eye test’ is borne out by the numbers. The Toffees have become better to watch, more attack-minded, while staying true to David Moyes’ defensive principles.
It’s not perfect. There have certainly been occasions this season when Everton have been creatively blunt (at home against some of the relegation-threatened sides) and other times when the defence has got a bit leaky (specifically during the season run-in). But overall, this still feels and looks like a better Everton side than the fans have been used to in recent seasons
Key transfers: The impact of Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall
Part of the improvement is attributable to the club being able to sign players more freely in the summer. Partially liberated from the PSR straightjacket, with new owners in place, and the move to Hill Dickinson completed, Everton were able to bring in a better quality of player.
1. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: The creative heartbeat
Dewsbury-Hall has successfully added a much-needed creative boost to the side. More assured on the ball than the departed Abdoulaye Doucoure, he’s provided the technical security Everton have lacked, while also contributing 8 goals, 4 assists, and a high volume of key passes.
2. Jack Grealish: Premier League quality
The Manchester City loanee provided an injection of class into the attack before his January foot injury. Grealish set the standard for Everton’s early-season surge by contributing 6 assists and 2 goals. The hope is that Everton can secure his services again next season.
The fight for Europe: A shift in ambition
Everton’s 2025/26 campaign marks a definitive shift in ambition, moving away from the fear of relegation toward a concerted European Charge.
The short-term aim was always to become part of that middle band of clubs (Brighton, Fulham, Brentford), those who have been on the outskirts of the European places in recent seasons. In that, Everton have been successful.
The aim now should be to build on this ‘success’, to regard being part of this pack a minimum requirement for at season, and to put in place the foundations to eventually move beyond them It feels like a sold ‘B+’ campaign. Much improved but still some work to be done