“I liked bits of the performance” – David Moyes after first away win of the season | OneFootball

Everton picked up a 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium to secure six points from their first three matches of the Premier League 2025-26 season.

David Moyes, matching the great Howard Kendall’s record of 542 games as Everton coach, liked bits and pieces of the team’s performance as the Toffees showed glimpses of great attacking football.

"I liked bits of the performance,” Moyes said after the game.

“I still would have liked it to have been much better. We conceded two goals which I don't think were like us, the type of goals they were. They were a bit easy and not the things we work on and we're quite good at.

“So I was disappointed with that, a bit disappointed when we were 3-1 up that we didn't go and get the fourth goal, which we had three or four opportunities. But the answer to your question is, you know, we've come away from home with a really good win.”

Goals from Beto, Iliman Ndiaye, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ensured that the Blues returned to Merseyside with all three points. Jack Grealish also picked up two assists and, along with Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall, showed moments of flair and positive football.

"If we can entertain and be really good, great. If we can't, then I just want to win. That's what I want to do,” Moyes continued.

"Kiernan played very well today. So did many of them, but he'd done a really good job. So, you know, Jack's beginning to get some assists. He's looking a good player for us and really pleased to have him at the moment.

"The biggest compliment I can say about Jack is that he's even better than I thought he was."

In his pre-match press conference, Moyes was asked about his relationship with striker Beto. Dismissing concerns about a rift between the two following some criticism during the pre-season, the Everton boss, instead, spoke about the Guinea-Bissau international’s excellent attitude and willingness to learn.

After being on the bench in the last two matches against Brighton and Mansfield Town, Beto was given the opportunity to start against Wolves. He repaid the manager’s faith by scoring the opening goal and his holdup play looked better.

Pleased with Beto’s second goal in as many games as well as the healthy competition between him and summer signing Thierno Barry, Moyes said, "I'm going to change Beto and Barry around, I want to try to keep them fresh.”

"I wanted Barry to get some game time which he did do and he did a great job at Brighton, assisting the goals with his link-up play. But I just felt maybe Beto might have been the right one to come here and know a wee bit of their ground and what it might be like.

“But I need the two of them, we'll be firing, I need the two of them, we'll be scoring goals and we might chop and change them as we see at different times.

"But Beto's just got two goals now, got one in midweek, got one today. And that's what you need to do as a striker. You just need to keep getting the goals and he starts to get the numbers a lot bigger."

Everton will return to action with a clash against Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 13 September after the international break.

Reader Comments (23)

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James Marshall 1 Posted 31/08/2025 at 10:31:21

The look on Davey's face in the photo on this thread was enough for me. You can see the happiness and pride in his face and how it means something to him.

People always have plenty to say about the manager, and I was one of those who didn't want him back but it does somehow feel like the right decision - and he does understand what it means to be an Evertonian.

Obviously it won't last forever but right now, and for the first time in a long time it's all quite good fun for a change isn't it?

Scott Hamilton 2 Posted 31/08/2025 at 10:40:23

James, you’re right.

I can’t wait for the Villa game. I know the bubble could easily burst but with the talent we currently have I just feel that we can bounce back regardless. With new LB and RBs and Dibling up to speed, whisper it, but I think we could be world beaters!

(It’s the hope that kills you!)

UTFT!!!!!

Mick O'Malley 3 Posted 31/08/2025 at 10:46:18

It's good that we seem to be spreading the goals around a bit, we've got midfielders starting to score which hasn't been the case over the last few years, if KDH and Garner can get say a dozen between them, Ndaiye scoring on a regular basis as well, Grealish supplying and we've still got to introduce Dibling as well, I know it's early in the season but isn't it great not seeing us stranded at the bottom like previous seasons, keep up the good work Blues

Craig Scott 4 Posted 31/08/2025 at 10:52:12

I like the measured appraisal from the manager. Bits of it were good, very good in parts, but let’s not get carried away.

NSNO after all and we’ve still got to have a lot more consistent performances before we can say that we’re fulfilling that.

Andrew Merrick 5 Posted 31/08/2025 at 11:04:53

A feel good factor around the club is great for all concerned.My God what a difference from last year, this squad is still building, bonding, and forming.The new Everton will start to be looked on differently, more respect from the outside and more pride from within.If we can add just a bit more in this window we can set a marker down this season.

Sam Hoare 8 Posted 31/08/2025 at 11:56:12

I like the idea of swapping Barry and Beto around, it keeps them both hungry. They are obviously a similar mold of player but Barry offers more in terms of link up and little fluid touches here and there whereas Beto is probably better at getting in the box and getting opportunities. Hopefully they can manage 15+goals between them.

Stu Gre 9 Posted 31/08/2025 at 11:56:15

I've been highly critical of Moyes, but credit where credit is due - this is a lot more like it.

Grealish to score against Villa is definitely worth a punt.

Slightly worried about Tarks who seems off the pace a bit, but even Keane has been pleasantly surprising.

I'd love a cheaky little Gueye bid to scare the other lot.

Mihir Ambardekar 10 Posted 31/08/2025 at 11:56:58

Good game and 3 points. Defense should be stronger though as we have shipped 2 avoidable goals. Now lets strengthen the right back spot, sign a striker and defensive mid.

Bob Parrington 11 Posted 31/08/2025 at 12:02:36

Scott @ 2 Iike the positive emphasis you placed on the upcoming game with Villa. Great positive attitude there, mate! Onward and upward!!!!

Neil Lawson 12 Posted 31/08/2025 at 12:14:50

There is a sense of measured excitement which has been missing for too long. I hope Moyes really means it when he says we should have gone on to get more goals. That is a real sea change rather than hunkering down when ahead. We can now all look forward to a stress free fortnight of positivity. Long may it last but don't forget the new right back we need by midnight tomorrow.

Colin Glassar 13 Posted 31/08/2025 at 12:17:27

I agree with Moyes, for a change. First 60 minutes very good then the poor, and late substitutes, led us to squeaky bum time to finish the game hanging on. But the signs are very good.

Having watched the Wolves goals several times it’s clear that Keane is at fault for both. The first one he fails to cut out the cross, and the second one he’s unaware of who’s around him and myko is asleep at the helm.

Once Branthwaite is back those left sided mistakes will cease.

I also thought Gana wearing his long Johns was very distracting

Ian Wilkins 14 Posted 31/08/2025 at 12:57:26

I’m not convinced you can blame Keane for the two goals shipped. The first, the cross is whipped in first time from out wide on the line, we had more men in the middle just didn’t mark theirs.The second is down to Myko, it’s his ball he just doesn’t move and allows their man 5 yards behind him to get in front of him. That’s poor defending. We should have been out of sight by then. Several times we had an overload on their defenders but failed to make the right opening. Surely we practice this. Moyes is right, some pleasing aspects, some not so good. We really should add to this squad in next 24 hours, we have a better bench, but still got kids on it. We know we need a RB, defensive and midfield cover.

Even though the signs for the season looks good, I would still like to see a couple of signings.

We definitely need a new RB. While O'Brien is doing a good job it is not his natural position. I am not convinced by Patterson and we cannot rely on Seamus anymore.

I would also like to see a deputy for Gana as he will be away on the African tournament and is not getting any younger.

And as a sidebar, it is a No to Soucek as I just don't know where he would fit in the team and he is slow.

Rob Hooton 17 Posted 31/08/2025 at 17:05:08

I think Tarkowski is still finding his way back to fitness and is lacking confidence as a result. Hopefully he'll be up to speed for the Villa game. Once he gets going, he's usually okay.

Anybody know when Branthwaite is due back?

Andrew Ellams 18 Posted 31/08/2025 at 17:13:03

Rob, I think playing alongside Keane highlights the weaknesses in his game whilst Braithwaite's pace and better positioning covers for them more.

If we could find a right-footed Branthwaite, we'd be laughing.

Mike Gaynes 19 Posted 31/08/2025 at 17:32:39

Jack #7, thanks for my morning laugh.

Colin #13, Tarkowski and Mykolenko respectively were to blame. Definitely not Keane, who in my view had an excellent game.

Rob #17, agree, Tarkowski isn't fully fit after a summer of inactivity. I'm honestly surprised he returned as quickly as he did.

Colin Glassar 21 Posted 31/08/2025 at 20:25:55

Andrew #18, we have O’Brien.

Mike #19, I agree, Keane was solid but I think he was asleep for both goals

James #20, it’s about time we had some luck. Usually most decisions go against us

Right back is a mus t and a defensive midfielder to cover for Gana.I wanted a new forward as well, but now feel that we have enough players to share the goalscoring around. Also reckon with decent service Beto will reach double figures.

23 Posted 01/09/2025 at 03:09:20

Agree with most above that RB and DM (especially with AFCON) are the key positions to fill.I think Keane is playing well and Branthwaite is back, he probably should keep his place over tarks. Good to have some competition in that area too.I really like the new Moyes. He has obviously picked up a huge amount of experience since he left us originally but he also seems far more comfortable and open now. He says it like it is without being too defensive (no pun intended). Everything he is saying makes sense.