Everton’s Defensive Record Praised By Alan Smith: Can Moyes Solve Their Goal Problem?

Everton’s Defensive Record Praised By Alan Smith: Can Moyes Solve Their Goal Problem? Everton have given their fans plenty of reasons for optimism after reaching the October international break unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions. David Moyes has established a disciplined side, and former England striker Alan Smith believes the manager deserves considerable recognition for that progress. Alan Smith highlights Moyes’ defensive work at Everton Speaking to the Liverpool Echo , Smith praised Moyes for building a strong foundation, particularly through the central defensive partnership between James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite. He described the duo as a “brilliant platform” for the team, highlighting their importance to Everton’s improved performances. The statistics make his assessment difficult to dispute. Everton have recorded five clean sheets in their opening seven matches in all competitions, while their latest Premier League victory against Ipswich Town continued their unbeaten sequence. Thierno Barry scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium, although the result required another disciplined defensive display. Everton struggled to turn their attacking opportunities into additional goals, but their organisation helped them protect the advantage. Smith believes that defensive resilience could become essential throughout the campaign because he doesn’t see Everton as a team with an abundance of goals. “David Moyes deserves lots of credit.” “They’re a tough nut to crack, which they need to be, because I don’t think they’ve got loads of goals in them,” he said. His assessment raises a genuine question about Everton’s attacking potential. Can Everton maintain their progress without improving their attacking output? LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: David Moyes, Manager of Everton during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) There are encouraging signs that Everton can offer more going forward than Smith’s assessment suggests. Against Ipswich, Moyes’ side registered 21 shots, their highest total in a Premier League match since the beginning of last season. Barry’s opening goal took a deflection, but the attacking pressure created the opportunity. Everton even thought they had scored again through Barry before officials ruled out the effort for Johnson’s offside interference. The French striker has already shown promise, including his Carabao Cup hat-trick against Preston North End. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Dibling offer Moyes additional attacking options, although consistent end product remains essential. Moyes has even explored alternative solutions, with Merlin Röhl offering another option at right-back as the manager considers different ways to improve his team’s balance. In my opinion, Smith’s criticism deserves attention, but Everton shouldn’t abandon their defensive approach to chase more goals. Five clean sheets from seven matches provide an excellent foundation, particularly for a side still developing their attacking combinations. However, Moyes needs Barry and his supporting attackers to become more clinical. Everton cannot expect Tarkowski, Branthwaite and Jordan Pickford to rescue every narrow result. Their defence can keep them competitive, but better finishing must turn that resilience into victories against stronger opposition.