When Moyes returned for a second spell in charge of Everton in January 2025, the Toffees were 16th, one point clear of the relegation zone.

He has had to cope with rising expectations but was quick to point to the club’s progress since he came back.

“I heard a lot of things [said] that last year was not so good and I thought ‘my goodness, I don’t know what the people are talking or writing about because it’s absolute baloney’.

“It was fantastic what we did and we came so close to doing something that would have been incredibly special after no money, being on the verge of relegation, moving to a new stadium – and it has never been an easy job for anyone moving to a new stadium – so we came really close.”

Assessing Everton’s unbeaten status, former England midfielder and BBC pundit Danny Murphy said: “Nothing surprises me with a David Moyes side.

“They’re so well organised, so well motivated and always dangerous when their backs are against the wall. There’s been a lot of discontent among the fanbase regarding the owners and a transfer policy that left themselves short in forward areas.

“But the rest of the side is so well balanced, they all know their jobs, they know what they’re doing and that backline with the keeper behind it is really solid. So, I never thought it was a catastrophe that they didn’t get a striker in.

“Because they’re so well organised and defensively so good, they’re always going to nick results when they’re not playing well. I do understand the fans’ frustration, but I didn’t think for a second they’d be in any danger because they didn’t get cover in for their forwards.

“It is a thin squad, but they’ve still got quality.”

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford told BBC Sport the result felt like a positive way to end this part of the season, with the international break meaning the Toffees are not in league action again until 11 October when they will face Hull City.

“You have to dig in, that’s the Everton way,” Pickford said. “We are building momentum and we will be focused and ready to go when we come back. It was a great way to finish the week off.”

Looking at the contribution of goalscorer Barry, who found the net just eight times last season but now looks a greater threat, Pickford said: “He works hard and the goals will come from working hard. The first year in the Premier League is always tough. He has found his feet and he has started a lot better this year.

“It’s always good to finish with a win, especially before a long international break.”