Everton travel to Craven Cottage this weekend with David Moyes encouraged by the character his side showed last time out, but still pushing for sharper attacking intent and more consistency from his developing wide players.
The Everton manager admitted it was “a great feeling” to score late in the game recently, at a moment when it looked as if his team might leave with nothing. Moyes described it as a “big moment” and an “important point”, not just for the emotion of the equaliser, but for what it said about the mentality of his squad.
Moyes’ main takeaway was simple: Everton have to stay alive in matches. He felt his side were “never out the game”, even after conceding first, and insisted that continuing to “stick in the games” gives Everton a chance to create a moment, even when it feels like the opportunities are fading.
That resilience now gets tested against a Fulham side who are typically well organised at home, capable of controlling spells of possession and turning sustained pressure into chances. Everton will need to defend their box with discipline and then make their attacks count when the moments arrive, especially if the match settles into one of the tight, tactical battles both teams have seen plenty of this season.
McNeil situation addressed: “He’s fine”
Moyes was asked about Dwight McNeil following the emotional reaction around a move that fell through. He made two points clearly: he does not use social media, and he has spoken to the player directly.
“He’s fine,” Moyes said, adding there is “no problem at all.”
While Moyes acknowledged the wider importance of mental health, his football message was that players have to reset quickly when circumstances change, and the focus now is firmly on the next match.
A challenge to Everton’s young wide players
One of the strongest themes from Moyes’ media round was his demand for more from Everton’s younger attacking options.
Asked what a player should think if Everton sign another 19-year-old in their position, Moyes’ answer was blunt: it should spark urgency.
“I’d be thinking I better get my finger out,” he said, framing competition as a reality at the top level rather than an inconvenience.
Moyes spoke about Taylor as a quiet character who may need time to settle, but he suggested there have been encouraging signs recently, including “little glimpses” of improvement and a growing sense of edge. Moyes even welcomed the idea that the youngster is beginning to “get angry”, describing it as a useful sign of a player starting to demand more from himself.
He also referenced the importance of being direct, committing defenders, and producing the output Everton expect, whether that comes through driving at opponents, creating chances, or adding goals.
Moyes also noted the relationship between Tyreek and Taylor, pointing out they know each other well from youth football environments and suggesting that connection can help both players.
Beto form and Barry progress give Moyes options
Up front, Moyes sounded upbeat about Beto, saying the striker has been “good” and highlighting his strong relationship with the supporters. Moyes also referenced the period last season when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was injured and Everton needed someone to step up with goals, crediting Beto for answering that call.
Moyes also spoke positively about Barry, pleased that Everton’s forwards are starting to contribute more regularly. The manager’s sense was that the team is “edging forward”, and that if the strikers keep adding goals, it changes the feel of Everton’s performances and results.
Transfers: “Never really got that close”
Moyes also played down talk of Adam leaving, saying interest never turned into anything concrete. He did acknowledge that a separate move involving “Patto” was “really close” before ultimately falling through late on.
Fulham test: control, patience, and key moments
From an Everton perspective, Fulham away is often a match that rewards patience. The hosts can keep the ball well and build pressure, while Everton under Moyes are increasingly focused on staying compact, staying in contact with the game, and trusting that a decisive moment will arrive.
That sets the tone for Saturday: Fulham will want to make it a home performance built on control and territory; Everton will want to make it a contest of discipline, timing and end product.
For Moyes, the objective is clear. Keep the resilience, keep the belief, but add more punch. In his own words, Everton have to keep going to the end.
