'Would Everton missing Europe raise questions over Moyes? Very unlikely'

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Two games left and, while Everton aren't in pole position for Europe, there is still a chance they can qualify. Some might see a mid-table finish as a disappointment this time, but that maybe shows how much David Moyes has raised the aspirations in a relatively short space of time.

Before Moyes returned, Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines visited him at home to push him to take the manager's job. He told me they were ultimately why he agreed to come back after Coleman said: "You'd be able to fix it."

The Blues were a point off the relegation zone when he arrived in the middle of January 2025 and he closed the season 23 points clear of trouble. Before last month's Merseyside derby, Moyes was happy to talk up Everton's European chances, but the late defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium left him feeling frustrated. The game against Liverpool also started a three-game run when Everton conceded in additional time and they dropped vital points.

So would a scenario of Everton not getting into Europe this time raise questions over the job Moyes is doing? It would be very unlikely. I understand there is no pressure from inside the club on the manager and there's a feeling he is absolutely the right man for the job.

The Toffees aren't out the running for Europe and Moyes has managed to keep the chase on despite losing star defender Jarrad Branthwaite for the majority of the season. Had he been fit for the final run of fixtures, you have to wonder if those late goals conceded would have happened.

Moyes has also navigated the season without Jack Grealish since mid-January. The midfielder had six assists up to his foot injury, the same number as Liverpool's and of have today.