- Moyes confirms Beto ruled out due to a concussion
- The Everton boss says that he feels for his former club
- West Ham game will be Moyes’ 750th in the Premier League.
Everton travel to the London Stadium on Saturday to face a West Ham side fighting for their Premier League survival. The Hammers sit 17th in the table, just two points above rivals Tottenham with five matches remaining.
David Moyes’ former club have kept back‑to‑back clean sheets for the first time since February last year, following a 4‑0 win over already‑relegated Wolves and a 0‑0 draw at Crystal Palace.
Everton, meanwhile, are tenth, just one point behind sixth‑placed Chelsea, with their own European ambitions still alive.
Moyes addressed the media, covering a range of topics from his former club’s struggles to his team’s injury situation.
David Moyes on West Ham: ‘I am sad for the situation they are in’
Asked whether West Ham’s current plight makes him more proud of what he achieved there, Moyes expressed genuine concern for the club he left.
“I am sad for the situation they are in,” David Moyes said. “I enjoyed my time there and I worry for people who might lose their jobs should the club go down. There are worse things in the world than getting relegated but nobody wants it.”
He added that West Ham should not be in this position. Talking about his former club, Moyes believes that they shouldn’t be in that position but the Premier League is unforgiving.
The Everton boss also noted that there is still some anger “bubbling” within his own squad after the late derby defeat to Liverpool. “We need to harness that but also move on,” he said.
Beto ruled out, Branthwaite concern remains
Moyes confirmed that Beto will miss the trip to London after suffering a concussion. Beto has scored five goals in his last six matches. He will be a significant absence for the Blues.
When asked about Thierno Barry potentially leading the line, Moyes was unsure. He suggested that he might consider someone else playing up front ahead of Barry, but didn’t give a name.
On Jarrad Branthwaite, who was stretchered off in the derby, Moyes admitted his concern. “We feel for him, he played really well in the game.” He hopes this latest injury is not indicative of long‑term issues, but accepts he is worried about the young defender going forward.
Moyes on 750 games and his own future
The Everton manager will reach 750 Premier League matches in charge against West Ham. “It’s a great achievement,” he said. “I’m pleased with it but it’s not something I set out to get.” He is closing in on Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, but insisted he is simply enjoying his football and will continue as long as he keeps his energy up.
Asked about his own future at Everton, Moyes deflected. “That is not my focus at the moment.” On European qualification, he added: “I am back not talking about it again. It looks a long way away at the moment.”
With five games remaining, Everton needs points. West Ham, fighting for their lives, will be no easy opponent. Moyes knows the atmosphere at the London Stadium better than most. Now he must try to spoil his former club’s survival bid and keep Everton’s European dream alive.
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