Everton's remarkable turnaround under David Moyes has transformed them into the Premier League's most in-form team since his January reappointment. When Moyes returned to Goodison Park on January 11, the club was precariously positioned just one point above the relegation zone with only three wins in 19 matches.
Fast forward to today, and the transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Merseyside club has accumulated 13 points under Moyes's leadership, matching Arsenal's tally as the highest in the league during this period. His impact is further emphasized by securing four wins in six league matches, surpassing his predecessor Sean Dyche's entire win count from 19 games.
"Everton have had a difficult period, but I certainly think there's light at the end of the tunnel now," Moyes told BBC Match of the Day following their latest 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace. The win has propelled Everton to a position 13 points clear of the relegation zone, with the possibility of a top-half finish now within reach as they sit just seven points below with 13 games remaining.
The revival under Moyes, who previously managed the club for 11 years between 2002 and 2013, has exceeded all expectations. Prior to his return, Everton had struggled offensively, scoring just 15 goals in 19 league matches - their fourth-lowest tally in history. Under Moyes's guidance, they've already netted 12 goals in just six games, demonstrating a remarkable offensive improvement.
This resurgence is particularly impressive considering the team's personnel crisis, with nine first-team players unavailable for the Crystal Palace match. Defender James Tarkowski attributes the improvement to Moyes's influence, telling Sky Sports, "Since the manager has come in we have definitely improved. Winning and scoring goals brings [the belief] back."
One player who exemplifies this transformation is striker Beto. The Guinea-Bissau forward has found his stride under Moyes, scoring four goals in three league games - matching his total from 42 matches under previous management. "I believe that I belong in the Premier League and I'm a Premier League player," Beto declared to Match of the Day, reflecting on his newfound confidence.
Moyes remains modest about the turnaround, stating, "I don't know if there's any secret. Sometimes in football you're given opportunities and you have to take your chance." He emphasizes the importance of the renewed connection between the team and its supporters, noting, "There's a much better togetherness with the supporters and the players. This is certainly a club which thrives off its support."
With Everton's trajectory now firmly upward, fans can increasingly look forward to watching Premier League football at their new stadium on Bramley Moore Dock next season, marking a new chapter in the club's storied history.
