David Moyes has refused to discuss European qualification for Everton despite their strong start to the Premier League season. The manager's stance comes after a 1-0 home win over Ipswich Town kept his side unbeaten after five matches.
Thierno Barry's 11th-minute goal, assisted by James Tarkowski, secured the three points at Goodison Park. That result leaves Everton seventh in the table with nine points from two wins and three draws, a position that has naturally sparked talk of a potential European push.
Moyes, however, is having none of it. "We are not using those words this year," he told reporters. "Not in front of you people, that's for sure, because we're still preparing ourselves and make sure we can do the best we can."
The manager's caution is rooted in last season's painful collapse. Everton were on course for a Champions League spot after a 3-0 win over Chelsea in March but then failed to win any of their final seven games, sliding to a 13th-place finish and narrowly missing out on Europe. Moyes admitted he enjoyed talking about the prospect last year, but the experience has taught him a lesson.
He also pointed to the significant squad overhaul he oversaw after arriving in January 2025, when he referenced the club being relegation material. Around a dozen new players were brought in during that period, and the team is still finding its rhythm.
Despite a defensive record that has seen five clean sheets in seven fixtures Moyes is deeply unhappy with his team's attacking play. Everton managed 21 shots against Ipswich but only two were on target, a statistic that frustrated the manager.
"If we're thinking 'we're doing a great job because we've gone a few games', no, the manager expects that," Moyes said. "I'm actually more disappointed that we aren't scoring more goals."
The departure of Beto and Iliman Ndiaye's move to Manchester City has left Thierno Barry as the only recognised senior striker. Barry now has five goals for the campaign, but the lack of depth and cutting edge is a clear issue.
Everton now enter the international break before returning to action away at Hull City on October 11. Later in October, they also have a Carabao Cup round of 16 tie at home to Newcastle. The current standings show Moyes's side just one point and one place above their next league opponents.
This story first appeared at sports.yahoo.com
