Everton’s transfer window might have accidentally given David Moyes the push he needs

Everton spent the final days of the window worrying about what they didn't have. Their first game afterwards offered a reminder of what they do have.

The build-up to Manchester United had been dominated by transfer window failings, owner unrest, and an almost collective lowering of seasonal optimism. 

There was an irony, then, that one of the players Everton did manage to bring through the door, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, stole the headlines.

Some had emptied out of the stands as stoppage time reached a sixth minute. For those who didn't, their faith was rewarded. David Moyes called Maitland-Niles' debut goal a 'big moment' for his side. There's no doubt it was narrative-changing.

For all the doom, gloom, and fan furore of the past week, Everton sit unbeaten after three games. A professional performance to beat Crystal Palace has been followed by stoppage-time rescue acts to earn draws with Bournemouth and Manchester United. Everton might lack numbers, but this squad does not appear to lack spirit. 

Moyes has insisted his squad will all need to muck in. Clearly, he wanted additions, but the window closed without them. There's no time to stew on that situation. Instead, he's publicly challenging the players he does have. There are suddenly very few passengers in this Everton squad.

Everton’s small squad could push David Moyes out of his comfort zone

Tyrique George looks to be a beneficiary of Everton's lack of numbers. After limited minutes last season, George is now getting meaningful opportunities - and he's not just filling a shirt. The 20-year-old caused countless problems against Manchester United, with a fiercely hit first Everton goal sure to send his confidence soaring.

In a bloated squad Moyes might have leaned more on experience, and his track record suggests that. Now, neither he nor Everton have that luxury. George's opportunity is evidence that necessity can sometimes force a manager out of his comfort zone.

The Friedkin Group's botching of the transfer window perhaps shows why there was never any internal noise around the manager's position. Moyes' reputation centres around being a safe pair of hands, and there is an argument he's well-equipped to handle this situation.

Some of the Scot's best teams have been built around a trusted core and an emphasis on reliability. Those previously resigned to peripheral roles now know they are injuries, fatigue or suspensions from regular football.

There is, of course, a fine line between the unity of a small squad and one that is simply short of options.

Everton did not spend the final days of the transfer window pursuing reinforcements for the sake of it. The demands of a Premier League season will eventually test the depth available.

Right now, the positive spin is to frame the situation as an opportunity. A couple of injuries in the same area of the pitch and it could quickly begin to look like a major weakness.

Suspensions will arrive, players will lose form and the schedule will become more demanding. Asking fringe players to step up is one thing; having no alternative but to rely on them is another.

Everton would undoubtedly have preferred to give Moyes more options before the window closed. There will almost certainly be moments this season when the failure to do so hurts.

But Moyes cannot spend the next four months worrying about the players he does not have. His challenge now is to make Everton's limitations work for him.

The early signs suggest there are players ready to embrace the opportunity. George is playing with increasing confidence, Maitland-Niles could hardly have announced himself more emphatically, and those previously on the fringes now know their chance might not be far away.

Everton spent deadline day looking elsewhere for solutions. Moyes might now have to discover a few from within.

 

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