With 745 matches managed in his career, David Moyes possesses vast experience in navigating the demands of the Premier League. Since the 62-year-old returned for a second spell on Merseyside 14 months ago, Everton have developed into one of the division’s strongest travelling sides. During that period, only Arsenal have collected more victories away from home.
With 745 matches managed in his career, David Moyes possesses vast experience in navigating the demands of the Premier League. Since the 62-year-old returned for a second spell on Merseyside 14 months ago, Everton have developed into one of the division’s strongest travelling sides. During that period, only Arsenal have collected more victories away from home.
When Everton take the field at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, it will be 428 days since Moyes resumed control, with the club sitting just one point above the relegation zone. The improvement since then has been striking. Everton enter the weekend in eighth position and only five points behind fifth place.
That spot could potentially bring Champions League qualification, underlining how dramatic the club’s progress has been. Not long ago Everton were dealing with points deductions and battling to avoid relegation, making their current position particularly notable.
While the Hill Dickinson Stadium is expected to host big European occasions in the future, Everton’s steady rise up the table has been driven largely by their ability to secure results away from home.
Everton approach their trip to north London in impressive travelling form. The Toffees have avoided defeat in nine of their last 10 away matches and have suffered only one loss on the road since October.
Recent performances have been especially encouraging. Moyes’ side have won four of their last five away fixtures, highlighting the consistency they have found when playing outside Merseyside.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes that run will give the team belief when facing the league leaders. Instead of approaching the match cautiously, he suggests the visitors will feel capable of competing strongly.
Osman noted that the pressure may actually rest with Arsenal. Sitting seven points clear at the top, the leaders know that every match carries importance, particularly with rivals ready to close the gap.
A positive result for Everton could influence the shape of the title race. If Moyes’ side were to secure a surprise victory in north London, Manchester City would have the opportunity to cut the gap to four points.
City face West Ham United later the same evening and also have a match in hand, meaning any slip by Arsenal could quickly tighten the contest at the top of the standings.
Osman believes Everton’s current mentality is different from previous seasons. Instead of hoping to escape with a point, the team now travels with genuine confidence that they can challenge opponents.
According to him, Arsenal will be fully aware that Everton are not an easy opponent and that the visitors are capable of producing a difficult evening.
Historically, Everton have struggled at the Emirates. Their 1-0 victory there in 2021 remains their only Premier League win in 29 attempts at the ground.
However, this season has seen the Toffees produce strong displays at several challenging stadiums. One of those came in November at Old Trafford.
Before that encounter Everton had won only once there since 1992. Despite Idrissa Gueye being sent off in unusual circumstances, Moyes’ side held firm to secure a 1-0 victory.
Another notable triumph arrived at Villa Park in January. Aston Villa had won their previous 11 home matches in all competitions and were third in the table, yet Everton still managed to leave with all three points.
The Toffees continued their travelling success in their latest away outing. Everton defeated Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
That victory was particularly impressive given Newcastle had recently pushed Barcelona close in a Champions League match at the same venue.
Results like these have strengthened Everton’s confidence when visiting top teams. Osman believes the trip to Arsenal can now be viewed as an opportunity rather than an intimidating fixture.
He also pointed out that Everton can approach the match with little pressure, allowing them to focus on executing their game plan.
Everton’s strong away record contrasts with their more difficult performances at Hill Dickinson this season. Moyes’ tactical strategy appears especially effective when his team plays as visitors.
The side is comfortable operating without dominating possession. In fact, Everton record the lowest average possession in away matches among Premier League clubs at 39.3%.
Despite seeing less of the ball, they remain extremely organised defensively. Only Arsenal have conceded fewer goals and recorded more clean sheets in away games this season.
That discipline has allowed Everton to frustrate opponents while waiting for opportunities to strike.
A particularly important aspect of Everton’s defensive work is their organisation at set plays. Arsenal have scored 21 of their 59 league goals this season from corners or free-kicks.
Yet Everton stand out as the only Premier League side that has not conceded from a set-piece in away matches during the current campaign.
Osman explained that Moyes’ team focuses on protecting the central areas of the pitch. They apply pressure in midfield and frequently allow opponents to move the ball wide.
With at least three centre-backs usually forming the defensive core, Everton are well equipped to deal with crosses delivered into the penalty area.
Opponents may attempt shots from distance, but the team trusts Jordan Pickford to handle those efforts thanks to his consistent performances.
While Everton’s defensive organisation has been central to their success, individual players have also made important contributions. Pickford, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye have all delivered strong performances.
However, Osman believes James Garner deserves special recognition for his displays this season. The 24-year-old has appeared at both right-back and left-back but has recently excelled in his natural midfield role.
Statistically, Garner leads Everton in several key categories, including touches, tackles, chances created and expected assists.
Osman described him as a traditional box-to-box midfielder who contributes defensively while also helping to create attacking opportunities.
Garner’s influence has grown to the point where Osman considers him one of the most important players in Moyes’ side. His ability to impact matches in multiple ways makes him central to Everton’s approach.
The former Everton midfielder also believes Garner’s performances could earn him a place in the England squad.
Facing Arsenal’s Declan Rice in midfield offers another chance for the Everton player to demonstrate his quality.
Osman suggested that Garner’s current form places him among the best performers in his position and that his versatility would be valuable for tournament squads.
