Moyes Hails Calvert-Lewin as 'Proper Number Nine' After Everton Win

David Moyes praised Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a 'proper number nine' after the striker ended his 17-match goal drought in Everton's 3-2 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Everton manager David Moyes heaped praise on Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the striker's impressive performance in their 3-2 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Calvert-Lewin, who was being watched by England manager Gareth Southgate's assistant, not Thomas Tuchel, as he doesn't work for England, scored the opening goal, ending his 17-match drought in all competitions.

Moyes was particularly impressed with Calvert-Lewin's display, labelling him a “proper number nine.” “The biggest thing today is he played like a proper number nine at times today. He made the centre halves worried, he was a threat, he was challenging, winning a good percentage of his aerial duels. He got involved in everything, a lot of really good things today,” Moyes said.

Everton's victory over Tottenham Hotspur was almost marred by a late collapse, as two Spurs goals in the second half threatened to snatch the win away from David Moyes' side. However, the hosts managed to hold on for a crucial three points.

Moyes was delighted with the overall performance of his team, saying, “The whole team looked a different outfit today.” He praised their passing and movement, but also acknowledged areas for improvement. “We played really well, passed it around very well. We gave it away a lot, which we need to eradicate.” Moyes was relieved that his team's efforts were ultimately rewarded. “I am just really pleased we could give everyone something to shout about. They nearly weren't going home with anything. We scored three and we could have added a fourth with the opportunities we had.” He emphasized that the win was the most important thing. “It did not matter how we played today as long as we won.”

Everton's decision to sack Sean Dyche earlier this month paved the way for David Moyes' return to the club, and he marked his second spell in charge with a memorable win. The atmosphere at Goodison Park was reminiscent of the good old days as Moyes' team secured a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. A delighted Moyes expressed his satisfaction with the win, saying, “Really pleased we could give everyone something to shout about.”

"It was brilliant to get a win. It was a great feeling to go down the tunnel 3-0 up at half-time and for the supporters to feel that they had witnessed a really good first-half performance."

David Moyes' #EVETOT verdict: pic.twitter.com/S4wULBEi0q

— Everton (@Everton) January 19, 2025

Moyes was particularly pleased with his team's performance in the first half, during which they scored three goals and could have added more. “We played ever so well in the first half, scored three and could have scored more,” he said. This win was a welcome boost for Moyes, whose homecoming had fallen flat in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in midweek. After that game, Moyes had acknowledged the challenge he faces in preserving Everton's Premier League status, citing a lack of firepower as a major concern.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had not scored since September, proved to be a key player in Everton's victory. He showed no signs of lacking confidence as he expertly turned Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall before firing in the opening goal on 13 minutes. Calvert-Lewin's strike set the tone for a dominant first-half display by Everton, who ultimately secured a crucial win in their battle to avoid relegation.