Leicester City 2 - 2 Everton

Everton travelled to the King Power Stadium this evening for what became a frenetic back-and-forth relegation zone six-pointer against Leicester City that somehow ended up as a draw. 

Sean Dyche made two changes with Seamus Coleman and James Garner back in the side. Iwobi McNeil and Calvert-Lewin form the attack with Gray and Simms on the bench along with Onana.

Amadou Onana has been ill for the past couple of days, while Ben Godfrey, who is absent from the matchday squad, has a groin injury. Holgate, although available after suspension, is not included in the squad.

The home side kicked off through Maddison and showed a desire to advance. Garner was in a little late to tackle. It was a lively opening few minutes, Calvert-Lewin having to fight for space and Coleman having a pop that was deflected for the first corner.  

Another corner, saw Gueye tae his usual customary ridiculous attempt to score. A better play saw Iwobi shoot well first time, Iversen getting a strong hand to it  send it behind. Everton could not quite create a chance from the corner.  kept up good pressure in the Foxes half.. 

A good ball in fell to Keane but he air-kicked it and a decent chance was gone. Leicester then got forward and Vardy set up Maddison whose shot was saved by Pickford. 

Article continues below video content


Coleman played a good ball forward to Calvert-Lewin who was clearly pushed over by Castagne…... Penalty! A confident, determined forthright Calvert-Lewin from the spot smashed it high into the net to give Everton the lead. 

Everton's high press played off with Iwobi winning it back and playing through to Calvert-Lewin, who did very well to win a corner, headed wide by Keane. 

Leicester finally responded, Tielemans was fouled, and from the free-kick, Söyüncü was able to fire in off Pickford's despairing save.

Everton won another corner after the restart but NcNeil looped it into Iversen's hands as the home side looked to make more of the play. Iwobi wasted an attacking position by looping his cross-sum-shot over the bar. 

Everton attacked again, down the left this time, McNeil trying a difficult shot from a narrow angle that flew over. Everton tried to build again, but Iwobi's early ball forward was a gift for the Foxes' defence. 

Everton's playing out from the back was poor with wayward balls from Tarkowski then Keane. That allowed Maddison in to have a shot.  Iwobi then gave the ball away very cheaply in midfield and Maddison played in Vardy who was sent on his way to easily round Pickford and score. 

Everton won another corner but this was defended despite the pink shirts on the far post getting the first contact. Coleman was fouled, setting up a free-kick opportunity for Garner wide right, Iwobi's heavy contact going behind. 

Iwobi looked to set up Calvert-Lewin but it was intercepted, then he played in Coleman whose cutback to McNeil should have burst the net but he shot straight at Iversen and Doucouré blazed the rebound miles over.

A great set-up from McNeil saw Calvert-Lewin miss from 1 yard out, denied by a first touch from the defender just a yard to his left as he set to score what seemed like a sitter. Vardy was again released to scamper up the other end but his shot was deflected this time, Soumaré catching Coleman who stayed down for a long time, clutching his knee before calling for the stretcher, Patterson replacing him a minute before the break.  

Everton had lost concentration after the long stoppage, and allowed Leicester to almost set up another, before Patterson's vital clearance, as 3 minutes of added time became almost 10. 

Iwobi was carpet-bagged again, wanting too much time, and Leicester were away to the races, Barnes drawing a penalty for handball off Keane, and Maddison incredibly firing straight at the stationary Pickford who made a very surprising save to end the half. 

Calvert-Lewin made the restart but McNeil's cross was lame and then Mykolenko was left for dead by Maddison's deft turn. It was scrappy as Everton tried but failed to control the midfield and Castagne almost played in Vardy. 

After treatment for Söyüncü, Pickford's ball was won by Calvert-Lewin and headed on to no-one. The next fell to Iwobi who played in Calvert-Lewin but his shot was blocked away by Iversen's foot. Gana was fouled by Thomas.

A cross from the left fell nicely off Calvert-Lewin's challenge for Iwobi who hit it properly for once and incredibly scored to level this match!

Gana was booked for a very poor challenge on Vardy. Pickford, full of himself after that penalty save, wastefully wellied a clearance out of play which saw the Foxes surge forward and Tarkowski well placed with Pickford beaten to head Vardy's powerful header clear off the line with Everton at sixes and sevens. 

Calvert-Lewin seemed to be in, but he was flagged for offside. McNeil shot from distance but it was an easy save for Iversen. The game became quite open with both sides looking to get the ball forward with pace.

Everton were put under some pressure as the home side searched for an opening, Maddison's shot deflected behind despite Pickford's efforts. The corner was cleared to Barnes who fired well wide. 

Leicester kept piling on the pressure with Sean Dyche doing little but shout instructions without changing the game. Vardy tried to pick out Castagne but Pickford was out smartly to intercept what would have been a killer cross. 

Everton finally got forward but McNeil's shot was deflected for a corner that McNeil took but Tarkowski header well over. 

A good break for Everton saw the cross intercepted as Calvert-Lewin thundered in and Leicester then countered at pace in end-to-end action. Pickford was tempted out of his area and lost the ball to Jamie Vardy who was thankfully off-target with his snap-shot on the open goal. 

Daka was penalized in a tussle with Mykolenko but nothing came of Everton's effort to apply pressure. Leicester countered, then Everton came forward with a bit more structure but not enough to create a chance, with the tension palpable as time was running out. 

Iwobi tried to do it all himself, his shot blocked away for another corner, Keane heading over. The Foxes countered again, Daka playing in Vardy who was well offside. 

A really good Everton attack finally saw Doucuoré shoot well for the lower corner of the goal and Iversen somehow got across to fingertip it behind. Everton worked the corner around but Iwobi's chip in was too cute.

Maddison caught Gana in full flow to set up a late Everton free-kick that was overhit and wasted.  Kristiansen caught Patterson, but Iversen prevented any chance developing, with both teams still searching for the winner. 

Another Everton advance ended up in the hands of Iversen, and time finally ran out, with a point benefitting Leicester City more than Everton. 

Leicester City: Iversen, Faes, Söyüncü, Barnes (88' Praet), Tielemans, Vardy, Maddison [Y:89'], Ndidi (61' Daka), Castagne, Thomas [Y:54'] (87' Kristiansen [Y:90+1']), Soumaré [Y:45+2'].

Subs not Used: Ward, Souttar, Amartey, Dewsbury-Hall, Mendy,  Tete.

Everton: Pickford, Coleman (45+4' Patterson), Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Gana [Y:55'], Garner Doucoure, Iwobi, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin.

Subs not Used: Begovic, Onana, Gray, Mina, Maupay, Davies, Coady, Simms.

 


Reader Comments (250)

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Michael Lynch
1 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:01:41
Coleman fit, and Garner in for Onana. Interesting.
Colin Malone
2 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:04:20
Doucouré goes deep to look after Maddison…
Brian Wilkinson
3 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:09:22
Not even building myself up for tonight, what will be will be.

Forest and Leeds – I cannot see either picking up many points, that gives us the Wolves and Bournemouth games as back up.

Win tonight, great; a loss will not relegate us.

Will save my comments for after the match.

Bill Fairfield
4 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:09:26
I would have had Mina in for Keane.

Big cojones needed tonight.

Bill Gienapp
5 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:13:03
I'm actually pleasantly surprised Dyche is trying the midfield of Gueye, Garner and Doucouré that I wanted to see... and Coleman's return at least ends the weekly torture of the right-back roulette.

But of course he persists with Keane and Iwobi... it's absurd that Calvert-Lewin's return somehow forces Gray to the bench when our attack is this limited.

Dave Lynch
6 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:20:20
They have a very creative midfield, Vardy will add pace, this could end up horrible.
We have to score and then ram the advantage home.
Gary Mortimer
7 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:21:29
With Iwobi, Keane and Mikolenko in the team after Thursday night's collapse, I question Dyche's sanity!

I am not confident that we will get anything out of this game.

Robert Tressell
8 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:21:34
They've sacrificed an attacker compared to the side that drew with Leeds - and brought in Ndidi to bolster their already strong midfield.

Also gone with the experience of Vardy (rather than Daka) to replace the injured Iheanacho.

It's a strong looking side. Doesn't look like a relegation candidate on paper.

For us, DCL should have the beating of their CBs if we can get crosses in. Huge plus for us to have Coleman back.

COYB


Kieran Kinsella
9 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:23:01
I would’ve thought Gray would be up for this and he’s been known to score during his career but we shall see what happens
Fran Mitchell
10 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:25:27
their defence is poor, if DCL is to get back on form, today is good of a chance as any.

I just can't understand the continued omission of Mina, stats say it all, he is our best defender by a mile and is also a threat at set pieces (where Leicester are incredibly vulnerable).

hopefully Coleman is fully fit.

I have no idea how this will go.

Stu Darlington
11 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:29:35
Leicester know we can’t score goals,they’ll load up on attackers and finishers.We’ve got Calvert-Lewin!! You can write the script!
Neil Tyrrell
12 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:29:36
Would also like to see Gray in there but I suppose he's at least a possible scoring option from the bench.

We in pink today? If we win I'll buy one of those pink shirts from the online store. There, I said it.

Brendan McLaughlin
13 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:30:14
Think I picked the wrong May Day to go off alcohol...
Kieran Kinsella
14 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:31:40
Fran

"Their defence is poor," How about ours? Who'd have thought six years after Koeman got sacked on the back of a bunch of thrashings that we'd still have 3 of the same back 5?

Mark Ryan
15 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:33:45
I don't like seeing Demari out of the team because he is our best goal threat. He'll get 10 minutes tonight. That's a big ask expecting him to score but for me, although a lazy player he is the one that carries a proper goal threat IMO
Barry Rathbone
16 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:34:12
I haven't read much about the game I'm just hoping no one is going to test the gods with "We should win this"!
Bill Whity
17 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:35:18
Both teams are awful. It depends on who is the worst tonight.

Loose this and it's all over.

Mike Gaynes
18 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:36:57
Brendan #13, I picked the right day to start sniffing glue...
Michael Lynch
19 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:38:18
If we can keep it to 0-0 or 0-1 for as long as possible we have a chance. THey have much better players than us, but miracles happen.

Could do with Maddison getting a red card in the third minute, and Vardy pulling his hamstring on his first run.

Rob Hooton
20 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:43:48
Damn I’m nervous.

Carragher can be annoying, but he was spot on with his comments about our defence.

Onana apparently unwell but on the bench, hope Garner plays a blinder and keeps him there for now. We can do this!

Paul Kossoff
21 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:45:55
I usually pray for the usual stuff, peace, good will, health and prosperity for the world, but this time I'm asking God to intervene and help us stay in the premier league. If God is a blue then God cast your hand over this team for all good blue's, Amen. Aaand relax.👮
Oliver Molloy
22 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:57:16
Keane looks a bag of nerves !
Ernie Baywood
23 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:59:07
I'm another who can't believe that DCL's return put Gray on the bench. DCL provides some goal threat but he needs a winger. We're playing none while there's one on the bench.

A lot comes down to McNeill. The full backs won't provide the service. Iwobi won't provide the service. McNeill will need to find some good delivery from deeper positions and, of course, set pieces.

Let's just hope. Leicester look strong but they're down with us for a reason.

COYB

Christy Ring
24 Posted 01/05/2023 at 19:59:31
So Onana on the bench because he wasn't well for the last few days? Gray should be starting in my opinion, It's like Iwobi is playing with a hot potato.
Brendan McLaughlin
25 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:18:43
The championship skirt wearer scores...that'll do for me!
Ernie Baywood
26 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:22:14
Leicester look rattled. Get the foot on the throat.
Brendan McLaughlin
27 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:24:45
Feck!
Brendan McLaughlin
28 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:35:20
Double feck
Alex Gray
29 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:36:28
It amazes me when the pressure gets put on us the amount of our players forget how to pass five yards. Started the game 30 yards higher up the pitch and slowly go further back and shrink. Its just cowardly.
Ernie Baywood
30 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:36:51
And that's why we are where we are.
We get one ahead and shit ourselves.

Alex Iwobi has been atrocious. Coleman has shown him up in attack and defence. No midfielder plays that pass. It's number one in the junior coaching manual.

David Vaughan
31 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:43:21
FUCK OFF, IWOBI. JUST FUCK RIGHT OFF. AND TAKE FUCKIN DOUCOURE WITH YOU!
Pete Hughes
32 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:45:42
Add Dcl to that!
Alex Gray
33 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:45:46
How has he missed?!?!
Ernie Baywood
34 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:48:03
Miss of the season.

Followed by our best player injured. That was a horrible movement Seamus' knee made.

He's been outstanding on his return.

Alex Gray
35 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:48:14
And now coleman is out for the season. Christ we’re cursed
Rob Hooton
36 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:49:12
Poor Seamus, the other lads need to make sure this is isn’t his last appearance in the PL.
Ernie Baywood
37 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:50:35
I think we're seeing Seamus for the last time. Still our best player at 34.
Ernie Baywood
38 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:53:43
Everytime we give it to Iwobi, Leicester look like scoring.

Don't change anything though, Dyche.

David Vaughan
39 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:53:58
Down we go. Unless..........! Thank God for Jordan
Bill Fairfield
40 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:58:13
Get Iwobi off the pitch. What a dog of a footballer
Barry Hesketh
41 Posted 01/05/2023 at 20:58:28
If it wasn't Everton, it would be highly amusing, how many times can Iwobi screw up? Thankfully they missed that penalty, but we'll be lucky to get a draw here, they must think it's Christmas again, we had them under the cosh, deservedly took the lead, and then Keane had a brain-fart and Iowbi did an Iwobi.
Bill Fairfield
42 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:00:04
Get Yerry on. Keane having his usual meltdown
Gary Mortimer
43 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:02:23
I stand by what I said #7

Alex Iwobi and Michael Keane are not even 2nd division players on this form.

Dyche has to sub them both at half time. If they stay on the pitch there is no way we are getting anything from this.

I predict that Dyche will not make those changes at all. . . he's too stubborn

Gavin Johnson
44 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:02:25
Iwobi giving lazy balls away that lead to conceding a goal. That isn't the first time that's happened this season.

Dyche should take Keane off. He's having a nightmare. I think the clumsy oaf must hold the unenviable record of giving away the most Everton penalties. A 35-year-old Vardy has been skinning him that 1st half.

Neil Tyrrell
45 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:02:43
Overall, the best we've played in a while and we're still behind.

Fucking Iwobi giveaway and unbelievably pathetic miss from Calvert-Lewin.

Gutted for Seamus, that looked really bad.

John Wignall
46 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:03:05
Dave Abrahams
47 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:03:20
The guts and battler got carried off, the bluffer and bottler stays on along with the choirboy.

The chances missed, the choirboy turning his back on Leicester's first goa. You can't blame Dyche for us being behind – we should be well ahead.

I hope Seamus's injury is not as bad as it looked. Well played, lad, you showed most of the others that you cared about Everton.

Fran Mitchell
48 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:03:51
Iwobi shocking in possession, far too casual.

Keane is awful – slow, poor positioning, and can't tackle.

Mina on for Keane, Gray on for Iwobi.

Michael Lynch
49 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:06:30
Plenty of effort but very little ability.

Story of our season.

The fat lady is ready to give us a song.

Tony Abrahams
50 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:07:03
Best I've seen Everton play for a very long time and yet we are still inexplicably losing.

Calvert-Lewin has got to score, but my oh my, oh fucking my, I honestly feel like crying watching Alex Iwobi.

Absolutely devastated for Seamus Coleman, and although he's not as effective on the right wing, I'm certain Demari Gray could cause Leicester's left-back massive problems.

If we can carry on playing like this, I'd be more than happy, but think this depends on James Garner staying in the game for as long as possible.

Andy Crooks
51 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:07:39
Iwobi is a disgrace as is Keane. Neither are fit to wear the shirt. Iwobi is utterly spineless.
Michael Lynch
52 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:08:39
And if that is Seamus’s last appearance in an Everton shirt, my heart goes out to him. By far my favourite player of his generation.

We have nobody to fill his boots next season when we’re going to need his kind of personality

Christopher Timmins
53 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:11:37
Keane and Iwobi are a disaster. Playing a high line with our lack of pace, madness! Seamus being carried off and still rallying the troops, just incredible!

This team owe their captain, the next 45 minutes has to be payback time.

David Vaughan
54 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:13:36
So Iwobi still on. Why? Is Dyche the latest manager to be told to play him by those above? Does it have anything to do with who his agent is?? Whatever the truth, only Iwobi can turn attack into goal conceded. For me he epitomises the Moshiri reign and the harm it has brought us.
John Davies
55 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:16:07
This one will be on Dyche. How the fuck does he keep picking Keane and Iwobi? Why have they not both been hooked at half-time?
Jerome Shields
56 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:17:44
A draw please this half.Please do not cave in in the first 20 minutes.

I was concerned that Seamus would push himself too.much.I pity some of the other players haven't half his motivation.Patterson is the correct sub.

David Vaughan
57 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:19:43
I FUCKING ADORE IWOBI!!!!!
John Davies
58 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:19:50
Ooops. Me and my mouth! Iwobi scores. I'll pipe down.
Andy Crooks
59 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:22:45
Typo earlier. I said Iwobi was timeless, always been a top player!!
Ernie Baywood
60 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:33:01
70th minute incoming...
Ernie Baywood
61 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:35:52
We look tired. Is anything going to change?
Alex Gray
62 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:41:53
Midfield looks shattered. Gray and onana on soon surely?
David Vaughan
63 Posted 01/05/2023 at 21:53:02
And this is why neither team will make next season's Champions League!!!
Alex Gray
64 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:02:01
Somehow we shouldve won that. Why Dyche refused to make any changes confuses me to be honest. Still atleast its a point.
David Vaughan
65 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:04:21
We're absolute garbage but we stuck in and we got a deserved point. They should be congratulated for that, especially Iwobi who had a hugely improved second half. Does it give me optimism for another great escape? Not for me, not this time - but please, Blues, prove me wrong. UTFTs!
Barry Hesketh
66 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:04:26
I wish it had have been a poorer performance and we got three points, no doubt we had chances to win the game, but were fortunate they missed that pen to go 3-1 up. No good for the heart this football stuff. Trouble with making no substitutions will be they will all be knackered next week, although there is a full week to recover.
Mark Taylor
67 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:04:40
Two poor sides with leaky defences.The bottom 5 (well certainly 4 of them) are as bad as each other.

Shout out for McNeil, our best player

Christopher Timmins
68 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:05:22
Should have won that, it will probably go to the final day.
Ernie Baywood
69 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:06:23
I'm baffled. We played well, we created chances, we looked more likely to win it.

But how do players go from being in the side to the sort of players you wouldn't risk in exchange for an exhausted midfielder?

That game was crying out for a forward run from Gray. Or some energy in the middle from Onana. Or even Davies. Leicester were wide open and there for the taking.

Really baffling from Dyche.

McNeill man of the match.

Michael Lynch
70 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:07:29
That was a great game, and probablly a fair result,

It's not over yet onwards to Brighton!

Roger Helm
71 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:08:16
Couldn’t watch the match but it looks like two from four to accompany Southampton down, we are still in with a chance. It may come down to goal difference on the final day.
Michael McFarlane
72 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:10:17
A point is better than nothing - though we should have won it with better finishing, not helped by their goalie playing out of his skin

Keane was abysmal - how Dyche kept him on is baffling. As baffling as him stubbornly refusing to make a second half change when midfield was clearly flagging and we needed fresh legs

How professional footballers cannot cross the ball is equally baffling

Whether we stay up of go down, Dyche is not the future of this club

To the positive, the lads put a shift on and DCL is getting there

Onwards we go... we can stay up if that level of effort continued and we can add some polish... COYB!!!

Denis Richardson
73 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:10:30
Massive point this, let's keep that in mind. This was 100% a Must-Not-Lose game and we managed that.

Leicester play Fulham away next, then have Liverpool and Newcastle. They could easily lose these 3 games. I think Leeds will lose their next couple against City and Newcastle. Then they have West Ham and Spurs.

We could also lose our next two so it's going to come down to Wolves away and Bournemouth at home. 4 points from the last 2 may be enough so this was a really important point.

We created loads of chances today and could have scored 4 or 5. However, we also saved a pen which had it gone to 3-1 we'd have been out of the game. Can take encouragement from tonight, their keeper got them a point and DCL missed a sitter.

WE DID NOT LOSE - let's stay positive. we're not down yet.

DCL will have another 90 mins under his belt and the pen would give him some more confidence.

Will go to the wire but I'm hopeful.

Grant Rorrison
74 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:11:31
Expected to come back to a loss. Should have been after Coleman injury/Maddison pen. Not great, not terrible. Still in it and at least the players didn't capitulate. Still think we'll get out of this. Just.
Kieran Kinsella
75 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:11:45
Credit to the away fans for keeping going. Sympathies to Seamus. Credit to Pickford. No comment on anybody or else or our near future.
Bill Gienapp
76 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:14:03
That could have been so much better and it could have been so much worse.

I've had it with Dyche though. The stubborn team selection is bad enough, but to not bring Gray or Simms on to attack a tired and vulnerable defense - like, what in the actual @$!%?!

Joe McMahon
77 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:15:07
As I said on live forum my wife is a Claret so seen 10 years of Dyche, I'm just not a fan. Last season the fans would be screaming for Vydra who scored 21 goals for Derby with Lampard.

Dyche would stick with his favourite Ashley Barnes who scored 1 league goal all season. If Vydra did come on it would be after 80 mins. New owner thought fuck this and sacked Dyche

Tom Bowers
78 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:15:18
That penalty miss by them could be the boost for the remaining games dare I say. It certainly helped the second half performance although I am not sure Dyche erred in not using subs.

As it was said earlier Everton's passing out of defence was poor and has been all season.

Okay one cannot see us getting anything from the City game but certainly the others and the fixtures for the other teams are just as difficult.

C.O.Y.B.

Bill Gall
79 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:16:48
Our Substitutes will be fit Barry
Jerome Shields
80 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:18:24
Everton are only capable of draws.The Manager believes that.With the fixtures left enough draws may do it.That is Dyche's plan.On to Brighton for another bloody draw.

Dyche tonight was paralysed with fear of changing anything.He had his point.but could have lost it.It is going to go to the last game of the season.

Then we have the Independent Comission finds.I just found out today that Barret Baxendale was instrumental in the formation of the Independent Comission as part of the Premier League steering group, in respond to Government regulation.

She was that stupid she did not realise who they would be investigating first.

David West
81 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:18:42
Yes, another chance there for the taking. We could of had a sub on. Doucourés practically playing as a deep striker, so simms or gray coming on fresh may have been the difference without changing the shape so much.

Mcneil the outstanding player, driving forward, not afraid to hold the ball and take responsibility. Garner played well nothing fancy but effective and gets us moving forward.
Jordan Pickford has kept the fight alive with that save.
We go again !!
But Leicester made us look half decent, which shows why they are in it with us.

John Keating
82 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:19:07
We needed to get out the bottom 3 tonight.
We didn’t and it’s a nighmare.
Christy Ring
83 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:20:43
Dyche needs to have a look at himself, no fresh legs especially Gray and Onana, doesn’t make sense, and how he can stay looking at Keane? Great fighting spirit, there keeper MoM. A big sigh, looks devastating for a legend Seamus, hope it’s not as bad as it looks.
Oliver Molloy
84 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:20:52
Disappointed we didn't win to be honest, their keeper pulled off some cracker saves. How the fuck Calvert Lewin missed that chance I don't know, but he played well and the fitness is getting there - fuck all wrong with his mentality with him stepping up to take the penalty.
We never got a break in the box tonight, had the ball dropped for us we would have won.
Not enough decent crosses into the box so don't understand how Gray didn't get on.
Hope Coleman is not so bad, but certainly looks he's out for the rest of the season.
I thought Garner did well tonight.


Colin Malone
85 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:20:56
Defensively Michael Keane was shite.
Dyche. Why no fresh legs?
COYBB.
Mark Andrews
86 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:23:40
Question from tonight.
Why choose Keane?
Does Dyche have an aversion to subs?
Will Seamus play for us again?
Mark Taylor
87 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:23:59
Jerome a point at Brighton would do me. Let's not get greedy. I can't see the other candidates winning much, we are all poor.

Wolves and Bournemouth are winnable. Draws will not do for those, we need to win at least one and I accept that won't be easy. Just have to hope they are on hols by that point. 4 from those two plus a point at Brighton might just about do

Anthony A Hughes
88 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:24:20
A battling performance which could had yielded more if Dyche had the stomach to bring on fresh legs and have ago at their tired centre backs.
A point yes but another match gone and we're still in the bottom 3
Raymond Fox
89 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:24:29
A point is ok, its 1 more than I thought we would get.

Relegation betting now to go down is Southampton 1/50, 1/2 Leeds, 4/6 Everton, 4/6 Forest.& 2/1 Leicester.

We are in a better position than before this game, its all to play for now and I think we can do it.

Robert Tressell
90 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:25:09
Joe at 77, I get the point but you're talking about Vydra like he's some game changing star being held back by Dyche. Vydra has 3 goals in the Czech league this season.

Personally I'd have brought Gray on for Iwobi - maybe Onana for Gueye. And do you know what? We might have lost.

But that is a big step up in performance. 23 shots away and a world class save by their keeper late on.

When Dyche took us on it looked like it would go down to the wire. Especially when we were the only club not to strengthen in Jan. But were still in it.

Dave Abrahams
91 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:25:16
We battled well in the second half and could have won the match but their keeper made two exceptional saves, not often you see Everton in a very good end to end game.

I gave Iwobi loads for his first half performance and I take none of it back but he was certainly was very much better in the second half scoring a very good goal and using his energy much better attacking and defending so a pat on the back for that.

Why wasn’t Gray brought on in the second half? Only the manager knows the answer to that along with why he kept Keane on, he was as poor in the second half as he was in the first.

I hope Seamus is fit enough to travel with the team to Brighton maybe he could coax something extra out these players even off the field.

Ann Lloyd
92 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:26:09
Serious, sensible answers please:

What does Mina have to do to get picked over Keane?
What does Keane have to do to be dropped?

Tony Abrahams
93 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:26:25
I don't expect Iwobi to be brave in the tackle, but I expect him to relax and be brave on the ball, and to be fair to the kid, that was how he performed in the second half. I know this because I never smashed my television, which is something that could have happened quite easily, such was my anger at him during the first half.

We are a different team with a fit DCL, and although he should have definitely scored, he kept us going all night, along with McNeil, Doucouré, and the tiring engines of both Garner and Gueye, who should have definitely been replaced once the game was stretched and Everton were doing most of the counter-attacking.

At least we got a fighting performance and this was typified by Tarkowski, who defended brilliantly whilst having to put up with both Leicester and his defensive partner, who constantly gets caught on the wrong side.

Who wouldn't have taken a point when Maddison stepped up to take the penalty? So well done, Pickford, who is another absolute lunatic at times.

Ian Edwards
94 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:28:06
That could be a huge point. I wasn't confidant before the game as Brent is delighted to point out.

We are now a draw from safety whereas before it was a win given we were 2 pts adrift.

Leeds are rocking. Leicester have difficult games as have we. We can win at Wolves and beat Bournemouth.

Mark Ryan
95 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:28:16
Glad I didn't have to see Inch High Private Eye pull his boots on for an 80th minute masterclass in non-goal scoring
UTFT's
Denis Richardson
96 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:28:55
Mark - I'm really not sure if Seamus plays again. The replays looked horrible and he's definitely got serious knee damage - inner ligament looked buggered. Can't see him playing again this year, never mind this season.

Turns 35 in October so outside chance he could make a couple of appearances next season but not looking good. Even if he's thinking of hanging his boots up, you'd hope he'll make an appearance next season, if just to wave goodbye to the crowd.

He's out for a fair few months.

Simon Dalzell
97 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:29:20
Keane was catastrophic. Coady and Mina are much better. He must be dropped, but he wont will he.

Iwobi terrible bar the goal. Their keeper was MotM. No luck, we should have won though.

Barry Rathbone
98 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:29:25
Think that confirms it. I can't see us getting more than 2 points now.

Brighton are a minimum of 2 goals better and Man City will run up a cricket score, among the slight possibility of draws against Bournemouth and Wolves but I wouldn't bet on it.

Such a shame.

Simon Dalzell
99 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:31:33
Slight possibility of a draw at home to Bournemouth, Barry?
Brent Stephens
100 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:32:00
Ian, get back on Live Forum and tell us that.
Geoff Hind
101 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:32:31
Previously I said a draw. We won't need many more points to stay up. A number of teams are so bad this season, we may stay up with 30 points on goal difference.
Jerome Shields
102 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:32:39
Mark #87,

You are right, but Everton are a dreadful team.

They really need to keep going. No more Fulham blips, which they are still capable of.

Christy Ring
103 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:33:59
Carragher just said, Coleman best player on the pitch until his injury. A massive loss, he has to keep Patterson in now.
Craig Walker
104 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:34:36
Could 1 win be enough for us?

Leeds Utd's fixtures look hard but Spurs at home last game isn't Spurs of old. They might be on the beach. If not, we need something against Wolves or a draw at Brighton.

Why couldn't we have beaten Fulham? Still in it. Dyche getting stick but wish he was in place during the World Cup.

Mark Taylor
105 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:34:50
I said on the pre-match thread that Dyche clearly doesn't fancy Mina and my theory was, he's out of contract in a few weeks and won't be with Everton, so how much will he care about our future, especially as he is injury prone and if he gets one now, that's a threat to his future livelihood.

Maybe, just maybe, Dyche senses this and he needs 100% combativeness, not somebody holding back a little. Sad but plausible...

Si Cooper
106 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:37:40
I am bemused by the non-use of Gray, perhaps for Garner who looked knackered to me (Exhibit A, leaving the ball behind when in their area).

It would be nice to take some heart from the effort tonight at least, but the wholly avoidable self-inflicted wounds are too often part of our performances to not be even more significant than any positives.

2023 has had far too much trial and tribulation for me already. At the moment I can't see it improving.

Grant Rorrison
107 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:38:33
Mark 105. And Connor Coady has got leprosy presumably? Otherwise, why is he not in ahead of Keane?
Barry Rathbone
108 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:38:53
Simon, 99

Yes, no more than 50/50

Barry Hesketh
109 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:38:59
Nobody is expecting us to get anything against Brighton or at home to Man City, but we really have to take something from one or both of them. Else it means we'll have to win at Wolves and in the final home match against Bournemouth. Six points will give us a total of 35 and that might be enough, but it's far too close to call.
Tony Abrahams
110 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:39:00
Patterson did very well. He hasn’t played much football during the last few months, got done on the outside once or twice, but he likes the football, and you can’t say that about many Everton players.

I’m still staggered by Michael Keane though who still doesn’t know how to play to his strengths after being in the game for years, but even though I haven’t, maybe I’ve just got it in for him.

Paul Hewitt
111 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:39:41
With the games we have coming up, a points not enough.
Denis Richardson
112 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:41:06
Just listening to BBC Radio Leicester and loads of people asking why Maddison took the pen and not Vardy.

Apparently Maddison hadn't taken a pen since Dec 2018 - where he missed against Cardiff!

Thank god for that.

Barry Hesketh
113 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:42:38
Tony @110
There's a picture of Keane, where he's pointing to his arm, how daft do you have to be, to confirm the referee's decision is the right one, when you're trying to argue against it.

I can also see why Patterson hasn't been chosen in the past, because he did get turned inside out a couple of times. God bless Seamus, but I fear that not only will we not see him again this season, but it may be the end of his career, he still tried to rally the crowd as he was laid out on the stretcher.

Simon Dalzell
114 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:43:41
Barry (108). So you Agree. 50/50 is not 'a slight possibility.' I'm a realist, but you've been far too negative. ( maybe!!)
Mark Taylor
115 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:44:22
Grant 107

My observation was solely on Mina because many were questioning why he wasn't getting picked, which I understand because he is probably the pick of our CB's if fit and in the mood.

I think I'd have Coady over Keane based on how bad the latter's form is, but let's not forget Coady wasn't exactly tearing up trees. With Everton, your reputation tends to improve when you don't actually play...

Robert Tressell
116 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:49:00
Tony the really staggering thing is how we haven't replaced Michael Keane with a more mobile option.

Dyche is faced with the choice between the equally slow Keane and Coady. Not sure it's realistic now to expect Mina to come in. He's only played 3 times due to injury and may not be right.

God bless Seamus Coleman though. He's deserved a trophy for his efforts at Everton. I hope it's not as bad as it looked.

Joe McMahon
117 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:50:01
Final comment from me tonight, and it's about Seamus. I don't like this phrase, but on this occasion "He's One Of Us" a superb professional and he may have made his last appearance for Everton (I hope not).
Will Mabon
118 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:52:48
Joe, I second that - terrible luck.
John Hall
119 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:53:28
5 30 am here and just about to take a bacon sarnie before bed. That will hopefully soak up the beer as it has been a long night.

Much better tonight and pretty much I thought the better side for most of the game. Garner was excellent first half although tired in the second half but looks a player with a good eye for a pass. McNeil was MOM for me bursting from midfield and working his socks off all game.

Iwobi was absolutely crap first 45 but was much improved after half time and took his goal well.

How on earth does Keane keep his place in front of Cody. Turns like an oil tanker, no pace and consistently on the wrong side of his man. He was turned inside out all night.

Seamus was amazing until he was injured. Looks like he will be done for the season now and hope he isn't too seriously injured but it looked a bad one.

Set up against Wolves and Bournemouth as we did tonight and we could still stay up should other results not help us. See what a central, proper striker does for a team. Calvin Lewin was excellent tonight and gave a focal point for midfield going forward. Missed a good chance but overall was a breath of fresh air compared to what we have been forced to use as for most of the seasons as strikers.

Pete Clarke
120 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:54:11
The players stuck at it tonight and give their all amidst the fragility. Not sure why Dyche never brought a sub or two on to give fresh legs to a very tired team and that could have cost us but luckily Leicester didn’t do much with the possession we gave them. Dyche looks a bit lost with his subs and only seems to do it when forced to.
In the end only a world class save stops us getting the win and jumping up the table. Tale of two keepers but we live to fight another day.
Have to say Iwobi is like Bambi on ice and only his goal will prevent an all out attack on him from our supporters. He’s frustrating as hell but his goal has given us a lifeline. The players looked physically and mentally drained at the end of that game and will need the weeks rest before Brighton. They are pushing for Europe so that’s a very difficult game for us.
Let’s hope Haaland puts 6 past West Ham, then another 6 past Leeds to temporarily give us the goal difference advantage and then City rest half of their team before we play them because the titles in the bag.
Tony Abrahams
121 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:56:17
Iwobi fucked up badly and I was incensed by him during the first half, but Keane isn’t the quickest, and Vardy is all about pace, so instead of trying to have a foot race, Michael just had to stop dead, and raise the same arm that he was showing to his namesake Oliver.

I know it’s easy from the sidelines, but the minute you don’t play to your strengths, football becomes a lot harder.

Take the point, and hopefully also take a lot of confidence out of that performance. I wish Dyche would have been braver though because we definitely would have won that game with a bit more quality in the final third, although you could also argue it was their keeper that gained Leicester a point with that save at the end tonight?

Colin Glassar
122 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:57:00
What an exhausting, emotional game to watch. I thought they were there for the taking but thanks to Keane (useless) and Iwobi (passing to Maddison under no pressure) we blew a golden opportunity for all three points.

I don’t want to pick on Keane but my god the man is slow, doesn’t read the game, has no anticipation, can’t tackle or head the ball etc…What does Dyche see in hum?

Loads of encouraging signs from the likes of Patterson, mykolenko, Garner, DCL etc… but my motm goes to Gana who stopped everything that came near him. He just edged McNeil imo.

Shout out for Seamus, what an exemplary leader he is. Praying for a quick recovery.

Will Mabon
123 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:57:00
Tony,

I think Keane has the slowest reaction speed of any player I can remember. Not something you can train for either.

Barry Rathbone
124 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:58:09
Simon 114

I said "no more" than 50/50 in other words it's the maximum we can hope for (in my opinion). If, as form dictates, it's a lot less then quite clearly that is a "slight possibility".

This is simple stuff don't get dragged into the whirlpool of what is positive and negative it is of no consequence amongst honest opinion.

Not to mention utter bollocks

Bill Gienapp
125 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:58:24
Mark (105) - I have no doubt that's likely Dyche's rationale (or at least what he tells himself), but my counter would be that a checked out Mina still couldn't be worse than Keane of late.

My nickname for Keane is "The Matador" because he yells "Ole!" and spins out of the way of incoming attackers.

Dale Self
126 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:59:49
A moment for Seamus, well said all.

The Patterson debate is interesting. I think the point is how predictable a players movement and the likely choices in passing make the difference. Seamus obvously is a better defender even with the age difference.

Patterson can limit his gambles for the ball just outside the box. He gives up less when even with the ball and his offensive presence with Garner could reduce the total number of exposures the defence will face. More care when he tries to find the pass forward when the opposing defence is overloaded to his side would be good too. Risky but with return.

Rob Dolby
127 Posted 01/05/2023 at 22:59:51
Far too open again, against a better team like Brighton we will get battered.

McNeil and DCL chances don't get missed by teams near the top.

I don't get the game plan given the state of our team.

Coleman is going to be a massive loss although Paterson did well although he did make some school boy errors.

Garner and McNeil looked good. Iwobi had a right mixed bag and 90ins for DCL is a bonus. Gray should have been on for the last 20 mins for Doucoure who looked goosed.

The 2 CBS looked nervous today. I though Tarkowski hid whilst Keane is one of those footballers that is unlucky. I don't know how to quantify it but if there is a ricochet or handball it will be off him whilst the likes of Coady and Mina the ball ricochets wide.

I would play Mina in the final run on games but Dyche likes his old boys.

A point keeps us alive. Us Leeds or Forrest need to find a shock win from somewhere to make a statement.

For god's sake sit in tight against Brighton and hit them on the break.

Tony Everan
128 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:02:45
I felt we deserved the win slightly more than Leicester, so for me it’s two points dropped. Their second goal was a complete nightmare for Iwobi, a shocking pass under no pressure. The second one which led to their pen was nearly as bad. A sickening spell of football from Alex, that will have knocked a few days off every Evertonian’s lifespan.

At that point it was just total despair. Then unbelievably, a penalty save and an Iwobi goal to equalise. We won’t easily get away with any stupid mistakes against Man City or Brighton, they’ll wipe the floor with us if we offer any freebies.

I’ve definitely not given up hope of a hard fought draw against either if we can play like tonight minus the mistakes, and take any nailed on chances. Yes Dominic , I’m talking about you. ( A fantastic shift from Dom though , worked very hard for the team). We are a far better team with him in it .

I’ve watched Leeds, Notts Forest, and they have good spells but are always vulnerable in every game, it’s a low bar but they are not as good as us. We fight on, and with hard work, discipline and bit of luck, we can do it.

John Atkins
129 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:08:55
For me we need 2 wins and it could come down to who concedes the least against City with us and Leeds … we’re at home which is an advantage, we need City to put a few past Leeds at the Etihad

Hoping the fact we have to play City sandwiched between their CL Semi Final offers a glimmer of hope too

Peter Mills
130 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:10:24
We played pretty well, for us. Although every time we attacked, we looked vulnerable to the counter.

There were some awful sights in that game - Keane’s hopeless “watch the ball” defending for Leicester’s first, his utterly futile attempts at defending the break following Iwobi’s suicide pass for their second. But, above all, possibly the last appearance from Séamus - he deserves far better than to be seen disappearing on a stretcher.

On telly, James Garner seemed anonymous. But it also looked like he might have added some midfield positional discipline - I would be interested to read the thoughts of those at the match.

On a question of balance, it’s slightly a point gained over the weekend. But, boy oh boy, we are poor and are going to take it to the wire.

The support came over loud and clear - great effort, everyone who travelled.

Danny Baily
131 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:11:12
Fallen short of what was needed for survival.
Oliver Molloy
132 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:15:50
Rumours rife Allardyce taking over at Leeds apparently!
Colin Glassar
133 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:17:12
Big Sam to Leeds. Leeds are doomed cos not even fat Sam can save them now.
Anthony Murphy
134 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:17:17
Wishing Seamus Coleman a speedy recovery - I hope we see him in a blue shirt in the PL soon.

Both our next 2 are free hits really - we aren’t expected to get anything, so who knows. I reckon we’ll pick up another 5 points - so finishing on 34 - will that be enough? Maybe it’ll come down to GD.

I see big Sam is heading to Leeds

Barry Hesketh
135 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:21:33
BBC aren't helping my blood pressure, just reading the match report on the teletext or whatever it's called these days and they said the draw leaves Everton two points from safety.
Dale Self
136 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:23:12
Fatsamstic. And Danny 131 give it to me straight man I can take it.
Ben King
137 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:26:30
Fans were absolutely superb as ever. Such a credit to the club

Players probably did as well as their limitations allow them to but my god we are awful:

When there’s a chance for a defender to head it to a teammate easily, instead they’ll head forwards into a 50-50 zone

Our midfielders simply cannot cross a ball. Their understanding of how to arc a cross beyond the 1st man is awful. Their understanding of trajectory of a football is poor.

We don’t seem to attack with numbers and when there’s presentable chances we don’t take them eg DCL & McNeill

This was such a winnable game: Leicester 1st goal there were 2 duels and we lost each one: not getting significant contact on any of them

Leicester 2nd goal was a ridiculous give away whilst not under pressure. How many times will Iwobi make the same mistake??? (Remember West Ham away last season?)

Our free kicks are wasteful and our corners are predictable.

Of course I hope we stay up. I’m DESPERATE that we stay up but we really REALLY need to improve big time and quickly

Tom Bowers
138 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:29:22
Have to agree with many that the return of Keane to the team coincides with the poor form over the last few months.

It is debatable whether Mina or Coady would have made a difference to the defensive duties but Dyche certainly favours Keane and I am sure that goes back to his Burnley days.

Keane looked very slow against an aging Vardy today and looked all at sea for the penalty.

Keane scored one terrific goal against Spurs but apart from that has not looked good under pressure.

Having said that the whole team no matter who starts has been second rate in most games despite the obvious lack of goals being the main problem that was never fixed.

Tony Everan
139 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:31:15
Sammy Five-Bellies with four games to go ? Leeds have totally lost the plot now.

Or is it a masterstroke? Nah….can’t be…can it ? …. Nah

Kevin Molloy
140 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:32:09
I wonder in Dyche's world at what point the little boy points to the Emperor and says 'that centre back is fucking shite!'
Dreadful for both goals after a mare against Newcastle, and throws in a pen for good measure. He could relegate us on his own, he needs to be dropped. No doubt his name will be first on the team sheet come the weekend.
Despite him, it's fifty fifty whether we drop. But we've got an easier run in tan the rest. Lets' face it, if we can't pick up points against Bournemouth Wolves and Brighton when we are in dire need, then we deserve to go.
Barry Hesketh
141 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:34:09
We could have done without Big Sam returning to the Premier League, he'll be itching to put one over us, in the final four games, I don't know who writes these scripts but I wish they'd lay off writing them.
Ian Riley
142 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:36:28
A point gained! Individual errors cost us all three points. The players, fans and manager are all nervous. Just got too stick together and survival may just happen. I fear the worse but you just never know.

Our supporters tonight, well done!

Ernie Baywood
143 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:40:25
I don't doubt that's a reasonable point in the scheme of things, but we're in 19th place and, in all likelihood, will stay there for the next two weeks.

Leeds won't be going anywhere, facing Man City and Newcastle. So we'll be in touch with them.

Forest have a huge chance to move away and make us very nervous. I'll definitely be a Southampton supporter next week. Then hoping our old manager can do us a favour the week after.

Leicester missed a huge opportunity tonight. Their fixtures aren't pretty at all.

So we'll likely still be 19th going into the last two games, with Southampton hot on our tails (hopefully). That makes me shudder - but I still think it will go the last day and a win against Bournemouth will be enough keep us up.

If we can't beat Bournemouth at home with everything riding on it, then we simply won't deserve to stay up.

Brian Wilkinson
144 Posted 01/05/2023 at 23:57:13
Cannot ask for anymore than that effort tonight, a bit of fight at last and a lot more attempts on goal.

Their goalie had a blinder tonight, couple of costly errors but overall I was pleased with that performance tonight.

Shame about Coleman.

Jamie Sweet
145 Posted 01/05/2023 at 00:02:24
Looking at the games to come it really could be any of the bottom 5 for the drop.

Massive game at the City Ground this weekend. We have to hope for a Southampton win, even though it would pull them back within touching distance. This is the only "6 pointer" left for any of the teams involved:

LEI - 30 Points (-13 GD) FUL(a) LIV(h) NEW(a) WHU(h)
LEE - 30 Points (-24 GD) MCY(a) NEW(h) WHU(a) TOT(h)
NOT - 30 Points (-32 GD) SOU(h) CHE(a) ARS(h) CRY(a)
EVE - 29 Points (-25 GD) BHA(a) MCY(h) WOL(a) BOU(h)
SOU - 24 Points (-32 GD) NOT(a) FUL(h) BHA(a) LIV(h)

I think all of the run-ins are quite even based on fixture difficulty. All teams look to have two harder games, and two winnable games. If we can still be in with a chance of survival on the last day, then you have to say we have the best final day fixture on paper.

Leicester and Leeds both play 3 top 10 sides in their last 4. It could come down to goal difference with Leeds, so we have to hope for Man City to give them an absolute pasting this weekend.

The way we played tonight (23 shots?!?!) gives me hope that we can go to Wolves and get something.

This is not going to be a fun few weeks that is for sure, but all is not lost my friends. All is not lost.

David Hallwood
146 Posted 01/05/2023 at 00:15:15
I'v always been from the sack the manager as the last resort school, but jeez I want this ginger nomark gone regardless if we stay up or go down.

He is a poor, limited manager with zero in-game management skills, which is astonishing considering how long he's been one.

From the Fulham game it's been one selection shitshow after shitshow; the Godfrey fiasco, the Holgate fiasco, where he was the only person in the known universe who didn't think Holgate was a red card waiting to happen.

And then we come to Keane; what is it, love interest? has he got the negatives from the office party? But it seems he couldn't wait to draft him in and since then, worldie notwithstanding, it's just been mistake after mistake, which could be the title of his Everton career.

If we get relegated or even if we stay up, why not go for Graham Potter, and give him the time he had at Brighton, which he didn't get at Chelsea to mould the team.

Mark Boullé
147 Posted 02/05/2023 at 00:27:47
Ben #137 - I'm tearing my hair out at our set pieces. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. is towards Tarkowski at the back post. So easy to defend against when that is your only plan.

Why not throw in some variety?!

Dale Self
148 Posted 02/05/2023 at 01:23:42
People have the right to feel how they feel but look at the table. We need one more point gained on Forest and Leeds. Forest has a possible 3 against Soton and Palace. Both Leeds and Leicester need amazing performances for a point.
Kieran Kinsella
149 Posted 02/05/2023 at 01:57:56
It pains me that I’m drifting past Ian Edwards on the negativity scale. I’m trying to be optimistic but here we are lauding Iwobi when is goal would have been unnecessary if he had hadn’t given away one. Then there is Keane the destroyer of many promising looking games. The positive is that usually there is one really crap team, one generally crap team and one halfway decent that fill the bottom three. As of now we have five generally crap teams all as bad as each other. But we are worse off on points abs goal difference with only four games left. It wouldn’t even surprise me of none of the bottom five earned another point
Ernie Baywood
150 Posted 02/05/2023 at 02:04:21
Kieran, I have to agree on Iwobi.

I suspect he'd make a very good YouTuber doing tricks but he's just not a footballer. Even right down to the parts of his foot he uses... it's baffling how you get to this level without knowing how to strike a ball in certain positions. Some of those weirdly clipped/chipped crosses were incredible to witness.

I'll add Mykolenko into that mix too. I can't watch another scooped pass. What do you think your teammate, with a big centre back at their backside, is going to do with a scooped pass?

And this is where our problem is. I laud their efforts. I'm in the small camp that actually thinks the team has put in this season. I've seen plenty of hard work and no-one typifies that more than Iwobi.

They're just not good enough. Poor recruitment, poor players, poor management.

Pete Clarke
151 Posted 02/05/2023 at 02:44:45
I watched that also as we wasted possession on really poor balls into the area. Even Iwobi’s goal was just sort of cushioned which thankfully went in but he does not know how to put weight behind a ball. He probably belongs playing football on the beach where there is little or no contact. As we have done for many a year now paying way too much for him and other bang average players. This is down to scouting, recruitment and obviously Kenwright giving the nod. Story of the past 20 years.
I thought we were done months ago but here I am now feeling happy that we’re still in with a chance of staying up although alot of that is down to other teams around us being equally crap. Brighton are a good team but it’s another chance of a point or more if we don’t roll over. City is another opposition altogether but I’m hoping they have more or less wrapped the league up and play their reserves. Wolves is a game that is absolutely crucial for a win. They are fragile like us so no point in sitting back against them. Win this and we could well be safe before our final game against Bournmouth if other results go our way.
Nightmare scenario for me is needing to avoid defeat in our last game and our shit players crumble in front of a packed Goodison. Remember lad seasons final game ??
Michael Keane has to be removed from this team for us to survive though. Dyche is really ducking around with our future by playing him. Mina is obviously out of favour with him and I get that because he’s one annoying weak minded footballer but we have other options too. He’s got to change it up.
Great point last night and I’m just happy we’re still in this. COYB
Phil Smith
153 Posted 02/05/2023 at 03:16:23
5 pts keeps us up, I think. Really need at least 2pts from our next 3 games, but better taking 3. I think we can frustrate City at home and nick a point. Brighton away might be a stretch to get anything. We really need another huge performance away to Wolves. That’s the key game for me. Need to go there and win because we don’t want to take it to the last game of the season, even if it is our most winnable.

Don’t rule out West Ham being dragged back in.They could easily lose their next 3 games. Still have to get another result against Leeds or Leicester.

Kieran Kinsella
154 Posted 02/05/2023 at 03:52:12
Ernie

I remember 25 years ago being mortified watching Joe Parkinson in a warm up that he didn’t know which part of his foot to kick the ball with. In hindsight he was a tackler who we bought for peanuts from Bournemouth I think when they were in the lower leagues. We spent 30 million on Iwobi as an attacker!!!

While we are at it can we have a moratorium on buying Arsenal players? Since Limpsr we spent a fortune on future England number 1 Richard Wriggt, future England midfielder Stephen Hughes. Walcott once he’s lost speed which was his one asset and Iwobi.

Alan J Thompson
155 Posted 02/05/2023 at 04:10:16
I've not read any comments and have almost watched the game thanks to Optus piss poor service of 10 second freeze frames followed by 5 seconds of action and I'm not sure which has made me more angry. Never any problems with the ads or commentary though.

We give away goals through stupid passes and rubbish defending and then miss unmarked chances in their six yard box. Dyche says this is his best central defenders pairing but Keane stands around watching while Tarkowski stands almost on the goal line in front of Pickford and lets it go between his legs when he should be out there challenging. And how can Onana be so ill he can't play but is on the bench, more poor management?

While this looked like one of our better performances we won't be playing such weak opposition again before season's end. How a few results may have been better if we had had a forward for the entire season.

Sorry but I've got to go and take it out on something, bad hip and all!

Jerome Shields
156 Posted 02/05/2023 at 05:09:48
Mark#115

We need to redefine injury prone regarding Mina.He is never injured for Internationals.

He loves the Club particularly Medical Services.His only Everton picture within the Club was with Donachie, the sacked Head of Medical Services.He is currently leaking that he wants to leave Everton.Dyche knows the type he is. Frank had him.on the Players liaison Committee, which was for airing player discontent.

Simply put Mina is not into training and does not care whether he plays are not.All he is interested in is playing for Columbia and running down his contract as handy as possible.He is now looking a move to Miami, or any other latino America city.

There is no way Dyche will play him, unless all selected players in his position are injured.

John Keating
157 Posted 02/05/2023 at 06:27:17
Kieran 149
Kieran unfortunately I have to join you in the pessimistic/negativity team. I just do not think one point was enough last night.
I just hope to God I’m wrong.
Lester Yip
158 Posted 02/05/2023 at 06:34:37
I don't know what to feel to be honest after watching the game.

Should I be happy? Probably yes. Getting a precious point away from home and we have many goal attempts. A bit more fighting spirit than our last few games.

Should I be sad? Definitely. We are toothless. Looking at Vardy scoring from the break just makes me cry. If and only if we had a proper striker...

Paul Hewitt
159 Posted 02/05/2023 at 06:58:21
Sorry a points not enough for me, we needed 3 to get us out the bottom 3 with difficult games coming. Dyche was to safe last night. Leicester where there for the taking in that second half and why Gray didn't come on for Iwobi I will never know. Keane is a liability as well he needs dropping for coady or mina. Can only hope Leeds, forest and Leicester don't pick up any points in the next 2 because we won't.
Danny Baily
160 Posted 02/05/2023 at 07:07:52
An entertaining match, disappointed we fell short.

Dyche not making changes is inexcusable. The closing stages of last night's game was not the time for caution. A win last night and we're right back in it. As it stands, I don't see it as a 'precious point'.

It was a must win, we didn't win, and that's us relegated.

Colin Glassar
161 Posted 02/05/2023 at 07:12:00
Kieran, sadly, I’m with you. That game was there for the taking. Thanks to Iwobi’s woeful passing and lack of courage and, Keane’s crimes against defending, we would’ve won that game.

I know Iwobi scored the equaliser but, my god the man is an embarrassment. Wasteful, cowardly, useless and plain crap.

Laurie Hartley
162 Posted 02/05/2023 at 07:15:49
Paul Kosoff # 21 - very courageous post that and a very courageous prayer - one I thought about but didn’t have the nerve to make. I would say the result was very fair.

Perhaps that the almighty has ordained that neither Everton OR Leicester will be relegated this season and this was the first instalment of his answer to your prayer.

I was very encouraged by this performance for a number of reasons:-

We went for three points - for the full 100 minutes

We didn’t fold when things looked bleak

We created a lot of chances

Dyche has figured out that Gueye, Garner, and Doucoure are our best midfield three

DCL looks to have overcome any physical or mental problems

Sad to say it looks like Seamus won’t be pulling the shirt or the captains armband on for us again. What a player, what a man, what an Evertonian.

As I recall Seamus when he first played for us, as Patterson is now, was better going forward than defending but he will get better with games. I watched this young man listen to his instructions before coming on - he is full of confidence and intent this’yn. He will be a great replacement for Seamus.

Actually I think Patterson and Mykolenko are going to be a good fullback pairing for us. I like to study the players faces - I think you can get an impression of what they are about from the look in their eyes. Patterson is fierce, Mykolenko - cold baby face hard case.

Garner is another one. He will do the business - he looks very composed while in possession and looks up. The sort of player that we have seriously been missing and will improve us.

O’Neill also seems to be growing in confidence - I like the way he is spending more time in the middle of the park. I think he can get a few goals from there.

I actually enjoyed watching that game - it was a proper game of football played by two teams that played the way football should be played. From the evidence of my eyes both teams have enough about them to avoid relegation.

Sam Hoare
163 Posted 02/05/2023 at 07:21:01
Of course we all wanted 3 points last night but we’ve barely won away all season and were 3-1 to do so at Leicester. We played pretty well and they were indebted to their keeper for making 4 or 5 really good saves.

A point was a better result for us than them.

If we keep playing like last night we’ve definitely got a chance. Much will depend on other results and at least one of the teams will pull out an unexpected result. Perhaps it will be us against City?!

Keane was poor again but as others say Mina is unlikely to care that much and Coady proved absolutely disastrous when we press higher up the pitch so not sure our options there are up to much.

Really hope that Southampton can get at least a point at Forest next Monday!

Ian Edwards
164 Posted 02/05/2023 at 07:36:44
We'll only find out at the end of the season whether that is two points dropped. But we should have won.

Apart from Iwobi/Keane what really concerns me is the lack of fresh legs from 70 mins onwards. It was when Newcastle over ran us and last night it was when Leicester started to pin us back.

Better teams than Leicester will take advantage.

Tony Abrahams
165 Posted 02/05/2023 at 07:46:59
Instead of Everton taking advantage themselves Ian, which is how I was looking at the game last night when we definitely had the impetus, but lacked the quality, possibly through tired legs
Ian Bennett
166 Posted 02/05/2023 at 07:49:09
Really poor first goal give away. Lost out on too many duels leading up to a goal against the run of play. Mcneil didn't need to give the free kick away either.

2nd is 100% on Iwobi. If he plays it early, Doucoure is in acres of space. Instead of an easy pass to Garner, he plays a ball with 3 Leicester players ready to pounce. Absolutely brain dead.

Penalty again just poor. All defenders know to keep their arms down apart from that donkey Michael Keane. He's the worst central defender in the history of Everton Football Club. We've had some shite, but he's a different level.

If Mrs Keane is on the site, tell her husband he's dog shit from me. Please retire.

Ian Edwards
167 Posted 02/05/2023 at 07:52:24
On the subject of Keane I don't know what the answer is. Could you imagine Vardy's pace with balls over the top against Coady?

Perhaps Mina is the answer. But Gueye should have protected better. He gets too far ahead of the ball for a CDM.

Bill Fairfield
168 Posted 02/05/2023 at 08:03:43
Picking Keane again equals relegation.
Kim Vivian
169 Posted 02/05/2023 at 08:06:30
I was disappointed after insisting that we needed to win and without the game that their GK had we probably would have, but reflecting this morning about Jordan's penalty save, Vardy's effort which hit the crossbar and the fact that one of our goals was a (deserved) penalty I am able to console myself with the point we brought home.

A very good second half from the lads but that game could easily have been 4-1, and done and dusted by half time.

I'll take the point.

Kunal Desai
170 Posted 02/05/2023 at 08:12:23
I don't think that point is enough and now we're relying on other clubs to do us a favour, starting with Southampton and Fulham next Monday.
Jerome Shields
172 Posted 02/05/2023 at 08:17:04
So sorry for Seamus. He was playing well. Should have been a red card for the player.
Mark Murphy
173 Posted 02/05/2023 at 08:27:39
Laurie - totally with you - I enjoyed that game as well, even allowing for the nerves.

Two big IFs…

IF we play like that in the remaining games, we will pick up points.

IF we do stay up, then bring back Branthwaite and pair him with Tarkowski (or Godfrey if in form), replace Iwobi and build around Calvert-Lewin and Garner with youth.

I think we'll stay up.

UTFT

Christy Ring
174 Posted 02/05/2023 at 08:43:46
I still don't understand why Dyche didnt bring on Gray and Davies. They were there for the taking, Doucoure was on his last legs.

Iwobi (apart from his goal) gave the ball away for their goal and penalty, and should have been subbed; Dyche was too slow to change things.

Ian @167, how you can blame Gueye for Iwobi not being able to make a simple pass and Keane's lack of pace and awareness?

David Bromwell
175 Posted 02/05/2023 at 08:53:58
Well it was certainly one hell of a game, and overall it was an energetic performance from what we know is a very limited group of players. We were unlucky to loose Captain Coleman, he was playing really well and will be a big miss, and we faced a goalkeeper who was quietly excellent.
So we are still in with a chance, and my biggest concern now is our Manager who yet again got important issues wrong. To begin our defence is now very porous, and he has to find a way of making it secure. Given the players available I have been advocating playing three centre backs and on present form Michael Keane would not be one of them.
We also have this ridiculous dead ball and corner format, of sending up the big boys and banging the ball over, it might work occasionally but surely not every time ?
Finally what's so difficult using substitutes ? Once again last night there was a chance of bringing on fresh legs, and the Manager sat on his hands, ok we got a point but between now and the end of the season we need much more and especially from him.
Martin Mason
176 Posted 02/05/2023 at 08:54:32
So the can gets kicked further down the road but this is a can race now with 3 contestants, whoever gets the can to the end of the road first loses.
Mark Ryan
177 Posted 02/05/2023 at 09:04:32
Iwobi should have been subbed for Gray but this manager is not for changing. It's his way and he won't change
Pete Neilson
178 Posted 02/05/2023 at 09:15:36
Don’t know what the news on Seamus is but hope we see him again, his spirit showed encouraging us even as he was stretchered off. He’s a big loss for the last games. We’ve upset the footballing Gods to see Keane return to the side. He’s terrible. Doucoure looked knackered after 55 minutes, fresh legs needed. Still a little hope left if we play like that.
Raymond Fox
179 Posted 02/05/2023 at 09:42:38
Christ, some of you would moan if you won the lottery.

We got a point that we were odds against to get.
If you go off the betting Leeds are more likely to go down than us, Forest are rated the same as us to go down, thats better than before last nights game.

Complaining about no substitutes, that can work both ways changing the team may have also got us beat.

Keane, Dyche is close to the players, he knows better than us who's up for the challenge, Mina lasts 20 mins usually, takes 10 mins to turn around and may not give a damn if we stay up or not.
Coady is a good talker but is he any better than Keane who has come up with valuable goals at vital times.

I think we have a definite chance of staying up now, I didn't before last nights game.

Steve Brown
180 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:00:16
My reflections on last night.

1) Definitely our best overall team performance for several weeks
2) DCL in attack transforms us (despite his miss), and we were far more creative in attache
3) Patterson played well when he came on - he has to stay in the team
4) My assumption is that Dyche plays Keane because he can play a slightly higher line with him in the side
5) Despite that, I would pick Mina for the next game as he has a goal in him
6) We are ridiculously vulnerable on the transition and I would position in front of the defence and tell him to stay there all game.
7) The wide men were very threatening and energetic
8) I assume the demands to sub Iwobi were after his priceless and well-taken equaliser!

Andy Crooks
181 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:03:30
I think that Dyche took the easy option and settled for a draw. In my view he needed to make changes and go for a win. There have been very few times since he came here when we were in a position to get a win with fifteen minutes to go. Last night was one and, to me, he decided to stick. As Martin said, he chose to kick the can down the road which was foolish. He is unlikely to have that option many times more this season.
Allardyce to Leeds is a blow to us because at the very least he will prevent a total hammering at City. I still get pissed off at those Blues saying we are doomed, which to be honest is unfair because they are only saying it out loud.
Pat Kelly
182 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:13:41
I have to applaud the optimism. But this is relegation for slow learners. Dyche was happy to take a point when three were essential and should have gone for it with some fresh legs. Allardyce will sort Leeds defence and drag them over the line. They have goalscorers. Forrest will do enough to score when they need to. Everton will continue making individual errors in defence and missing sitters. Dyche is as one dimensional as his team.
Ian Edwards
183 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:25:08
Christy 174. If Gueye was in his correct position then he would have been in the way of the through ball to Vardy. If the CDM is doing his job properly then stray passes in midfield are not costly.
David West
184 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:25:28
I get positive thinking we played well then remember it's Leicester and they were the next worst team in the leauge going into the match.
Hoping we can get a win from 1 of the other 3 ( I'm not counting city) but then my concense says why when we basically can't beat anyone. I'm just hoping the law of averages says we will get some luck and a win.

I go from 1 minute thinking its easily possible with other results in our favour. Then remember how crap we are.
Dcl could be all the difference he's getting fitter. Put a few in the net Dom plleeeeaaasssseeeee !!

Dave Abrahams
185 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:34:09
Raymond (179) I agree with a lot of your post but when it comes to Keane I can’t agree at all. if Dyche knows his players and uses his eyes he will see Keane’s glaring deficiencies, the lad freezes, two seconds behind everyone else, no awareness or anticipation, very little aggression, needs to be led by fellow defenders, frightened of playing a game of football the next best thing to having sex, Jesus! and he’s been like this since he got here and Coleman the exact opposite to Keane has been here all that time and Michael has learned fuck all off him.

Unfortunately Dyche has created some of this problem because Mina, who is another fuckin’ nuisance, and Coady have’nt played for weeks and are not match fit so we are unlikely to see any improvement whoever comes in to partner Tarkowski.

We did look better going forward last night and created enough chances to have won the game, tighten up at the back keep the midfield compact and use the bleedin’ subs, we may come out smiling at the end.

One other positive note, possibly if I’m correct, Maddison was a bit subdued last night and I noticed when he was booked it was his ninth booking, if he gets another booking is he banned for the two matches? If he is it will help us and not do a lot for Leicester and in future games he will play knowing getting booked could end his season.

Ashley Krotosky
186 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:38:09
I would so much prefer to see Coady or Mina there instead of Keane, MK is very much a confidence player and when he screws up his head drops.
BUT because there has been no rotation of the CBs, and the other two haven't got on the pitch for so long, these guys might now be lacking in match sharpness, and make errors or struggle to last the full 90+. The longer Dyche leaves it, the more risky it gets (at least in his mind), and the less inclined he is to make a switch.
Maybe one or both should get some game time against City?
Peter Carpenter
187 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:41:03
Surely someone has already said it? Maupay wouldn't have missed that DCL chance.
Pat Kelly
188 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:46:37
Peter, you're right. It was Maupay who said it. He never misses an opportunity.
Oliver Molloy
189 Posted 02/05/2023 at 10:50:10
No matter what happens, Dyche has to go at the end of the season in my opinion.
I understand keeping it tight against good sides, but if he had thrown Gray and Simms on for the last 15 mins last night we would have won in my opinion. Leicester were there to be beaten.
Mark Murphy
190 Posted 02/05/2023 at 11:01:31
Oliver I’m not disagreeing BUT it could easily be argued that if he HAD thrown on Gray and Simms we may have lost the rythm and lost the game. Then we would all be on here questioning why he changed the team that was playing well enough to win it. Hindsight’s a great view but unless we had proven change a game quality to bring on I understand why he didn’t make changes. The changes he needs to make now are Keane and Iwobi benched for the next game. Coady for Keane, Gray for Iwobi.
James Marshall
191 Posted 02/05/2023 at 11:33:51
A draw against Brighton should be enough to get us out of the relegation zone this coming week - Leeds play City at the Etihad same weekend and their goal difference is -24 to our -25.

Assuming City beat them (handsomely!) then a draw at Brighton is enough to lift us above them.

Small comfort but it's very fine margins now, so it's a crumb of comfort.

Having said that, I just realised Forest play Saints at home so maybe not!

Christopher Timmins
192 Posted 02/05/2023 at 11:43:25
I am one of Keane's biggest critics but even I would admit that bringing Mina or Coady in with so little playing time under their belt over the past couple of months would be a risk. The manager has gone too far down the line with Keane to now turn back.

We need to play slightly deeper and Gana needs to play as a holding midfielder given the lack of pace in the middle of our back 4. When Iwobi's pass was intercepted for the second goal there were too many midfielders ahead of the ball.

I don't know how Godfrey was played as a left or right back, if he can't cut it as a central defender then he should not be in the team. Playing him out wide has probably shot his confidence.

I would also stick with Garner going forward.

Patterson and Myko won't let us down over the final four games.

Hoping that we will finish ahead of Leeds, in absolute free fall, and Leicester.

Monday 8 May is going to be a long day!

Raymond Fox
193 Posted 02/05/2023 at 11:45:24
Dave (185) fair enough mate its all about opinions. Anybody on here posting has to be opinionated.

I do think we are in a better place now than before the Leicester game I fully expected us to be beaten.

What I don't like is Leeds getting Allardyce in if that is what happens.
Say what you want about him but theres more chance he will improve them than make them worse.

Pete Neilson
194 Posted 02/05/2023 at 11:55:25
Dave (185),

I think that after the 32nd match, there are no more suspensions for picking up individual yellow cards. So Maddison is safe.

Peter Carpenter
195 Posted 02/05/2023 at 12:18:17
Are Leeds about to fall for the Allardyce myth? He's no Roy Hodgson.
James Marshall
196 Posted 02/05/2023 at 12:26:38
Didn't we finish 8th under Allardyce/Koeman?

I wouldn't call Allardyce a mythical character.

Chris Gould
197 Posted 02/05/2023 at 12:31:56
I don't think Keane has been as bad as some make out. The arm out for the handball was frustrating, but he wasn't out of position for the first goal. Iwobi played a dipshit pass and Vardy is faster than all CB's we have at the club. None of them would have faired any better. The only thing Keane could have done was foul him and that would have been a red card.
As for Iwobi, he played well in the 2nd half, which showed balls and spirit after a disastrous first half.
Gray falls over more than he produces anything of note in a game. He has been very poor in revent outings and was only effective playing as a lone striker, which we don't need him for now.
Garner has been a big plus.
It's going to the wire!
Dave Abrahams
198 Posted 02/05/2023 at 12:36:00
Pete (194), thanks Pete for your reply, just looking for any scraps that will help our escape from the drop.
Peter Carpenter
199 Posted 02/05/2023 at 12:38:22
No, I would call him a twat. What happened in his last job?
James Marshall
200 Posted 02/05/2023 at 12:47:24
He was relegated once in 17 years as manager of top flight teams. We were 13th when he took over, went 7 unbeaten, with 5 clean sheets and we finished 8th.

I'd take that now. I don't like the man, or his style, but it was effective if nothing else and that's all that counts.

Brian Harrison
201 Posted 02/05/2023 at 13:02:00
Chris @197,

I tend to agree about Keane not being as bad as some are making out, I would imagine had Mina been in the same position when Vardy received that ball he would have brought him down and been sent off.

Coady is the slowest of all our centre-backs and never carries the ball out of defence. To read some you would think we were keeping clean sheets every week when Coady was playing.

I am not saying Keane is the answer but he does carry a goal threat, he will bring the ball out of defence, and is a decent passer of the ball.

Like a lot of centre-backs, he doesn't turn very quickly and he sometimes is found wanting for pace. I think he was unlucky for the penalty but he was in exactly the right position to try and cut out the cross.

I think Leicester have got the best team of all the clubs in the relegation battle. I think being able to dominate for as long as we did in this game shows that this team is better committing to an attacking philosophy than trying to sit back.

I think 6 points from our remaining games might just see us escape relegation.

Michael finished his piece saying he thought the result was better for Leicester than us; I completely disagree – if you don't beat a side lower than you in the league at this stage of the season, at home, that is not the result you want.

I bet most Leicester fans will be just as fearful of their upcoming games seeing as they couldn't beat a next-to-bottom team at home. I bet their fan website will be doom and gloom this morning.

Jon Harding
202 Posted 02/05/2023 at 13:03:40
My suspicion is we'll see Keane start again in the next game.

Firstly because Dyche is stubborn beyond words. And secondly, because I presume we'll sit deep (very deep) against both Brighton and Man City and this is where Keane is at his best, relatively.

He really struggles when we try to play on the front foot and move up the pitch, as Tony A has been telling us all for seasons now.

Watching on the telly in our house, we all thought Garner was magnificent last night.

Danny O’Neill
203 Posted 02/05/2023 at 13:08:42
Why are we talking about Sam Allardyce?

I don't give two fucks about Sam Allardyce.

I give more than two fucks about Everton staying in the Premier League. It is costing me sleep.

Sam fucking Allardyce. And people called Carlo a dinosaur?

We have one now, but if he keeps us up, he is welcome to be our Everton Tyranossaurous.

Those outdated managers made a wage on the back of failure.

Everton. All that matters right now is Everton.

Sorry for the language John Senior. I'm still raw and tired from last night.

Dale Self
204 Posted 02/05/2023 at 13:17:06
Mark 190 this is a very good point that doesn’t get enough understanding. The spacing and lines are coming together for the starting eleven but is still not second nature. The first touches into space that were properly weighted for the runner took some time to develop. The durability of that is delicate and is the key to our possession forward. It tends to break down with subs.
Dale Self
205 Posted 02/05/2023 at 13:29:45
And Danny I think it is because Ian, Soren and some others have suggested Big Sam was the answer for our problems or at least a better option than Dyche. I believe one or both of those gentlemen have also suggested Leeds were a better squad that fights.

I don't think either of them expected their argument positions would actually get tested in a well let's call it an unnatural experiment.

Looking forward to their beliefs being marked to market as the saying goes.

James Marshall
206 Posted 02/05/2023 at 13:43:30
Allardyce has been mentioned because he's about to take over at Leeds. It's topical.
Christy Ring
207 Posted 02/05/2023 at 14:20:48
I see Richard Keys the little hobbit saying big Sam taking over Leeds, owes us one and will get us relegated. I believe Leeds have the worst 4 fixtures of all the teams near the bottom, my worry is Forest beating Southampton at home. Looking at Keane last night, he was very poor and Dyche thought he was great against Newcastle!, the biggest problem is that even though a fit Mina is our best centreback, he hasn't played a first team game since West Ham on 21st of January, no way is he match fit unfortunately. Coady is our only option unless Godfrey plays in his proper position?
Paul Hewitt
208 Posted 02/05/2023 at 14:22:15
Off topic but I see 97% of season ticket holders have renewed there ticket.This club don't deserve them.
Paul Cherrington
209 Posted 02/05/2023 at 14:38:43
I still don't know how I feel about last nights result - 1 point gained is decent and we did show some real character to snatch the draw. Good to see a solid enough away performance too.

But not taking the win was just so disappointing. We have to take our opportunities for 3 points when they appear - especially at the moment. It's the difference between staying up or going down.

That's true for the team and individuals - the amount of chances we miss each game on the whole is staggering. How did DCL miss that sitter last night for example? Big moments in games and you can't win if you don't make the most of your chances.

When you combine missed chances at one end with the constant stream of costly errors we make at the other end, you are left feeling nervous still. Errors could be the thing which hurts us most eventually but it seems no manager can coach them out of this bunch of players.

Let's see what next game brings anyway and wishing a speedy recovery to Coleman.

James Marshall
210 Posted 02/05/2023 at 14:50:32
It isn't 2 points lost if you never had those points - we have 1 point more than we had yesterday so it's a point gained. That phrase is nonsense.

I thought we were much improved last night - we at least carried a goal threat for a change and looked energised despite the draw. Leicester were always going to be going at it full-tilt as well, given the league positions so I'm putting it down as a point gained regardless.

Before the game I thought we'd lose and be relegated, but we got a draw and I still think we'll be relegated but not just because of last night - more because of the entire season.

We are where we are on merit over a season, not one game, so we deserve to be second bottom.

Raymond Fox
211 Posted 02/05/2023 at 14:52:49
I mentioned the betting last night, sorry to repeat.

Their opinion is Southampton definitely down, then next Leeds, then us, with Forest rated a marginally better chance of staying up than us.
Leicester are 7/4 to go down.

Its in our own hands now I suppose it always has been, at least the performance last night gives us a fighting chance.

Barry Hesketh
212 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:02:17
The issue that Everton have is that even those so called winnable games are against teams in the top ten of the form table, Brighton and Man City, unless we have a huge amount of good fortune, will likely return us nothing but a worse goal difference, then we'll have to hope that the others around us don't put any or too much distance between us points wise.

It's so annoying, that the few opportunities to gain 3 points in recent months have passed us by, and have left our top-flight status hanging by a slender thread.

Danny O’Neill
213 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:11:09
Form is temporary Barry.

Points at the seaside and we make the title run in interesting.

I haven't had 3 hours sleep in the last 24 hours and almost a day on the road for nothing

Brian Wilkinson
214 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:12:55
I still think Leeds are the worst team I’ve seen this season, they were all over the shop at Goodison, bad as we have been,I do not see Leeds picking up too many points, same with Forest.

For me it is a case of still being in touch, when the Wolves and Bournemouth games come along, anything we pick up before then is a bonus.

What pleased me last night was not just the effort, but players finally shooting at goal.

We can nit pick about the mistake for their second goal, but on an whole the performance was there last night.

I am not going to say this or that, all I wanted was a performance that gives us hope for the remaining games.

We got that last night.

Coleman made a huge difference, we are going to miss that leadership on the pitch, some are calling for Mina to come in for Keane, me personally, I would bring Coady in, add a bit of nastiness in our defence, short term I think Coady could make a difference there, but looks like he has pissed on Dyche chips.

Brian Williams
215 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:17:13
Raymond. Is it in our hands?
Could we not win every remaining game and still go down?
Colin Malone
216 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:21:35
What's with this super computer. Newsnow Everton. It changes it predictions every week. What a load of Bo###cks
James Potter
217 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:21:48
We have to keep believing, it's still possible, however unlikely. It's Hard to call any games winnable for Everton given our lack of goal scoring prowess, our comical defending and with both Wolves and Brighton (1-4)beating us at home this season with ease and Bournemouth putting 7 past us in the space of 4 days under Frank at their place. shocking when you read that back.

I'd like to think we'd take something from Wolves and I really hope we can pull a home win out the bag on the final day. I fear for the city and Brighton games and the potential to hammer our goal difference

James Marshall
218 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:38:36
Technically it's out of our hands - if we win every game we could (in theory) still go down.

Chances of Forest, Leeds, or Leicester winning all their games is slim to nothing so while technically it's out of our hands, you can't see the above happening.

I think it's more about who loses more of their last 4 games than wins them.

Barry Hesketh
219 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:47:09
James @218
I think you're quite correct with your assessment of the situation, if any of those closest to us gain a victory, we have to get 4 points from two games, in order to match their total points tally. We have to hope that a couple of them don't win another game, or that we win at least two games out of the four. The other problem is that we have to gain points on two of the sides above us. If every game involving the relegation sides ends in a draw, we're toast.
Raymond Fox
220 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:50:11
Brian and James, your both correct, what I should have said we must do better than any two of Leeds, Forest and Leicester but I suppose thats stating the bleeding obvious. I think I should shut up now!
Ian Edwards
221 Posted 02/05/2023 at 16:12:05
Leeds are sacking a Coach who won 3 in 11 games. In the last 11 Dyche has won 1. Just saying.
Mark Murphy
222 Posted 02/05/2023 at 16:25:24
Ian, in a league table based on results since Dyche took over Everton would be 15th.
Hardly nil satis I know but he inherited a shambles.
Barry Hesketh
223 Posted 02/05/2023 at 16:30:05
If Dyche does manage to get Everton into 17th place or above, he deserves praise, but is he the manager to guide our future from the end of this season onwards, I'm not sure.

In his defence, he hasn't had the opportunity to bring new blood into the squad and he did inherit a woeful situation, not helped by the board of directors, but there is something lacking in his game management, as exemplified last night and away at Palace, which may prove to be very costly for Everton and for Dyche.

Bill Hawker
224 Posted 02/05/2023 at 16:34:14
Sean Dyche's set up and personnel decisions were frankly unforgivable. Starting Keane instead of Mina. Not bringing in Mina at halftime when it was clear Keane was finished. Not bringing Gray and/or Simms on when the players were gassed and three points were there for the taking in the last 15-20 minutes.

Simply breathtaking negligence on Dyche's part and one of the many reasons I don't think we escape relegation. Continue with Keane, we're down. Continue with poor in-game management, we're down.

Mike Hayes
225 Posted 02/05/2023 at 16:40:03
For me Dyche robbed Everton of this victory not bringing on subs like Gray Simms and Mina to take Leicester. Can't see us staying up with this dinosaur he's as bad as gravy tits 😡

Up or down I'd go for Kompany but not with this toxic board. Clean sweep of board and manager, then work on getting shut of bang average pub team players 🤷

Kim Vivian
226 Posted 02/05/2023 at 16:52:25
What Raymond says at 220 is of course "bleeding obvious" and that is exactly why I was praying for the win last night. However, a few weeks ago I did predict a draw for this one and I think we will dig out 4 more points before the end of the season.

Leics could realistically manage just one more point with their run in (a draw against West Ham imo) and they will drop along with So'ton and Leeds (games against City, Newcastle, West Ham and Spurs to go) who might also get just one more pont.

My weeks ago prediction had us finishing 17th with the absurdly low points total of 33 but with Forest also quite likely to finish on 33 that would have us at 16th.

The Allardyce effect has become a bit of a joker in the pack and at this late stage the best he can do I reckon is give them a hefty kick up the arse. That may be all they need but that run in remains what it is.

Leeds, Leics, So'ton to drop.

Everton safe on 33 points. Get in there...!

Peter Carpenter
227 Posted 02/05/2023 at 16:57:30
Danny (203), because it's fun. He's divisive and guarantees a good argument, which might take our minds off other matters. Perhaps SA posts from now on should include a warning icon at the top? A brown envelope stuffed with cash, for example.

So James, yes, 8th would be dreamland right now, as would 16th or 17th. The point I make about Allardyce is that he gave us nothing. He didn't save us from relegation, we weren't in trouble when he arrived. He had the opportunity to show that he had more strings to his bow but didn't take it. That was always his complaint, wasn't it? That he was only seen as a firefighter. We were mid-table when he came, mid-table when he left. He offered nothing.

He got relegated in his last job and yet some think he is still the saviour. That's the myth he's made millions out of. Leeds are about to find that out.

There are similarities between Dyche and Allardyce. My hope when he was appointed was that Dyche will show that he can evolve and become something different to his general perception as a dour, unimaginative manager. That's still on hold until our fate is decided. Allardyce couldn't or wouldn't even try to do it.

Colin Malone
228 Posted 02/05/2023 at 17:14:18
I cannot understand why Dyche plays a holding midfielder [ Dacourie ] in the number 10 role. I would sooner see him along side Gueye, with Onana number 10 role.
Dale Self
229 Posted 02/05/2023 at 17:39:43
Doucoure isn't a holding nidfielder. He was an offensive player, maybe an advanced 8 in Silva’s system at Watford.
Peter Carpenter
230 Posted 02/05/2023 at 17:53:02
A regular goalscorer too, if I remember correctly.
Colin Malone
231 Posted 02/05/2023 at 18:15:00
Well he needs to change his square boots and learn to pass the the ball.
Dale Self
232 Posted 02/05/2023 at 18:20:21
I’m with that Colin. I’m not saying he’s been impressive just that his contribution is critical due to squad quality (lack of). His confidence is not where it could be with better support which is developing. For now he has to work through the errors. More forgivable than Iwobi let’s say.
Brian Wilkinson
233 Posted 02/05/2023 at 19:00:06
Makes you wonder with the same selections and lack of subs, if Dyche is thinking about rebuilding in the summer.

Some players will have a relegation clause in their contracts, could this be a way of shipping them out if the unthinkable happens, then start a rebuild?

Alright crazy I know, can anyone come up with a better answer, the reasoning of lack of subs and the likes.
.

Tom Bowers
234 Posted 02/05/2023 at 23:24:26
Whatever anyone else does Everton have to win games not draw and it was a pity Doucoure didn't score late on.

However although Everton played with a lot more gusto let's not forget Leicester have been on a poor run themselves.

Three points would have been great but having survived the penalty at a crucial time they showed some character in coming back and avoiding defeat.

That point could still be what matters in the end.

We cannot seriously hope to beat Man City but let's face it they did draw with them at their place.

A point at Brighton would be very welcome and coupled with wins against Wolves and Bournemouth it would probably save us.

Let's not forget that those two clubs will have nothing to play for although that doesn't always work out does it.

Pete Clarke
235 Posted 03/05/2023 at 00:44:33
We are relying on other results to keep us up and Man City could also be 4 points clear at the top by the time they play us if they win their next two games and Newcastle beat Arsenal. City may be cruising and not want to risk too much given the Champions League games they have.

The big results we need is Southampton to beat Forest and we take a point minimum at Brighton. We can definitely do this and it's probably easier for the players to do it away from home without the added pressure.

As much as we are all calling for Michael Keane to be removed I don't think Dyche will do it. He brought him back in the team for the extra height and goal threat so he will probably stick with it. Unfortunately he's got an excuse in that neither Mina or Coady are reliable either.

We are 1 point better off than last week which keeps us firmly in the game to stay up and I think the players will be buoyed by their effort and result at Leicester.

Michael Keane to score the winner at Brighton. COYB

Phil Lewis
236 Posted 03/05/2023 at 01:46:10
There are valid opinions on here suggesting that it's too late now for Dyche to start making radical team selection changes. But I beg to differ. In this instance, I believe that his stubborness, could actually lead to our downfall. It was a valiant team effort against Leicester, that with a little more luck could've easily ended with a win.

However, it takes a great manager, with the conviction in his own ability, to make changes necessary for victory in these remaining crucial games.

Patterson must surely pick himself now at right back, in the tragic absence of Seamus. Mina should have been in the side as soon as he was injury free. I would select him immediately at the expense of Keane. It's perhaps harsh on Keane, but the fact is that his deficiencies have been cruelly exposed in recent games. Vardy continuously turned him inside out the other night.

In midfield Garner is developing a good partnership with Gueye, but Iwobi again showed characteristic flaws and schoolboy errors in passing and judgement, costing us a goal. Gray gets the nod for me, ahead of Iwobi for the remaining fixtures.

A final word for our Captain Courageous

Seamus. You are the only player in recent years, who gets in my 'EFC All time Greats Eleven'.

A fitting acolade to such a magnificent servant, would be to offer him a permanent job for life within the Club in some capacity. That's assuming the worst, in that he's played his last game for us following his horrific injury.

So many non deserving, under achieving phoney sycophants, have held down far too many plum jobs at Goodison over the years.

It's high time that an honest to goodness consistantly talented performer, is finally rewarded for his unselfish service to our club.

God Bless you Seamus Coleman. Get well soon.

Ernie Baywood
237 Posted 03/05/2023 at 02:45:28
Chat GPT could manage us at the moment. Just ask it "what would Dyche do?". Then leave it unless there's an injury.

Managers are supposed to impact games. Dyche doesn't. We just get whatever the players can muster on a given day.

Alan McGuffog
238 Posted 03/05/2023 at 07:09:11
It's likely that Kompany turns out to be this season's "flavour of the month". A bit like Potter was.

And if not, and he has real substance, then why in God's name would he be enticed to Goodison?

Derek Knox
239 Posted 03/05/2023 at 08:27:56
I haven't posted for a few days such has been my disappointment and almost induced apathy from previous pathetic 'must-win displays' I am also disappointed in Dyche to a degree, although in mitigation he has inherited mainly a 'crock of expensive mis-matched shit'!

You never change a winning side in general, but equally so, you don't persist with a losing one expecting it to be different, or with under-performing players when you do have some, but limited options. It is hard to see, even after an improved away performance against Leicester, as to where we can muster enough points to survive.

The injury to Seamus was a shocking one, and one that could impact us greatly not only for his contribution on the pitch, but for his spirit and leadership, and I really doubt sadly if we will ever see him playing again. I endorse what a previous poster said, that "Seamus was the only one for a very long time, who genuinely would have a serious claim to be in the Goodison Greats Hall of Fame".

All your contributions over the years Seamus have been appreciated by me at any rate!

Mark Ryan
240 Posted 03/05/2023 at 08:44:03
Brian @ 233,

Dyche doesn't use subs like other managers do. We have other posters on here who have strong Burnley connections and they have said he simply doesn't like using subs and, when he does, it's often very late on in a game.

I think he's bang average from what I've seen. Gray for a spent Iwobi was nailed on IMO especially after he scored, he was never going to score 2, was he?

Dyche the Ditherer.

Ernie Baywood
241 Posted 03/05/2023 at 09:17:37
Mark, he doesn't dither. I think he's decisively inactive during games.
John Daley
242 Posted 03/05/2023 at 10:11:52
Hope it's okay to post this here. If not please remove.

If anyone would be interested in subscribing to a free ‘newsletter' of articles and rambling rants on all things Everton, then you can do so via the following link:

The Blue By You

Time permitting, I'll be aiming to get stuff sent out semi-regularly.

You certainly won't be bombarded with content (because, frankly, I've got better things to do… honest) and there'll be no ‘You've Got Mail' style secret yearnings going on (at least not on my part), but nor will it be like that time you sent money to some lass in Thailand for an emergency lower-back tattoo and were left staring, lovelorn and in vain, at a barren inbox for an entire league season….before finally cracking and flipping a coin to decide between signing up for Series 14 of Catfish, or catching the first flight out there.

Be good to see some familiar names there. Any names. One name? Jesus, come on.

John McFarlane Snr
243 Posted 03/05/2023 at 16:02:17
Hi Derek [241],

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If the person who's suggestion it was (or anyone) can retrieve the post, or if someone with a better business acumen than mine can carry the 'torch', I believe that it will strengthen the bond already established, and allow strangers to become friends.

Derek Knox
244 Posted 03/05/2023 at 21:59:48
Great idea, John McFarlane!

I to believe that TW Badges would be get a massive and collective thumbs up, from the majority of TW Members. I too endorse the original poster to come back and if we can somehow formulate the numbers interested and a Payment Method, that would go down extremely well.

John McFarlane Snr
245 Posted 04/05/2023 at 12:31:07
Hi Derek [244],

I have just typed "Lapel badge manufacturers" and there are quite a few, there's even one on my doorstep in Skelmersdale.

It seems to me that someone more familiar with the process of on-line deals than myself might want to explore the possibilities. I am prepared to set the ball rolling at The Bramley Moore get-together by donating £50. It's something we can discuss over my Diet Coke.

Eric Myles
246 Posted 04/05/2023 at 12:55:14
https://m.alibaba.com/product/1600236860976/Metal-Sport-Football-Friends-Pin-Badges.html

60p each, excluding p&p.

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John McFarlane Snr
247 Posted 04/05/2023 at 13:06:16
Hi Eric [246],

Thanks for your information. Iif a deal ever gets off the ground, my £50 should come in handy.

Eric Myles
248 Posted 04/05/2023 at 13:21:48
"We cannot seriously hope to beat Man City."

Are you thinking it would be like taking a knife to a gunfight, Tom #234?

John Keating
249 Posted 04/05/2023 at 13:35:21
What really pisses me off is that in every article which mentions the Directors' no-show, it invariably states they did not attend due to a real and credible threat to their safety.

I don't think there has been any following mention that Merseyside police could find no proof in that so-called threat.
Similarly the headlock on Little Miss Dynamite.

We all know it's a load of crap, however, out with Everton supporters, people read and believe this nonsense.

Dave Abrahams
250 Posted 04/05/2023 at 14:00:43
Eric (248),

It's a long time since I saw the film The Magnificent Seven, so I might be getting confused but didn't Britt played by James Coburn actually beat hit his gunfighter rival by throwing his knife quicker than the gunman used his gun?

Eric Myles
251 Posted 05/05/2023 at 04:13:27
Dave #250, I was quoting a former manager in a scene in "The Magnificent Seventh".

And didn't our new owner say that we don't expect to get points away at City, and others, just a couple of seasons ago?

Seems like some of our fans are afflicted with the same mentality.

Bobby Mallon
252 Posted 06/05/2023 at 09:22:15
Why are managers never asked those questions in the after match press conference. Why was he not asked why he didn’t make any subs. It baffles me. Don’t Everton tv have a reporter there. They always ask none invasive questions pisses me off.

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