David Moyes hailed Everton's dominant first-half performance as they secured a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park, marking his first win since returning to manage the club. The Toffees took control early in the match, scoring three goals before halftime, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin finding the net, Iliman Ndiaye adding another, and an own goal by Archie Gray giving Everton a commanding lead.
The game initially looked like it would be a straightforward victory for Everton, as they exploited Tottenham's defensive vulnerabilities. Moyes was particularly pleased with the team’s clinical performance in the opening 45 minutes. “Today we did a really good job, first half especially,” Moyes said after the match. “We scored three, maybe could have scored a couple more,” reflecting on his team's offensive prowess.
Tottenham, however, was far from finished. In the second half, Spurs responded with renewed energy, managing to pull two goals back through Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison. Despite the comeback threat, Everton held firm to secure the three points. The result was crucial for Moyes, who had been under pressure following a difficult start to his second spell at the club.
One of the standout performers was Calvert-Lewin, who scored his third league goal of the season. Moyes praised his contribution, saying, “I thought he was more of a handful for the centre-halves. He played more like a proper centre-forward.” Calvert-Lewin, who had struggled for goals earlier in the season, was visibly relieved to end his goal drought. “I am really pleased,” he told Sky Sports. “It has been a tough patch for myself.” He added that the win was important for both the team and the club, with defensive resilience playing a significant role in their success.
The victory was significant not just because of the three points but also because it marked the first time Everton had led by three or more goals at halftime in a Premier League match at home since February 2017. Moyes’ men showed that they could bounce back after a string of disappointing results and, with this win, they now look to build momentum as they continue their campaign. The victory also gives the team confidence, with Moyes expressing optimism about their chances going forward.
