Moyes’ Verdict On Another ‘Missed Opportunity’ For Everton

David Moyes has reflected on another “missed opportunity” for Everton after his side fell to a 3-1 defeat to Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday afternoon – the Blues’ final home fixture of the 2025/26 campaign.

Everton – targeting European qualification for next season – slipped to 12^th place after the loss to the visiting Black Cats. Victory have seen the Toffees level on 52 points with eighth-placed Brentford. 

“We didn’t look like a European team for times in the game today, that’s for sure,” remarked Moyes, speaking after the game. 

“The players have done an amazing job at different times, but it wasn’t [to be] today.” 

Midfielder Merlin Röhl had struck Everton into a first-half lead through his maiden goal for the Club. 

But Sunderland fought back, netting three times in the second half through goals from Brian Brobbey, Enzo Le Fee and Wilson Isidor. 

“We messed up big time today,” continued Moyes. “If we’d had won it, we know things would be different.

“I think Everton haven’t had the opportunity to be in and around the top end of the league for a while, so that’s the opportunity I’m more disappointed they’ve missed.  

“There was an opportunity to build a big bit of momentum here, but today probably showed we’re not ready for that.

“Things didn’t quite go for us at different times. We conceded a very soft first goal. But then we got back into the game and if anyone looked likely to score, it was going to be us. 

“And then we gave away a second goal. We trying to find a way back into the game and we lost a third.”

The game marked captain Seamus Coleman’s last appearance for the Club on home soil. 

The iconic skipper – who this week announced he’ll be ending his proud stint of more than 17 years as an Everton player at the conclusion of the current campaign – was a late substitute for the Blues. 

“It was never in doubt he’d get that sort of reception because of what he’s done here,” added Moyes. 

“Seamus will be the first to say we’re more interested in the team. He’ll be as disappointed as we are with that game today, certainly at home in front of the Everton supporters.”