“I liked bits of the performance” - David Moyes after first away win of the season | OneFootball

Everton picked up a 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium to secure six points from their first three matches of the Premier League 2025/26 season.

David Moyes, matching the great Howard Kendall’s record of 542 games as Everton coach, liked bits and pieces of the team’s performance as the Toffees showed glimpses of great attacking football.

"I liked bits of the performance,” Moyes said after the game.

“I still would have liked it to have been much better. We conceded two goals which I don't think were like us, the type of goals they were. They were a bit easy and not the things we work on and we're quite good at.

“So I was disappointed with that, a bit disappointed when we were 3-1 up that we didn't go and get the fourth goal, which we had three or four opportunities. But the answer to your question is, you know, we've come away from home with a really good win.”

Goals from Beto, Iliman Ndiaye, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ensured that the Blues returned to Merseyside with all three points. Jack Grealish also picked up two assists and, along with Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall, showed moments of flair and positive football.

"If we can entertain and be really good, great. If we can't, then I just want to win. That's what I want to do,” Moyes continued.

"Kiernan played very well today. So did many of them, but he'd done a really good job. So, you know, Jack's beginning to get some assists. He's looking a good player for us and really pleased to have him at the moment.

"The biggest compliment I can say about Jack is that he's even better than I thought he was."

In his pre-match press conference, Moyes was asked about his relationship with striker Beto. Dismissing concerns about a rift between the two following some criticism during the pre-season, the Everton boss, instead, spoke about the Guinea-Bissau international’s excellent attitude and willingness to learn.

After being on the bench in the last two matches against Brighton and Mansfield Town, Beto was given the opportunity to start against Wolves. He repaid the manager’s faith by scoring the opening goal and his holdup play looked better.

Pleased with Beto’s second goal in as many games as well as the healthy competition between him and summer signing Thierno Barry, Moyes said, "I'm going to change Beto and Barry around, I want to try to keep them fresh.”

"I wanted Barry to get some game time which he did do and he did a great job at Brighton, assisting the goals with his link-up play. But I just felt maybe Beto might have been the right one to come here and know a wee bit of their ground and what it might be like.

“But I need the two of them, we'll be firing, I need the two of them, we'll be scoring goals and we might chop and change them as we see at different times.

"But Beto's just got two goals now, got one in midweek, got one today. And that's what you need to do as a striker. You just need to keep getting the goals and he starts to get the numbers a lot bigger."

Everton will return to action with a clash against Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 13 after the international break.

Reader Comments (10)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

The look on Davey's face in the photo on this thread was enough for me. You can see the happiness and pride in his face and how it means something to him.

People always have plenty to say about the manager, and I was one of those who didn't want him back but it does somehow feel like the right decision - and he does understand what it means to be an Evertonian.

Obviously it won't last forever but right now, and for the first time in a long time it's all quite good fun for a change isn't it?

James, you’re right.

I can’t wait for the Villa game. I know the bubble could easily burst but with the talent we currently have I just feel that we can bounce back regardless. With new LB and RBs and Dibling up to speed, whisper it, but I think we could be world beaters!

(It’s the hope that kills you!)

It's good that we seem to be spreading the goals around a bit, we've got midfielders starting to score which hasn't been the case over the last few years, if KDH and Garner can get say a dozen between them, Ndaiye scoring on a regular basis as well, Grealish supplying and we've still got to introduce Dibling as well, I know it's early in the season but isn't it great not seeing us stranded at the bottom like previous seasons, keep up the good work Blues

Craig Scott 4 Posted 31/08/2025 at 10:52:12

I like the measured appraisal from the manager. Bits of it were good, very good in parts, but let’s not get carried away.

NSNO after all and we’ve still got to have a lot more consistent performances before we can say that we’re fulfilling that.

A feel good factor around the club is great for all concerned.My God what a difference from last year, this squad is still building, bonding, and forming.The new Everton will start to be looked on differently, more respect from the outside and more pride from within.If we can add just a bit more in this window we can set a marker down this season.

Raymond Fox 6 Posted 31/08/2025 at 11:46:58

Our forward players are doing extremely well and barring injuries will probably get even better.Our defensive play has been too dodgy though, but thats how it usually goes, score more and conceed more because your more concerned with attacking.

I would sooner have it that way though than a defensive set up and very few goals.

Sam Hoare 8 Posted 31/08/2025 at 11:56:12

I like the idea of swapping Barry and Beto around, it keeps them both hungry. They are obviously a similar mold of player but Barry offers more in terms of link up and little fluid touches here and there whereas Beto is probably better at getting in the box and getting opportunities. Hopefully they can manage 15+goals between them.

Stu Gre 9 Posted 31/08/2025 at 11:56:15

I've been highly critical of Moyes, but credit where credit is due - this is a lot more like it.

Grealish to score against Villa is definitely worth a punt.

Slightly worried about Tarks who seems off the pace a bit, but even Keane has been pleasantly surprising.

I'd love a cheaky little Gueye bid to scare the other lot.