David Moyes gives brutal Everton verdict after defeat in first match back

David Moyes suffered defeat on his return to Everton, with the new manager confessing the club’s financial issues are clear to see when you analyse the state of the squad

David Moyes admitted Everton’s financial issues have “played their part on the pitch” after his Goodison Park return was ruined by Aston Villa.

The ex-Toffees boss has returned for a second stint with the Toffees, replacing Sean Dyche as the Merseyside outfit look to steer themselves clear of the drop. Moyes initially left the club back in 2013, to take the Manchester United job, with Everton often struggling during that time.

The Friedkin Group completed their takeover last month, ending Farhad Moshiri’s controversial spell amid several financial issues. And Moyes claimed the funds, or lack of, have manifested themselves on the pitch with Everton short of quality and just a point above the relegation zone.

Villa secured a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park as Moyes was dealt a harsh reality check about the task that faces him following his return to management.

He told the BBC : “You can definitely see over the years that the financial situation has played its part on the pitch and that’s the outcome. All the supporters are aware of that.

January presents the final chance for Everton to bolster their ranks and Moyes is desperate to do so. He added: “I think it’s really important if we can add some of that quality and give the players a little lift as well. The crowd were good but I can sense them saying ‘we’ve seen a lot of this before, we need to see something else’.”

Everton’s need to add, especially in attacking areas, could be increased with Moyes admitting Armando Broja may well have his loan spell cut short. The Chelsea star has suffered a serious injury and could now return to west London.

Everton are reportedly trying to sign Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah. Talks remain ongoing with Nuamah close to joining the Toffees in the summer, only for the deal to fall flat as time ran out.

On the loss to Villa, which means Everton are now without a win in six games, Moyes said: “There was very little in the game, they had a couple of chances which we were fortunate with. We needed a better control of the game, a better level of possession. We didn’t deliver at set pieces and we had six or seven corners and a good chance at the end. The game was really tight, just a slight lax allowed them to score.”

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