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Sun 24 May

‘We need more players’, David Moyes reflects on Everton defeat to Tottenham

Shumail SajidShumail Sajid· Updated
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  • David Moyes has demanded an improved squad in the summer transfer window
  • Everton ended the season without a win in their last seven games
  • Tottenham edged past Everton 1-0 to secure Premier League status

Everton ended their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham. What looked like a promising campaign after the Chelsea3-0 win ended up without a win in the last 7 games, effectively ending any hope of an improved season or European qualification.

Spurs needed just a point to avoid their first relegation since 1977 and Joao Palhinha’s first‑half goal from a corner proved enough to save them. The defeat left Everton in 13th place with 49 points. This is the same position as last season for Everton, and just a point more to show for any improvement over the previous campaign.

David Moyes spoke to BBC Match of the Day after the game, offering an honest assessment of the performance, the squad’s limitations and a final tribute to Seamus Coleman.

David Moyes: ‘We were incredibly resilient but not great’

David Moyes was frank about his side’s display. “I didn’t think it was a great performance from us, the second half was probably better, we had around 20 minutes at the end where we created opportunities.”

He praised the team’s defensive resolve despite the defeat. “We were incredibly resilient not to buckle under early pressure, though. We gave away a lot of free kicks and that meant we had to defend a lot – the goal came from a corner kick.”

Everton have now gone seven Premier League games without a win, equaling their joint-longest winless run under David Moyes. In the last 18 points on offer, the Toffees took just two.

At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a lacklustre Everton never looked likely to take anything from the game after missing out for Europe even before the game.

David Moyes demands a strong summer transfer window

When asked about the season’s struggles, Moyes pointed to the squad’s lack of depth. “We need more players. I’ve seen it more in the last few weeks. I don’t want to make excuses, but also some decisions have gone against us.”

The numbers back him up. Only 22 players made an appearance for Everton in the Premier League this season, which is the joint‑fewest for the Toffees in a single campaign in the competition, level with 1993-94 and 2004-05. That thin squad was stretched even further by injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite, Jack Grealish and Idrissa Gana Gueye in the run‑in.

‘I don’t think there has ever been better value for money’

The match marked the end of Seamus Coleman’s Everton career. The Irishman, signed for just £60,000 from Sligo Rovers, made his final appearance as a substitute. Coleman leaves having made 435 appearances for Everton, entering the club’s top 10 all‑time list. David Moyes paid a heartfelt tribute to the outgoing captain.

“I don’t think there has ever been better value for money – someone might tell me otherwise. Having longevity and being a one-club man is very rare and he deserves a lot of credit.”

Everton’s season ends in yet another mid‑table mediocrity. But as Moyes acknowledged, the summer ahead must bring reinforcements.

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Shumail Sajid is a dedicated and expert writer covering various teams, most recently, Everton, with a keen eye for team developments, match analysis, and the latest news. With three years of experience as a football writer, he provides interesting, insightful coverage that resonate with fans. Beyond writing, he is a passionate football follower, frequently attending matches and exploring football culture. Follow his work for in-depth yet fan-friendly analysis, and feel free to share your thoughts, even if you disagree! Connect with him on @shumail1434 on X

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