Comment on David Moyes and Everton vs Leeds.
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Tue 12 August 2025 7:40, UK
Everton have a favourable matchup to start their season.
The Blues take on newly promoted Leeds United in their Premier League opener at Elland Road on Monday, 18 August.
David Moyes will be looking for a positive start to the campaign with the likes of Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall looking to impress.
However, a new official announcement may put a spanner in those plans.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall playing for Everton
Dewsbury-Hall looks set to make his Everton debut. (Credit: Imago)
Moyes will be furious at referee appointment for Leeds vs Everton
Expectations have been raised on Merseyside by the potential arrival of Jack Grealish at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Whether the Man City star makes his Everton debut in the contest with the newly-promoted side remains to be seen, with a deal agreed between the clubs and a medical completed.
One person who will definitely be on the pitch is referee Chris Kavanagh, who the Premier League announced will be taking charge of the clash.
Moyes will be livid with that decision as the Toffees have a dismal record under Cavanagh in recent years.
Chris Kavanagh has a dismal record v Everton.
(Credit: Imago)
What is Everton’s record under Cavanagh?
The Blues have won just one of their last nine matches that he has officiated, which will not exactly inspire confidence in his performance ahead of the opener.
That was the 2-0 win against Liverpool at Anfield in February 2021, which is almost five years ago.
Kavanagh has refereed the Blues in a total of 16 matches, with just five wins in those games
He has awarded a total of 19 yellow cards and four red cards in those matches
The referee has also been involved in several controversial incidents involving the Toffees in the past few years.
Cavanagh ruled out a late winner against Manchester United in March 2020, which saw Carlo Ancelotti sent off after his remonstration after the final whistle.
He was the on-field official when the Blues had a penalty struck off after a VAR check in the November 2021 clash with Tottenham.
Cavanagh was also the VAR for the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in February 2022, when Rodri somehow escaped punishment for a handball in the penalty area and failed to intervene.
Moyes will hope that his side can do the business and not rely on any refereeing decisions to help them out; otherwise, they might be in trouble, given their history with the 39-year-old.
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