Everton’s thin squad fuels European push as Moyes defies odds

While critics point to Everton’s alarmingly small out‑field pool, the Toffees are being tipped for a European place – a stark contrast to the board‑room turmoil that has haunted the club since last season’s collapse.

European hopes despite thin squad

Everton have been predicted to finish in a European position even though the season‑long squad list shows only eighteen out‑field players. The club’s portrait image released ahead of the campaign highlighted this shortage alongside three goalkeepers, prompting immediate concern among supporters.

That worry is amplified by the memory of 2023‑24, when Everton sat three points off a Champions League spot before a winless run of seven games saw them finish thirteenth, four points behind Brighton – who qualified for the Conference League – and five behind Sunderland, who joined Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in the Europa League.

Unbeaten start and defensive solidity

David Moyes’ side are one of only five Premier League teams to remain unbeaten since the season began, recording two wins and three draws in the first month. Getty reports the Toffees have kept five clean sheets in seven matches and secured a 1‑0 victory over Ipswich in their most recent league game.

The early success also includes two Carabao Cup wins, underpinned by a defence that has frustrated opponents. Max Scott, speaking on the ‘No BS’ podcast, gave Everton an A grade, praised Moyes as an A‑grade manager, and warned that the board’s performance earned a D.

Board friction and Armstrong controversy

Fans have vented fury at the Friedkin Group, whose £100 million deadline‑day spending was followed by the sales of Iliman Ndiaye, top scorer Beto, Tim Iroegbunam and Nathan Patterson, while a bid for Folarin Balogun fell through. Owner Dan Friedkin has also drawn criticism for never attending a match or visiting Liverpool since the December 2024 takeover.

Further unrest erupted when a proposed £40 million transfer for midfielder and academy graduate Harrison Armstrong was scrapped after supporters sang his name at a Bournemouth draw in August and warned of a ‘riot’ if he were sold. Getty notes Armstrong has made five appearances this season, contributing one assist.

Olly Clink described the side as “well‑organized, hardworking, battle‑hardened”, recalling Moyes’ post‑match press conference after the Bournemouth game where he told fans they “know they’ve got an Evertonian as the manager”. Scott called this a “mic‑drop moment” and reiterated his prediction that Everton are now seventh, ahead of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, and poised for European football.