Are Moyes and Everton's owners on the same page?

David Moyes, a seasoned manager with over 1,200 matches under his belt, returned to his roots by leading Everton against Preston in the Carabao Cup. This was Moyes' belated first return to Preston, where he began his managerial career 24 years ago. The match brought cheers from the Preston crowd before and after Everton's dominant performance.

Moyes reminisced about his time at Preston, recalling how he rebuilt Deepdale during his tenure. His current role at Everton is different, but he still demonstrated his ability to extract the best from players with imperfections. Thierno Barry, a striker Moyes signed in 2025, delivered a hat-trick, marking his first in English football. Barry's performance highlighted Moyes' talent for building a strong team.

Brennan Johnson, who joined Everton from Crystal Palace for a £35 million fee, made a significant impact in his second outing. His goal and assist showcased the potential of a player who had struggled in his previous clubs. Johnson's arrival had a positive effect on Everton's transfer market reputation.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's contributions were pivotal in the match. His accurate through balls and goals were crucial to Barry's hat-trick. Dewsbury-Hall's performance demonstrated why he is part of Moyes' long list of talented signings. The match also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong squad, as Tyler Dibling, despite his £35 million price tag, did not make a significant impact.

David Moyes' influence at Preston was significant, with the club having won at Goodison Park during his time there. Moyes' recognition in Preston, including having his picture on the wall of the Greats' Room, further emphasized his impact on the club. This victory was a day of triumph for Everton, with Moyes' guidance leading the team to success.