David Moyes incredible Everton record - Only four managers taken more PL points since his appointment

Merseyside derby Saturday 

When David Moyes was appointed Everton manager in January of this year, the club had taken just 17 points from 19 games. They were 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the drop zone. Relegation was a genuine threat. But the wily Scot, who had already managed the Toffees for 11 years in his previous stint at Goodison Park, did more than steady the ship. Relegation fears were soon eased, as Everton finished the season on 48 points in a respectable 13th place. Above Manchester United, Tottenham and his previous club West Ham.

Before his arrival, Everton had long felt like a club lacking the soul it once had. An institute built on tradition, but many fans were dejected and understandably so. Off the pitch, things were a mess with the ownership of the club. On the field, there wasn't much excitement. Fast forward on nine months, and everything has changed. A new stadium, new owners, a team packed with exciting stars. The attacking trio of Jack Grealish, signed on loan from Manchester City, youngster Tyler Dibling, signed from Southampton for €40.5 million, and Iliman Ndiaye is sure to get you off your seat. And in Moyes, they have an experienced manager ready to lead this new era.

David Moyes Premier League record since Everton return

To put into perspective just how well Moyes has done since returning to Everton, we can compare his Premier League points tally to the rest of the division's managers, and, as illustrated in the graphic below, it paints the Scot in a fantastic light. The only bosses with more points in the English top-flight than Moyes' 38 since his re-appointment are Arne Slot (50), Mikel Arteta (43), Pep Guardiola (43), and Enzo Maresca (41). The four managers in charge of the four teams that finished in the Premier League top four last term. illustrious company for a man brought in to help avoid relegation.

This season started disappointingly for the Toffees as they were beaten 1-0 at promoted Leeds United and Moyes' team put in a lacklustre display at Elland Road. Nevertheless, they are unbeaten since then. Five goals scored, two conceded, and Grealish is on fire. The winger, who turned 30 years old this week, already has for four assists in four Premier League games for the Merseyside outfit. That's double the amount he managed in the last two full seasons combined with Man City. But the toughest test yet awaits Grealish and Moyes this Saturday, as they go to Anfield for the Merseyside derby, and it's not been a happy hunting ground for the 62-year-old manager.

Can David Moyes break Anfield curse?

Anfield is one of the most feared arenas in world football. Many fall to the cauldron of the stadium. However, Moyes' record at Liverpool's famous home is worst than most. The Scot has faced Liverpool at Anfield 19 times in the Premier League across his career, and has never won a single game there. He managed five draws with Everton during his first spell at the club. The other 14 games were losses, including point-less visits in his last nine trips to Anfield, with Manchester United, Sunderland, West Ham, and Everton last season. The Toffees were sightly unlucky at Anfield last term and gave a good account of themselves as they lost 1-0 to the champions, thanks to a goal from the late Diogo Jota.

It's of course a curse Moyes would love to break this Saturday lunchtime. And despite Liverpool winning all of their five games in all competitions this season, Slot's team have shown some weaknesses. They have needed to score after the 80th minute in all of those five victories to secure the three points and have conceded two goals to each of Bournemouth, 10-man Newcastle, and a depleted Atlético Madrid. If Moyes could finally lead Everton to a win at the home of their rivals, it would be some statement, and a signal of the continued upwards progress the club are making under his stewardship.