After the collapse at the back end of last season, it was crucial that Everton started the new campaign with a bang, and it’s safe to say David Moyes’ men have done exactly that.

The Toffees have avoided defeat in every one of their first five Premier League outings, with Saturday’s win over Ipswich Town making it two wins in a row.

Such a performance also saw the club keep a third clean sheet in a row across all competitions, and once again highlighting the club’s incredible defensive solidity.

Two players in particular have stood out within Moyes’ side over the last couple of outings and have reaffirmed their place as the club’s most important assets.

Why Tarkowski & Branthwaite are crucial for Everton

As part of the club’s superb defensive record, Moyes has utilised a centre-back partnership of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite over recent weeks.

The aforementioned duo both started the clash with Ipswich on Saturday afternoon, with the latter producing a phenomenal display after securing an England call-up.

The 24-year-old managed to make 14 defensive contributions during the 1-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson - the most of any player who started the encounter.

Ten of his efforts were clearances, six of which were headed, as the youngster played a crucial role in ensuring Moyes’ side kept a clean sheet and secured victory.

His centre-back partner Tarkowski also managed to produce an incredible display against Gary O’Neil’s men, as he registered the assist for Thierno Barry’s winning goal.

However, defensively is where the 33-year-old managed to catch the eye most, subsequently winning 100% of the ground duels he entered yesterday.

He also registered 12 defensive contributions during the triumph, with he and Branthwaite registering 26 efforts between them - which no doubt secured the win.

Why one Everton star is more important than Branthwaite & Tarkowski

Despite the efforts in the defensive third yesterday, the efforts of those ahead are needed to help Everton in their efforts to secure wins in the Premier League.

Barry will undoubtedly receive a whole heap of praise after his fifth goal of the season, subsequently reaching such a tally despite playing just seven times.

However, various other players within Moyes’ squad have caught the eye for the right reasons in recent weeks and contributed to the unbeaten start to the 2026/27 campaign.

Midfielder Harrison Armstrong has gone from strength to strength in recent weeks and has no doubt become one of the most influential players in the senior ranks.

The academy graduate looked as though he could join Nottingham Forest in the summer window, but the decision to keep hold of the 19-year-old looks to be an incredible call.

The teenager has started all five of the Toffees’ league games this term, with his showing against Ipswich this weekend arguably his best in recent weeks.

Armstrong featured for the entirety of the 1-0 triumph, with his underlying stats from the clash showcasing his phenomenal talent at both ends of the pitch.

He covered the most distance of any player who started the encounter on Merseyside, often being the player who was most influential at both ends for Moyes’ men.

The midfielder also managed to create two chances, one of which was a big chance, as no other player for the Toffees managed to provide more yesterday.

The youngster also managed to provide the goods without the ball, subsequently making two tackles and two ball recoveries to help Moyes’ men secure another vital win.

There’s no denying the teenager has taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water and made a huge impression on the heart of the side in recent weeks.

His form has seen him become a 9/10 talent this campaign and one who continues to deliver no matter who the opposition is in the Premier League.

Tarkowski and Branthwaite are two players who can provide the goods too, but it’s safe to say the teenager has all the tools needed to be a success in the years ahead.