Everton face major test as David Moyes seeks improvement despite unbeaten start

Everton have made an encouraging start to the 2026/27 Premier League season, sitting fifth with ten points from six matches and remaining unbeaten.

However, despite their impressive league position, questions are emerging over David Moyes's tactics, team selections and whether the Toffees can maintain their results against stronger opposition.

Everton have also progressed to the fourth round of the League Cup, but their performances have not always matched their results.

According to Opta, the Toffees have accumulated 8.8 expected points, placing them eighth in the underlying rankings rather than their current fifth position.

Everton's main concern is whether their midfield can provide enough control while creating chances for their forwards. Barry's ten missed big chances underline the attacking problem, but Moyes also faces decisions over how best to use his wide players.

Those issues could become more significant against Chelsea and Arsenal, when Everton may have fewer opportunities to score and less time on the ball.

Meanwhile, Jack Grealish, James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have struggled to consistently influence matches.

Defensively, the decision to move Jarrad Branthwaite to left-back in Vitalii Mykolenko's absence has left questions about the team's balance.

Everton now face a demanding sequence of matches that could reveal more about their progress under Moyes.

Chelsea visit Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday before the Toffees travel to reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.

A League Cup meeting with Newcastle United follows on 29 October, before Everton face the Magpies again in the league on 2 November.

Frank Lampard's Coventry City then visit three days later.

The schedule will test Everton's limited squad depth, particularly with several players still working towards full fitness.

Christian Norgaard's return could provide a midfield boost, while Mykolenko's recovery would allow Branthwaite to return to his preferred central defensive role.

Despite the concerns, Everton remain unbeaten and have established a promising platform.

The challenge for Moyes is ensuring his side's performances improve before their difficult fixture schedule begins.

Everton host Chelsea on Saturday before travelling to Arsenal. With five demanding fixtures approaching, Moyes must find greater consistency while managing injuries and a relatively small squad.