David Moyes refusing to say one thing for rest of the season after Newcastle win

Everton manager David Moyes has made a surprising vow following his side’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Despite the win propelling the Toffees into eighth place and within touching distance of the top seven, Moyes has declared he is refusing to mention one specific word for the remainder of the season: “Europe.”
​The self-imposed gag order comes from a place of deep-seated footballing superstition. Throughout the current campaign, Moyes has been vocal about his ambition to bring continental football back to the blue half of Merseyside. However, the experienced Scot has noticed a worrying trend where every time he talks up the club’s European credentials, the team’s form takes a sudden and inexplicable dip.
​Speaking in a jubilant but cautious post-match press conference, Moyes admitted that he is terrified of “jinxing” the progress his squad has made. “You’ve probably noticed in every press conference I’ve sort of said I would like to try and talk about Europe,” Moyes told reporters. “I am not going with that anymore because every time I say it, we fluff our lines. I’m probably just going to say: ‘Hey, let’s see if we can try and keep challenging to be in the top half of the league’ and see where it goes from there.”
​The victory in Tyneside was a masterclass in resilience, featuring goals from Jarrad Branthwaite, Beto, and a late winner from Thierno Barry, alongside a “wonder save” from Jordan Pickford to deny Sandro Tonali in stoppage time. While the result suggests Everton are genuine contenders for a UEFA Conference or Europa League spot, Moyes is determined to keep his players’ feet on the ground.
​The manager referenced his time at West Ham, noting that he successfully navigated a similar path from relegation struggles to European qualification, but emphasized that the Premier League is “getting harder and harder.” By refusing to utter the “E-word,” Moyes hopes to maintain the laser-like focus that has seen Everton secure seven away wins this season. For the fans, the dream is very much alive, but from the dugout, the message is clear: the only goal is the next game, and the “E-word” is officially off-limits.