Everton's Away Day Joy Contrasts with Home Struggles at New Stadium
Following a dramatic 2-1 victory at Fulham's Craven Cottage, Everton's players and supporters shared a memorable journey back to Liverpool on Saturday evening. The atmosphere aboard the 20.12 train from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street was electric, with fans in full voice throughout the trip. Manager David Moyes and his squad, travelling in the second carriage, absorbed the celebrations as they reflected on another crucial away triumph.
"It was brilliant on the train going back because we knew what it meant," Moyes revealed. "If you're an away supporter and you put your money and your effort into getting to all the games, it's a thrill when your team get results. And we did, we got it pretty late again."
Impressive Away Record Under Moyes
The win at Fulham represents Everton's sixth Premier League away victory this season. Since Moyes returned to the club in January 2025, the Toffees have secured 11 wins from 22 league matches on the road. This impressive tally surpasses their total from the previous three and a half seasons combined, marking a significant transformation in their travelling fortunes.
Moyes emphasised the importance of rewarding the dedication shown by Everton's away following: "I think part of the job here is to actually give the Evertonians something to shout about and the away supporters have probably had it a bit better than the home ones. We need the home ones to give us everything which the away supporters are giving us as well."
The Home Form Conundrum at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Despite their impressive away performances, Everton have encountered difficulties at their magnificent new £800 million Hill Dickinson Stadium. The team has managed just four wins from twelve league games at their new home, with their last victory coming against Nottingham Forest on 6 December. Recent opportunities to build on away successes against Brentford, Wolves, and Leeds all ended in disappointment.
The arrival of an improving Bournemouth side on Tuesday presents another chance for Everton to address their home form. Moyes acknowledges the challenge while questioning some of the narratives surrounding their stadium adaptation: "We've got bigger spaces at the new stadium, the pitch size won't be that much different, but it does have a bit of an effect on how it feels. It feels much more spacious, the pitch and the area. It's difficult to explain but I'm trying to come up with reasons for it."
Tactical Adjustments and European Ambitions
Moyes has implemented a more adventurous approach at home, typically deploying two wingers in an attempt to entertain supporters. "We are certainly more adventurous at home because, if you think about it, we've played most of the season with two wingers and there has been a change in the last year," he explained. "We've tried to give the supporters something else if we can and we've been more open in transition but in the main it has worked well for us."
The manager remains ambitious about Everton's potential, regularly stating that European qualification should be a realistic target this season. A victory against Bournemouth would see Everton leapfrog Liverpool and Brentford into sixth position, strengthening their European credentials.
"I think Everton should be kicking around those places, I really do," Moyes asserted. "All the years they were not, I think they were wasted years. Everton should be attempting to be that. We might not be good enough to be there, we might be short of it, but I have been trying to make Everton more positive."
Changing Perceptions and Building Momentum
Moyes revealed his surprise at the number of players who rejected Everton during the summer transfer window due to the club's inability to offer European football. The financial difficulties and relegation battles of the Farhad Moshiri era had damaged Everton's reputation among potential signings.
Reflecting on his experience with European competition at West Ham, Moyes highlighted its transformative impact: "Looking back now I think: 'My goodness, those years in Europe made some difference to West Ham as a football club.' Some difference to the finances, the way people see it."
As Everton prepare for their crucial home fixture against Bournemouth, Moyes remains determined to establish a positive mentality throughout the club: "I am too old to sit here and say I'm just going to try and keep us away from the bottom of the league. I have to set the bar high and I want the players to believe that we've got a chance of doing it, and they do."
