David Moyes and Dan Friedkin side-by-side, with Hill Dickinson Stadium behind them

David Moyes and Dan FriedkinBreaking Media

Why Friedkin Group should be ashamed as brutal Everton reality summed up in new photo

Assistant Editor AUTHORITY Senior editor and writer responsible for daily news flow, editorial standards, and active contribution across the site network. FOCUS Editorial oversight, newsroom workflow, verified reporting, and original content. THE BRIEF Former Sports Mole correspondent Daniel manages the network’s daily output, working between reporters and experts to ensure accuracy and speed. As a senior contributor, he also writes and publishes original content across the network.

Published on:

23 Sep 2026, 11:10 am

Everton fans have just about calmed down following the dreadful conclusion to the summer transfer window.

As has been well documented now, Everton let Beto depart without bringing in a replacement after a deal for Folarin Balogun broke down.

Jack Grealish did arrive on loan, but that was offset by the exit of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City on a permanent deal.

And so it leaves David Moyes with just one striker in Thierno Barry and a threadbare squad in general up until January.

Thankfully, a strong start to the season under Moyes has ensured the anger aimed towards the Friedkin Group has calmed down.

But the emergence of a new image has highlighted just how bad the situation is at Finch Farm.

Everton squad photo at Finch Farm says it all

A number of Everton players have now headed off on international duty.

Jarrad Branthwaite is among Everton's internationals heading around the world over the next few weeks.

Prior to jetting off, though, the entire squad came together for the annual group photo.

The image, shared via Everton on their socials on Tuesday, highlights just how small the squad is.

Take away Moyes and his coaches and there are just 21 players present - three of those goalkeepers.

As one joked in the comments, a wide-angle camera was not exactly needed for this one.

The Toffees. ✊🔵 pic.twitter.com/kZsEdoCErC
— Everton (@Everton) September 22, 2026

So far it has worked out well for Moyes in a way, as he has used this siege mentality to his advantage.

And it may well be that Moyes is deploying a tactic to ensure this strategy works until the winter window.

David Moyes shares what he could do with Charly Alcaraz to solve Everton problem

Where do Everton rank in 'running stats' table?

You never want to read too much into individual statistics.

However, it is pretty telling that Everton only have one player - Harrison Armstrong - who has covered more than 60kilometres in the Premier League so far this season.

The Toffees as a team rank 12th in the Premier League.

Moyes is effectively getting his players to conserve their energy, knowing how detrimental even one injury layoff could be to his side, let alone multiple absentees.

It is a smart approach and one that should ensure Everton continue to remain competitive for a while longer yet.

Iliman Ndiaye