Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Mon 16 March 2026 22:02, UK

David Moyes has often refused to utilise his fringe players at Everton, and a new statistic showing the impact that the Toffees’ substitutes have on games has validated the Scotsman.

Everton are currently battling for the European places this season, and despite their blip against Arsenal, they are still well within the race.

The Blues will feel unfortunate not to have got a point at the Emirates, as Gunners substitutes Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman secured a 2-0 win for the home side.

However, unlike Arsenal, they may have to rely on getting results through the rest of the season using the 11 players that Moyes picks to start in Everton’s games.

How many goals have Everton substitutes scored this season?

After 30 Premier League games, Everton are one of the worst teams in the top flight when it comes to players off the bench impacting games.

Moyes’ side have only scored three goals, culminating from a change in personnel on the pitch. According to Opta, this leaves the Merseyside club 19th, just one above Manchester City.

The Citizens have just one goal and one assist from their fringe players.

Overall, it is a pretty poor and damning statistic regarding the Everton squad. Those pushing to start for the Blues have seemingly not done much when given the chance to change games off the bench.

It puts into light the reason why players such as Tyler Dibling, Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George have struggled for minutes this season.

Everton need a squad overhaul, not just starting lineup improvements

There are areas of Everton’s starting lineup that would benefit from an increase in quality, but the fringe options should also be upgraded.

Having players who cannot be trusted to change the game on the bench is not a sustainable model. Many Premier League teams pick up points through the use of their substitutes.

At the moment, too many of those outside of the regular starting lineups fail to inspire confidence. If the Blues want to compete at the top of the Premier League, they need to improve their strength in depth.

It remains to be seen how far the Friedkin Group are willing to invest into this Everton team in the summer.

However, if European football is secured, you would expect the quality of depth to increase to match the two-games-a-week schedule.