Crystal Palace 0 - 0 Everton

10-man Everton held Crystal Palace at bay for the last 15 minutes of this robust encounter after Mason Holgate was shown a second yellow card, to earn what could be a vital point despite falling into the Bottom 3.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin starts for Everton as manager Sean Dyche makes two changes to his side for Saturday afternoon’s encounter with Crystal Palace. 

Mason Holgate is also recalled to the starting line-up, as Neal Maupay and Ben Godfrey drop to the bench for the Blues’ Selhurst Park clash. No Onana, still out with a groin injury, 

It's goalless at the break. Everton came closest to scoring in the first half when Iwobi's 20-yard volley first-time was palmed away by Johnstone. Dominic Calvert-Lewin also had a pop on goal from distance. 

The Yellows kicked off the second half. Gray was caught accidentally on the heel by Mitchell but Everton could not make anything from the set-piece. In defence, Calvert-Lewin headed a corner clear but Iwobi was very easily robbed of the ball, and Gueye suffered in a challenge from Guehi.

A Palace ball over the top looked to have caught the high Everton back line but at least three Crystal Palace players were all offside, including Ayew who ran on to lob the ball over Pickford. 

Article continues below video content


Iwobi needed treatment. But Everton were caught napping again with a good pass out from Eze until they regrouped in time to stop any shot. 

An incredible clearance from Pickford was cleared, falling for Iwobi to feed a great pass forward to Calvert-Lewin who got unaccustomed power on his shot that flew inches wide. But he was booked minutes later for "persistent infringements of the laws.

Edouard caught Gray wide right to give away a free-kick that Ganer swung in, and then Iwobi returned but the balls in were cleared. Everton kept up the pressure until Iwobi haplessly put it behind. 

In the next Palace attack, Keane wrestled Edouard a little then Tarkowski's arm touched Eze's face, causing him to lie prone in the area as if poleaxed by a thunderbolt; neither referee nor video assistant were impressed. 

Everton were gifted their first corner after 73 minutes, Keane and Tarkoeski going for the same ball along with the keeper and a defender. Mitchell was adjudged to have fouled Gray, giving McNeil a chance to float a soft one in that was too easily defended. 

Palace went straight up the end and Eze tried to catch out Pickford with a cleverly placed shot that led to a Palace corner. From the next corner, Palace's Doucoure volleyed skywards.

Holgate was drawn into a foul trying to stop Ayew and the ref thought it worth a yellow card, his second, and a red, reducing Everton to 10 mien for the last 10 minutes. Gray was sacrificed so Godfrey could come on as right back, with a point still to protect.  

More Palace corners were successfully defended but Everton were now painfully hesitant in possession, not wanting to take any risks. That resulted in more confidence for Palace to attack, Mitchell getting around the flank to shoot at Pickford. 

Milivojevic had a tremendous goalbound shot that was deflected away as the 10 men in yellow rode their luck. Palace smelt blood in the air and attacked repeatedly, Pickford had to be alert to stifle the chances that kept being created.

More Palace pressure but the interceptions from Everton were critical in relieving the pressure. With 90 minutes up, Neal Maupay replaced Calvert-Lewin for the 5 minutes of added time, which Everton played out to take home what could be a very valuable point. 

Crystal Palace:  Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell [Y:27']; Eze, Doucoure (78' Milivojevic), Schlupp (71' Hughes); Olise, Edouard (71' Mateta), Ayew.

Subs not Used: Tomkins, Sambi Lokonga, Guaita, McArthur, Richards, Riedewald.

Everton: Pickford, Holgate [Y:37'; YR:80'], Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Gana, Garner, Iwobi, Gray (81' Godfrey), McNeil, Calvert-Lewin [Y:63'] (90+1'Maupay).

Subs not Used: Begovic, Lonergan, Patterson, Mina, Davies, Coady, Simms.


Reader Comments (270)

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Joseph Terrence
1 Posted 22/04/2023 at 13:52:44
Well today is the day. If we do not win today then we will be relegated. We usually perform well against palace so I am optimistic but this is Everton after all.
Denis Richardson
2 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:01:07
Bit pessimistic Joseph. 6 games left after this but I agree a win would be good. Personally any points are welcome and I’d happily take a point now if offered.

Some massive games to come: Us vs Leics, Forest vs S’ton, Leeds vs Leics. All the bottom teams still to play each other so a lot can change.

For me, right now, the main thing is just getting points. I’d take 7 draws till season end in a heart beat. Looks like 34 will likely be enough to stay up, maybe even 33 depending on GD.

Forest look fckd given remaining fixtures and I still think S’ton are down despite yesterdays surprise result.. Between us, Leeds and Leics imo.

Chris Gould
4 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:07:25
Joseph, that's simply not true. A draw would be a good result today. We will have to pick up a couple of wins for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if we get them in games that we expect to lose. Each time someone says, 'that's us relegated.' How do you think the fans of the teams below us feel? There are 5 shit teams, and we have a good chance of being 1 of 2 who survive. Today's result won't decide that.
I expect a bounce when we are able to put our strongest eleven out next week. Pickford, Coleman, Tarky, Keane, Mykolenko, Gana, Onana, Doucoure, Mcneil, Iwobi/gray, DCL for the final 6 games will keep us up.
Iain Johnston
5 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:09:48
DCL starts as does Holgate. Still only Gana in the middle with Garner and Iwobi?
Tony Everan
6 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:12:05
Dominic Calvert-Lewin makes his first Everton start since the beginning of February as the Toffees make two changes to the side that lost at home to Fulham.

Mason Holgate also comes in, with Ben Godfrey and Neal Maupay dropping to the bench.

Everton XI: Pickford, Holgate, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Iwobi, Garner, Gueye, McNeil, Gray, Calvert-Lewin.

4411 ? With Gray dropping in behind Calvert-Lewin?

Got a feeling it’s a Gray Day today , COYBLUES!

Mark Frere
7 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:13:27
Best possible starting 11 selected by Dyche... apart from Patterson! FFS, just play him instead of the gaffe merchants Holgate and Godfrey.
Robert Tressell
8 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:15:51
Well balanced first XI. 4411 / 451 with a decent amount of attacking threat and height for set pieces.

Good opportunity for Holgate and DCL, provided they are fit and sharp.

Need to show the bottle and intensity missing last week. COYB

Phil Sammon
9 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:15:54
Almost insignificant but two keepers on the bench always annoys me. Don’t we have a 18 year old forward who would at least benefit from the experience
Peter Carpenter
10 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:21:50
Yes, Phil. Weird that.
Bobby Mallon
11 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:26:27
What has Patterson done wrong he’s by far the best right back we have
Fran Mitchell
12 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:29:06
the 2 keepers is pretty common amongst most teams now. basically having so many substitutes, unless you've got a big enough squad, is pointless. so 2 keepers just in case something totally unexpected happens, say Pickford gets injured, then begovic come son and gets a red or injury very small chance of happening, but it's just a contingency.

it's not like we've got any big omissions on the bench for that 9th substitute place.

Fran Mitchell
13 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:31:12
there is obvious uncertainty about Patterson

I guess going up against Olise/Eze/Ayew that is pacey and skillful attack so Holgate, I guess, must be seen to offer greater defensive stability.

Mike Morgan
14 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:38:18
Must play 4-5-1 with Iwobi in Central midfield and Gray on the right wing. Need to keep it tight and sneak a set play. 4-4-2 with Gray behind DCL will see the midfield over run.
Kevin Prytherch
15 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:38:56
I hope it’s Gray right wing and Iwobi centre otherwise we’re going to get overrun in midfield again
Craig Walker
16 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:39:14
Points against Palace (but at home), Newcastle and Leicester saved us in the run-in last season. It needs to be the same again. I wish we still had Richarlison in these games. Hope to God I’m wrong but I think we’ll be relegated this time. I don’t fancy us in any away games. Even Bournemouth at Goodison looks daunting.

I went to a friend’s funeral on Thursday. We’ve known her 26 years and she died of cancer 3 weeks’ back at 53.

Relegation would be sad and I’ve dreaded it since 1994 but this week has put things into a bit of perspective in terms of Everton and life.

Will Mabon
17 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:40:44
I agree with Joseph in needing the win, if not that we are down without it.

We need points, it's that simple. It's not safe to keep relying on a fast-diminishing number of games to "pick up" possible wins or draws later. We had that countdown several times from Lampard over weeks last season and look how it turned out.

Saints last night were unfortunate but showed what can happen when you battle now.

Alan McGuffog
18 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:42:47
Holgate starting. What could possibly go wrong ?
Kieran Kinsella
19 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:44:23
Alan

It's the Holgate/Keane combo that scares me

Will Mabon
20 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:44:48
Alan, seems a familiar pattern of management is emerging.
Alan McGuffog
21 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:45:49
Holgate starting. What could possibly go wrong ?
Will Mabon
22 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:46:37
...and familiar posts.
Denis Richardson
23 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:48:54
Will - we’re not in the relegation zone and unless Leicester win today, we won’t be this weekend either (can’t see Forest getting anything). With 6 games to go after today it seems a bit silly to say we’re down if we lose. Still 18 points to play for after, never-mind we’ve still to play Leicester and the bottom clubs also have tough games.

Thankfully Leeds lost again today so we have another good chance to get some points on the board and move up.

I also think we’ll win our last game at home to Bournemouth as they’ll be safe with heads on the beach and nothing to play for. Assuming that’s right, we need I reckon 4 points from the next 6 games to be ok. Need to obv avoid losing to Leicester as well.

Hopefully won’t leave it to the last game mind!

Robert Tressell
24 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:52:32
Holgate was a regular RB during a good backs to the wall run under Ancelotti. With Coleman out it makes sense to use him - and he's a threat at set pieces and experienced. Patterson might be an option later but I'd start with Holgate.
Alan McGuffog
25 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:54:40
Robert...when you say he's a threat from set pieces.
Tom Bowers
26 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:55:47
Holgate is an awful right back but I suppose he will play a different role but I hope Eze isn't going to raid down his flank.

Hard to see why Patterson isn't preferred.

Need to get off to a good positive start and not get into a defensive shell.

Dave Abrahams
27 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:58:44
Holgate has always had his critics, he’s a player who can look the part at times but then looks like he’s not fully concentrating at others, but he got a couple of goals late last season with the one at Leicester helping to get the points, hope he plays with something to prove,COYB get a point at least with all three being terrific!!
Christy Ring
28 Posted 22/04/2023 at 14:59:31
Holgate is probably a better defender than Patterson, wouldn't be as good going forward. Dyche mustn't think much of Patterson, Godfrey last week, Holgate this week.
Will Mabon
29 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:00:50
Agree we're not down, Denis - but we can't defer getting our arses in gear, is what I was saying.
Robert Tressell
30 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:00:52
Alan / Tom, it's not like we're leaving Cancealo out. Patterson is likely to become very good but he's very inexperienced
Christy Ring
31 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:08:21
When Patterson was playing before he got injured, he looked good going forward, but didn't he make two errors in a couple of games and we conceded 2 goals?
Phil Smith
32 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:46:51
What the actual feck is our coach doing playing Holgate over Patterson? Gray been his usual ineffective self. I give up with Dyche already.
Pete Hughes
33 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:49:50
Holgate already on a yellow!
Michael Lynch
34 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:52:08
Holgate is a terrible footballer. He'd struggle to get into a Championship team.

What a fucking dreadful team we have.

Ernie Baywood
35 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:52:19
Holgate and Mykolenko... I just despair.

There's not a footballing brain cell between them.

It's not like they're "good at defending". Being good at defending includes winning the ball and doing something with it. And as soon as we get the ball we're two players (at least) down.

Stuart Sharp
36 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:53:28
Are we having our own internal competition to see who can be shittest at fullback?
Jerome Shields
37 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:53:43
The first period of the Second Half is critical, Palace will try to push.Coyb.
Alan J Thompson
38 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:57:33
I didn't understand why Holgate was on before Patterson and even less so as the game went on. We started again like strangers to each other but showed improvement as the half wore on. We look a lot better, or have an outlet, with Calvert-Lewin up front but other than Garner there's nothing in midfield creatively and Iwobi playing more centrally. I might like to see Simms alongside DC-L later in the game.

Early on we were lucky when a cross went in and two Palace players failed to get any sort of touch without defenders giving either much to think about.

And where's the Pink, just as I was getting used to it.

Michael Lynch
39 Posted 22/04/2023 at 15:58:25
On the evidence of that first half, we're going down. We can't keeping relying on the teams around us losing, because that ain't gonna happen every week.

Kevin Molloy
40 Posted 22/04/2023 at 16:00:12
We've lulled them into thinking we're hopeless. Time now to turn on the style in the second half.
Christine Foster
41 Posted 22/04/2023 at 16:05:11
It's hard to see Dyche giving Calvert-Lewin a full game after so long out, but truth is, until we score, he needs to be on the pitch. He is winning most things but no real chances, it only takes one!

Given it's Simms or Maupay as back-up, it's not a great alternative. A workmanlike half, did okay, not enough presence in centre-midfield, Gana off his game.

Keane looks like an accident waiting to happen, been caught flat-footed a couple of times. Iwobi's strike was excellent and a couple of good balls from him going forward but he cannot close a man down to save his life.

Gray still not doing enough for me… but let's hope we can get a couple! COYB!

Johan Elmgren
42 Posted 22/04/2023 at 16:42:32
Most predictable red card in a long time. Holgate has been harrassed by Ayew since the 5th minute. A blind man could see that second yellow coming; question is: Why didn't Dyche? Poor in-game management...

My God, we've been poor – Championship-standard – but what would you expect when we buy Championship-standard players and sell our best players???

Michael Kenrick
43 Posted 22/04/2023 at 16:51:14
Sorry for the usual matchday narrative going missing in the first half.

Guests in the house.

Kevin Molloy
44 Posted 22/04/2023 at 16:58:51
You'd have to fancy Leicester with Maddison will have too much to go down.

As such, we've gained a point on our rivals Leeds and Forest, in an away game against a form team. I'll take that. This is a good day.

Shit football like, but who cares about that at this point.

Colin Malone
45 Posted 22/04/2023 at 16:59:18
Our right hand side was woeful.

Gray, a greedy featherweight. Say no more about Holgate.

What was Pickford doing? Holgate was the easier ball, instead tried to find Gray ahead of him.

Barry Hesketh
46 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:03:50
A fantastic opportunity to gain more than a point from that game, but in truth we just haven't got good enough players, too many missing in 'action' today. There's no pace, very little thought about what they are doing and some are extremely fortunate to be playing in the Premier League. Ah well on to the next one and see what transpires.
Ernie Baywood
47 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:04:58
Predictable red. Completely predictable.

Bad decision from Pickford, bad decision from Holgate and I thought he got the ball... but it was still a red waiting to happen and it's not like it was worthwhile keeping him on for his outstanding contribution. In amongst the cock-ups, Dyche will have to own that one.

If I were Pattison I'd be looking for another club. Leave these idiots with an array of centre backs to choose from.

Great to see Calvert-Lewin back. He wasn't involved much but did more than any other striker has offered.

Our quality is so poor it's barely worth dissecting where the game went wrong or right. They are just the talentless group that we see.

Charles Brewer
48 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:05:02
Pedants' Corner. 'Eek' is what women in 50s sitcoms said (while standing on a chair) when they saw a mouse. 'Eke' is what Everton did for a point this afternoon.

Eekamouse is a rather fun reggae artist.

George Cumiskey
49 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:05:48
Shocking shocking shocking management again every man and his dog knew Holgate was going to get a red card but he never substituted him, I've lost all faith in Dyche I'm afraid.
Fran Mitchell
50 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:06:08
Leicester winning is an absolute sucker punch.

that was poor again. palace were in 1st gear, and we have so little quality. and worst is we have so little energy, so little fight. only a couple of times did we look energetic, after Iwobi's strike in the 1st half for about 5 minutes, and after DCLs chance for about 5 minutes in the second half.

Michael Lynch
51 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:07:13
I’ll take that, after our woeful first half. Holgate was a different class of shite. Utterly abysmal.

Looks like Leeds might be the ones we need to overhaul. Heartfelt thanks to our red shite cousins for doing us another favour today.

David West
52 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:08:27
Mason Holgate is an absolute liability.
He shouldn't play if Godfrey is fit and Godfrey doest fill me with confidence at full back either. Could possibly sneaked a win with 10 men and simms brought on yet we are let down by another player who shouldn't really be anywhere near an Everton team.

Well done to the lads who fought with 10 men.
DCL getting 90mins is a Plus although way too isolated.
Trying to eek out a positive.
Got to get something from Newcastle and beat Leicester now.

Jeff Armstrong
53 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:09:25
Colin 46 you answered your own question, why would Anyone pass it to Holgate?
Kieran Kinsella
54 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:09:34
How sad is it that we we realized Holgate, Keane and Davies were crap 7 years ago, yet somehow we have spent hundreds of millions buying equally bad players ever since so they are all still involved in the match day squad? We'd have been better off hanging onto Dowell, Kenny, Williams, Walshe etc. Not that they are any good but we didn't have to pay huge transfer fees or wages for them. We could have got relegated without becoming insolvent and facing points deductions.
Robert Tressell
55 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:09:44
At the end of the day, we started the new year with the worst attack in the Premier League - and then lost ground against rivals who all strengthened.

There are no magic combinations for Dyche. Presumably he didn't play Patterson because of defensive doubts against the likes of Eze, Ayew and Olise.

I'm more minded to credit Dyche for the point than criticise the selection of one flawed player over another flawed player.

Questionable to keep Holgate on as many were predicting the red but it hasn't really changed the game. Keeping Holgate on, rubbish as he was - may even have helped get us a point. Who knows how it plays out if Patterson or Godfrey (always terrible at RB) comes on at half time for example.

It's a point to keep us in with a chance, Doucoure is back next game, DCL must be getting sharper (and nearly scored a very good goal) and hopefully Coleman will be back soon too.

Not the win we really needed but not a disaster either.

Kunal Desai
56 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:10:08
Draw is fine, going go have to now dig out a win against Newcastle or Leicester. The former being the most likely.

Absolute huge week.

Kevin Prytherch
57 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:10:19
Let’s face it, if that was any other player other than Holgate - we would be slating the ref for 2 ridiculous yellow cards and not the player who simply showed a bit of strength for the first and made a good tackle for the second.

But - it’s Holgate so slate him.

Alan J Thompson
58 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:10:34
I don't know what to make of that as it was a fairly uninspiring performance apart from Calvert-Lewin's turn from Pickford's clearance and had he put that away he'd definitely been in the running for Goal of the Month. The only other bit that caused me some reaction was how slow the flag was for their offside goal and I couldn't understand the Referee restarting with what passes for a drop ball these days when it had gone out for a Palace throw-in. Indeed, we started the second half like the first, looking like eleven strangers and our first corner after 70 minutes.

Holgate's red seemed to come about by the Ref giving out yellows earlier in the game for very minor offences but that said it was a poor ball out by Pickford that led to it.

And I still don't understand the two poorest players from last week coming on as subs, certainly Godfrey who was very poor before Patterson while Maupay did little to judge him on. Indeed, Keane was playing more in Godfrey's position than Godfrey did. So now we may have a striker we now need a midfield/

Iain Johnston
59 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:10:36
Not too disheartened I felt a draw was always the realistic outcome here when looking at the remaining fixtures, for me it's the Fulham result which has been the surprise.

Under the Old lady's lights and the crowd on Thursday I think we can beat the Barcodes. Gordon will be getting dogs abuse.

I still believe we'll be safe with 36 points... beat Newcastle, a point at Leicester & Wolves and a win against Bournemouth on the final day.

Ian Edwards
60 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:11:32
We are now in the bottom three. One win in ten. Wins are now vital. Anything less is catastrophic. That was two points dropped. Make no mistake about that.
Tony Everan
61 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:13:32
Like many, I said it on the forum at HT, got to take Holgate off for Patterson. He just can’t help himself, to tackle from behind like that on a yellow card, showed again a lack of brain cells. We got a way with it, and it would have probably been 0-0 anyway with 11 men.

We need a minimum of two wins and two draws from our last six matches to stand a fighting chance. Thursday is another opportunity at home.

Dyche will have to try and find a way for us to be more potent in attack, Gray today was poor and offered very little threat, his starting place must be in jeopardy.

Charles Brewer
62 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:14:22
Ian, what is this "beat Newcastle" thing you are trying to associate with Everton? Is it related to the normal English usage of "got beaten".
John Keating
63 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:14:39
The Fulham game killed us I'm afraid.
In my opinion because of Fulham we had to get 3 points today and with Leicester winning it was even more important.
Teams around us are picking up really important points and I just don't see how we are getting out of this shit
Kieran Kinsella
64 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:15:23
Iain

Beat Bournemouth on the final day? They've thrashed us twice this season. Also last time we played them at Goodison on the final day, they were relegated but still beat us 3-1.

Robert Tressell
65 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:16:36
Ian, the dropped points largely happened before Dyche was appointed to manage a terrible squad. Of course today was 3 points dropped but only in the same way that it was a point gained away against a team with better players on a very good run.

Will Mabon
66 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:16:48
Now officially shifted from concerned to worried.
Ian Edwards
67 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:18:34
A team desparate for points has one win in the last 9. I don't see us winning any of the remaining games. Man City game will see us down.
Ian Edwards
68 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:20:12
Robert.. Under Dyche one win in last 9. Those games included easier matches than we have left.
Dale Self
69 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:21:42
You must have the points to drop them, come on. We will only now have the 11 from our good stretch available. It moght not click right off but there will at least be a bit more belief from the kick off

Away point for a recovery from the last two is not the preferred outcome but Leeds and Leics aren’t steady at all. I still think we’ll get an unexpected result or two. Onana and Doucoure left a huge adjustment and it’s a bit unfair on Garner to compare.

Not going down damnit.

Barry Hesketh
70 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:21:58
Ian @67

You know we're rubbish, I know we're rubbish and every man and his dog knows we're rubbish, but what is it that you get by constantly reminding us how bad we are and how we're never going to win again this season and therefore how we're never going to stay up?

Roger Helm
71 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:23:55
Any team that can only manage 24 goals in 32 games can’t expect to avoid relegation. Our only hope I think is if DCL does a Kevin Campbell and gets some goals in the run-in. Personally, I’ve resigned myself to relegation so it may not be as upsetting when it happens.

I feel angry at the club for spending eighteen months ignoring our goal scoring difficulties. To me it seems like corporate negligence but what can we do? Only the owner has the power to change things, and he doesn’t seem interested any more.

Colin Malone
72 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:25:14
Maybe it's time to give Maupay a chance along side DCL, he's proper position. Don't think Maupay has played along side a proper centre, while being at Everton. Been waiting far too long for Gray to show up.
Ray Jacques
73 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:26:43
That was a decent point, the Fulham game was the killer last week.
Four points needed from the next two games or I think it's curtains.
We must beat Leicester.
Andy Crooks
74 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:28:03
Barry, Ian wants someone to say that he was right all along. So, Ian you were right all along.
While the rest of us thought this squad was Champions League level, you alone called it right. We should have joined those protests against Lampard that you organised and attended on your own.You have been a one man voice of reason, if only we had listened. You WERE RIGHT. TAKE A BOW.
Will Mabon
75 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:30:03
Roger,

it seems like corporate suicide. I can't think of another top level side that ever went this long with zero forward threat, or an attempt at it. Even teams with almost no money.

Worse is that we've bought other players through it all and left the real problem unaddressed. Lunacy.

Graham Hammond
76 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:30:14
Very very disappointed in Sean Dyche today and his failure to take off Mason Holgate at Half Time, surely someone with his managerial experience could have anticipated the inevitable. A good point today all considered but I fear Leicester will have far too much going forward to be relegated and we will struggle even for a draw at their place which at this stage of the season is not really enough for us. I thought James Garner and DCL did ok today, we need a lot more from Demarai though, he was poor again.
Ray Jacques
77 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:32:39
Holgate has always been a liability and never been good enough. Always looks dozy to me.

Not slagging the lad, just stating an opinion. The fact that he is still at Everton and getting a game tells you all you need to know about the rancid, underwhelming idiots that make the decisions at Everton.
I could weep at the ineptitude. Relegation is coming and will be closer by 10pm next Monday.

Barry Hesketh
78 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:35:41
No consolation looking at last seasons table after 32 games, the three sides occupying the bottom three places at that point, were all relegated. Everton are now two points adrift of last season's tally after 32 games.
Danny Baily
79 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:36:02
Not a bad result, but we needed more. That's us relegated in all likelihood.
Mark Taylor
80 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:36:15
As the clock ticks down without a win, each game becomes ever more 'must win'. That seems a long shot v Newcastle. A point there would be a great result.

We are now joint favourites with Leicester to fill the final slot. I know we talk about must win games, but that one really is must win, an imperative, a real 6 pointer. The rest of the run in is not kind, the most winnable is Bournemouth but they have a recent habit of handing us our backsides on a plate. Hopefully they will be on their hols by that point.

We'd have no excuses if we get relegated. This feels like a much bigger threat than last year, although one might say this season followed from that with a strong sense of inevitability. This might just be the worst Everton team I've seen in 55 years and there have been some poor ones in that time.

Michael McFarlane
81 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:37:26
We'd already be down under Lampard - so it's a point towards safety

Big positive DCL back for the run in - he'll need more than crumbs though, more quality McNeil deliveries needed

As said many times on this forum, Holgate is always one mistimed lunge away from a red... can't tackle, can't pass... godspeed Coleman's recovery

6 massive games left - a result at Leicester just got even more critical - COYB!!!

Phil Friedman
82 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:41:07
Why play Holgate, who we all know is utter shite, when Patterson is sat on the bench? Is Patterson not healthy? Why, Dyche, why?
Bill Piscass
83 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:43:46
Newcastle is massive, Watched Leicester today multicast, they were not great. Wolves were not interested. Fulham done us. Sadly there were no managers available when Dyche was appointed. I always said Dyche was a 1 point a game and too cautious. This has been proved correct. We clearly needed a manager that could win games. Also don't rely on Onana as he has most probably been told that if he gets injured he wont get the move he requires. FFP has really done us, Its remarkable considering other teams have battered the transfer market as well, Chelsea?
Danny Baily
84 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:43:50
There just aren't the winnable games left. In fairness to Dyche, there weren't when he took over. The Southampton game is the one that has sent us down.

I hope those in charge have planned accordingly, and not just hoped for a miracle.

Paul Smith
85 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:46:26
Dyche playing Holgate instead of Patterson. Why ? It’s soul destroying.
Chris Leyland
87 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:49:39
Danny to say that there aren’t any winnable games left is nonsense. Whilst I’m not saying we will any of them, all of Newcastle, Brighton, Leicester, Wolves and Bournemouth are winnable on the day. City looks the tallest order of tall orders but, if they beat Arsenal this week and then win their other 3 league games before they play us and Arsenal don’t win against either Chelsea or Newcastle before we play Ciry, the league could be wrapped up and with City facing Real Madrid either side of our game, who knows?

Right, I’m off to take my meds now.

Sam Hoare
88 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:50:15
Would probably have taken a point today but it’s tough to see where the win is gonna come from. Can we draw our way to safety?

Fulham at home was the real disaster and beating Newcastle is no easy feat (they’ve lost 4 all season which is same as Man City). I don’t blame Dyche as the majority of damage was done before he arrived. And the squad was weakened in January.

Good times.

Svein-Roger Jensen
89 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:50:17
We have the lowest goal scored in the entire Leauge system with 24
Christy Ring
90 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:52:42
Ian love your optimism! In all fairness Palace won their last 3 games, so for me it’s a point gained, not 2 lost. It’s a massive week ahead, but with DCL having 90mins under his belt, and hopefully Onana, Doucoure and Seamus back, will make us stronger, and I’m a lot more optimistic not pessimistic Ian.
Jay Harris
91 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:53:34
Don’t understand all the negativity but I do understand the concern.

I thought we v played well today against an in form side the only negative being Holgate who was the weak link throughout. If Paterson isn’t fit then we should consider Iwobi or Mills at RB until Coleman recovers.

We need everyone in fine form and the fans behind the team against the Geordie’s hopefully with Zonsna Doucoure and Coleman back.

Svein-Roger Jensen
92 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:54:49
Is it all time record?
Kieran Kinsella
93 Posted 22/04/2023 at 17:55:29
Danny Baily

Yes in isolation 0-0 away at an in-form team is a decent result. But you cannot look at in isolation you have to look at it in context of all the terrible results we have had all season long since Thelwell and co. took a weak squad and somehow made it even weaker. It's just a matter of which of the five really poor teams at the bottom are the worst of the worst. I think Soton are done. We can't score, Leeds can't defend, Notts Forest have built the largest squad of useless journeymen in history, and Leicester are basically relying on one good player to carry the team.

Duncan McDine
94 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:01:50
Svein-Roger, that is a horrible statistic, but no one should be surprised. The incompetent fools upstairs yet again failed to sign a proper goal scorer and we’re deep in the shit.

Christine, I agree that it’s a point gained - Palace have looked red hot in their last couple of games. However, at this moment, looking at the table, I don’t feel like taking many positives!

Ray Jacques
95 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:02:26
Jay, it's not negativity, it's realism. We haven't won in 5 games, can't score goals and are in the bottom three with a handful of games remaining. Newcastle and then Leicester away to come. The new manager bounce lasted one game, he can't fix this mess.
Frank Sheppard
96 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:02:33
Reality check.
Statistically 0-0 is the best result we could have hoped for away from home.
We rarely ever score and we rarely ever keep a clean sheet.
Mark Ryan
97 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:03:24
At least that's the last we'll see of Holgate this season. Horrible player, horrible arrogant lazy arsed attitude and they're his good points.Go home and stay home
Frank Sheppard
98 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:04:27
Kieran 93 - are we not the same as Leicester, one player carrying the team (JP).
Duncan McDine
99 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:05:27
BTW - Both Derby and Sheff Utd scored just 20 goals in a season… that’s the record low.
Dave Lynch
100 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:07:46
We need points and badly, lose to NUFC and Liecester and its curtains.

Goal difference will be of no hope, it's bad now...but God knows how many city will put past us.

Kieran Kinsella
101 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:10:53
Frank

Good point

David Bromwell
102 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:13:45
I don't think the Manager has done too well in any of our most recent games. He is obviously struggling to find eleven fit players, not his fault, but today surly it was a mistake to keep Mason Holgate on for so long? We know he is not comfortable at right back and once he took an early booking we knew that a sending off was very likely.
I also think we need to vary our attack when we get a corner as we have become too predicable, and just sending the big boys up has become boring and ineffective.

So for Thursday, when hopefully we will have some of the big guns back, let's have a solid performance but let's try a little invention. I for one don't want to hear from the Manager, and certainly not from the so called Chairman. I would just like to see a little bit of quality, and a sensible game plan surely that's not asking too much ?

Allan Board
103 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:14:26
Not enough but better than nothing. MUST get 4-6points from next 3 games else it's over. As for Man City taking it easy against us- there 3rd team would beat us.
One question remains for me though- if this is still up for grabs come our last game, what's the concensus on Cunty Bollucks and his scumbag board buddies being in attendance? Surely the world's finest evertonian wont give up the opportunity to tearfully play to his press buddies audience one last time?
Rip the stadium apart with him in it if he does.
Jeff Armstrong
104 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:19:34
This managerial merry-go-round we have just means we have to suffer Holgate, Davies, Mykolenko etc etc over and over. We know they're shite, but we have to go through the motions of terrible game performances before the manager realises they're shite.

The same thing is happening with Dyche but we haven't got the games left for him to be picking these players. Bad management today, picking and then persevering with Holgate – Look at the comments on this thread before the game and the Live Forum at half-time.

Utterly predictable – and Dyche should know it – not watch it unfold before his eyes.

Lee Courtliff
105 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:28:34
I've never been a fan of Sean Dyche; after watching him at Burnley for 10 years, I feel I know him very well.

It was obvious that Holgate was a red card risk, and even with two possible alternatives on the bench, he still sat there and refused to make a sub!! Ridiculous management.

Ask any Burnley fan and they will tell you he loathes to make changes to either the line-up or the system unless it's forced on him through injury or suspension.

I felt okay at half-time and thought we could possibly nick something, Everton obviously let me down. Again.

If we don't beat Newcastle on Thursday, then I'm pretty certain it's curtains for us. I'm trying to be positive but it is getting harder and harder.

Colin Glassar
106 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:30:10
A horrible game by all accounts. Thank Christ we won’t have to play against the likes of Fulham and Palace again for a few more seasons.
Kieran Kinsella
107 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:31:17
Jeff,

That is a big issue. Any time a manager is sacked, the inference is that someone else could do better with what he has.

So they come in and see Iwobi apparently like Pele in training.

Tom Davies knocks on the office door and asks "What can I work on to improve?" and they think he's being serious.

Michael Keane knocks on the office and asks "What can I work on to improve?" and they say "Michael, you're 30 years old, for fuck's sake!" and slam the door shut.

Then the first 11 they pick fail as always, so they think "Well, these subs can't be any worse," but then they are worse.

Then they think "Maybe there are some gems in the Academy" … and there aren't.

Then whatever scraps remain are sold off by Bill Kenwright each window and then the manager gets the sack.

Jerome Shields
108 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:31:45
Getting a result was important. I thought Dyche took a risk keeping Holgate on with a yellow card and it proved to be the case.

The next game, they should improve and get a result. The Leicester game is going to determine a lot. They always fade after two results and in this game they can't afford to do that.

Hopefully Dyche can get Calvert-Lewin playing most of the match, and the return of Doucouré should help. But Dyche can't allow the pressure to drop.

Danny O’Neill
109 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:32:32
Half way home and reflection time.

Hardworking performance and a well-earned point.

Once again, I was floor watching when the 5 minutes added time was announced.

Tarkowski won just about everything. Gueye broke everything up.

Jordan Pickford kept us in it with at least two great saves.

Then the supporters. Absolutely non stop and relentless, particularly in the 2nd half. To the point it wound up the drum beating Italian Ultra wannabes.

Fantastic turnout and fantastic show of passion, Evertonians.

I gave a young lad next to me a big hug at the end. About 10 years old. He stood on his seat and never stopped.

I'll gather my thoughts and write tomorrow.

Pete Neilson
110 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:37:06
If Patterson isn’t a “rounded Premier League bona fide player” does that mean Holgate and Godfrey are?
Barry Hesketh
111 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:40:33
I understand the questioning about Sean Dyche's tactics and his in game management, I share the same qualms, but ask yourself this question, exactly who else is going to come in to manage Everton whether we stay up or not, whether there is investment or not.

We are going to have a lower quality of squad next season, whichever division we're in, we're going to have less money to spend on new players, even if the mystical investment in the club arrives.

That's why it's imperative, despite our collective common sense, telling us otherwise, to believe that somehow we can manage to get the necessary points to stay up at least that will ensure we have an actual club to support for another twelve months.

Basically, we're up that well known creek, without a canoe never mind a paddle.

Dale Self
112 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:42:48
Jeff and Kieran, that is the original sin. We also have the problem of how Dyche tries to motivate players worn down by the carousel. Some players need a kick upthe while others need an arm around the shoulder. Frank never knew and Dyche probably tried in places and now it is simply ‘Man up’. We are short on those in a football sense.
Jerome Shields
113 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:46:54
Two matches I've next weekend will keep them training.Can't have lot at Finch Farm, better to have them on the pitch.These two matches will decide alot, especially when we are contesting our main rivals.
Pat Kelly
114 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:53:32
This relegation season has been a long time coming. When you can't put the ball in the net you have no business being in the Premiership. Relying on Pepé Le Few up front for most of the season was nothing short of embarrassing the Club and the fans. It'll take a long time to rebuild Everton's once proud reputation, assuming it has a future in top flight football.
Tony Everan
115 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:55:18
Colin 106, yes it was dire, It will be last on MOTD, maybe even as the end credits are rolling, but it was a hard earned point on the road that could be priceless.

It still keeps us in there fighting with a home match up next. The must win matches are now transcending that cliche , four points minimum from the next two I think are essential.

Jonathan Oppenheimer
116 Posted 22/04/2023 at 18:57:08
Not too much new to offer on the match. The pros: DCL back and looking sharper than I expected, a few chances that could have nicked us the 1-0 win. The cons: everything else, including the baffling decision to play Holgate and then keep him on.

The one thing I’d add regarding the minimal amount of hope I have is that I think the Leicester game is actually much bigger and more winnable than Newcastle. We still need draws in addition to winning one of the next two, but we’re better suited to nick a 1-0 away win than have to play on the front foot at home. We then have to hope Leeds and Leicester do nothing the rest of the way, which is possible after they play each other this week.

Again, the Dyche decision to play Holgate was terrible. Either he doesn’t like Patterson or doesn’t trust him, which either way is concerning. But the Dyche tactics were sadly pretty good, so he gets credit there. Our best shot is winning 1-0 on a set piece, and all of our set pieces by McNeil and Gray were terrible today; Garner should be taking them. So if we can find those goals, build on the clean sheet today, Dyche ball could just allow us to hold on.

Obviously Coleman slots back in if healthy, but I hope Garner keeps his place if Doucoure comes back. I’d really like to see Gana sit, as I think he’s a liability, but that assumes Davies or Onana are better in that deep-lying role, and I’m not sure that’s the case. But Garner to me is clearly our best skilled central midfielder and needs to be on the pitch.

We’ve still got a shot, and so believe it’s possible. Come on you blues!

Jeff Armstrong
117 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:12:24
Jonathan 116, I thought Garner disappeared second half, just like he did versus Fulham, not unlike Onana in most games tbh,

Doucoure, Onana, Gueye and Garner with Iwobi, DCL up top would be my pick first half v Skunks,

second half?

Onana & Garner need to play their A game for 90 minutes

Mike Gwyer
118 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:14:25

Jonathan #116

Spot on and take a bow for staying positive. So much negativity can bring you down.

We defended well but lacked quality going forward, but we got a point, a seriously well earned point. So lets move on. Next game.

COYB

Raymond Fox
119 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:16:29
We got 1pt more than I thought we would, so I think we did ok.
We got Leeds and Forest beat but its a pity that Leicester had a win.

We have now scored less goals than anyone in the division 24 from 32 games and its obviously our achilles heel.

The game with Leicester could decide our fate, the problem is they will be favourite to get at least a draw.

Anything can happen we know that but its looking a bit grim, we need help from Leeds, Forest and throw in Leicester too.

Jonathan Oppenheimer
120 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:18:16
Jeff 117, don’t disagree. The entire team pretty much disappeared second half. Just feels like Garner wins some headers, doesn’t give cheap fouls, doesn’t lose the ball easily, and is stronger on the ball than the others, plus adds some creativity. He still has a long way to go, especially playing alongside such mediocre players and because he was out for so long, I just think we’re better with him than without him. I think you sit Gray when Doucoure comes back, bring him on as an impact sub, leave the rest of today’s starting 11 bar Coleman or Patterson coming on. It’s the best we’ve got.
Jeff Armstrong
121 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:27:37
Jonathan 120, agree about Gray, he’s far to lightweight, been poor last 3 games ( who hasn’t?) better as a sub, still think Mina on the left and Tarkowski moving to the right of a central defensive partnership might work too, Tarkowski is poor on his left foot
. Keane is starting to revert back to liability status after an initial upsurge after coming back in, Dyche needs to manage all this.
Holgate today was so predictable, yet the manager didn’t have a clue, worrying.
Barry Hesketh
122 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:28:30
Raymond @119
It might be better for us if Leicester beat Leeds in midweek, because of the disadvantage Everton have on Leicester's goal difference in comparison to Leeds, or would it be better if Leeds win against Leicester and we try and do the same at the weekend?
Eddie Dunn
123 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:31:12
At the end it was definitely a point gained.
Palace away is always a tough game and they had the new manager "bounce" and won three on the spin.
We were rubbish in possession and gave the ball away regularly. We were inaccurate with our passing and our shooting was weak.
We did though lokk better with DCL and he lasted 90 minutes.
Holhgate's first Yellow was harsh but a clever player disguises his shoulder barge and avoids the card.
For me Gray was terrible, as was Iwobi. Gray seems intent on not taking his man on, is he just low on confidence?
Iwobi might pop a good pass in from time to time but normally loses the ball.
Garner faded, as did Gana. but the woeful wingers did little to help in midfield.
I doubt we will beat the Saudis or the Arabs so Leicester away will be the game in which we sink or swim.
Dave Abrahams
124 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:33:36
I thought it was a very good result but you would have to be a masochist to enjoy that performance particularly by quite a few players, not many were surprised when Holgate got a second yellow and was sent off although the two offences were mild considering some of the tackles that went in.

Tarkowski stood out in the back four, the only one who did and watching Keane doesn’t do my ageing ticker much good, still never aware, never anticipates the next phase of the game, two seconds behind the game but who else is there? Mina some would say, not me he’d make me as nervous as Keane does.

Garner did okay but faded in the second half, it’s still early days with him, Owobi was Owobi a mixture of good and bad play and still waiting to make the first hard but fair tackle of his career, it won’t hurt you lad honest. Gray was poor, McNeil had a decent game and tries to keep hold of the ball, I wish more players put the effort and tackles in that Gana does, he looks like he cares, the Ukrainian is still struggling and adds to the strain on my nervous system, Dominic wasn’t great but puts some strain on the opposition and was only inches away from scoring a great goal and getting us those two extra points. Pickford played well apart from his distribution at times.

At the end of the day it could have worse and my nerves would have been torn to shreds if I had watched Liverpool struggling to help us at Anfield against the fabulous Notts Forest!! Count your blessings that one point was better than none and turn out to be very valuable.

John Raftery
125 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:36:43
I wouldn’t trust Patterson at the moment, especially against a cunning old hand like Ayew. Godfrey has been dreadful in the last two matches and mediocre before that. In my opinion Holgate was worth a try and we did manage to keep a rare clean sheet with him on the pitch for 80 minutes. Seamus cannot return quickly enough.

For the build-up to the red card, Pickford was culpable. With ten minutes left, the score 0-0 and his team in a relegation fight attempting a long wide pass created an unnecessary risk. The interception by Ayew left Holgate out of position and chasing his man from behind.

I thought Garner played the best football we have seen from him so far, especially in the first half. He looked strong, agile, combative and showed an eye for a forward pass.

Overall the attack functioned more effectively than of late. Players have obviously been told to shoot on sight. On another day one of the efforts from Iwobi, McNeil or DCL might have taken a fortunate deflection.

We will know by 28th May if this was a vital point or a futile draw.

Jonathan Oppenheimer
126 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:37:06
Jeff 121, I don’t think anyone here would argue that Mina is one of our top two central defenders skill-wise, but Dyche clearly made a decision that he wanted a back 2 pairing that could gel together once he benched Coady, and unsurprisingly he chose the one not made of glass. Hard to see him changing his mind now. I’m not sure I’d be in favor of it anyway, as Keane offers more goal threat than Mina, and Mina also has an awkward clunky give-away in him just like Keane, especially not having played in forever.

Barry 122, we want a draw, but if a team has to win I think it’s Leicester, then we hope for a miracle win away against them to stay level or take them over on points.

Robert Tressell
127 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:38:43
Compare the two starting line ups and Palace have better players.

I think Guehi, Andersen, Mitchell, Doucoure, Eze and Olise would all get in our side.

Only Pickford is definitely better than his Palace counterpart.

Thats why we're only picking up points slowly now. We have a rubbish set of players.

But Dyche is giving us a chance. we will keep picking up points and I fancy a win coming soon

Matt Henderson
128 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:39:38
If someone was tasked with deliberately forming a horrendous squad I don’t think they’d do much better than what we’ve done. I am a bit critical of the set up but it’s a lottery of shit players to choose from so I can totally understand Dyche having issues with selecting a functional team and his lack of subs.

But apparently our CEO is the best in the business so I guess I know nothing and should just be grateful that we have such a talented leadership at the Club.

Raymond Fox
129 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:40:32
You could be right Barry 122 but there's that many senario's it hard to figure.
Joe McMahon
130 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:51:38
Barry@122, you may be right. But the problem for our pitiful squad is we have to catch someone ablnd it requires 2 things that are not very Everton. Scoring goals and winning matches. Our meagure goals scored just shows the dross us fans have to suffer.

I think wecare down, which is incredible given the fantastic and achieving board we have.

Grand Old Team!

Geoff Lambert
131 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:57:50
Final nail in the coffin on Thursday and down when we get thrashed by Man City.

Thanks for the good times, Bill. Don't ever show your face at Goodison again.

RIP, Everton FC.

Denis Richardson
132 Posted 22/04/2023 at 19:58:44
I would have taken a point before the game so I can't complain. We can't control other results and Leicester home to Wolves was a must-win for them.

Still, Forest and Leeds lose and we gain an away point and have Calvert-Lewin back in the team. In the Bottom 3 but by no means down and out with 6 games left.

Get a rest and refocus on the barcodes. Hopefully we can get the same result as this time last year. If Newcastle beat Spurs tomorrow you'd think it would make it a bit easier for us.

Julian Exshaw
133 Posted 22/04/2023 at 20:19:47
Leeds changed Marsch and have arguably got worse, we changed Lampard and after a bright(ish) start under Dyche have returned to what we've been for the last two seasons, quite frankly a poor team that can't score.

The so-called bounce teams like Villa got after changing coach was more like a hop in our case. I don't blame Dyche, what is he supposed to do? With two exceptions he has given the squad a chance to prove itself but for whatever reason they just can't do it. The lack of a fit striker has been discussed to death but the fact is we can't even create good chances nevermind finish them off.

I truly admire the optimism of my esteemed fellow Evertonians on this forum but whereas last year I could see us escaping, this year looks bleak. Three points are a must on Thursday, under the lights at Goodison anything can happen. There's no way this great arena of sport should ever have its final hours in the Championship. No way!!

Barry Metcalfe
134 Posted 22/04/2023 at 20:25:17
Now that Kenwright feels it is appropriate to communicate with us (fans), perhaps he could fully explain why we are not playing our football at Kings Dock?
Johan Elmgren
135 Posted 22/04/2023 at 20:38:11
Never thought I would say this but I think we really have missed Doucs energy in central midfield in the last three games. I think that's a big reason why we've only picked up 1 point.

While him, Onana and Gana played together, we seemed to have a high-energy midfield that, with sheer relentlessness and intense pressing would lead to us creating scoring chances, often by winning the ball in midfield. We have felt toothless the past three games without that energy and the lack of creativity in the attack... When you don't have creativity, at least you have to have energy, but that has been sorely missing...

Iwobi to me, is just running on empty in there, he seldom gets in the game, just prances around doing nothing. He was quite good under Lampard, now he's lost the plot totally...

Gana isn't his old self, but he really complement Douc and Onana well in central midfield allowing them to press high, before Doucs suspention. He's ok, but too slow nowadays and when Onana and Doucs are back I would play Garner as a deeplying midfielder instead with Doucs and Onana pressing higher up the pitch. I feel Garner is a much better passer and more mobile than Gana. I hope now with Doucs and Onana back we can generate more energy from midfield and take more control in games, pushing up the pitch, because the last three games, we have created very little attacking-wise.

We're not down yet, but I'm bracing myself for the worst because we were very poor today. I'm aghast at how many of our players that have poor decisionmaking, and poor technical ability to boot. I think most decisions today were atrocious, right from the off.. Maybe it's the pressure of the relegationbattle and nerves, but we really should be better in that department, it's a huge part of the game.

I'm bracing myself... As a defence-mechanism... I'm starting to think that maybe it isn't that bad getting relegated after all... We could get rid of the deadwood that has been haunting us too long. Sell some players and try to get some young prospects in instead. And along with them we could bet on our youngsters to make up the core of the team... Myko, Patterson, Branthwaite, Garner, Warrington, Onana (if he'll stay), Simms, Cannon (both have had great loans in the Championship), Mills and maybe some others... Sell Calvert-Lewin, Iwobi, Gray, Keane, Doucs, Mina, Maupay, Pickford and probably some more that I forgot on the top of my head, to generate funds to buy some young prospects... I don't know...

Sure, I would feel very disappointed if we were to be relegated for the first time since the 50's. I take huge pride in that fact... I'm very proud of that particular statistic, but what the hell, maybe it's best for the club... I'm bracing myself...

Sorry for the rant, just wanted to let of some steam...

Mark Ryan
136 Posted 22/04/2023 at 20:40:23
Is Doucoure back next game?
Johan Elmgren
137 Posted 22/04/2023 at 20:44:38
Yes Mark, I think he is...
Dave Abrahams
138 Posted 22/04/2023 at 20:47:42
Yes Doucoure is back and Ramadan has finished, he will be fitter, fatter and flabbergasting!!
Andy Finigan
139 Posted 22/04/2023 at 20:55:10
Well it's now down from 9 teams not long ago to just 5 teams in reality. In last week's game, we had chances to score and go on and win the game. This week, Calvert-Lewin should've scored. At least we are back keeping clean sheets.

The games are running out fast and please our win will come on Thursday against Newcastle. We can't keep saying "Next game", though, can we? That's all we have left at the moment, but Dom's back and Doucouré's back next week and maybe Coleman and Onana. We are totally relying on maybes and hope, aren't we?

If Sean Dyche picks the right players, I think we have a chance but these last 3 games I am not so sure he will.

I wanted Frank to succeed and I want Sean to as well but what is it they can't see that we see?

Paul Birmingham
140 Posted 22/04/2023 at 21:16:47
For me, today was a hard-earned point and a clean sheet. A win would have been great but, in the current plight, today's point against the odds could be vital at the end of May.

Fate and fortune will contrive but Everton must beat Leicester, Bournemouth, and Wolves.

The Toon can be beaten and it will take a special Goodison night to do this, but it is possible.

Rivals in the dog fight to avoid relegation
Leeds United fixtures
Leeds v Leicester; Leeds win, in order of fixtures, Bournemouth, City away - Leeds lose both games, Leeds, v Skunks, Leeds lose, West Ham away - Leeds lose, Leeds v Spurs- Leeds lose..

I'm hoping this is the Leeds collapse, but last season they done the same, but saved themselves in the last couple of games, getting some against all odd victories.

That's me hoping that Leeds, Leicester and also Forest will win less of their remaining games than Everton. Looking at their respective fixtures, they're tougher than Everton's.

The pressure now is massive, every game a Cup Final, but beating the Skunks would be a boost, to set up for Leicester.

Hopefully the whole squad will be up for it.

UTFTs!


Mark Ryan
141 Posted 22/04/2023 at 21:21:11
Good news to have Doucouré back.

UTFTs

Anthony Murphy
142 Posted 22/04/2023 at 21:50:59
I think two more wins and two draws may just get us over the line - takes us to 35 points.

I just can't see us winning 3 of our last 6 but same applies to those around us, so 35 and we may survive - just.

Greg Kelly
143 Posted 22/04/2023 at 21:58:29
I could only listen on the Everton website commentary and it was agonising only lifted by the sound of our fans in the second half. They deserve so much more. Maybe they can drag us over the line one more time.
Mark Murphy
144 Posted 22/04/2023 at 22:05:58
Just back from the pub after the game.
First half was shite. We looked like we hadn’t a clue how to win a football game that we HAD to win. On saying that the ref and the lady linesperson were f@cking abysmal!
Second half we looked like we could win it. DCL should’ve scored. Then Holgates brain fart! The guy behind me called the red when Holgate lost the ball. No more blue shirts for Mason I think!
I’ll take the point but ultimately two points lost - dey were shite dese blues!
A good day out spoiled by a game of football!
UTFT and come back Seamus!
Tony Abrahams
145 Posted 22/04/2023 at 22:12:05
On the last day of April 2022, Burnley won away and left Everton in the bottom three, five points from safety. The very next day the Evertonians, went to new and great lengths to make sure they greeted the team coach, and Goodison suddenly became a stadium that was 100% United behind the team.

If I could get a message to Sean Dych it would be to make the players arrive by coach on Thursday night, and this would help to make Goodison, which is already going to be full of passion, roasting hot.

Bobby Mallon
146 Posted 22/04/2023 at 22:35:24
We are going down and we all need to accept it. What I won’t accept is fucking boring football. Dyce just go for it play more attacking football you never know we might actually score 1
Will Mabon
147 Posted 22/04/2023 at 22:49:01
Since there are both sides being expressed; we will go down or we won't... is now the time to break the tension with a fun poll?
David West
148 Posted 22/04/2023 at 22:57:52
It's the people on here who said we'd lose to Palace that come out fuming when we draw !! If they weren't expecting anything then ist a draw a positive??
Depressing some people. All season, we are down, it's over, no hope. Well we are not down yet !!!
What goods the constant negativity doing ?
Not what we wanted but it's not over!

Next week is the pivotal week now ! If we got anything from Newcastle which isn't inconceivable at home with players coming back. .
Leeds vs Leicester which any permutations are not bad for us ! It's what we do that will count. We are overdue a result now surely.
1-0 against Newcastle
Leicester lose to Leeds.
We win or draw there and could be in our hands

Ernie Baywood
149 Posted 22/04/2023 at 23:05:52
Feels like we're going down without much of a fight.

The squad is poor. And we spent the January window trying to appoint a manager renowned for keeping it tight when our issue was goals scored rather than goals against. It never made any sense.

We either had to sign a forward or we would go down. So we signed a defensive minded coach. We've shown a bit more resilience but what we needed was aggression and bravery. And it's not like that's some genius take on the situation - it was obvious to anyone and everyone except our leadership.

I blame Dyche about as much as I blame Maupay. Neither are what we needed, and neither are able to be what we need.

We're just hoping for a miracle now. Any team is beatable on a certain day - we're going to need the fans and players to step up like never before and do something almost superhuman. Go and beat teams that are much, much better than us. It could happen.

David Currie
150 Posted 22/04/2023 at 23:14:05
Barry 122,
Next 3 games,
Leicester- Leeds a Everton h Fulham a
Soton- Bournemouth h Newcastle a Forest a
Forest- Brighton h Brentford a Soton h
Leeds- Leicester h Bournemouth a City a
Everton- Newcastle h Leicester a Brighton a
I think Leicester will stay up and hope they beat Leeds.
Danny 84,
Dyche has had Fulham, Spurs, Villa and Forest. 3 of them at home all were winnable games we ended up with 2 pts from 12.
Iain Johnston
151 Posted 22/04/2023 at 23:33:48
Kieran 64# I know I'm being optimistic but I just can't give up yet.
We didn't expect to beat Newcastle with 10 men last season nor did we expect to go to Leicester and win either.

We'll have a full strength midfield on Thursday night, arguably the 'best' midfield we've had for a while now. Probably Seamus too, It'll make a big difference.

Jerome Shields
152 Posted 22/04/2023 at 23:34:19
Watched Motd and Holgates two yellows.Both where clumsy challenges.
Kevin Molloy
153 Posted 22/04/2023 at 23:49:14
I'm very surprised at the gloom on here. In the form we've been in, to get an away point after going down to ten is really good against a team like Palace. Better still, our rivals mostly lost, what's not to like. Plus we'll have doucoure and Coleman back soon, and 'the striker' will have another game banked. I was expecting a loss today, and it could easily have been the case that Leeds and Forest picked up points, but they didn't so let's bank it and move on with more of a spring in our step
Colin Glassar
154 Posted 23/04/2023 at 00:21:38
Jerome, the only positive I can find in (possible) relegation is I won’t have to suffer watching/dreading motd next season.
Phil Lewis
155 Posted 23/04/2023 at 00:33:07
All things considered the point gained today could prove priceless in our fight for Premiership survival. This relegation dogfight looks like going right to the wire on the final day of the season, for yet another cliffhanger end to a nailbiting year. It's all in the balance once more. That now familiar heart pounding, nerves shot, final day fight to the finish looms again.

Surprisingly, the outcome is not as fearful to me somehow, as it was last season. Because unless radical changes are made, starting in the boardroom, then this same scenario will unfold again a year from now.

I find myself wondering will it actually take relegation before we are finally rid of the charletons, namely Kenwright, Baxendale &Co, who have led us to this sorry situation, once and for all.

The whole structure of EFC needs rethinking and rearranging before we can move forward into the new age at Bramley Moor.

That deluded Narcissist Emporer Kenwright fiddles while Goodison burns!

So come on you blue boys, a battle Royal to the finish, starting on Thursday against Newcastle. Nothing short of that will do.

Colin Malone
156 Posted 23/04/2023 at 00:43:00
Demarari Gray. Loads of talent / skill. FUCKING FULL STOP.

Passion. Zero.

Commitment. Zero.

Team ethic. zero.

GUTS. Zero'

Shit house. 10 out of 10

We can do without cowards like you.

Fuck off.

Derek Thomas
157 Posted 22/04/2023 at 01:02:46
One Game at a Time.

Yes, we're a total shit show with very few redeeming features on and off the field.

So worry about bad news when it happens, the famous Fat Lady vocalist's taxi hasn't even pulled up outside the theatre, she's got to go inside, take her coat off, get changed and wait her cue to go on stage yet.

These are not normal times - the very opposite. Is there not a defender or defensively inclined player in the Academy to step in at FullBack, given the once(?) in a generation shit or bust situation we have here.

Stand in Square Pegs playing out of position only work in the short term (as they have no 'fullback dna' - however minimal - to fall back on) and then only when the team is functioning well enough to 'carry' them - which we're not.

No manager is perfect (he's better than the last 2) but honeymoons only last so long, yet Patterson is not good enough and Maupay is??

Kieran Kinsella
158 Posted 23/04/2023 at 01:13:59
Tarkowski saying the forward players need to do better. No shit Sherlock
Bob Parrington
159 Posted 23/04/2023 at 06:19:23
Tony #145 Great stuff, mate! I couldn't agree more.

I still reckon that was not a second yellow card for Holgate. it looked like a decent attempt at a tackle - a foul maybe but not a yellow card.

2 red cards this season and both in the run-in. I question the officials' bias. probably made no diff to the final score, though???

Danny O’Neill
160 Posted 23/04/2023 at 06:38:09
It might be a bit of frustration coming out from our best player on the pitch yesterday Kieran.

He was pretty much running that defence on his own, back up by Pickford.

I wasn't convinced when we signed him, but I am a big fan.

A bit like Gueye in the midfield though, he needs others around him to step up.

Steve Brown
161 Posted 23/04/2023 at 06:38:57
Tony A, fantastic post and a great reminder that we were in a worse position last season.

We have only lost 2 games in the last 6, including away to Man U at Old Trafford. But, we only have 6 games left and need to WIN 3 to be guaranteed safety.

I advocated playing Godfrey against Fulham and Holgate against Palace - wrong! We need to be more progressive now to get the wins, therefore Patterson must play if Coleman is injured with Myko on the other wing.

We also need to vary the play more. It will be tempting to send long-balls to DCL and fight for the second ball. Nothing wrong with that, but we had success against Leeds and Brentford when our wide men got down the line and whipped in early crosses. DCL thrives on that service, so more of that please.

With DCL back and Doucoure returning next week, the team already looks stronger. Particularly if Onana and Coleman get fit. But, we need goals now so will need to take more chances in the remaning games.

Dom Kearney
162 Posted 23/04/2023 at 08:27:27
After the Forest draw in early March, I sent this to a few mates:
Win:
Brentford, Fulham, Newcastle, Bournemouth
Draw:
Chelsea, Spurs, Palace, Leicester, Wolves

I still think, and hope!, these results will come in. My worry is the Fulham game might have sent us down.

Who knows? I’m still trying to stay positive!!

UTFT!

Tony Everan
163 Posted 23/04/2023 at 08:27:34
Yesterday’s performance and result was a grinding hard earned draw away from home, it may be the point that makes the difference.

It may be right about 3 wins guaranteeing safety. I am thinking 8 points may just scrape us over the line. Wins against Newcastle and Bournemouth at home, draws against Leicester and Wolves away. Maybe even a gritty bonus point against Brighton or Man City (who knows? we got an unlikely draw last time thanks to Gray’s screamer. ) Any combination would do.

Easier said than done, it will take an almighty effort to get those results. With some very important players coming back though it is achievable.

It does now look that it’s going down to the wire, maybe the last five minutes of the season when a goal in two or three games could keep a team up or send a team down.

Ian Riley
164 Posted 23/04/2023 at 08:42:48
Interesting under Frank lampard we were too open and couldn't score goals. Under Sean dyche its boring keeping goals out and not scoring some say.

Yesterday we created chances and didn't take them against an inform Palace team. A point gained. The league table doesn't lie. Are we good enough to stay up or basically has Frank lampard relegated us before Sean showed up? All I know is Sean has given us a chance of survival.

If the worst happens. Make up your mind about Sean dyche? Accept his style to get wins in the championship. An option is bring Martinez back to play football in a league season that will be nearly 60 matches including Cup fixtures. I know which manager I want to get us up as quickly as possible and yes it's Sean dyche.

Again we find ourselves in this position. It's draining and not one bit exciting! However it's not done and dusted by any means. Make goodison loud on Thursday. Cheer till your throat is sore. Drown out negativity and hopefully the players respond.

Derek Thomas
165 Posted 23/04/2023 at 08:44:07
Tony @ 163; down to the wire Indeed. I reckon on the last day the league table will be like a demented airport departures board.
Ken Williams
166 Posted 23/04/2023 at 08:50:48
Holgate met our expectations. Considering Dyche is paid millions to manage Everton you have to wonder how he could not see what the majority of supporters knew what was coming, that red card was a nailed on certainty, you can argue that they were soft yellows but Dyche should of acted on the first. Dyches substutions are hard to comprehend, Patterson should of replaced Holgate at half time and why Dyche sticks with Maupay is another mystery. As they said on match of the day Everton never looked like scoring. On the whole we did not play that bad, as supporters there is nothing we can do, it is down to this group of players to show what they are made of.
Danny Baily
167 Posted 23/04/2023 at 08:58:22
It looks to me like we're going down with a respectable whimper, which is disappointing but not the worst outcome we might have faced.

Frank had us on a path to a Derby style relegation. Dyche has given us a realistic prospect of avoiding the drop, even now with six games to go. It's not unthinkable that we pick up two wins from six, but it is very unlikely.

My hope is that the board have been preparing for this outcome since the break for the world cup. When I read DBB and co talk about us as a PL club it worries me; it's almost as though there's a purposeful ignorance of the most likely outcome at the end of the season. We will most likely not be a PL club after next month.

If the board have thought ahead, and if there are plans to sell high earners to rebalance the squad, we might just have something positive to play for next season, be it playoffs, promotion or a title. I certainly wouldn't enjoy another slog against the drop in the premier league.

Jerome Shields
168 Posted 23/04/2023 at 09:31:21
Colin#154

See where you are coming from.The Pundits are just going through the motions,Analysis has gone to pot.They have preconceived notions of a teams place in the Premiership and the edited highlights are the best of the game.It just reflects the whole ethos of the Premier League.

Having a interest in the Championship would be interesting, watching better competitive football, with real fans like Evertonians.The coverage is better and at least the Pundits are commenting on a level of Football that they could play at.

Ian#164

I agree Dyche would be best to manage Everton in the Championship for the same reasons ..But I do think there is still a twist in the tail to the season to come.Dyche did get the necessary result yesterday, Against Newcastle at Goidison we are still within the realms of a possible result.It is the Leicester game I still think will be crucial in this first part of the run in..

Ian Edwards
169 Posted 23/04/2023 at 09:51:09
Jerome 168. Dyche didn't get the necessary result yesterday. Palace have failed to win 10 home games. That was our easiest away game left and we failed to win and have gone into the Bottom 3. It was 2 points dropped.

Derek 165. If we don't start winning (just 1 win in 9) then we will be down well before the final day.

Christy Ring
170 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:13:45
Danny #167,

Do you never have anything positive to say?

To be honest, I'm sick of the doom and gloom on here. Before the Palace game, would we not have been happy with a point away from home against a team who won their last 3 games?

And as for Holgate, he probably should have been replaced because of the yellow card. But all the talk about Patterson being our best full-back – when he last played, didn't he cost us 2 goals by his mistakes? Dyche watches him every day in training, so there's a reason he won't play him.

Doucouré is back, Dom is back, hopefully Seamus and Onana are back also, so let's look forward to a massive week. As Dave said, last season after the Burnley game, we were 5 points from safety.

NSNO.

Mark Murphy
171 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:17:01
We'll beat Brighton and we'll beat Wolves. We can do this!

Spirit of the Blues at full blast yesterday — more of the same and hopefully they'll respond on the pitch. UTFT!

Julian Exshaw
172 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:19:53
Colin @154.

I don't know if you watched MotD last night but, at the end, it was a complete shambles. No-one knew what to say and it was embarrassing. No worthy analysis about Everton's match at all, as per...

Andy Crooks
173 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:27:22
Well said, Christy. Keeping positive now makes me feel much better than the endless repetitive doom predictions that some posters have been inflicting for months.

We have all known since the World Cup that this was going to be tough but it is beyond me why some are so keen to be able to say they were right all along.

Phil Bickerstaff
174 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:27:47
Danny Baily,

The board prepared for relegation by employing Dyche. They accepted during the World Cup that employing Lampard wasn't the right choice.

Dyche has experience in promotion and that is the board's mindset. Also there is the parachute payments that interests them.

Paul Tran
175 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:30:49
I don't buy into this 'winnable games' stuff unless we have a team that could justify such statements. I remember in 1986, watching us draw at Forest & Utd, disappointed that as league leaders, we dropped points.

Yesterday, this time on a stream, I watched a well-organised patchwork quilt of a team eke out a dour draw against an in-form mid-table side.

Whatever your opinion of the players concerned, I'd argue that our slight resurgence was built on the physical presence of Doucoure & Onana. I'm hoping that their return, together with a genuine focal point up front, will enable us to eke out more points than three other teams.

Opportunities will come, whoever we're playing. This team can lose to anybody, has beaten the league leaders and drawn at The Etihad.

All to play for and in our hands.

Brian Harrison
176 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:34:23
I think our lack of firepower could be the thing that hampers us most in our bid to survive in the Premier League. This problem was inherited by Sean Dyche and just highlights how inept Frank Lampard was.

Richarlison was sold on 30 June 2022, and what did Lampard do? He put all his eggs on Calvert-Lewin being fit to play the majority of games, despite him missing a huge chunk of the previous season.

When Calvert-Lewin broke down prior to the season starting, did Lampard think "My priority is to get the best two strikers we can get"? No; instead, he played Gordon or McNeil as our main striker and, when the penny finally dawned on Lampard that we had no striker, with only days left of the transfer window, he signed Neal Maupay.

So it's no wonder this team has struggled to score goals; as well as bringing Maupay in, he brought in Onana, Gana and Garner who were not known for their goal scoring, and he also brought in McNeil who looked hopeless till Dyche took over. These players were added to Iwobi and Gray who have never been regular scorers.

Getting back to yesterday, we certainly limited them to few goal-scoring opportunities but didn't look like we were going to score either. The plus was Calvert-Lewin coming through 90 minutes and Dyche said there were no ill effects after the game.

I thought both Keane and Tarkowski were excellent but we not only lack goals but also creativity in midfield. Hopefully, now Doucouré has completed his suspension, he will make a difference, as he is the only one from midfield who drives forward and joins the striker.

I see Hodgson made some nice comments after the game about hoping Everton stay up, and admitting his wife is an Everton fan. He also said "I have to be careful what I say but I think Sean is the right man for Everton." He said he thought Lampard was dealt a poor hand but also suggested his style didn't suit the players.

Kim Vivian
177 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:39:16
The weather has me pinned down indoors this morning rather than taking my TR6 to a breakfast meeting so with nothing better to do I had a look at the final games run in for W Ham, Leeds, Leics, Forest, So'ton and us.

Trying to be realistic (ie without wearing my blue tinted glasses) I do still see us scraping over the line to safety. I predicted some while ago, when there were still about 10 or 11 matches to go, that we would end up 17th on 33 points.

With their respective run-ins I am seeing:

20th - So'ton on 28 pts after one win, one draw.

19th - Leics on 31 after 3 draws.

18th - Forest on 32 after one win, two draws.

----------(Massive GD advantage for Leeds)-------

17th - Leeds on 32 after 3 draws.

16th - Everton on 34 after two draws and one win.

W Ham and Bournemouth will probably be safe finishing on at least 33/34 or more given their current tally.

I think we will draw with Newcastle and Leics and win one of Wolves and Bournemouth. If we could pull off an extra win we might even find ourselves in the vertigo inducing position of 14th. I still see 33 as being (dangerously close to) safety but realistically think we will pick up more points than the teams around us.

How that would leave us for next season would remain to be seen with potential transfer embargoes, points deductions, fines, player outgoings and other shite but it is not a pretty outlook from my perspective, and we would likely be right back where we are now next year.

I do not really understand the ins and outs of parachute payments etc but it strikes me that possibly the best opportunity to rebuild the squad, from a financial standpoint, might be relegation to the championship?

If we were able to bounce back from the drop and with B Moore looking like being ready for '25/'26 that would see us moving there while back in the PL rather than possibly the season after the drop if that were to occur next season.

Addled brain this morning? Mine is.

Geoff Williams
178 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:40:17
Gray and Iwobi are not the players you want in a tough fight as neither is brave in a tackle and constantly give away possession.
Danny Baily
179 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:46:41
Christy 170, you're right, those players coming back in is a positive. And a couple of wins is all it will take.

But after the Burnley game, we were fourth from bottom, a point clear of Burnley. Not 5 points from safety. This situation is worse. A measure of realism might help soften the blow next month.

Phil Wood
180 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:46:41
If we go down and I say if because I don't think anyone can predict results in this Premier league.
We could win 3 games and still go down. Anybody is beating anybody in this league.
If we go down then it will be because we persevered with Frank Lampard too long and failed to strengthen in the last transfer window.
Moshiri failed to back the Club when it was critical to make those decisions.
How he made his money is beyond me. I can only think he was Usmanov's pet.
As for spending time slagging off Anthony Gordon on Thursday. I can never remember a pantomime villain returning to a former Club and not having a blinder when slagged off. He has gone let's just forget him and back our own.
Just waiting for a sickening rollercoaster of a finish to the season. Stress city.
Ian Edwards
181 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:50:42
Phil 180 Anybody can beat anybody? We can't beat anyone. One win in last 9 with games running out. Our winnable games have dribbled away.
Phil Wood
182 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:54:32
Ian 181. Understand what your saying but my point is that whatever we do we cannot take for granted that Forest, Leeds, Leicester, Soton may just beat Teams that they are not expected to. It's been that kind of season.
Brian Harrison
183 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:57:52
Kim 177

I desperately hope you are right in your prediction of us avoiding the drop. Regarding your point about the best opportunity to rebuild the squad with a drop down to the Championship, would be a disaster for this club. First as you say this independent body is still looking into if we have transgressed any financial regulations. Then we will have a mass exodus of players with both Pickford and DCL being the first to go and Iwobi is stalling on signing a new contract mind I don't see him going to be a downside.

But we wont have a lot to spend on rejuvinating the squad and will have to rely on loan deals and youngsters coming through. I am still haunted by the 19 years it took Leeds to get back to the top tier despite being a club used to winning titles in their past. Also the running costs for the new stadium will be a massive draw on resources, also it will be hard to expect supporters to pay Premier league prices for Championship football.
Even a new owner will be massively constrained about what he would be allowed to spend under the financial implications that will be with us for a while.

Kim Vivian
184 Posted 23/04/2023 at 10:59:49
Whoops - just noticed my typo there - I should have Everton 3 draws and one win...that puts us on 34
Chris Leyland
185 Posted 23/04/2023 at 11:06:32
Ian, yes we’ve won 1 out of 9 but…
Leeds have won 2 of their last 17
Leicester 1 of their last 10
Forest 0 wins in 11
Southampton 1 in 9

There are equally as shit teams down there with us

Raymond Fox
186 Posted 23/04/2023 at 11:38:57
Its impossible to guess the results towards the end of the season, but we are reliant on Leeds, Leicester being worse than us and Forest are only a point behind us so are not really out of it yet.

The Leicester game is vital if we could win that we would have a real chance and dent Leicesters hopes at the same time. Problem is they score far more than us, in fact everyone does.

I'd take 7 draws now, ok thats never going to happen but 7 pts whichever way we get them will be enough I feel.

On paper the game with Bournemouth at home is our best chance of 3 pts but on past performances we cant even be positive about that.

Our defence has not been a problem but we have been toothless in attack, with DCL back up front the hope is we can score some goals.

Michael Lynch
187 Posted 23/04/2023 at 11:42:10
I think it will take more than 33/34 points to avoid relegation.

At this stage of the season, one or two teams near the bottom start picking up wins, either against less motivated teams (like we did last season against Palace, Newcastle and Leeds), or in "play-offs" against fellow strugglers.

Leeds v Leicester is a big game - that probably defines who we are competing against for a relegation slot. Meanwhile Soton and Forest are both well capable of picking up points, judging from how hard they pushed Arsenal and the RS respectively this weekend.

We need to take four points from the Newcastle and Leicester games, otherwise I think we are close to doomed. Our big hope is if we can get back to the line-up that looked solid plus DCL up top. That means Onana and Coleman fit for all the remaining games.

I'm worried about Demi Gray though, he looks burned out and we don't really have any other options. Is it too late to put one of the U21s or even U18s on the bench? We might need something out of the ordinary to save us.

Henrik Lyngsie
188 Posted 23/04/2023 at 11:42:21
We are down to 18th and we have a few very difficult matches ahead of us. For me the key to our survival is to have DCL back combined with having the physical presence of Doucoure and Onana. Like we had against Arsenal. I actually think we looked like a really good team in that match. I am confident if they are all back that we will survive.

If we have to rely on Iwobi and Gray in a relegation battle I am a bit worried.

Lee Robinson
190 Posted 23/04/2023 at 11:46:58
Let's get it right, this side is going down. 24 goals all season tells the sad state of affairs but not the whole story. Going down with Dyche in charge, how did we ever get here from that exciting side in 2014, left with a side who don 't know how to lay off a 5 yard pass to their team mate.

Apart from the new manager bounce where luckily for us, any other weekend of the season Arsenal would have battered us, Dyche's reign has been as poor as Lampards. Gray looks lost (played somewhere different every week), Holgate and Godfrey in ahead of Patterson, Iwobi (see Gray), use of Simms, Mykolenko. His system seems to rely on one player and that is Doucoure, a player who Frank realised his second touch is a tackle.

It's sad to see young players sat on bench when senoir players are so so poor. What must they think? what message does it send out to the others when they not only watch this but can't get a game. Evan Ferguson, or even Saliba at Arsenal if they were at Everton I would guarantee would be not be in this side.

I am tired of watching these performances every week, we are without doubt the worst side in the league. To see the teams around us going to Arsenal, Spurs with attacking options and winning is even more damning when we can't put a few passes together.

Patterson, Simms, Mills, Price are going to have to be used as options I'm afraid.

Mark Taylor
191 Posted 23/04/2023 at 11:51:55
Not that long ago, there were none teams in the scrap. Then 4 teams, Palace, Wolves, West Ham and Bournemouth started to take points and got enough momentum to drag themselves clear.

Then there were 5, us included. As Chris points out above, all have pretty similar form, a win ratio of about 10%. Continuation of that form is likely to see you go down without even winning another game. But it is possible, even likely that one or two of the 5 will also get a run of momentum and squeeze out a couple of wins. Can that be us?

Of course, all is possible. But to win you need to score and not only is our record on that front clear for all to see, you can't even say we've been unlucky. Mostly, we don't ever look like scoring. Some of our recent goals, like Coleman's, have almost been freaks. This is a worry. Simms' goal v Chelsea stands out in my mind for being a 'typical' goal, yet one we scarcely ever see.

My hunch is that Leicester are the most likely. They have two genuinely class outfield players in Maddison and Tielemans. True, the latter is sulking but he knows how to play. I see now why Dyche perseveres with Gray. He is not a goal scorer but along with McNeil, is about as good as we have and is at least capable of a 'worldie'. Maybe that is all we need, just once, then hold out. If we lose against them, then we just have to hope Leeds don't suddenly discover how to defend and we are saved by being narrowly the least bad of 4

Rob Halligan
192 Posted 23/04/2023 at 11:54:08
Chris, well said, mate. People on here only look at what we've done over the past few games and think we're the only club on a shit run.

I said the other day that I'm sure many posters get some sort of warped sense of satisfaction when we lose, and other teams in the relegation battle get a result. It's like Andy at # 173 says, they can't wait to say “I told you so”.

I came out of Selhurst Park yesterday thinking a point was a decent result, as did many I could hear, walking back to the coaches. People on our coach seemed satisfied with the point, even though we had dropped into the Bottom 3.

I got home last night around 11pm and looked on TW around the time the game would have finished. All you see is negativity, negativity, negativity. Granted, it's a precarious position we're in, but the ones who have given up are the ones who don't, or can't for whatever reason, go the game, while those who go to all the games can still see a way out.

Having Calvert-Lewin back will play a big part in us staying up. Despite what Ian says at #181, we still have winnable games left: West Ham, Leeds and Forest don't. Not saying we are going to win them, but I'd rather have our run-in than those three teams.

We will survive, we will get above Leeds and West Ham. Leeds will be the one to go, along with Forest and Southampton.

Lee Robinson
193 Posted 23/04/2023 at 11:58:02
Leicester won't go down and would never go down this season. Their side is full of players we would only dream of right now. They have a decent run and can beat anyone.

Our only hope is if Leeds and Forest are so poor we manage to stay up, but I really can't see it. They are better than us everywhere apart from our defence and keeper, but they have it in them to pull out a performance; we don't.

Brighton away, Leicester away, Man City… absolutely no chance. That leaves Wolves away and Newcastle at home guarenteed wins required.

I think it's too much to ask for this squad, and I can see Bournemouth running riot on the last day like they did here under Carlo. The writing's on the wall, I've made peace with it. Sorry for the negativity, I'm drained.

David Hallwood
194 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:11:16
The commentators on my feed commented that the game had an end-of-season feel about it; and this is the problem, the number of times I saw our players meandering around the pitch, whereas we're seeing the other teams down there clawing and scrapping their way through games.

Dyche is beginning to worry me. In my opinion, the Fulham game was akin to Martinez's West Ham moment where I went from "He got it wrong" to "He doesn't know what he's doing", and it continued into the Palace game.

On the Live Forum, I and let's face it everyone else was posting, "Get Holgate off, he's a red card waiting to happen." Why couldn't Dyche see what we were seeing? He was getting skinned by Ayew, lost the flight of the ball numerous times and had to make up ground making a mistimed tackle inevitable.

I can only hope that this is a blip, and when we get Doucouré, Onana & Coleman back, go back to 4-3-3 this time with a fully fit Dom leading the line we can get enough points. It's the hope that kills you.

Stuart Sharp
195 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:12:16
Thank God I'm not the only one who hasn't given up. Don't get me wrong, I'm not confident, but the reality is that nobody can predict who is going down.

Who forecast Southampton drawing at Arsenal? Or us getting an away point with 10 men against the form team of the bottom half? More twists to come, I reckon.

All we can do as fans is give full noisy backing at every match. I hope the players have more faith than many TW posters.

Tony Everan
196 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:15:02
Lee, we pulled out a pretty good performance when beating the clear league leaders Arsenal at Goodison. We have important players coming back so we can, in theory, be as strong as that again.

If that team can do it against Arsenal, they can certainly do it against Newcastle and Bournemouth. They may not pull it off but this is no time for negativity or white-flag waving, that is exactly what our relegation rivals would love.

We go into it fighting for every ball and every blade of grass, full-on competitive, with our best players on the pitch and see where it gets us.

Stan Schofield
197 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:15:21
Lee, what? Leicester are crap, which is why they are where they are. We are also crap. But both Leicester and we can pull out the occasional winning performance.

It can go either way, relegation or survival. There's no point in being resigned to either, because such resignation won't diminish disappointment if we go down, or relief if we stay up.

The only practical thing to do is to keep on supporting in the hope that we win each game as it comes.

Bill Piscass
198 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:18:23
The way I see this is we are not winning, so all you fans whom think a point is okay is fine. However, we have to win away at some point to stay up.

If we beat Leicester, then everything will be okay. We wouldn't be in this mess if we would have got a striker.

In terms of going to games, it's difficult, unable to get tickets most of the time. However, if next season is in the Championship, how many would go under Dyche as a manager? Draw specialist.

Steve Brown
199 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:28:49
Depends how you look at it – we have won 1 game in the last 9, or we are the form team in the bottom 6.

Which we are – we do need to convert a couple of draws into wins though.

We finally have Calvert-Lewin back, together with Doucoure and Onana (hopefully). Claiming we are already relegated is not correct.

Dave Lynch
200 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:30:36
I wasn't enamoured when Dyche was appointed, I'm still not.
I personally think he's in the mould of Pullis or Warnock: outdated, lacking in flair and expansiveness as a manager.

He may build solid, hard-to-beat teams but they achieve very little.

Saying that, if he keeps us up, then I'll doff my cap to him and he will deserve another 2 years in the job.

Personally, I can't see it... that's not negativity, it's being realistic. We are in a bad, bad place and all the positivity will not change that, that's the reality of the situation.

But we live in hope, a Pandora's box of a team.

Martin Mason
201 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:37:53
It's nothing to do with faith or negativity. There is a possibility that Everton will go down and only the club can influence that really.

As fans we can do no more than we are doing as we did yesterday. We can go down, I'd say that the odds don't favour us with the bookies saying that we will go down.

Faith and hope from the fans will do nothing. Realism and acceptance is required now.

Brian Harrison
202 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:39:14
I thought Tarkowski was bang on the money when he said the forwards need to do better. It's very rare in this day and age were even a manager comes out and says things like this – never mind a player.

He went on to say our forwards are incredible players and maybe their confidence has been knocked by our position in the league. But he is right: the goal record of our forwards is abysmal and it needs to change starting Thursday.

Bob Parrington
203 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:43:01
Christy @ 170 - Well put.

Never seen negativity win anything. Get/stay positive for the final run in and we should be able to avoid the drop!!

Ian Edwards
204 Posted 23/04/2023 at 12:59:10
Rob 203.

Only scoring goals wins matches. We don't score enough of them.

Ian Edwards
205 Posted 23/04/2023 at 13:05:02
Steve 199. We are not the form team in the bottom 6.

West Ham have won 2 in their last 5
Leeds have won 1 in their last 5
Leicester have won 1 in their last 5.

We haven't won for 6 games.

John Keating
206 Posted 23/04/2023 at 13:08:23
I can see the winner of Bournemouth v West Ham being safe.
Stuart Sharp
207 Posted 23/04/2023 at 13:11:24
Yes, scoring wins matches, but average players like ours are less likely to score if the crowd have given up. Fans can't make a massive difference, true, but we need every small margin going. Fortunately, the fans at the match are rarely as negative as the mood on here.

Last season, many folk commented what a difference the fans made. So how come positivity is pointless now? Again, I'm not saying I'm confident, but all this talk of acceptance is bollocks.

Barry Hesketh
208 Posted 23/04/2023 at 13:12:01
Okay Ian,

Everton 0 Newcastle 2
Leicester City 4 Everton 0
Brighton 3 Everton 0
Everton 0 Man City 3
Wolves 2 Everton 0
Everton 0 Bournemouth 2

Everton relegated with its lowest goal tally in its entire history.

I'm being a tad sarcastic, however, I'm also realistic enough to know that those results are very possible, but fortunately we won't know until the games are actually played out.

Danny O’Neill
209 Posted 23/04/2023 at 13:19:34
Form can change quickly.

We can beat Newcastle at Goodison on Thursday.

We can beat Leicester.

We can beat Brighton.

We can get a point against City.

We will beat Bournemouth.

I walked out of Selhurst Park yesterday surrounded by a lot of Everton supporters who felt positive about the result, if not the performance.

No game is a given either way. But throwing the towel in? No, thank you.

James Head
210 Posted 23/04/2023 at 13:23:15
Anyone saying we will never see Holgate in a Blue shirt again, give it a rest, please.

We could have a nuclear holocaust and, when the dust settles, Holgate will still be sitting on the Everton bench with a baseball hat on back to front chewing gum like a demented speed freak and Tom fucking Davies sitting next to him going on about saving the planet by recycling chopsticks.

We're Everton, aren't we?

Chris Leyland
211 Posted 23/04/2023 at 13:29:32
Ian,

I sometimes sense that you get some perverse satisfaction about talking us down at every possible turn but…

Leicester have 3 points from their last 5 games and 3 points from their last 10 games.

Guess what? We also have 3 points from our last 5 games too but we have 10 points from the last 10 games.

Leeds have 3 points from their last 5 games and 10 points from their last 10 too.

I'd say that Leicester may have the best chance of moving away simply because they play both Leeds and us and they score more goals than both of us… but we don't concede as many as either them or Leeds.

So, if we can keep it tight at the back, get Onana and Doucouré back in a functioning 3-man midfield, and can keep Calvert-Lewin fit, we might just be able to nick a couple of games 1-0. We might also be capable of eking out a few more 0-0 games too.

We are still very much in with a shot.

Ian Edwards
213 Posted 23/04/2023 at 13:46:11
Chris and Dave. Both of you have failed to grasp the importance of winning games and getting 3 points. We have lost the habit.
Dale Self
214 Posted 23/04/2023 at 13:59:21
Work it, Ian. Third-rate offerings telling us what we can see for oursrlves and then, using that as some basis for claiming points lost when you did not give them a chance of winning.

I'm not going to bother looking at quotes because I know that was your repeated position

Get a latte ol chap, this goes on a while but you be sure and get on that -120 maaaaan.

Derek Taylor
215 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:02:11
Knowing our luck, we shall scrape through on goal difference and then get a fine of six points for bad financial management!
If this were to happen, it would be Chairman Bill's last duty to get the fine 'suspended'.

Given how well-respected he is within the game, I'm sure he could save his beloved club from sliding into the Mersey.

Danny O’Neill
216 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:02:19
Ian,

I don't know if you have met either Chris or Dave. Both are very wise, balanced and measured Evertonians and followers of the beautiful game. If you haven't met them, I'd recommend it.

Maybe you can give us the much anticipated "Told you so" next month? Meanwhile, many thousands are clinging to hope and belief that you won't be able to.

Call me what you want. I have thick skin.

Rob Halligan
217 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:02:42
Leicester are on an amazing run of three wins, two draws and twelve defeats since the World Cup.

Anyone who thinks they are safe and out of the equation needs to think again. They are down there because, like all the others, they are shite.

Steve Brown
218 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:09:36
Ian @ 205, you are just choosing a smaller sample size as it suits your narrative.

Which is, despite being an Evertonian, that Everton will definitely be relegated.

It may happen, but it is easy to repeat the same tune for every Everton manager and team as you have done for years. If they fail, you are right; if they survive, you are relieved and we were lucky.

Rob Halligan
219 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:14:37
Anyone who calls Carlo Ancelotti a dinosaur…

Well, we'll say no more.

Ian Edwards
220 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:27:50
I also have broad shoulders. I returned serve. All I did was point out factually that other teams are picking up the odd win. We aren't.

Newcastle game looking daunting while the draw at home to Spurs looks like another 2 pts dropped.

Apologies if that doesn't suit the happy clappers… but we are 18th, not 3rd.

Dale Self
221 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:31:06
I can’t help when others respond but I do have a right to post. If you wish to arrange a one on one maybe some others will give us the space to resolve this.

Just bring it up a level and get off the schoolyard stuff.

Kim Vivian
222 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:33:56
Fuck me - post on here now if you still think we're beating Newcastle on Thursday.
Christy Ring
223 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:33:58
Ian #213,

In all fairness, Ian, Dave is very knowledgable and always writes interesting and constructive comments, unlike some.

Michael Barrett
224 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:45:34
Kim,

Some of the daft fuckers on here think we will easily stay up.

Newcastle will twat us.

Dale Self
225 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:49:31
Just for the fuck of it I now truly believe we will beat the holy shit out of Newcastle. There!
Barry Hesketh
226 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:54:16
Wind-Up Merchant Sunday again, I see, with many posts banging on about all the negatives and some calling fellow fans Daft Fuckers because they have the temerity to hope that Everton win their next game.

Get a life, people, cos you're not clever and not at all funny and perhaps you should give football a miss as a way to find happiness.

Neil Copeland
227 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:55:58
Dale, good man! So do I - ha!
Alec Gaston
228 Posted 23/04/2023 at 14:56:34
Less points than last season, a worse squad than last season, no goalscorer bought in January, Board throwing fans under the bus, Premier League referral to an Independent Commission, Chairman's deluded letter which also suggests players and manager love him, fans exhausted, no bus to greet…

People can quote all the stats they want and I am always an optimistic person but this just feels different this season. I will still give 100% support but it feels hopeless. 😞 I hope I am wrong!

Andy Crooks
229 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:04:12
Michael Barrett, not one Evertonian – or 'daft fuckers' as you call them – has said "We will easy stay up". You made that up. Also, Newcastle won't "twat us", as you state. Guess you will be gutted if they don't.

Ian Edwards, you actually took the time to type these words:

"You have failed to grasp the importance of winning games"
God almighty, you actually fucking wrote that patronising, self-satisfied piece of shit.

There are no happy clappers on here, just concerned Evertonians hoping for the best… and relentless bores like you.

Charles Brewer
230 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:04:26
I see the Barcodes are 5-0 up against Spurs after 21 minutes. Thursday night doesn't look too promising as Newcastle have now got the “Champions” “League” in their sights. Also West Ham murdering Bournemouth.

Just as well we didn't go for Eddie Howe, or get Moyes back.

Also, for Rob Halligan - dinosaurs ruled the earth during the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, roughly from 252 million years ago to 66 million years ago, 186 million years. I'll take that as an indication that whatever they were up to dinosaurs (like Carlo Ancelotti) got something very right.

Brian Denton
232 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:16:41
Can't argue with any of that, Andy (229).

Leeds fans on their boards are also saying Leeds 'are down'. Funny lot, football fans.

Rob Halligan
233 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:19:32
Charles, I don’t think you know what I mean when I quoted dinosaurs and Carlo Ancelotti in the same sentence, then again maybe you do, but there were a few posters on here who would refer Ancelotti as to being a dinosaur when he was with us, indicating that his tactics, team selections etc, were probably ancient, or whatever, but Carlo Ancelotti is no doubt, one of the best, if not the best, managers in modern day football, yet was deemed to not be good enough for us by a few on here.
Ian Edwards
234 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:19:40
Andy 229. That comment you quote was in response to those saying a point was a decent result at Palace. It put us in the Bottom 3. It was a bad result.

Leicester won. West Ham are winning. I hope that explains it easily enough for you.

Martin Mason
235 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:29:07
I can fix "Sad whinger" as the opposite to happy clapper. You are the opposite, Ian.

Tell me, what do you do as a supporter to differentiate yourself from the Happy Clappers?

Ian Edwards
236 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:37:27
Martin 235. I give facts. Some people on here don't like facts if they don't make out everything in the garden is rosey. They take things out of context and spin.
Dale Self
237 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:41:02
Just collect those facts into a reasonable analysis that makes your case and we are all fine, Ian. It's not about ruling someone out for saying something that hurts.

It is that your rhetoric directly implies an intent to hurt and so we give it to you in return. We could work our way out of this kind of discourse.

Brian Wilkinson
238 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:42:48
I thought it was a decent point yesterday.

Newcastle are on fire and I fully expect a few to write our chances off on Thursday, however under the Goodison lights, Calvert-Lewin a bit sharper, and Doucoure coming back into the team, possibly Onana, then I certainly give Everton a fighting chance.

We will not make it easy for Newcastle that’s for sure and reckon it will be one of those nights when Goodison is rocking.

Have a bit more faith in your team, if we can get right behind the team from the off, rally the players.

Fulham was different flat atmosphere for large parts, this one though I expect Goodison to be rocking, even before kick off.

Martin Mason
239 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:48:41
No Ian, you do two things, you give opinions and wrongly believe that you're stating facts and you state the obvious in the belief that you are unusual in knowing the blatantly obvious.

"Grasping the importance of winning" was priceless. You are also patronising and rude to people.

I asked what you do as a supporter to differentiate you from the great Clapper unwashed? Can you answer, please?

Tony Abrahams
240 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:49:32
Is it a fact, Ian, that when Dyche went 4-4-2, we got overrun in midfield?
Ray Said
241 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:49:36
The decision to stop the team bus procession and arrival at Goodison is a very poor one. It created a tremendous atmosphere that most of us know contributed greatly to the bear pit feeling of Goodison under the lights.

The team need all the advantages that they can muster and I can't understand the logic of this decision.

Mark Taylor
242 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:54:35
I can only speak for myself but I think it is possible to: 1) be cold-eyed in appraisal of our performances and (lack of) quality and the very obvious and substantial threat of relegation if any of the 4 teams close around us start winning; and 2) not give up hope and still wanting to support and back the team, and to be capable of holding both positions at the same time.

Football's a strange game, the unexpected often happens. It is certainly not too late for us to escape. I don't think anyone is saying that, although they might – not unreasonably – be dealing with probabilities on the basis of their own eyes.

I actually have some sympathy with Ian's position. Earlier in the season, that might have been a point gained and of course it's better than nothing. But I doubt we can stay up without at least one win, maybe even two, and we are demonstrably not good at doing that right now, not least because we struggle to score, and time is definitely not our side, the clock is ticking down.

That was another chance missed. If nothing else, we could do with a lucky break. Maybe that would lift the team and bring a little more confidence to what looks like a largely shell-shocked side at the moment.

Sean Roe
243 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:55:35
Southampton, Nottm Forest, Leeds Utd.

All three going down this season.

Ian Edwards
244 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:57:13
Tottenham drew the last 70 mins 1-1. I bet SpursyWeb has posters saying it was a useful second half.
John Raftery
245 Posted 23/04/2023 at 15:57:42
Generally we play better, and the support is louder, against the bigger teams. The pressure is now off Newcastle in terms of securing a Top-4 finish. Let's hope they are just a little complacent.

First and foremost, we need to keep another clean sheet and take it from there. Easier said than done, I know, but in the last 13 months, we have beaten Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal – all by 1-0 when many predicted a dire outcome.

Brian Wilkinson
246 Posted 23/04/2023 at 16:00:31
Before we go into our game on Thursday, Leicester or Leeds will have dropped points. If it finishes a draw, then both will have dropped points. Either way, we will be going into the Newcastle game with at least one of them still clinging on above us.

One big effort on Thursday and a result will be absolutely massive, we have to target this and the Leicester game.

4 points minimum from those two games will save us, I reckon.

Kim Vivian
247 Posted 23/04/2023 at 16:10:22
Michael - 224.

I'm actually predicting a draw. That's the first of our 6 points from my post above.

Martin Mason
248 Posted 23/04/2023 at 16:35:18
Mark @242.

A win would have been better than a draw, hence my comment on statement of the blindingly obvious. A point though was also far better than a defeat against an in-form Palace side away from home.

We may stay up because of the single points won against good sides. If you win and then lose in two games you get zero points. If you draw twice then you get two incredibly valuable points.

Not losing is as important as winning when you're down. I hope for all of the great Everton fans that we stay up. Meanwhile, we kick the can down the road to the next must-win game.

Andy Crooks
249 Posted 23/04/2023 at 16:45:37
Ian Edwards, you are right, some people on here do not like facts or, to put it differently, the patently obvious being rammed down their throats on a daily basis.

You might as well write that it gets dark at night, that is the level of the insight, analysis and wit that you churn out relentlessly.

"Only scoring goals wins matches"
"We haven't won in the last six games"

We know, we all know. Just, in the name of God, stop telling us.

You are right, you were right all along! We are Doomed!!!

Martin Mason
250 Posted 23/04/2023 at 16:52:55
I like when those in the know tell us the fact that, whatever us happy clappers say, Everton is a poor side.

Well, no shit, Sherlock! – we are not only poor in skill level but we seem to be mentally destroyed and run by donkeys.

It's not what we are, we know that, it's how we can break out of it.

Andrew Keatley
251 Posted 23/04/2023 at 16:54:18
Ian Edwards,

We all know that the club is in crisis, on and off the pitch. I don't think there is a single Everton fan anywhere in the world who is satisfied with the status quo.

So it would be easy to come on here, like you do, and constantly criticise the ability, tactics, efforts etc and predict the absolute worst. But the absolute worst is not upon us yet – your posts notwithstanding of course...

Mark Taylor
252 Posted 23/04/2023 at 16:55:05
Hi Martin,

I'm not sure I follow the middle part of your post nor that not losing is the most important thing. I'd sooner win 2 and lose the others than draw all but the Man City game (which realistically we likely will get nothing from).

I really do think winning at least a game or two is more important than not losing a couple right now. I don't think we'll survive without at least one win, unless 3 out of the other 4 totally collapse. Granted that is not impossible but not to be relied upon.

To be blunt, I've seen enough these past 2 years to know we don't have the talent in the team to win by outplaying opponents. I'd settle right now for a lucky break, a goal going in off someone's backside or an own goal come to that. 3 points, however they come.

Charles Brewer
253 Posted 23/04/2023 at 17:40:45
Rob, my comment to you wasn't made with any seriousness. I thought Ancelotti was probably the best manager we've had since Howard Kendall Mk 1 won in Rotterdam.

I loved the style he brought and that he was a genius to discover how to turn an utterly limited centre-forward like Calvert-Lewin into a goal machine, and I thought he bought probably the most skilful player since Kanchelskis.

He made beating Liverpool in their midden look easy.

But the shit organisation and corruption both of the club and the Premier League and the break-in persuaded him that Madrid was a much better place. So he went and humiliated Liverpool all over again!

I love Carlo!

Stuart Sharp
254 Posted 23/04/2023 at 17:55:01
Well, speaking on behalf of the Daft Fuckers and Happy Clappers Association, I must apologise for having the temerity to have not given up, and to maintain that full backing of the team is required.

I don't remember anyone posting that 'we'd stay up easily', but thanks for the insults all the same.

Ian E, many thanks for your Shearer-like insights into how the game works. Given your Benitezesque taste for facts, let me offer one by way of return. We are not down yet and, as every gameweek proves, predicting all of the results is all but impossible.

David Hallwood
255 Posted 23/04/2023 at 18:24:54
I'm watching the FA Cup semi-final between Man Utd and Brighton, and in exchange range terms 1 Brighton team is equal to 1

At least there's consistency. The recruitment is as big a shitshow as the rest of the club.

Jerome Shields
256 Posted 23/04/2023 at 18:30:48
Charles #253,

I agree, Ancelotti was the best after Howard Kendall Mk 1.

Ian Edwards
257 Posted 23/04/2023 at 18:35:03
Commenting that yesterday was 2 points dropped rather than 1 point gained because it was one of our remaining winnable games and we went into the Bottom 3 has certainly hit a few raw nerves on here.

Even a few are reminiscing fondly about the manager who lost to Liverpool's Youth team in the FA Cup and also lost about 7 home games in a row including to a dreadful Sheffield Utd with a goal from a schoolboy. Not to mention the mind-numbing tactics.

If having a go at me rather than critiquing the team and manager makes you feel better, then I'm glad I've been of help.

Jerome Shields
258 Posted 23/04/2023 at 18:58:28
Ian #257,

With the squad we have, it was always going to be grinding out a result. We would have to be real lucky to win. Everton are dependent on other teams slipping up and, because the points tally is so tight, getting a point can make a big difference.

What Everton are dependent on now are:

Not getting beat,
A lucky win,
Other teams slipping up,
Just enough of a boost from returning players.

Even with that, they could lose two games.

Actually, this squad, if they got a win, could give us a Fulham performance and get beat the next game.

Andy Crooks
259 Posted 23/04/2023 at 19:00:38
You don't hit raw nerves, Ian, you bore people to death. When was the last time you wrote an in-depth analysis of the manager, team or anything?

We are a very poor team and no-one on here thinks otherwise. Only you feel the need to repeat it day after day after fucking day.

Anyway, last post I will address to you. If we are relegated, I look forward to your "I was right" lap of honour. Then on to your tedious nonsense that League One will be next…

David Hallwood
260 Posted 23/04/2023 at 19:00:38
Just a correction for my post #255

It should read 1 Brighton team equals I Iwobi. Oops

Martin Mason
261 Posted 23/04/2023 at 19:14:33
Ian, can you not understand yet that we didn't lose 2 points?
Rob Halligan
262 Posted 23/04/2023 at 19:38:41
Ah, the old Liverpool youth team……………… Here’s a stat for you Ian, the RS line up that day was…..

Adrian, Nico Williams, Nat Phillips, Joe Gomez, James Milner. Lallana, Chirivella, Curtis Jones. Harvey Elliott, Divock Origi, Takumi.

Hardly a youth team, and some premier league experience in that line up, although admittedly we should have won. In fact that game should have been over at half time when we should have been 4-0 up. I guess the fact that DCL and Richarlison missed some sitters was Carlos fault!!

Another stat for you Ian, we won eleven away games in Carlos only full season, including Liverpool, Arsenal, spurs, with a draw at man Utd. Guess those stats are erased from your memory.

Jerome Shields
263 Posted 23/04/2023 at 19:50:45
Dare I say, it will go down to the last game.All Evertonian's know that.They know they will suffer.That's why the Support is their at the games. It is not done till the last sec.
David Greenwood
264 Posted 23/04/2023 at 19:52:34
Well said Rob.

I'm unsure how it possible to lose something that we never had in the first place? How's that possible? We have a point more than we had prior to kick off so by any metric that's a gain.

It's not what any of us would have wanted of course but it's a point gained.

Bob Parrington
265 Posted 24/04/2023 at 03:37:02
Dale #225 and Neill #227 - I'm not going to predict the score but we will beat Newcastle. My wife's a Geordie and she knows life will be hell putting up with me if this doesn't happen!!
Lee Robinson
266 Posted 24/04/2023 at 09:45:35
In isolation a point at Selhurst Park is not a bad result, I think why a lot of people are feeling low after the Palace game is that the realisation of the last 3 games were probably our best opportunity for picking up points.

Spurs didn't turn up (as proved yesterday) and were making the same mistakes trying to play put from the back very poorly, and we didn't have a go until we went down to 10, Fulham were on the beach until we let them control the game (our own doing due to formation/tactics), and Palace were playing like it was the end of the season and were safe.

2 points from those games, I think we needed 6. Newcastle now is huge, the good thing is they may now feel like 4th is in the bag and hopefully we more than match them for effort and create a toxic atmosphere. No excuse now everyone is back.

James Marshall
267 Posted 24/04/2023 at 10:06:39
I think we've had it now - slowly but surely dropping further and further down the table, into the bottom 3 legitimately now with games running out.

It seems to me the pattern is set - other teams are picking up wins around us, while Southampton, Forest and Everton continue to flounder.

Where is a win going to come from? People on here, and I say this with the greatest respect, seem to apply blind faith every fixture - some above even saying they think we'll beat Newcastle. But why? On what basis? Newcastle are one of the best teams in the division, we're one of the absolute worst so what makes anyone think we'll suddenly pull off a feat like beating them is beyond me. And yes, we beat Arsenal, but that was new manager bounce and nothing more. A fluke. The games post have proved that.

My only hope is that with Doucoure, Onana and Coleman back in the team, we might sneak a draw here & there, but winning games? This team just does not know how to score, or win games - pretty fundamental and the table does not tell any lies.

Teams at the bottom need a spark, a player who can create something out of nothing - we do not have that player in our squad.

If we stay up, I'll be absolutely staggered.

Joe McMahon
268 Posted 24/04/2023 at 10:25:09
James@267, at last some realisim. Someone posted a couple of days ago Everton are the form team in the bottom 6, seriously! Newcastle are lightning quick and if Howe really want to, he could have his team put us through the shredder.

We have to rely on Dyche to come up with a plan (better than the last few games), and we certainly need the missing players back.

Anthony Murphy
269 Posted 24/04/2023 at 10:49:40
I think it feels more inevitable by the minute. Opta have us at 60% to be relegated and we are the lowest scoring team in all four English leagues. We aren’t even going close - a couple of half decent efforts per game. Add to this the fixtures are not falling for us the way we need them to - but we’ve had our chances and totally blown them. I worry we’ll go down last game of the season and Goodison will not be a pleasant experience. The only way I can see us surviving is if we need to win our last two and we manage to do it, but just feels very much like for all the fans’ efforts, our time may be up in the PL for now.
Steve Brown
270 Posted 24/04/2023 at 10:58:06
Joe that was me and we are the form team of the bottom 6 based on recent results. That is fact.

Give up if you want to by all means, as I am sure you are as stressed as the rest of us.

I am not giving up no matter what anyone says.

Barry Hesketh
271 Posted 24/04/2023 at 11:15:51
It's not a very good idea to start the wake whilst the patient remains very much alive and is fighting for their survival. it's not as if we are all awaiting relegation in the hope that we inherit a life changing amount of money or some expensive family heirloom. It's better that we give the patient as much hope as possible and rally round and do whatever it takes that might help to save them.

If we don't survive, we'll have plenty of time to make all of the necessary arrangements.

Roger Helm
272 Posted 24/04/2023 at 12:21:21
It seems that it will three of five going down, and we are the lowest scorers of the five. We need goals, so hopefully with a fit DCL and no more injuries or stupid suspensions we can find some goals from somewhere. Hope springs eternal.
Ray Jacques
273 Posted 24/04/2023 at 12:57:33
Good point on Saturday, but it was the week before that has done us in. Imagine if we were on 31 points now!

Hope we beat Newcastle, so if anyone can put up a sensible case based on current form and desire then I am all ears. (the new manager bounce from the Arsenal game has disappeared)

Dont see us beating Leicester, so Thursday night is the one we need to take max points and then get a point from Monday. Would then leave us one win short of safety I reckon

Soton/Forest and either us or Leeds to drop.

Mick O'Malley
274 Posted 24/04/2023 at 19:48:05
Ian,

Having a go at Carlo's style of play but, if I remember correctly, Ian wanted us to keep Sam fucking Allardyce, the man whose teams are absolutely boring to watch, a man sacked after 1 England game cos he was a fat greedy money grabbing bastard… to think we've had him and the Waiter as Manager, I found embarrassing,

No coincidence that the only time we've won at Liverpool this century was when Carlo was manager and we had James Rodriguez – someone who could put his foot on the ball and pick a pass, who came here because of Carlo. We played some great football the first half of that season until Van Dijk crocked James and the wheels came off.

That was definitely a point gained on Saturday, our away record is abysmal, 1 away win all season so, for me, that was a well-earned hard-won point, it's only because Leicester won that it seems it was an opportunity spurned.

Chris Leyland
275 Posted 24/04/2023 at 20:22:21
Shitty old Carlo, the manager with the 3rd highest win percentage since World War One – behind Howard Kendall Mk 1 and Harry Catterick.

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