Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Mon 18 May 2026 20:10, UK

Everton have blown their chances of securing a European spot via the Premier League in recent weeks, with David Moyes’ side now winless in six matches.

Before the international break in March, the Toffees had put themselves in a fantastic position in the Premier League, taking control of their European ambitions ahead of the final stretch.

However, those hopes took a huge hit, with defeats to Liverpool, West Ham and Sunderland, along with draws against Brentford, Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

As a result, the Blues sit 12th in the league with one match to go.

Mathematically, there is still a chance of finishing eighth, though it remains extremely unlikely – and Everton have only themselves to blame.

Concerning numbers highlight serious depth issues for Everton

When it is considered that the Toffees were at one point fighting for Europe, there has been some form of progress.

However, the squad itself has not actually improved that much since the relegation worries of yesteryear.

Following the 3-1 loss to Sunderland in the final home match of the campaign, the numbers in terms of minutes played.

Out of any side in the division, Everton are the club with the most players to 2,500 minutes or more across the season.

By using the fewest players in the league and making just 123 substitutions, Moyes has relied heavily on a core group.

As a result, Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Jake O’Brien, Vitalii Mykolenko, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Garner and Iliman Ndiaye have all racked up more than 2,500 minutes.

Alongside that, the Toffees have contested and won the most duels in the league, with totals of 4,053 and 2,102 respectively.

The fact is that Moyes has had to rely on a razor-thin squad to play a more physical style – something that appears to have caused them to fade towards the end.

Everton depth is something that must be fixed

The current Everton squad is more than capable at Premier League level, though there will always be a ceiling if the manager only feels comfortable using 23 members of his squad.

Alongside that lack of depth, several of last summer’s signings have not hit the ground running. Tyler Dibling and Merlin Rohl have racked up only limited minutes, while Thierno Barry has disappointed since his big-money move from Villarreal.

As mentioned, the current squad is capable, but the view should be that many of these players will be facing rotational roles in the coming years.

By improving the first team, the depth improves as a result, meaning Moyes will be able to call upon some of his current crop from the bench.

However, after wasting money on Barry and Dibling in particular last summer, Everton have to get their recruitment right.

Otherwise, Moyes may be left to continue calling upon the current squad that has let Europe slip out of its hands this term.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.