Kilbane unfazed by Everton's opening game defeat

Former Everton full-back Kevin Kilbane believes David Moyes is still the right man to lead the Toffees to a top-half finish, despite the club suffering a disappointing 1-0 loss away to newly promoted Leeds in their opening league game of the season.

The Merseysiders fell to a narrow loss at Elland Road in controversial circumstances. Daniel Farke's summer signing, striker Lukas Nmecha, scored from the penalty spot in the 84th minute to seal the win.

It was a contentious decision by referee Chris Kavanagh, who adjudged Everton captain James Tarkowski to have handled the ball after a shot by Whites midfielder Anton Stach.

Moyes will fire up Everton

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now on behalf of NetBet Irish online casino, Kilbane is adamant that former Manchester United and West Ham gaffer Moyes remains the right man to lead the club to a top 10 finish this season.

Kilbane said, "David Moyes will get the team playing this season. He’s a trusted pair of hands, and I expect a big response this weekend from Everton in their first game at the new stadium.

"The opening day defeat was a tough one to take. Leeds' penalty was harsh, but it’s a 1-0 loss against a team who will struggle to survive.

"I expect David to get the team up and running quickly – there is too much quality in the squad not to see them survive safely. And if they can get to the 40-point mark nice and early, then it’s possible they can push on towards a top 10 finish for sure.

"There will be tough days, there will be matches where the team will be on the back foot, but defensively, they are set up to perform well and hold out teams and even nick a goal."

Grealish can be the key difference-maker

Moyes looked to bolster the squad depth within his Everton team over the summer. The stand-out arrival of the transfer window for the Toffees has undoubtedly been the loan signing of England international Jack Grealish from Manchester City.

Grealish was a then British transfer record £100 million signing for City back in 2021. However, the 29-year-old has since found himself out of favour with Pep Guardiola.

Kilbane is optimistic that Grealish can rediscover his best form under the guidance of Moyes and become a key figure for Everton this season.

Ex-Republic of Ireland international Kilbane said, "Jack has the potential to do well under Moyes. He is the creative talent that David needs, adding to the strong defensive unit he spent last season shaping.

"As I said, Everton will have to suffer in some games against top teams, and Jack can be the key in those contests to unlock defences if he gets the chance.

"Then at home​, Everton should have more of the ball to allow him to show off his creative skills and score goals.

“Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski, especially, are proven Premier League players who can perform well against the best sides. So with Jack in the team, they now have that difference-maker at the other end too."

Sunderland have survival chance

Kilbane also had words of encouragement for Sunderland fans. The Black Cats earned an impressive 3-0 win at home to West Ham in their return to the top flight.

Sunderland have drifted from 1/3 to 4/6 to be relegated this season. Former Wearsider Kilbane said, "What a huge result for Sunderland last week. It couldn’t have gone any better.

"Three goals, the Stadium Of Light rocking, a clean sheet, and all their new players all performing well.

“What they can’t do now, though, is get overexcited, as the Premier League isn’t as easy as it was last weekend. They need to perform with the same fight and show that same courage going forward every single week.

"Granit Xhaka’s experience is going to be massive. Sunderland will come under the cosh a lot, so he is key to ensuring the players can weather storms and not concede.

"They are likely to be on the end of some heavy defeats, but if they can beat the teams around them, I give them a chance of survival."