The National Times - Moyes 'under no illusions' after defeat on Everton return

Moyes 'under no illusions' after defeat on Everton return


Moyes 'under no illusions' after defeat on Everton return
Moyes 'under no illusions' after defeat on Everton return / Photo: © AFP

David Moyes said he had witnessed the scale of the task he faces to keep Everton in the Premier League after a dismal 1-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Change text size:

In the first match of Moyes' second spell at Goodison Park, Ollie Watkins scored the only goal to continue the Toffees barren streak in front of goal.

A run of no wins and just one goal in his last five games in charge cost Sean Dyche his job as Everton boss.

Defeat leaves Everton, who have not dropped out of the top flight for 71 years, just one point and two places above the relegation zone.

"I've got no illusions of the job I've to do. We couldn't score a goal tonight again," said Moyes.

"We've got to show an awful lot more quality on the ball and play better with the ball.

"I've told the players that. We just didn't play well enough and didn't retain the ball as well as we should have done."

Moyes had previously said he backed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score the goals to get Everton out of trouble.

However, the former England international wasted a big chance to equalise in stoppage time as his wait for a goal since the sides last met in September goes on.

"I've said to Dom to see if he can get himself in goalscoring positions. I think he can show everybody that he's a really hard-working centre-forward," added Moyes.

"He had a pretty big miss at the end which was probably the big chance for him. Overall, we got our opportunities, they didn't get many at all either. We just didn't quite finish it."

Victory lifts Villa up to seventh and within three points of the top four.

And Unai Emery was pleased to end a wait since October for an away win in the Premier League.

"This victory is very important. We have started the year winning at home, in the Premier League and in the FA Cup. Away, we were in a bad spell and had to break it," said the Spaniard.

"To get three points here is very difficult and we're very happy."

F.Lim--TNT

Featured

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (NCJSHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring four individuals for their athletic achievements and community contributions. The organization will celebrate the new class during its 19th Annual Induction Dinner Gala on November 22 at the Olympic Golf Club in South San Francisco.

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Change text size: