Everton's resilient start: how David Moyes' Toffees harnessed their siege mentality
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Thierno Barry of Everton celebrates scoring the first goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Ipswich Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gary Oakley - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images)
After Transfer Deadline Day, Everton put themselves in limbo following a chaotic few hours that left the club with one recognized striker and only 21 first-team players. It would be easy for the club to be written off, but it seems that Everton have harnessed that energy and have started the season strongly.
Despite the noise, deadline day signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles couldn’t have started his Everton debut in a better fashion, as his 25-yard long-range strike earned the Toffees a point against Manchester United.
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However, David Moyes’ side have harnessed that energy and have had a strong start to the Premier League season. Following their 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, Everton once again showed their resilience as they managed to see out three vital points.
Despite the outside noise, the Blues have played seven games, winning five and drawing two. During this, Everton’s defensive core have stepped up as they’ve kept five clean sheets in that process.
Everton’s opening ten Premier League games will give David Moyes a key indication of where his side will be, as they would have faced all three promoted teams and teams who were in and around during last season.
Hill Dickinson is slowly starting to feel like home following a dismal first year down at the waterfront. The emergence of Tyler Dibling and Trigue George is something that is exciting the Everton faithful. The return of Jarrad Branthwaite has reminded the Evertonians of his class and his importance to the side.
Everton’s core is a strong one and has often shown consistency since the return of David Moyes. With the Blues having three players in the England squad and also in the Under-21s, it shows that the club does give the platform for players to represent their national team.
A defence built to frustrate
Everton’s strong defence
In recent years, Everton’s biggest strength has been their defence, as they’ve proven that the Toffees are a tough side to break down.
In the 2023/24 season, Everton conceded the fourth-fewest goals in the Premier League with 51. Only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool were better. The following season, Everton had the joint third-best defence as they conceded 44 goals.
Jordan Pickford has recently kept 100 clean sheets, which saw him become the fifth English goalkeeper to reach that milestone. James Tarkowski showed Everton’s grit and determination in the victory over Ipswich.
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The Everton captain won nine duels, made four interceptions, and made five recoveries. Alongside him, the return of Branthwaite has given Everton the ability to play higher up the pitch, and he has been called back up to the England squad.
Harrison Armstrong's breakthrough
Harrison Armstrong impact
Against Bournemouth, the travelling Evertonians made their voices heard when it came to their young scouser in the team, Harrison Armstrong.
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The midfielder was subjected to a move to Nottingham Forest, which created unrest within the fanbase. The 19-year-old has started all five Premier League games and has looked like the first name on the teamsheets with his strong performances.
Armstrong has given athleticism to the Everton midfielder and is a strong ball carrier. The youngster has been called up for England U20 and is strong both offensively and defensively.
Framed at 185cm, Armstrong’s frame and physicality have meant that he’s accustomed to Premier League football with ease and has made 27 appearances for the Blues.
Thierno Barry finds his goals
Thierno Barry leading the line
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Barry’s second year in English football has seen him take responsibility in being Everton’s number nine. The Frenchman endured a difficult first year at the club as he scored eight goals, but during his maiden season, you could see the potential that the 23-year-old possesses.
Following a strong pre-season, Thierno Barry started the season as Everton’s starting striker as he scored the second goal in the opening day win against Crystal Palace.
Days later, Barry once again started as he bagged a hat-trick and made one assist in the 4-0 thrashing of Preston North End. This game showed Barry what his all-round game is about, as his movement led to him scoring three goals.
So far, Barry has five goals and has shown he’s ready to lead the line for the club and has shown how he can link players into the game and create chances for others.
Similarly, Tyler Dibling struggled during his first year on Merseyside, but in recent weeks has shown the talent that was there to see while he was at Southampton.
In the Carabao Cup, Dibling showed his quality on the ball as he was able to stand up his full-back and beat his man by cutting inside or going round the back. The 20-year-old made a crucial sliding tackle to deny Wolves potentially levelling.
Dibling was the first substitute that David Moyes made against Ipswich, and throughout he looked dangerous as a lot of play went through the winger.
As Everton only have 18 outfield players, Dibling has taken his chance and has shown David Moyes that he’s ready to make a difference.