Published Oct 3, 2026, 7:40 AM GMT+1

The Toffees’ unbeaten start to the new season has allowed them to occupy a place in the Premier League’s top five after the first international break of the campaign.

The lack of activity during the summer window has only increased the pressure on the likes of Angus Kinnear, with the supporters demanding change in the near future.

Even when he has been trusted to do work within the transfer market, it’s safe to say he’s failed to recruit players who are capable of being a hit in the Premier League.

Why Brennan Johnson has been a failure for Everton

As part of their ambitions to reach the next level in the 2026/27 campaign, Everton completed the signing of winger Brennan Johnson from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

Such a deal saw fellow winger Dwight McNeil move in the opposite direction, with the hope of installing fresh ideas into the senior ranks at the Hull Dickinson.

However, just a couple of weeks into time on Merseyside, it’s safe to say the Welsh international has struggled to match the expectations he arrived with.

He’s featured in all five of the Toffees’ league games so far this term, only three of which were starts, with his stats showcasing his struggles within attacking areas.

Johnson has failed to register a single goal or assist during such a period - even failing to direct any of his four shots on target so far this campaign.

His lack of aggression and desire to get past an opponent has also been called into question, which has only seen him complete 0.3 of the dribbles he’s attempted this term.

Such a record has seen him rank in the bottom 15% of all attackers in the division, subsequently demonstrating the tricky start he’s endured to life on Merseyside.

Why one Everton star has been worse than Johnson in 2026/27

The unbeaten start to the new campaign may have papered over some of the cracks which have appeared at Everton over recent times - resulting in the slump during the closing stages of last season.

Moyes has largely had the same players at his disposal during the current campaign, which has been a knock-on effect from the lack of activity during the summer window.

As a result, it’s seen the majority of last season’s starters remain a key part of his senior plans, but not every one of his trusted players have managed to deliver the goods.

Attacking midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was one of the marquee signings of last summer’s window, subsequently arriving from Chelsea for a reported £25m.

He started the season in tremendous form and became a regular starter under Moyes, but massively tailed off during the closing stages of his debut campaign on Merseyside.

The 2026/27 campaign presented a fresh opportunity for the Englishman to recapture his best form, but it’s safe to say he’s struggled during the early stages of the new season.

Whilst he’s managed to net a goal in the first five games of the league season, his underlying stats demonstrate the struggles he’s endured over the last few weeks.

Dewsbury-Hall has been dispossessed an average of 1.8 times per 90 this term, with such a tally the highest of any midfielder within Moyes’ senior ranks.

The aforementioned figure also places him in the bottom 20% of all midfielders in the division, showcasing how wasteful he’s been with the ball at his feet.

He’s also only created an average of 0.2 big chances per 90 this term, which has seen the likes of Thierno Barry be presented with fewer opportunities in front of goal.

The former Chelsea man has been largely outfought over recent weeks too, as seen by his aerial battle success rate, which is currently sitting at a measly 25%.

Like his numbers in possession, he’s struggled to match the numbers produced by others in his position, as 80% of number tens have managed to win more battles to date.

His lack of form is no doubt frustrating for the supporters given the levels he achieved last term, with Moyes desperately needing to find a solution to the problem.

He and Johnson have been two of the standout strugglers within the senior ranks this term, with the pair needing to find a way to find the form needed to be successful in the Premier League.