Everton kicked off their Premier League campaign with a mix of promising performances and underlying concerns regarding squad depth. Their most recent outing saw them secure a dramatic 2-2 draw at home against Manchester United, a match that saw new faces make an immediate impact [1].
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a deadline-day signing from Lyon for £4.3m, proved to be an instant hero, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer against Manchester United [2]. He is expected to play a significant role at right-back, especially following the retirement of Seamus Coleman [1]. However, manager David Moyes opted to start Merlin Röhl at right-back in the United game, despite Maitland-Niles’ arrival [2].
Another player making headlines is Tyrique George, who scored his first Premier League goal for Everton in the same match and has now signed permanently for the club [3]. George’s performance against Manchester United was highlighted, with manager Moyes expressing optimism about his future development [4]. Hayden Hackney also made a telling impact as a substitute, while Jack Grealish returned to the squad and contributed from the bench [2].
Despite these positive individual contributions, the transfer window left Everton with a notably thin senior squad. The club concluded the summer with only one recognized striker, one right-back, and one left-back [5]. This situation was exacerbated by the departure of Nathan Patterson and the fact that Folarin Balogun backed out of a deadline-day move from Monaco [1]. Thierno Barry, the sole striker, has missed four big chances in the Premier League this season, underscoring the need for more attacking options [1].
David Moyes, who was reappointed as Everton manager in January 2025, has acknowledged fan unrest regarding the squad’s state [6]. He has expressed commitment to unifying the club despite these challenges [5]. Key players like Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski, James Garner, and Kiernan Dewsbury Hall were all on the pitch during the Manchester United draw [7].
What it means
Everton currently sit 8th in the Premier League table with 5 points from 3 games, having won one and drawn two, scoring 5 goals and conceding 3. Their recent form shows a draw against Manchester United (2-2), a draw against AFC Bournemouth (1-1), and a win against Crystal Palace (2-0). This indicates a resilient start to the season, particularly the late equalizer against United. However, the preceding losses to Tottenham Hotspur (0-1) and Sunderland AFC (1-3) at the end of last season highlight inconsistencies. The next fixture sees Everton travel to Tottenham, a challenging match that will test the squad’s depth and resilience further.
Sources
- BBC Sport: After transfer worries, Everton have an unlikely new hero bbc.co.uk ↩
- The Guardian: Maitland-Niles stunner rescues late point for Everton against Manchester United theguardian.com ↩
- BBC Sport: Everton FC bbc.co.uk ↩
- Sky Sports: Everton latest: George was problem for Man Utd, he'll get better too, says Moyes skysports.com ↩
- BBC Sport: I've never spoken to Everton owner Friedkin - Moyes bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Man Utd result won't calm Everton fans - Moyes bbc.co.uk ↩
- The Guardian: Everton v Manchester United: Premier League – live theguardian.com ↩