The first part of this week's Michael Ball column reacts to Everton's comeback 2-1 Premier League victory at Fulham on Saturday
Everton's Head Coach, David Moyes, arrives at Craven Cottage for the Premier League match between Fulham and Everton in London, England, on February 7, 2026. (Photo by Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
David Moyes arrives at Craven Cottage for the Premier League match between Fulham and Everton in London, England, on February 7, 2026(Image: Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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David Moyes’ changes made a difference at Fulham and that deserves pointing out.
The substitutions - particularly in bringing Tyrique George on for his debut - changed things. His introduction allowed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to get on the ball more and appeared to give Vitalii Mykolenko the confidence to be braver going forward.
The deadline day signing appeared to inspire more belief in his team-mates and encouraged those around him to take more responsibility. As a result, Everton started to find some rhythm and smell a bit of blood. Once they got the equaliser, I thought they were the only team that looked like winning the game.
This was a far cry from what became a challenging first half. I thought Everton started well and Jake O’Brien was unlucky when his header hit the post. But after that we dropped off and lost our way in the match.
The first half started to bear similarities with the opening 45 minutes against Brighton and we were fortunate to only be 1-0 down after losing our foothold in the game.
I think some of that is down to selection. I understood the decision to leave out Jarrad Branthwaite - he was out for a long time and Everton need him to be fit for years to come and should not put that in jeopardy by rushing to play him too much, too soon.
But like against Brighton, the set-up did not quite seem to work - and after O’Brien’s effort did not drop in, it became a case of having to survive to the break.
When half-time came I expected to see changes but they did not come and the first 10/15 minutes did not lead to a big improvement. But then on came George and he appeared to help the momentum swing.
Dewsbury-Hall was key to that - just having him back in the side seems to galvanise the team and after his equaliser it was a good set piece that led to the winner.
Mykolenko also deserves credit. A few weeks ago I was clear in my belief he needed to get forward more and hopefully his assist will give him the confidence to do that more often and keep going forward and being consistent in those areas where he has been passive and uncomfortable in the past. I was made up for him.
I was also made up for the travelling supporters. That is the 11th away win under Moyes and the away form continues to be good payback to those loyal fans who watched Everton struggle for so long.
The Blues were fortunate they were still in a position to compete after Fulham missed so many changes but fair play to Moyes and the players for hanging in and then exploiting the opportunity when it came.
I listened to Pep Guardiola after Manchester City’s win at Liverpool on Sunday and he spoke of how difficult he is finding it to get his squad to dictate games for 90 minutes.
Even with the world class players he has at his disposal, he is having the same issue Everton are having.
Thankfully the side was able to stay in the game and hurt Fulham when they had the opportunity but that is the next challenge - however tough it might be: Working out how to have more control for longer periods of the game.