With more than two decades of Premier League management and 745 matches to his name, David Moyes understands better than most how to navigate the challenges of away fixtures in England’s top flight.
Since returning to Everton for a second spell 14 months ago, Moyes has overseen a remarkable improvement in the club’s performances on the road. In that time, Everton have won more away matches in the Premier League than any side except Arsenal.
The Toffees have not lost away from home since mid-December and arrive at the Emirates Stadium this weekend having won four of their last five away games. Their visit to north London raises an intriguing question: could Everton’s impressive away form disrupt the title race and potentially hand a lifeline to Arsenal’s closest challengers?
When Everton take to the pitch at the Emirates, it will mark 428 days since Moyes returned to the club with the team sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
Fast forward to the present and Everton begin the weekend in eighth place, only five points adrift of fifth — a position that could yet deliver qualification for the UEFA Champions League depending on European allocation rules.
For a club that recently endured points deductions and persistent relegation concerns, the possibility of European qualification represents a remarkable turnaround. While the new Hill Dickinson Stadium is being envisioned as a stage for continental nights, Everton’s surge up the table has been driven primarily by their performances away from home.
They have avoided defeat in nine of their last ten away matches and have suffered just one loss on the road since October.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes the team’s current form gives them a genuine chance of testing Arsenal’s title credentials.
A shock victory would also have wider implications for the title race. Should Manchester City win at West Ham United later on Saturday, they could move to within four points of the leaders while still holding a game in hand.
Osman suggested the psychological dynamic may have shifted compared with previous visits.
“In the past you might go there hoping to get something,” he said. “This season feels different. Arsenal are seven points clear at the top, but they know they must keep winning. This is not a straightforward fixture for them.”
Everton’s recent away form is particularly notable given their historically poor record at some of the league’s toughest venues.
Their 1–0 victory at Arsenal in 2021 remains their only league win in 29 visits to the Emirates. However, this season has seen the Toffees secure unlikely results at grounds where victories have traditionally been rare.
In November, Everton travelled to Manchester United having won just once at Old Trafford since 1992. Despite playing with ten men after Idrissa Gueye was dismissed, Moyes’ side held firm to claim a 1–0 victory — his first away win there since leaving the club.
They repeated the feat at Aston Villa in January, overcoming a team managed by Unai Emery that had won 11 consecutive home matches in all competitions.
Most recently, Everton secured another significant result by defeating Newcastle United at St James’ Park — a venue where the hosts had recently pushed FC Barcelona close in European competition.
For Osman, these results have reshaped expectations around Everton’s away fixtures.
“Looking at it now, Arsenal becomes an opportunity,” he said. “Everton will go there confident they can get something, and with very little pressure on them.”
Everton’s success away from home contrasts sharply with their more inconsistent form at Hill Dickinson Stadium this season. Much of that disparity stems from Moyes’ tactical structure, which is particularly effective in away environments.
Everton are comfortable playing without sustained possession. They average just 39.3% possession in away matches — the lowest figure of any Premier League side. Yet their defensive organisation has been outstanding: only Arsenal have conceded fewer goals and recorded more clean sheets on the road.
One of Everton’s most notable defensive strengths is their ability to handle set-pieces.
Arsenal have scored 21 of their 59 league goals this season from corners or free-kicks, making them one of the most dangerous teams in England from dead-ball situations. However, Everton remain the only Premier League side yet to concede a set-piece goal away from home this season.
Moyes himself enjoyed success at the Emirates during his previous stint with West Ham United in 2023. While repeating that result against an Arsenal side that has lost only once at home this campaign would be a significant upset, Osman believes Everton’s defensive structure gives them a realistic chance.
“They stop teams playing through the middle,” he explained. “They’re aggressive in central areas and force opponents wide. With multiple centre-backs who thrive on defending crosses, they’re very comfortable dealing with balls into the box.”
Long-range efforts are often the only alternative for opponents — a scenario Everton accept given the presence of England international goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
“When you have a goalkeeper playing at the level Pickford has for such a long time, you trust him,” Osman added.
Everton’s resilience away from home has also been supported by outstanding individual performances. Pickford, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye have all played influential roles in recent results.
However, Osman believes the player most deserving of recognition is James Garner.
The 24-year-old has been deployed at both full-back positions earlier this season but has excelled since returning to his natural role in central midfield. Garner leads Everton’s squad across several statistical categories, including touches, tackles, chances created and expected assists.
Osman described him as a rare modern midfielder capable of influencing every phase of play.
“He’s a throwback to the classic all-round midfielder,” he said. “He wants to defend, compete, drive forward and create chances. He sets the tone for Everton both in and out of possession.”
Garner’s performances have also sparked discussion about a potential call-up to the England national football team, now managed by Thomas Tuchel.
According to Osman, another strong display against an Arsenal midfield led by Declan Rice could further strengthen his case.
“I’d be amazed if he isn’t in the next England squad,” Osman said. “His form has been exceptional, and he offers versatility across multiple positions — something that becomes invaluable in tournament football.”
With Everton continuing to thrive away from home under Moyes, their visit to Arsenal could prove far more consequential than a typical league fixture. Whether they can maintain their remarkable away record may not only shape their own European ambitions, but also determine whether the Premier League title race remains alive heading into the final stretch of the season.
