Everton's Premier League Survival: Moyes Stresses Need For Continued Efforts Amid Recent Improvements

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David Moyes acknowledged that Everton still have work to do to secure their Premier League status, despite improved performances since his return. In their recent match against Manchester United, Everton led 2-0 at half-time with goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure but ended in a 2-2 draw. Moyes has guided the team to 14th place, yet he believes more effort is needed this season.

Brentford's recent away form has been impressive, as they defeated Leicester City 4-0, moving up to 11th in the standings. This victory marked their fourth consecutive away win in the top-flight, a first in their history. Thomas Frank attributes Brentford's improvement to solid defensive performances. "We actually consistently perform well at home," said Frank. "I know we haven’t won in the last few games, but there have been good performances."

Moyes expressed optimism about Everton's future but stressed the need for planning and preparation for another season in the league. "All the players will want their futures out and I understand," Moyes stated. "But I think this club has only just got its future sorted out and only recently got new owners in who are beginning to filter into the building." He emphasised that contract discussions would wait until safety is assured.

Bryan Mbeumo is a standout player for Brentford, having scored 36 of his 37 Premier League goals with his left foot (97%). Among players with over 30 goals, only Ashley Young has a higher percentage with one foot (98% right-footed). Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have both scored in the same match 17 times, including six this season.

For Everton, Beto has been notable by scoring first in three consecutive Premier League games. He joined Francis Jeffers, Nikica Jelavic, and Richarlison as players achieving this feat for Everton. Beto has scored in four straight Premier League matches; only Duncan Ferguson, Romelu Lukaku, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have done so five times consecutively for Everton.

Everton's Recent Form

Everton have kept clean sheets in three of their last four Premier League encounters against Brentford at Goodison Park. However, they conceded once in each of their away games against Brentford. The Toffees have won both of their last two away league matches after winning just one of their previous 21 (D8 L12).

Moyes aims to improve his record against Brentford as he has won one and lost five of his six Premier League meetings with them while managing West Ham from 2021 to 2024. His average points per game against Brentford is his lowest against any side.

Match Prediction: Brentford Win

Despite being winless in their last five Premier League matches against Everton (D2 L3), Opta’s data-led simulations favour Brentford for a win. From the start of the season until mid-December, Brentford had seven home wins and scored 26 goals at home but struggled afterward with just one point from five home games.

The Opta win probability suggests a 47% chance for Brentford to win, a draw at 24.8%, and an Everton victory at 28.2%. While Everton have shown resilience recently, especially defensively against Brentford at home, they face challenges on away grounds.