Everton return to Premier League action on Sunday 4 January (3pm GMT) as Brentford visit Hill Dickinson Stadium, with David Moyes insisting the Blues are building the confidence and resilience needed to drive a stronger second half of the season.
Reflecting on Everton’s progress over the past year, Moyes pointed to how key results and performances in difficult moments have helped reshape the mentality inside the camp.
“What we’ve done at the moment is give ourselves a lot of lift, a lot of belief,” he said.
Resilience showing through
Moyes was particularly encouraged by the way Everton have continued to compete despite disruption and rotation, highlighting the strength of response from players who have faced challenging spells.
“It’s quite satisfying to see that there’s a resilience within the squad,” he said. “The midweek performance was excellent by so many of them.”
He also stressed that Everton’s level has been improving across recent matches, even when results have not always reflected the overall performance.
“In a way I’m not surprised that we’re playing better,” Moyes added, acknowledging that the side still need to turn strong spells into more goals.
Squad availability: careful management continues
On the fitness front, Moyes confirmed Everton are still working through a demanding period in terms of availability, with selection shaped by who can safely be pushed back into training.
He did, however, indicate there is optimism around Michael Keane potentially being involved, depending on how he responds in the final checks.
More broadly, Moyes underlined that Everton have often had to adapt without key figures at various points, yet the squad has continued to find solutions.
Brentford next: another serious test
Everton now face a Brentford side that remain well-organised and difficult to break down, and Moyes expects a game that demands Everton’s best habits, not just good intentions.
“We had a plan… an idea how the game was going to go,” he said, stressing the importance of preparation matching the intensity of the Premier League challenge.
January window: targeted, not scattergun
Moyes also reiterated Everton’s approach to the transfer window, making it clear the club will only move for the right player, rather than adding numbers for appearances’ sake.
“We’re still looking to see what’s out there,” he said. “I think we’d only be a loan in the main… there’s no point in just stockpiling the players.”
And if Everton do strengthen, Moyes wants it to be meaningful.
“I would only want to bring in a striker if I think it’s an improvement on what we’ve got… if we don’t think it’s better, then we won’t do it.”
“Keep the players believing”
For Moyes, the task now is to keep pushing the group forward, one performance at a time, while the belief continues to grow.
“I have to try and keep the players believing and trusting,” he said.
Everton will look to take that confidence into Sunday, aiming to make Hill Dickinson Stadium a demanding place for any visitor and set the tone for the weeks ahead.
