Everton 3 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur

Everton came out of the traps, with Calvert-Lewin and Ndiaye scoring two excellent goals, to go in 3-0 at the break, but allowed Spurs to come close after Richarlison scored their second in added time.

The starting lineup includes Lindstrom with Jake O'Brien finally getting his Premier League debut. Harrison and Young are dropped… but not Doucoure or Calvert-Lewin, while Garner, Coleman, Iroegbunam, McNeil, Broja, and Chermiti are all ruled out through injury or lack of fitness.

Mangala got things going and Everton played forward with a bit more intent from the off, but the first attempt to play out from the back saw O'Brien easily dispossessed and Spurs won an early corner, then Ndiaye almost got the Blues into further trouble.

Mykolenko drove forward but his cross was easily intercepted. Doucoure stole the ball and Lindstrom tried to score, forcing a diving save from Kinsky, the corner delayed by a problem for the assistant referee. O'Brien tried to be a nuisance and fell heavily on his back, before springing up to take a throw-in!

A better move driven by Lindstrom saw Ndiaye's shot blocked after Calvert-Lewin had lost a ball played in to feet. But Gana Gueye next found Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the Spurs area and this time he pirouetted around three defenders to slot it past Kinsky and finally break his months-long goal drought. 

Spurs came forward quite strongly in response but Everton defended well and Tarkowski tried to release Calvert-Lewin but he was late getting back onside. Son got past two defenders and bore in on goal, Tarkowski back brilliantly to take the ball off his toe.

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Everton again tried to play forward and looked to threaten but when Spurs countered, the overlap was always dangerous and they won another corner that Pickford parried away. Spence's shot was blocked before they won another corner, taken short, and defended away. 

Kulusevski got behind the line far too easily and set up Son but Pickford was down well to cover his shot, when normally the Korean would have buried such an opportunity. 

Brantwaite sent Calvert-Lewin off on his way again but his touch on the ball proved utterly abysmal as it came off his knee and was easily grasped by Kinsky. But the call came through to Doucore and his shot was parried by Kinsky onto the post, and Calvert-Lewin headed the follow-up tamely into Kinsky's hands.

Son got through again but found hos way blocked by Branthwaite who dared to and Son collapsed in a head but the referee was adamant it was not a penalty.

Going the other way and a one-two with Gueye on the half-way line saw Iliman Ndiaye scampering forward, dodging brilliantly past Dragusin and then scooping the ball past Kinsky high into the roof of the net in one continuous movement, a brilliant goal! Such excitement at Goodison Park almost unheard of!

Bergvall tried a shot that floew over Pickford's goal. Ndiaye almost found Calvert-Lewin with a forward ball but the move was closed down.  Gana Gueye had gone over and finally needed treatment. 

Bergvall protested too much when he sent Calvert-Lewin flying and got himself booked. But Mykolenko's deep free-kick did not beat the first defender. To even things up, Calvert-Lewin was booked for a loose elbow that smacked Dragusin, drawing blood and requiring lengthy treatment for a cut above the eye, leading to at least 7 minutes of added time before the break. 

Ndiaye picked up a loose pass but turned back this time and the move crumbled. Lindstrøm was clipped by Spence, his free-kick was a beauty, met by a Tarkowski diving header that was straight at Kinsky. Tarkowski went down on the corner, a bit too easily: no penalty.

Another corner was worked around to Lindstrøm whose deep cross was headed back from beyond the far post by Tarkowski, glanced on by Calvert-Lewin, and in off Archie Gray, an own-goal to round off a quite splendid half of football for a rejuvenated Everton after 10 added minutes.

Richarlison replaced Dragusin as Spurs kicked off the second half and immediately put Everton under pressure.  Calvert-Lewin was awarded a free-kick to relieve the early pressure. But Calvert-Lewin was then called when he seemed to win a fair header on a long ball from O'Brien. 

Maddison wanted to break free in the Everton area but was well-marshalled until he fouled Lindstrom. Then Davies went through the back of Calvert-Lewin. Lindstrom swung the free-kick in, Calvert-Lewin heading well wide.

Ndiaye advanced again, to the bye line, but his cross was cleared before it could reach Calvert-Lewin. Geueye should have got a counter going but artlessly dithered then lost the ball. Maddison drove in, winning a corner, headed behind by Branthwaite. On the next corner, Maddison's arm caught Ndiaye as the ball was cleared. 

Everton got forward but Lindstrom's low cross went straight to a defender. Ndiaye and Calvert-Lewin broke well but the ball back to Mykolenko saw him fire horribly high and wide. 

Spurs tried to clear but Lindstrom leapt on the ball and fed Calvert-Lewin who spun around but clipped the ball just wide. Ndiaye earned another free-kick off Bergvall. A brilliant ball in from Lindstrom into the danger area was just watched all the way through, nobody attacking it.  

It got lively when Spurs ran into trouble playing out from the back but Everton failed to capitalize. Everton then had to defend and got away with some questionable challenge. 

Mangala drove hard into Kulusevski but Doucoure was booked for delaying the free-kick. Young replaced Lindstrom, who had earned his round of applause. A great spell of football followed with Everton harassing Spurs defenders into a series of mistakes but the ball in to Calvert-Lewin was too difficult to convert. 

Spence did well to get to the bye line and the cutback was deflected to Maddison whose shot curled past the far post. Kulusevski's deep cross then flew inches in front of Richarlison and past the far post. 

Pickford got himself into trouble trying to stop Maddison and the ball came out to Kulusevski who calmly chipped a perfect ball over four Everton defenders to spoil the scoreline. 

Patterson replaced Ndiaye as Everton continued to come under pressure. Moore got past O'Brien and fed Richarlsion, his fist attempt blocked, his second gathered by Pickford. At the other end, the ball almost fell nicely for Calvert-Lewin but Kinsky got to it first.  

Spurs almost got through with Spence but he was stalled. Doucoure was robbed of a corner as the game entered the 90th minute.  Moore's cross was deflected behind for a corner and the ball was delivered on a plate for Richarlison to convert at the far post as Keane and Pickford looked at each other. 

Fortunatley, it had come too late for Spurs to get a third as Everton held on for a very precious win and 3 points in the now perennial battle against relegation. 

Everton:   Pickford, Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, O'Brien (87' Keane), Ndiaye (81' Patterson), Mangala, Doucoure [Y:67'], Gueye, Lindstrom (70' Young), Calvert-Lewin [Y:43'].

Subs not Used: Virginia, Begovic, Harrison, Beto, Sherif, Armstrong.

Tottenham Hotspur: Kinsky, Porro, Dragusin (46' Richarlison), Gray, Davies, Spence, Bergvall [Y:41'], Sarr, Maddison, Kulusevski, Son.

Subs not Used: Austin, Regulion Yang, Lankshear, (73' Moore) Ajayi, Olusesi, Hardy.


Reader Comments (268)

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Jay Evans
1 Posted 19/01/2025 at 12:44:51
2 changes…

O’Brien for Young at right-back, and Lindstrøm for Harrison.

Si Pulford
2 Posted 19/01/2025 at 12:50:15
Well that’s a surprise!! Is he playing right back then?
Si Pulford
3 Posted 19/01/2025 at 12:50:44
Is Moyes yet another manager who doesn't fancy Patterson?
Jarmo Rahnasto
4 Posted 19/01/2025 at 12:55:05
It could also be three at the back with Mykolenko and Lindstrøm as wingbacks.
Robert Tressell
5 Posted 19/01/2025 at 12:56:25
4-2-3-1 with O'Brien at right-back?

Like the good old days when Lescott was an outsize rampaging left-back.

Iain Johnston
6 Posted 19/01/2025 at 12:57:30
Jesus! Doucoure again. What do these managers see that we don't?

I think he's gone 3 at the back with Mykolenko & Lindstrom as wingbacks.

Sean Kearns
7 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:01:34
Must be a back 3 with Mykoleno as wingback.
Derek Knox
8 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:03:06
Iain, totally agree when I see his name.

I immediately think, playing with 10 men again from the start!

Charles Ward
9 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:05:02
Derek - Doucouré to score!
Kevin Molloy
10 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:08:30
Doucoure still has two aspects which make him useful: he can press, and he can finish.
Derek Knox
11 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:12:36
Charles, I don't care if he scores (I hope he does for the team) my opinion won't change.

He's supposed to be an attacking midfielder, has scored one goal in 20 months and zero assists. Maybe slightly out (not a stato) but a waste of a shirt and good oxygen to boot!

Nick Page
12 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:13:12
Imagine being a player and reading some of the criticism. I hope they don't.

Criticism should be aimed at the top, the people who make the decisions and implement their philosophy (or lack of, in our case) on the team. Professional footballers need confidence, and it's a very thin line.

A couple of seasons ago, we couldn't win a game without Doucoure.

Derek Knox
13 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:15:04
Nick, History!

Now is the present!

Olalekan Taofik
14 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:19:46
Moyes is trying to find a rhythm for the team by rotating the team to the best of his ability.
I just wish the team wins this afternoon.i will be watching from my phone here in Lagos, Nigeria.
COYB!!
Mike Allison
15 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:22:23
Iain, re. Doucoure, they see what he does off the ball. Dyche talked about the no.10 being an important defensive position and that’s why he didn’t think N’Diaye was ready to play there.

If we’re winning or happy with a draw, Doucoure is the leader of a highly effective defensive system across the whole pitch. He closes down passing lanes, presses defenders and makes it very difficult for opponents to play out from the back. If we want to have the ball, play football and score goals, then he’s everything you think of him.

Lampard froze him out, Dyche and Moyes love him. That tells you the attitude of the respective coaches about how to set up a football team.

Alan J Thompson
16 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:30:24
Given Tarkowski's form over the last few games I'd have thought that O'Brien might have been picked in place of him but he will now be what, the fourth or fifth to play right back this season. Still, if it doesn't work this time around we could fall back on Begovic or Virginia.
Steve Shave
17 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:33:36
I applaud the decision to switch to 3 at the back as it’s making the best of the crap he has inherited. I also think O’Brien Jarred and Tarks have potential as a 3, not many strikers will fancy playing them.

I think DCL should get one more shot under a new manager. Hopefully he is shipped out next week anyway. I would have just played Armstrong instead of Doucs.

We HAVE to win this, if we do it could be the end of Ange.

Mike Hayes
18 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:38:31
About time we had a change let’s hope Doucoure pulls his finger out and DCL sorts his shooting boots out. BIG clear out with all 12 on last months of contract none deserve to be given an extension
Simon Harrison
19 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:41:04
Greetings all,

The Beeb have got the line-up down as a 4-2-3-1.

So, Young out, and Jake O'B in at RB?

Didn't he play there briefly in the LCup vs Soton after Dixon got pulled? He did alright if I recall? A little bit different vs Son or Brennan tho!

Let's trust in Moyes for this selection, I feel Doucs is in there more as a spoiling role, whilst hopefully able able to pop-up and support attacks!

COYB

Simon Harrison
20 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:43:08
Alan J, I'm with you and suggested as such vs Villa. I think Tarks just needs taking out of the firing line and put on the bench. Why not try O'Brien in his favoured position, RCB... Meh, we're only fans I guess.

Fingers crossed for points today!

COYB!

Kevin Molloy
21 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:43:37
I thought it was the end of Ange forty. years ago when Dirty Den served his divorce papers on Christmas Eve, but he's still here.
Steven Kendrew
22 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:44:05
Five of our best players all injured. So frustrating!
Si Cooper
23 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:46:25
Some tweaking at least. Let’s see how it goes, what
“partnerships’ develop.
Jay Harris
24 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:50:54
Listening to Moyes interview he said these players will not get us out of this mess. We need new recruits.

Not very confidence building.

Martin Berry
25 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:51:46
We assume from the line up its three at the back using wing backs ?.
It looks like Moyes is good to his word and trying to encourage more attacking play.
Today with a weakened Spurs team is the right time to try it. I think we will win this one

COYB's

Colin Glassar
26 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:53:53
Hope Doucoure isn’t the new Phil Neville ie both useless and both undroppable.
Andrew Merrick
27 Posted 19/01/2025 at 13:56:47
Back 3, back 4, or even 5!
Let's have a plan A with in game management.
Still 2 keepers on the bench...
Cmon Davey, give young guys a chance please, plan b for shape change or tiring legs, give us a sign we can mix it up a bit, be less predictable...
Tony Abrahams
28 Posted 19/01/2025 at 14:10:18
Jay@24, my guess is that Dyche, told TFG, exactly the same thing and this conversation eventually lead to his dismissal.

Is there an industry with more waste than professional football, and has there been a more wasteful club, than Everton over the last ten years, even accounting for the last few seasons when we have one of the lowest net spends?

Sean O'Hanlon
29 Posted 19/01/2025 at 14:37:31
Calvert-Lewin missed a sitter that was easier to score than his first. But what a goal by Ndiaye!

Beware of 2-goal leads!!!!!

Ernie Baywood
30 Posted 19/01/2025 at 14:37:57
Two really great goals. Well made and well finished.
Michael Kenrick
31 Posted 19/01/2025 at 14:47:23
About bloody time. The number of chances these two have had and not produced.
Colin Glassar
32 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:00:08
Not wanting to brag but I did predict a 6-0 win today.
Rob Hooton
33 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:00:21
Bloody brilliant first half, didn't see that coming, and if we had scored 5 goals, it wouldn't have flattered us.

Spurs are woeful, wonder if Ange will get the sack next week. They are missing loads of players, if they had 6 fewer points than they currently do then they wouldn't have flattered be talked about as relegation candidates.

More of the same second half please Blues!!

Alan J Thompson
34 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:03:55
Can't complain about the score but we started messing around at the back and did so a few more times and then, to top it off, play is stopped because a Linesman has lost contact with VAR! He could have made a name for himself and carried on without it.

Then Calvert-Lewin scores a goal that has you taking it all back and then later when put through, with only the keeper to beat, stuffs it up by using his knee or thigh when he needn't have done.

Then Ndiaye does what we all suspect he's capable of which isn't playing on the wing. Spurs then looked to throw more men forward and their highline seems to suit us down to the ground.

Moyes the Moyesiah or a new manager bounce. Now, more of this and let's not hang back trying to overly defend it.

Colin Glassar
35 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:04:15
According to that gobshite Carra, the first goal should've been disallowed and they deserved a penalty.

“How bad do you have to be for Everton to create so many chances?”

Absolute shit-eating wanker.

Andy Mead
36 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:04:55
We played more football in that second goal build-up then we did in Dyche's entire reign.

Got to keep this up! Playing well

Nicolas Piñon
37 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:09:07
Was that really Calvert-Lewin's finish? OMG. Beautiful result against these twats.

Maybe the O'Brien move is a classical Moyes's move who made the back line a fortress in the old days. Strong back line… I like that.

Ernie Baywood
38 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:09:15
Colin, we've got Beglin on commentary - so far he's managed to question whether Calvert-Lewin intentionally elbowed, didn't like the Branthwaite challenge on Son, and didn't offer anything on the clear foul in the box on Tarkowski.

I don't know how VAR is ever going to give a push or short pull from a corner now. It's just allowed, isn't it?

Jay Harris
39 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:10:33
What a difference an emphasis on attack instead of defence makes.

Spurs are very poor today but it's good to see us on the front foot.

Gaute Lie
40 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:10:58
Best 1st half for years!!

Keep up the good work!!

Conor McCourt
41 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:17:00
Some of these posts are embarrassing...

What an amazing 1st half. Unreal!!

Sean O'Hanlon
42 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:38:54
Oh no! Young is on!

No penalties please!

Sean O'Hanlon
43 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:46:30
Here we go!

3-1

Ernie Baywood
44 Posted 19/01/2025 at 15:47:14
What are we smelling?
Craig Walker
45 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:03:19
Great result and performance for most of it. Doucouré was the one poor player today for me. Young and Keane upset everything. A couple of players in, Garner and McNeil back and we could be okay.

Brighton away will be very difficult.

Nick Page
46 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:04:17
Get fucking in UTFT
Steve Brown
47 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:04:27
Moyes went defensive too early.

We were brilliant until Jesper came off.

Sean O'Hanlon
48 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:05:14
It took Moyes 1 game to realise Harrison is crap. Now he just has to get rid of Doucoure.

Great first half!

Kevin Molloy
49 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:06:15
Thank God we won that game.

It changes everything.

John Pickles
50 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:09:28
5 goals? Did we bring back Moyes or Martinez?
Ernie Baywood
51 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:10:22
Jesper was exhausted, Steve. All our midfielders were.

I've been wondering whether Patterson has some kind of reputation that goes before him. There's nothing we see that would indicate he couldn't get into this team. Hopefully that cameo has done his chances some good.

Steve Brown
52 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:13:13
Patterson was good, Ernie, unlike Young and Keane.
Colin Glassar
53 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:13:34
At last. Last 10 mins were too uncomfortable for my liking. Composure will come with winning games and confidence.

I didn't want Moyes back but we now seem to be able to pass the ball to each other for at least 60 minutes.

Dyche Out!!

Ian Edwards
54 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:14:43
Great to get 3 points but Moyes went back to his panicky "throw defenders on" which gave away impetus and we got penned in.

Armstrong should have come on and Harrison for Lindstrom.

Derek Knox
55 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:15:06
Made up with the win and 3 points but it was looking decidedly shaky after our subs. Doucoure did nothing again – each time he gets the ball (rare), he gives it back, passes back, or gives it away, in case he is expected to do something with it.

I thought all apart from him played well!

I expected Harrison Armstrong to come on after getting good reviews from Moyes.

Andy Crooks
56 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:16:17
If we'd been 3-0 down at half-time, I'd have been on giving out about Moyes. Well, we were brilliant – well done, Moyes!!

That was our most important game for a long, long time, and we got such an important win. MotD tonight!!

Neil Cremin
57 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:16:30
I know it's not popular to criticise Jordan but for me he was at fault for both of their goals.

One of his usual brain farts for the first one coming off his line without purpose and then resorting to tackling with his feet like a full back.

Then on the second when he should've come off his line to claim the cross, he allows it to go to the far post for Richarlison to bundle in.

On the positive side, for me the stand-out players were Lindstrom, Calvert-Lewin and Ndiaye were very good. O'Brien grew into the game.

Christine Foster
58 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:17:32
Brilliant 1st half… nervy second.

Pickford at fault for both Spurs goals but give Richarlison his due – he deserved his goal but our game management sucks.

Great win, good to see a positive display.

George Cumiskey
59 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:19:27
The panic at the end was all down to Moyes's shocking subs.

He took our two best players off and kept the abysmal Doucouré on, it could've easily cost us the 3 points.

Lee Courtliff
60 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:23:35
Even when we win, they still find a way to take the fun out of it!! Obviously delighted that we got the points but the lack of composure is just incredibly frustrating.

Anyway, good performance from Lindstrøm and hopefully we've seen the last of Young at right-back. Onto to Brighton we go.

John Charles
61 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:24:21
Both Lindstrøm and Ndiaye were dead on their feet and needed to come off. The problem was bringing Young on (and I think he has probably been our best defender this season) and still playing him high.

What a difference in Calvert-Lewin and Lindstrøm. Doucoure is woeful. I thought the lady sat next to me was going to have a coronary screaming at him!

Neil Cremin
62 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:24:31
Ndiaye had cramp and had to be substituted. I would have kept Lindstrom on as he worked his socks off, only reason for subbing him could have been he was tiring as was evident by a few poor loose passes prior to being taking off.

I would have considered Keane for O'Brien as this was also his first full game and there was a case for bringing in some experience.

Joe McMahon
63 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:25:18
George @59, bang on. It's disappointing that a very experienced manager like Moyes would even consider those changes, nevermind doing them. Ending a game with 7 subs just invites the team to retreat and then comes the pressure.

The first half was so good, but as soon as we fluffed chances in the second half and players were obviously tiring Moyes sticks to type.

Tony Heron
64 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:25:30
Midfield disappeared in the second half. We need our injured midfielders back asap.

Lindstrom very good. Pickford and Keane leaving the ball for Richarlison to score.

Alan J Thompson
65 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:26:30
Moyes hasn't changed then, 3-0 up and shits himself. What on earth were those substitutions about, taking off 3 players who were having very good games and sending on Young and Keane, and who knows where they were told to play!

Owing to Optus's usual poor service after 2 excellent weeks and a good 1st half, I missed their second goal. Their first I put down to a Pickford brainfart.

Robert Tressell
66 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:27:25
Well done, Everton; well done, Moyes. Credit the manager with a few changes, and increasing the tempo of a demoralised squad.

We have 20 points, 4 off Spurs, 6 off Man Utd. If Man City win at Ipswich, the table begins to take a better shape.

David West
67 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:27:29
Gave them the opportunity to get back into it 2nd half after total domination of the 1st.

Why we didn't continue to play the same way is a strange one.

Lindstrom, who was excellent coming off, changed it for me. Calvert-Lewin excellent today too. O'Brien did well also.

Seen more football from the Blues today than the whole season under Dyche, so those who believe it wasn't Dyche, it's the poor quality players – do they really believe we would have these 3 points today with Dyche?

John Pickles
68 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:28:20
We're 4 points behind Spurs, 6 points behind Man Utd, with a game in hand on both, and were 16th.

Strange times!

Neil Cremin
69 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:30:46
Sad to see boring armchair managers on their anti-Moyes rant.
Our first-half performance was outstanding. Even for most of the second half, we looked the most likely to score until Jordan's brain fart.

After 2 games, there has been a monumental improvement. Let's hope we can keep it going.

Barry Rathbone
70 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:30:57
Perfect result.

A nice 3 points toward survival amid the usual fuckwittery near the end to ensure we aren't kidded into a laissez-faire attitude to this squad – we still need players.

But for today – well done, marvelous!

Colin Crooks
71 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:31:37
We see two wonderful goals - one the best individual goal seen at Goodison Park for many a year.

We played some of the best football we've seen for ages. Beat a very rich club, We entertained the nation and moved away from the relegation zone.

There are no 'but's. Save them for another time. We won, for fuck's sake.

John Charles
72 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:33:24
Well done, Everton. Well done, Moyes.

Make no mistake, the score line absolutely flattered Spurs.
Could so easily have been 6.

John Charles
73 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:34:48
Well said, Neil Cremin.
Conor McCourt
74 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:35:42
I think some need to give Moyes a break from that performance. He can only do so much in such a short period of time.

We put everything into that 1st half with players closing and harrying better technical footballers and upsetting their rhythm. He also was able to expose their weaknesses due to their injuries and defensive high line.

The first players to go were the 2 who rarely full minutes for Dyche. It wasn't just those who faded but it was the rest of the team to a lesser extent.

Harrison has been woeful and as poor as Doucoure was Moyes would have needed him for shape purposes. The manager would have expected better from 2 of the subs who came on.

Once Moyes has Tim, Jimmy and Dwight back he will have the opportunity to change up the midfield should he wish.

Don't forget Spurs are one of the fittest teams in the league and generally come on strong at the end of games and still brought on genuine quality with Richarlison and Moore.

At least it is refreshing to see front-foot action and tactical tweaks during the game rather than the formulaic stuff previously.

Mal van Schaick
75 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:36:04
Great first half. Well organised, creative and in positions for goal scoring. Second half Pickford unnerved the defence, but we hung on for a much-needed win.

Work on an away formation for Brighton next week. Blanket midfield and score on the break for a narrow win will do for us.

Christy Ring
76 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:36:08
Massive 3pts, nerve-wracking near the end. Delighted to see Calvert-Lewin getting MotM, it will give him a lot of confidence after today, and hopefully the abusers will lay off him now.

If Moyes can bring in a few players this week, it'll definitely freshen things up. I thought Garner would have made the bench.

Mick O'Malley
77 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:38:12
Colin @71 spot on but someone will find negatives, we had players attacking the box, bit disappointed with the goals we conceded but plenty of positives today, Neil spot on 👍
Brian Williams
78 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:41:22
Colin#71.
Colin you'll always, always get "buts" no matter what.
Some just can't help themselves.
Grant Rorrison
79 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:41:55
DCL scored. We got 3 points. We can score goals. Lindstrom doesn't look like the complete waste of space he's appeared since he arrived. We were completely comfortable for 75+ minutes. NDiaye scored another cracker. Still some people want to moan, particularly about Moyes. It's a strange obsession.

Ed Prytherch
80 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:42:01
Managers don't make a difference
Moyes is no different from Dyche.
Our squad is useless.
Eat shit!
Mike Gaynes
81 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:42:35
Neil #57, agreed Picks blundered on both, but too harsh saying "usual brain farts" -- he hasn't had one of those in a long time.
Mike Allison
82 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:45:05
Great to see a huge difference in the attitude and mindset of the team. Does anyone still believe Dyche that he was doing as well as was possible with this squad of players? Full credit to Moyes for getting so much more out of them in such a short space of time.

On the other hand, it’s perfectly okay to criticise Moyes for terrible, negative substitutions that made things really jittery. The one thing you never do is mess with a defence that is working. An extra defender doesn’t mean better defending, it means more confusion, less clarity of responsibility and more danger. If you want to make ‘defensive’ subs, do it in midfield. However, if you’ve already started with your most negative midfield, you’ve not really got anywhere to go, other than trying to bring on fresh legs and pace on the counter attack.

Kevin Edward
83 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:45:22
Baby steps, but this win is a massive 3 points.

I’m prepared to forgive Jordan and co for not keeping it tight to close out.

More times than ever this season teams have piled on the pressure late on and won or salvaged a point. But we held on.

So enjoy, there is some hope that Moyes can get us moving up the table. He deserves the credit and will get us winning at home again.

Now on to Brighton, we have a decent record there so although tricky they do like a draw so let’s get at least a point. UTFT!

Jimmy Carr
84 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:45:24
Neil (69) agree, armchair experts, just enjoy the win. The first half we were everything I was hoping for when Moyes came in, pressed further up the pitch, rattled the Spurs backline and scored two great goals amongst the three. The team got Goodison rocking again.

Moyes's selection was spot on. Playing O'Brien at right back was shrewd. His substitutes made sense. Lindstrom and Ndaye were knackered. Doucoure will never be everyone's cup of tea but it's clear he's in there for his energy.

Yeah, we need to learn how to close games out better, Pickford was not at fault for the second, Keane was ball watching. Mistakes happen but there were far more positives to dwell on.

I agree with Ernie (51) about Patterson, how does he not get a start? However O'Brien was impressive, offering extra defensive solidity and another threat at set pieces. I think that works as long as Lindstrom is there to put crosses in.

COYB, the sunny uplands of mid-table are in sight.

Joe McMahon
85 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:49:01
Ed,@80,and I thought Iwas negative. 2 changes from Dyche Lindstrøm in a better position and no Dyche.
Bill Gall
86 Posted 19/01/2025 at 16:57:58
The first thing from D.Moyes 2nd game with the same group that he inherited was D.C.L. scored. Overall there were signs of improvements but enough negatives to give D.Moyes detractors ammunition.
I have stated before I would have preferred someone else than D.Moyes, but I believe he needs 4/5 games to prove himself. So far there seems positive steps forward and congratulations on the 3 points today.
Points are the aim for the rest of the season to keep in the premier league that the previous manager,s style found hard to do, and though the 3 goals today were a welcome sight I am sure the 2 goals against are more of a concern to the manager.
Still it is a long time since I can look forward to the rest of the weekend., thank you Everton,
Neil Cremin
87 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:01:49
I take your point, Mike @ 81.

It is well known I am not a fan. Best shot-stopper in the game but causes too much confusion in the box because of his inability to cut out crosses and his tendency to blame everybody but himself.

Jimmy @ 84 for me, that is Pickford's ball all day, he is facing out and can use his hands and the ball came right across the box to be bundled in at the far post. Easy to blame Keane, he is the whipping boy.

Andrew Merrick
88 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:04:02
A good outcome, we deserved to win that. The game management with a squad light on midfielders, once again was shambolic.

But that's a problem now fully imprinted in Davey's mindset. Get Jimmy, Tim and Dwight back into the squad and we can sub tired legs without losing all shape and threat.

Multi subs to save a lead have undone us too many times... But we won, happy day!

Nicolas Piñon
89 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:08:39
Keane was more responsible for Richarlison's goal than Pickford for me. It was his man and he did absolutely nothing. And when on the bench and 3-0 up, I wished/thought he could get some minutes. Delussional.

Thank god we won.

Just bring Garner, Iroegbunam, and McNeil and it could gently continue

COYB!

PD: what does Doucoure will never be “everyone's cup of tea” stand for?

Raymond Fox
90 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:09:13
I wasn't expecting that, well done the manager and the players.

It's only one game, but it should change the confidence after all the pressure.

The teams below us also keep doing us a favour, long may it continue.

Neil Lawson
91 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:12:46
Ed 80. Love your positive attitude. So refreshing. Do try and enjoy the rest of the season.

There may even be a few more goals from open play. Remember them?

Simon Harrison
92 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:14:50
I thought that Richi's goal was a collective switch-off, because of how quick Spurs got the ball in. As Mike Allison said, once you start messing with the defence, it causes confusion.

If anyone was at 'fault', then maybe Pickford but it was just a well-worked goal. Pickford was in his usual towards the front of the goal (corner side) and the ball was looped to the back, I'd expect he'd have thought the man at the back post should have had Richarlison.

Anyhoot, that was 3 points well deserved, and hopefully more lessons learnt, and some boost to confidence. COYB

Anthony Dove
93 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:18:36
Even allowing for how woeful Spurs were, the first half was a proper step up from recent performances.

All was okay until Groundhog Dave came up with his usual raft of defensive substitutions.

Kunal Desai
94 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:20:33
Great win in the end. That first 45 minutes was the best we have played in many a year at home. Probably on par with the 4-0 thrashing of Man Utd under Silva.

I think we brought on one too many defensive subs. I would have liked to have seen Armstrong brought on for Doucoure and Beto on for Ndiaye just to have two up top to hold up the play. I don't think there was a need to bring Keane on.

Big 3 points and we nudge away slowly from the Bottom 3. Need a couple of players in the next week or two.

Mike Gaynes
95 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:23:18
Simon, the ball dropped a yard in front of the back post. Keane was certainly culpable but that's an easy catch for the keeper. Jordan wouldn't even have had to jump for it.

Foden just celebrated a goal and then dropped to one knee and pointed a "rifle" at a home fan in the front row. Unforgiveably classless.

Colin Glassar
96 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:23:19
Keane is a walking disaster. It was his panicky clearance that led to the Bournemouth comeback. His lack of awareness gifted Richarlison his goal. The man is a liability.

The win saved Moyes a shellacking for those negative substitutions.

George Cumiskey
97 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:25:48
Spot on, Colin.
Ed Prytherch
98 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:25:59
Neil, I forgot to post the sarcasm warning.
Shaun Parker
99 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:26:58
What's everyone's thoughts on Calvert-Lewin chest pumping the badge at the end???
Brian Williams
100 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:29:34
What's yours, Shaun?
Jay Harris
101 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:29:53
Best first-half performance in a long time against a very poor Spurs side but a very important 3 points which you wouldn't have been confident in with Dyche in charge.

Couple of decent acquisitions in this window and Iroegbunam, McNeil and Garner back should see us safely up the table.

Ipswich current losing 3-0; just Wolves tomorrow and we should have a good cushion to build a bit more confidence.

Tom Bowers
102 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:31:44
One swallow doesn't make a Summer but this was a good start against a team having a run of poor results like us.

They could have scored first but Son luckily made a mess of it. Calvert-Lewin was very lively and Ndiaye scored a cracker but that own goal on half time was so crucial in the end.

Cannot believe how nervy they became, especially after the substitutions, and I suppose we all had thoughts of the Bournemouth debacle again.

The results of those below us were very favorable once again.

Colin Glassar
103 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:33:15
Shaun, I think he’d want to stay but only if he’s guaranteed improved service. I love the lad but Christ, he gets some stick on here.
Shaun Parker
104 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:33:16
Not sure, Brian.

I do like Calvert-Lewin, sure he's not potent enough but I do feel we are better when he's in the team.

Bashing the badge and leaving in the summer... 🤔

Jeff Spiers
105 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:33:30
Mike @95.

Didn't the chav Foden get his arse kicked for doing that a while ago?

Brian Williams
106 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:35:51
That's Foden's regular goal celebration. Team mates call him "The Sniper" due to his five-a-side shooting performances.


Nothing to see here.

Ben King
107 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:36:37
Superb and much-needed result

Played some super attacking football and could have scored 6 in the 1st half. Also could have conceded 3!

2nd half was poor sadly - perhaps we were burnt out by the 1st half effort? But also we reverted to poor decision-making and under-hit passes.

Moyes will have seen our best and worst in that game. Brave and unusual to play a 6ft 6in' centre-back at right-back but it worked.

Need to find a way to play 2 good halves but let's focus on the positives: 2 superb open-play goals, Calvert-Lewin back in it, valuable 3 points and a win!!! Woo Hoo!!

Paul Hewitt
108 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:38:03
Great win and 3 points.

I thought the first half we played some terrific stuff, could easily have gone in at half-time 4- or 5-nil. Still created chances in the second half. Last 15 minutes we rode our luck a bit, but a totally deserved win.

Get the injured players back and get 2 or 3 in this window, and relegation will be a thing of the past.

David Cooper
109 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:41:43
I must admit found the last 10 minutes rather worrying but we got there in the end. It took a while to get used to us attacking with more players and having less focus on defence.

I guess, if you become more offensive, you have to get used to your opponents having more space in attack.

Glad Spurs were so bad in the first half. Good to see O'Brien given a chance… but at right back? I thought Spurs would have attacked him more.

I thought we worked incredibly hard in the first 60 minutes, with Lindstrom, Ndiaye, Mangala and Gueye running the game, but we then paid the price for them becoming tired and less effective, allowing Spurs to get right back into the game and nearly pinch a draw. I can't imagine how sad and confidence-sapping that would be. But we got there!

It does show up our current lack of midfield players to come on when our legs tire, and it's probably why Doucoure stays on the pitch. Garner and Iroegbunam will solve that soon? Might have given Harrison a go in midfield?

I think we emptied the bench of defensive players trying to hold out and taking Ndiaye off meant we lost our ability to move up field. But I can't expect Davie boy to fix everything in a week.

Great to see Calvert-Lewin have such a good game and score. He should have got 2 when couldn't beat Kinsky.

So, with everyone else down there losing, we put another 3 points in the bank and more distance away from the dreaded drop zone. Kept our goal difference more than the rest which is worth another point. Tough trip to Brighton and then we have Leicester at home!

What a difference a win makes and scoring 3 goals at home! COYBs

Stuart Sharp
110 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:46:34
Cannot believe people are criticising Moyes. The mind boggles.

Okay, the subs were slightly 'negative' but players like Lindstrom were spent, plus Moore came on and looked dangerous -– so we needed Patterson on.

Some people have forgotten how to enjoy a win. We just battered Spurs, folks. But for a Pickford special, they wouldn't have gained any momentum.

Andy Crooks
111 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:47:12
Paul Hewitt, spot on!

Let this be the day our fortunes changed.

Kevin Prytherch
112 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:49:07
I seem to remember Moyes playing a centre-back at left-back for a season and him keeping a young Leighton Baines out of the team — Joleon Lescott….

He didn't turn out too bad in the end.

Jamie Crowley
113 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:55:09
Not sure how, but we've seen three goals today. Contrast that with the last 10-11 games.

I honestly don't know what Moyes is doing, but for fuck's sake, at least we're creating chances! That brings hope.

I wasn't in favor at all of bringing Moyes back, but if today is any barometer, this is much, much better footy and we have hope restored. So keep it up, Davey! Prove your doubters, myself included, wrong.

UTFT. Huge three points.

Brian Williams
114 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:55:09
Looking at the subs bench, who could Moyes have brought on to make more "positive" changes?

Armstrong, 18 yesterday I think, in such a high-pressure game?

Sherif, 18?

Harrison, who everyone, and I mean everyone, thinks is shit?

Beto… for MotM Calvert-Lewin?

John Charles
115 Posted 19/01/2025 at 17:58:23
It was interesting to see Richarlison walk around the ground applauding our fans. Good chorus of he's Brazilian from those left in the Gwladys Street…

Once a Blue!

Josh Horne
116 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:04:34
Good first-half performance, goals from open play, Lindstrom a threat, Calvert-Lewin scores, 3 points.

Well done, David Moyes, none of the above can be taken for granted and I am happy to give him the credit for the positives to be taken from this.

However, Doucoure is infuriating and Moyes does have options to remove him from the team – as he has the equally poor Harrison.

Billy Shears
117 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:06:56
Brighton away next weekend will be a lot tougher, can we compete?

Moyes never had a good away record with us!

Peter Mills
118 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:07:04
I was rather hoping for a headline of “Great win thanks to Moyes and Calvert-Lewin”!

What a strange game, one which we could have lost, or won 7-4. Spurs were all over the place in the first half, some of that was down to our pressing, some to their poor passing. We took advantage well, with two of our goals being very good.

Lindstrøm, Ndiaye and Calvert-Lewin were excellent. The first two of those 3 are still getting used to the pace and running in the Premier League, and I could understand them being substituted. But the personnel brought on changed the dynamic of the game, and created a degree of confusion in defence.

The replacement of O'Brien, who had performed well, puzzled me. I can only assume he was tired or had taken a knock.

Nobody I spoke to at halftime was confident of us seeing out the second half. Another 10 minutes and we probably would not have done so. But we held on, well done to all concerned for a very entertaining and important victory.

Christy Ring
119 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:07:05
Some questioning why Harrison didn't get a run, how many times does he lose possession when he plays?

It's a pity we can't send him back to Leeds.

Julian Exshaw
120 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:13:31
I've missed days like this. Great effort today.
Scott Hamilton
121 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:18:02
Hands up who thinks we would've won today (and scored three goals) if Dyche was still in charge.

Thought so.

Colin Malone
122 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:24:53
Doucoure is shit. Imagine Richarlison in that position.

Doucoure just runs around like a kid in a schoolyard, offers nothing, zilch.

David West
123 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:27:35
This is the thing with Moyes having history with the club.
I doubt if it was a different, newer younger guy on the touchline today that they wouldn't have as many negative comments after that nervous finish.

The points were the ultimate goal, we won – by one goal. We would have all taken 1-0 before so am not bothered if we win 13-12 or 5 up at half-time and win 5-4 at the moment.

Yes, we would have loved a clean sheet… but we'd rather have the points. I'd say the players put a lot into that first half and it took its toll second half.

We can actually score!!!!

Daniel A Johnson
124 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:29:31
Anyone need any proof of why Michael Keane will never be a Premier League defender, just watch that cameo performance.

It's him in a nutshell. The lack of awareness for their 2nd was diabolical.

Scott Hamilton
125 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:32:16
Billy (117),

Yep, should be a sterner test for our new manager and his team. As you say, away form was never his forte.

There's been lots of references recently to his “knife to a gunfight” quote back in the day. I wonder if he's considering new metaphors in advance of the game. “Like taking a pork pie to a bar mitzvah”, maybe?

Barry Williams
126 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:40:12
Excellent win, some very good joined-up attacking football – but man, we are Everton and we make it hard for ourselves at times.

The subs, not many options and I reckon, with Garner or McNeil on the bench, it would have been a different story, not to mention Iroegbunam. The 2 wingers looked spent and the midfield needed freshening up – but with whom?

As for Harrison, I would actually like to see him tried on the left at some point instead of just getting written off.

For a big lad, O'Brien looks quite tidy and can play a bit… and Patterson, like many of us have said, could do what Coleman did and learn his trade as a right midfielder or winger. He has the skillset, I reckon, and quick feet.

So, Moyes has already tried a few different formations in his 2 games, so will at least be on a quick learning curve as to who can do what, and who can't.

Plus, he said the right things in the press conference afterwards – giving the ball away too much, wanted a 4th, wants Ndiaye to carry the ball more, and some good insights and comments on Calvert-Lewin.

Dave Lynch
127 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:41:45
3 points are a godsend and the first half we were superb, but — and people will rip me a new one for this no doubt — that 2nd half was typical Moyes: protect what we have.

We could've put a bucket full past them today if we'd have gone at them 2nd half but, like I said, grateful for 3 points and a million times better than Dycheball. UTFT.

Mike Gaynes
128 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:48:54
Pete #118,

Jake had played only a few minutes the entire season, and I can understand why Moyes didn't think he could go the full 90. But credit to him for starting the kid in the first place. That certainly worked out well.

As for the subs... well, the simple fact is that our bench is weak. Maybe one reason why Dyche was so reluctant.

But I still believe we would have seen out the clean sheet, subs or not, except for Jordan's unexpected brain bubbles. He hasn't had a stretch like that for a long time. Probably intoxicated by the 3-goal lead…

Simon Flynn
129 Posted 19/01/2025 at 18:57:54
Absolutely, Brian @114.

I recall people saying after the Bournemouth debacle that Dyche should have put on more defenders as Moyes would have done!

The team's, and supporters', confidence is gossamer thin. We needed a win and we got a win, with some good play to boot.

Dave Abrahams
130 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:01:24
A great performance by Everton for 75 minutes against a poor and depleted Spurs team. 3-0 up and it could have been more, the crowd happy and contented with the game.

Then this poor Spurs team showed how fragile this Everton squad was by getting a goal out of nothing, then a lot of defensive subs coming on and confusing each other.

Spurs get another goal back but, with only 2 minutes left, we hung on for a precious 3 points and leaving most were happy with that.

But for me what should have been a confidence-boosting win turned into reality — that this is still a very poor squad which gets worse with each silly and stupid goal we concede.

On to next week at Brighton and what to expect — a couple of new players would be nice with another couple leaving and maybe the gap between us and the others below getting bigger!

Bill Hawker
131 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:04:53
Subs were needed as players such as Lindstrom – heck, our entire midfield – were completely gassed from covering so much ground today. I won't blame Moyes for Spurs getting back into the game as I'm more excited about our attacking play today.

I bet the players were somewhat amazed that they could do that after being shackled by Dyche for so long. Let's hope this isn't another false start (Spurs really were awful) and that we can build on this.

Ryan Holroyd
132 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:06:13
Oh Davie Moyes, Davie Davie Davie Moyes.

Absolutely wonderful to see him back at the football club. He will sort this club out like he did the first time he was here.

We have our Everton back ladies and gentlemen. I love him.

Stuart Sharp
133 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:06:14
My point exactly, Mike G. Plenty of more fashionable managers would have made similar subs, given the options.

I didn't particularly want Moyes back, but some of the comments on here are just daft.

Liam Mogan
134 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:07:07
Just back home after the game. It was good to see us finally trying to create using quick passing and movement. It wasn't until the players started tiring and subs made that we reverted to hoofing it.

Pickford's saves have undoubtedly been priceless the last few years, but, boy, does he put us under pressure with his long punts and aimless booting. It's as if he thinks that he has some part to play in creating chances. Stay in goal. You are not, and never will be, Kevin Sheedy.

Credit to Moyes who identified Spurs' soft underbelly and set us up in a fluid 4-5-1/5-3-2 hybrid which allowed us to negate their strengths and press a bit more effectively. Positive signs and something to build on.

Ryan Holroyd
135 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:08:15
He's got red hair but we don't care, Davie, Davie Moyes!!!
Paul Hughes
136 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:11:39
It took Moyes one game to see how poor Harrison is. Hopefully it will only take him two games to come to the same conclusion with Doucoure. He was beyond dreadful today.

But, positive points: Calvert-Lewin put in a proper centre-forward's shift (although he could have had two more goals); Lindstrom was excellent; O'Brien got a game and looked okay; we actually created chances and looked like scoring.

I'll actually stay up to watch MotD for the first time in a couple of months.

Ryan Holroyd
137 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:12:08
But please don't play Michael Keane.

Ship him out to Sheffield United as is the rumour.

Jack Convery
138 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:12:30
Great to hear the Old Lady rocking as we went 3-nil up against Spurs. Sad to see old habits return at the end.

Anyway we won thanks to a really good first half and got the 3 points that were desperately needed.

Good to see Lindstroøm and O'Brien have good games and Calvert-Lewin get on the scoresheet at last. Another one at Brighton would not go amiss.

Dave Williams
139 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:15:03
To all those criticising the substitutions – they were done to protect our lead and help us win the game. Did they succeed?

Well, we ended the match with a one-goal lead and we won the game!! I'd say they worked! Keep going, Davie!!

Sean Kearns
140 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:16:59
Our goalie never takes the sting out of games and commands his area!! Can't fault him coz he saves penalties and wins more points the he loses, but our games are 90 minutes of nail-biting bum-twitching because he's never calm.

Even when he's got the ball, he's shouting, yelling at someone, pointing at his own head, or just being generally erratic. I wish he would catch crosses, stay calm, hold the ball for 5-10 seconds without doing stupid shit.

Just calm me down, fuck the lads in front of him, just let me chill for 10 seconds ya blurt… how can crosses land in his 6-yard box!! To opposition players nonetheless!

Some keepers come out and catch crosses on the 18-yard line; he watches them land 2-3 yards away!

Neil Cremin
141 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:18:57
I've just watched their goals again and I'm in no doubt that Pickford is at fault for both.

As for blaming Keane for not tracking back, that cross was Pickford's all day, inside the 6-yard box. If Keane had gone for it, there is only one place it would have ended up at that height and that is in the back of the net. Then the whipping boys would have a bigger heyday.

Yes, Pickford has been brilliant for us at times, especially as a shot-stopper, but he doesn't command the 6-yard box which often leads to panic in our area, then he goes and spreads himself for the shot and becomes a hero.

Pickford is not and should not be exempt from criticism but, for some reason here, it is everybody else who is at fault with Keane being the usual victim.

Peter Moore
142 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:22:04
Great result and some excellent play and superb goal from Ndiaye and great that Calvert-Lewin finally converted a chance. Ironic that it was more difficult than many he has missed.

May it get the monkey off his back. The goal drought being 16 games this season rather than the over 20 last season is a slight improvement.

Maybe he thinks it was all Dyche's fault he failed to convert the numerous good chances he had in the huge barren runs? If he can start scoring regularly, it's a plausible tale.

All I wish for is a functioning, fighting, Everton side that gives it's all til the final whistle. Converting chances is so often the difference between victory and defeat, that a reliable, scoring forward is the number one priority. May Lazarus Lewin rise up and deliver. UTFT.

Sean Kearns
143 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:22:15
Moyes has managed the 3rd most games in the Premier League after Ferguson and Wenger…

I can only assume he's gonna be asking Jordan “Why cannae ye nawt git off yar 6 yard leen ya numpty!!”… or something along those lines.

Jon Atkinson
144 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:26:41
Youngsters given a proper go, shackles off the rest, comfortable going into the last 15 minutes, but at 3-0 I'm still nervously looking at the clock at 70+ minutes…

Cue Pickford letting them back in it and then the shit show second. Took the shine off but I've always said the players could play, the ex-manager wouldn't or couldn't.

As far as singing the manager's song, as ever too much to osoon, no one has to do much to get Evertonians going over the top these days.

Players, managers can we have sustained high-performance levels before fawning?

Stuart Sharp
145 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:27:42
How's that aneurysm, Sean?
Sean Kearns
146 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:31:55
When he was through one-on-one and fluffed it, I had Villa flashbacks and almost felt the headache coming on…

It was nice to see Doucoure and Co running off him for the flick-ons as well. Dyche was clearly telling them not to!!!…

Big shout out to Lindstrøm as well. Him and Ndiaye are both positive, modern footballers and athletes!

Lindstrøm is winning me over bigtime. Even sticks his foot in and isn't a shithouse; Goodison appreciates such things.

Brian Wilkinson
147 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:32:32
Tough crowd to please, some of you, our best football for years.

Moyes took the right two players off: Ndiaye and Lindstrom were both goosed. I just thought he brought the wrong players on, but after only just over a week, we can already see the difference closing teams down and getting on the front foot.

He is tweaking here and there and will eventually know which is his best formation and starting 11; how refreshing to not sit back at 1-nil up. Missed a few chances and could have easily have been 5-nil up at the break.

Had Everton been 2-nil down, then came out the second half and won 3-2 everyone would be saying what a great second-half performance.

Both goals we conceded were soft; god knows what Pickford was thinking of for the first one! Overall, I thought it was an excellent performance, the two scruffy goals we inflicted on ourselves were down to poor judgement.

Onwards and upwards.

Liam Mogan
148 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:33:15
Aw cmon Jon, 'fawning' is a bit harsh? After what us match-goers have been through, some singing a sing about the new manager was probably just relief more than anything (there wasn't that many singing in Top Balcony by me anyway).

Although the song is a bit cringeworthy! 'He's got grey hair and we don't care'... is hardly Dylanesque in its wordplay!

Jon Atkinson
149 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:35:16
I gave my mate a dig in the ribs when he chirped up in the Park End, first time; left him to it second!

Higher standards across the club, mate, higher standards. :-)

Bill Gienapp
150 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:36:38
I was thoroughly unimpressed by our first match under Moyes, but fair play – that was much, much better (nervy finish notwithstanding).

I hadn't really paid attention to just how poor Spurs have been of late – they're one spot above us in the table!

Stuart Sharp
151 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:37:10
Aye Sean, it started to look like that miss was going to haunt us, and I could see the headlines...

But maybe when we watch it all back, it won't look as nervy as it felt.

Oliver Molloy
152 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:37:21
Good and much-needed win and the team definitely played better for around 60 minutes or so.

I thought the game changed when Ndiaye and Lindstrøm went off – by then, Mangala and Gueye were also tiring.

Like everyone, I was happy to see Calvert-Lewin score a goal – the most difficult of all his chances. He should have scored at least another but that's him and I would say it's about fucking time. I'm never sold by badge slapping – I'm sold by goals!

Thank goodness Richarlison was on the bench for most of the game, If there is any truth that he would come back to us, then the club should move heaven and earth to make it happen.

Today could easily have turned into a another Bournemouth scenario – Pickford played his part!

I thought Spurs were awful, by the way – thank god. COYB.

Peter Mills
153 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:43:08
I will look forward to seeing all the goals again on MotD tonight.

In fairness to Spurs for their second goal, I was right in line with the cross which was hit with pace, swerve and dip, and Richarlison finished it well.

We may criticise our centre-back for letting it drift over his head, or our goalie for not anticipating the ball travelling so far, but I thought it was a good goal in real time.

Robert Tressell
154 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:46:38
A very good weekend with Ipswich losing by such a heavy score, giving us better goal difference by 13.

The teams who normally go down are the teams who ship the most goals. On that score, it looks very difficult for Saints (-35), Leicester (-25) and Ipswich (-23) compared with us (-10).

I suspect we won't need goal difference though and should stay up with as few as 4, maybe even 3 wins (with a good handful of draws on top).

I hope we're close to a couple of incoming players now. That would really add to the momentum built today (and the final nerve-racking 10 minutes shows just how fragile that momentum can be).

Kieran Kinsella
155 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:47:50
I wasn't able to watch it but I'll give my player ratings anyway.

Just kidding. Great to get a win lifts the gloom suddenly things don't seem so desperate.

Ian Bennett
156 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:57:28
More aggression ✅️
More forward passing ✅️
More work rate ✅️
More fan engagement ✅️
More attempts on goal ✅️

Was it perfect? No, but that was so much better to watch as a home-going punter.

Paul Ferry
157 Posted 19/01/2025 at 19:59:36
'Great goal' from DCL Mike Gaynes. I'm sure you would agree. Made up to see him score. He looked part of a set-up today (until the subs at any rate) rather than a lonely forlorn striker on his own.

Great first two-thirds by Moyes, but I think that he went all cautious over the final third and 15-year-old memories came flooding back. The best form of defence is attack. Even so, some silly comments on here in only his second game that we won and when the final whistle blew today, that was all that mattered.

The Premier League table looks better. We're running away with the breakaway basement league at the moment and it looks like we'll get promoted to the mid-table league in a few games' time.

Andy Meighan
158 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:00:30
I'm probably the biggest moaner on here, alright the littlest, but how anyone can criticise that performance today is beyond me.

I thought we were absolutely brilliant! Alright, there was a wobble at the end and they made it nervy but we should have been home and hosed by then.

I've been saying for months on here that any half-decent coach could get a tune out of them players and today proved it albeit against an injury-ravaged Spurs. I know its only 1 game but he tweaked the system and, hey presto, chances galore.

I thought Lindstrøm was excellent along with O'Brien making his first start and Tarkowski was back to his best, that tackle on Son was something else.

But MotM for me was Ndiaye, absolutely fantastic, and the Spurs defenders were terrified of him, when he picked that ball up, I said to the kid next to me, "He scores here!" An absolute gem of a goal.

Anyway, I'm feeling more optimistic now especially after getting home and seeing Ipswich get battered, they Leicester and the already doomed Southampton looking favourites for a swift return. Not getting carried away but feeling a lot better.

Mark Wynne
159 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:11:36
Last 20 minutes was a horror show waiting to happen.

Spurs play “Keegan ball”, so the worst possible thing to do was to give them the ball and sit back. That didn't seem to occur to Moyes as he threw on Young, Patterson and Keane.

O'Brien played well and I think it was a mistake to take him off. Somehow Doucoure warranted 90 minutes in his eye. I have no idea how.

Peter Moore
160 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:14:47
Not sitting back when going ahead. Moyes may have learnt something important and valuable in his 12 years away!


Taking off a forward and bringing on a defender so often backfires. Fight fire with fire.

Sean Kearns
161 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:18:31
Richarlison on Instagram: “I feel very fulfilled for all the 83 times I’ve stepped onto this pitch. Where I played the most and scored the most goals in my entire career. Today, for the last time. Thank you, Goodison Park.”

😭 come home lad

Paul Hewitt
162 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:26:28
Come on TFG, Richy wants to come home. Offer a loan with obligation to buy in the summer.
Peter McHugh
163 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:26:55
I thought Moyes took the correct players off who looked tired but our centre midfielders knackered too. Unfortunately, we have some weak players.

Moyes will get better - it’s difficult currently as panic stations owing to shambolic season we’ve had to date. Hopefully, more wins to follow quickly.

Derek Knox
164 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:27:53
Sean @ 161, another sign ? He could truly be the Prodigal Son of Goodison Park ! :-)
Robin Gomme
165 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:28:47
Aren't the 2 words stopping us from taking Richy on loan, Jack and Harrison - or am I missing something?
Sean Kearns
166 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:30:10
Levy probably still owes us around $40 million for Richy, he’s probably worth around that maybe a bit less… just send him back and call it even lad
Jack Convery
167 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:31:03
Bring Richy home or is he already of to Saudia Arabia, which would be a bloody waste. Whatever happens, Good Luck Richy, you shall always be made welcome by Evertonians everywhere. Just look for the Blue Smoke !
Sean Kelly
168 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:39:42
For all the shite talk from Dyche about players being Premier league fit and ready and on the grass crap its bloody obvious he is a fool. We have the most unfit team in the league. Having watched Southamton the other night against man u they were flying until they imploded. We nearly imploded today without the energy or fitness.
Ryan Holroyd
169 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:41:45
why would we want Richarlison? He's scored 31 league goals in 5 years. if he had never played for us and was at West Ham then would there be a clamour to sign him. I think not.
John Raftery
170 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:48:22
Delighted to get the three points but very relieved to hear the referee’s final whistle.

Some ill-informed comments on here about the substitutions. Ndiaye was affected by cramp while Lindstrøm was clearly suffering from energy depletion. We don’t have like for like replacements for them and none at all for Gana and Mangala who were both running on empty in the last twenty minutes.

The team as a whole put a lot into the opening hour and as against Bournemouth in August ran out of steam in the closing stages. I would not have fancied playing another five minutes. Better options on the bench are required as a matter of urgency. Hopefully the return to full fitness of Garner and Iroegbunam will solve the midfield problem and a couple of signings will help the attack.

Currently Spurs have a very weak defence, playing a ridiculously high line and lacking physical strength as well as pace. Vulnerable to long balls they were ideal opponents for us today. We must hope our team will gain some confidence from today’s win and build on it.


Ernie Baywood
171 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:50:24
'We're trying to find ways to be more effective in front of goal' was the repeated comment that frustrated me the most. Because it just wasn't true - nothing was being tried. Just the occasional swapping of shirt numbers.

In two games we've seen the whole team push further up the pitch, press higher, attempt to use the ball, and changes in players and formation. It's not revolutionary, it's not perfect, and it's not the full extent of what could be done. But it is trying to be more effective.

That first half was as good as we've seen in some time. Lindstrom looked reenergised, Ndiaye with a bit of freedom to move off the left, and Dom getting players around him.

Dom scored a beauty, played really well and missed some other really good opportunities. No-one is really talking about that though... does anyone know how many he missed under Ancellotti? No, because no-one cares. Keep giving your striker chances.

I thought the midfield tired terribly. We're asking a lot of them. And there is nothing we can really do to replace Mangala and Gueye. That probably gets resolved by getting players back to fitness.

Doucoure played his role in our shape. I'm not sure it's a role anyone else naturally fits. But he does nothing with the ball. I'm hoping that's the first position that Moyes is trying to fill with a transfer. I suspect it is. Otherwise he's going to have to compromise and put Harrison or Ndiaye there.

I'm not sure Pickford deserves the criticism he's getting. He had to come out to Maddison... then it's a choice of staying out or leaving him there. Either choice could look terrible with hindsight. For the second you'd hope he would attack the cross rather than try to block the shot... but that was a wicked ball. He did make some good saves too.

Lots to be a bit more positive about and three points on the board. Plus the sense that we might actually see a new player or two holding up the shirt soon.

Brian Wilkinson
173 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:57:21
Flip those Halfs over today and everyone is estatic

Scenario Spurs go in at ht 2 nil up, we come out the second half and score 3 goals and play well.

Take the win Blues, we played well and gifted them two soft goals, could have easily won that game 5 or 6 2 today, few more weeks on the training ground and Moyes getting used to the players and he will work out his best starting 11.

Rob Halligan
174 Posted 19/01/2025 at 20:57:24
Excellent first sixty minutes. Spurs were never really in the game in that period, apart from one chance Son had, and then throwing himself to the floor looking for a penalty. The second half was all about the pressing we did, forcing mistake after mistake by their goalkeeper and back line. With DCL and Doucoure in the middle, and Lindstrom and Ndiaye on the flanks pushing right up, they had nowhere to go, and were continually giving the ball away. However, once Lindstrom had gone off, followed closely by Ndiaye, that pressing ceased to exist, giving Spurs more time to get the ball forward.

I said to the lad next to me, with about 15 minutes remaining, at what point do we feel relaxed? I was thinking after 85 minutes, but that comfort zone seemed to disappear when Spurs scored their first two minutes later. Only Everton could throw away a three goal lead in the space of thirteen minutes, not counting added on time, but thankfully we held on for a deserved victory.

Hard to pick a MOTM, but for me our best three players, in no particular order, were Lindstrom, DCL and Ndiaye. O’Brien had a solid game in a back three, with plenty of bite in the middle by Gueye and Mangala. Doucoure was Doucoure, running round, full of energy, but producing very little. I thought however, it was a bit unfair by those around me in the Upper Gwladys to blame him for the Spurs second goal, simply because he gave the ball away on the Spurs by-line, a whole 100 yards + away from our goal!! When fans have got it in for a certain player, then they certainly have it in for them, no matter what they do!

Anyway, feeling a lot more confident tonight about staying up, than I did 72 hours ago. Watched a piss poor Leicester get turned over easily by Fulham yesterday, and Ipswich the same on Thursday night by Brighton, and then mauled by Man City today.

Southampton are gone!!

Regarding Richarlison at the end, was great to see him walking towards the Gwladys St. while all his team mates were stood in front of the Spurs fans. Would be great to get him back, even only on loan for the rest of this season, because it’s obvious he doesn’t want to be at Spurs, and I can’t really blame him!

Brian Wilkinson
175 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:01:29
Would agree with the three players you mentioned Rob, all three were outstanding, Ndiaye had cramp and Lindstrom goosed, at least Moyes took the two off instead of leaving them both on.

Brian Wilkinson
176 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:03:17
I would stick with the back three system, send Harrison back to Leeds and try a cheeky loan bid for Richarlison.
Bill Fairfield
177 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:20:32
Huge well done today. Been a long time since I’ve been out of my seat so much. Bit shaky towards towards the end. But a huge three points. Hopefully new additions this month.
Rob Dolby
178 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:21:41
It's nice to actually win a game, create loads of chances and debate a game of football.

It's about time some spirit was shown. We gave it a go early in the season but I think the Bournemouth and villa games knocked the stuffing out of us.

No idea what Moyes and the team have done to Lindstrom but he was excellent today, worked hard, got crosses in and was my motm.

DCL and Ndiaye took their goals well. Tarkowski back to his best and O'Brien got a run out.

Credit to Moyes and the team.

Results like todays make me look forward to the next game.

Jerome Shields
179 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:24:48
Was busy all day.Only got the welcome result this evening.Moyes dropping Harrison and Young and bringing in Lindstrom.( a ball player)seems to have done the ticket.O Brien instead of Patterson was different and unexpected.Overlaps are back and hopefully Calvert Lewin will be motivated to continued effort.Ndiaye is proving consustent.

I do think Moye s needs a few in before the end of the transfer window though.

The Spurs Manager is heading for the sack.

Joe McMahon
180 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:26:22
Brian, I'd love him back but be amazed if Spurs let him go, he's only just come from another long injury.

But wasn't it great to see us attacking. Tricky away match at Brighton next, then another home game. Let's do it!

Fred Quick
181 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:31:27
Prior to the game, we all would have taken any kind of victory as long as it put three points on the board. As it happens we played some real joined up football and looked capable of scoring at any time, even when we lost our way in the second period, there were still opportunities to extend our lead, alas those chances were spurned and Spurs managed to reduce the deficit, but the most important thing was we won, others around us lost and we moved closer to safety.

It's not at all job done, but it was a step in the right direction, and who knew, this Everton team can play football even if it was against an injury hit premier league foe.

Has a David Moyes' Everton side ever scored three first-half goals prior to today, surely it must have happened, if not, what a time for it to happen.

Phil Roberts
182 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:34:23
Looking forward to seeing the goals. Biathlon and Show Jumping the sporting fare this afternoon in Sweden. 😧 It used to be football on SVT.

Knew our kids confidence at 3-0 was misplaced. I have watched this team for over 60 years.

So glad for so many

Moyes, especially as I felt towards the end he had us playing exciting football and always averaged 50 goals a season with a positive GD. Unilever's Lynx tag line was first impressions last and I think Moyes suffers from that with many Evertonians.

DCL, Could have had 2 v Wolves but for Dawson. I think we are better side for what he does.

O'Brien - for showing why we bought him. He's 24, a year older than Branthwaite, played in CL so he should not need to be handled like a youth team graduate.

Lindström (Swedish spelling) showing us why Thelwell stole him and playing like he did before the dead end that was Italy.

Ndiaye for just being Ndiaye.

And where is Don Alexander today? Probably still eating that pie.

Fred - yes. Southampton h 29/9/2012 and there may have been earlier ones.

John Reynolds
183 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:36:41
Sometimes you just need the right manager to come in and change the whole mood. That man’s name is Ange Postecoglou 😀

(Though well done Davie Moyes!)

Allen Rodgers
184 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:37:59
Rob @174 yes it was good to see Richarlison going to the Street End and walking back minus his shirt .He stopped many times to engage with fans on the Main Stand side and got a warm reception before leaving the field..I can't think of another ex-player in recent times who is so loved at Goodison
Steve Shave
185 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:38:18
Great win, I managed to catch the 2nd half in the pub and thought we were going to capitulate for a minute. We don't do drubbings do we?

I am ecstatic with the 3 points though and like many have said, feeling more confident now. If we can ship Doucs and one of Beto or DCL and get in a striker and an attacking midfielder plus a right back, that will transform the energy of this team. Let's hope the recruitment is underway.

Danny O'Neill
186 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:44:24
Agree on Richarlison Brian @186.

Don't turn turn it into a Moyes debate Phil. I didn't join in when some sang the managers name, I just stayed sat down. I just sat down. He called it right today and we got the points. That is what is important. The players were great for 50-60 minutes.

That isn't the Swedish spelling. Sorry to nitpick. That's an umlaut. It's German!!

Happy with the win and most of the performance today.

Phil Roberts
187 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:52:29
Danny, It is the Swedish spelling. Trust me. I am in the town of Örebro at the moment! And we are off to visit friends in Göteborg tomorrow.

Swedish has ä å and ö in their alphabet as separate letters.

And sorry to express my opinion. I won't do it again. I should realise that is not what is expected on ToffeeWeb. We must all toe the party line. Moyes was a boring defensive minded traitor. I'll go and write it out 50 times as a punishment.

Oh, and somehow Britain spells Göteborg, Gothenburg. Not sure how we got that.

Stuart Sharp
188 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:53:23
Not sure if you're joking Danny, but Swedish has umlauts too...

I couldn't quite bring myself to sing the Moyes chant either, but happy to do so if that kind of performance becomes regular. After all, he's working with the same players we've watched all season.

Kevin Molloy
189 Posted 19/01/2025 at 21:57:40
spurs fans analysis v very interesting
'how, how, how, are you going three nil down to this Everton side??'
John Reynolds
190 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:00:30
I hadn’t read any of the preceding comments when I posted my facetious one at 183, but I’m delighted to see that a good proportion of ToffeeWebbers still can’t be happy about a victory, having scored 3 goals and played in a more positive way than we’ve seen in years.

And are begrudging about a win against a team we haven’t beaten at Goodison in 13 years and 8 managers, since ehmm… David Moyes was our manager.

Credit where it’s due?

Phil Roberts
191 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:02:15
Oh good, a debate about European alphabets. Far better than the football.

Quick check and O and Ö are the same letter in modern German, the umlaut being a pronunciation help. O and Ö are separate letters in Swedish. So whilst O and Ö will be next to each other in the German phone book, in Sweden people like Elvina Öberg (who won gold today in Biathlon) would be after the Zs, Äs and Ås in the phone book.

Shall we get back to Everton's performance now?

😊

Colin Glassar
192 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:06:21
Oooh, we have an umlaut war. Very educational
Stuart Sharp
193 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:07:12
It's always been an educational forum.
Ernie Baywood
194 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:08:40
Isn't it Lindstrøm?

He's Danish.

Annika Herbert
195 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:09:25
Delighted with the win and pleased to see Moyes get his first win on his return.

My concern though, is that he will do exactly the same job he did years ago and keep us hovering around 6th/8th next season. Then be given a contract extension.

A much improved performance today for sure and, though I have my doubts, I sincerely hope he keeps us up.

After years of battling relegation, 6th/8th probably sounds something to be ecstatic about. But not year after year with no progress. Which is what I believe Moyes will deliver.

But kudos to him for the win and I hope he can deliver a few more and guide us to safety.

Derek Knox
196 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:09:32
Phil, in football parlance, this sounds like ' Vowel Play '. :-)
Jonathan Oppenheimer
197 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:11:15
What a great day for Blues around the world, the long-suffering supporters at the stadium, for the players on the pitch, for David Moyes. It’s incredible how much relief was experienced in those first 70 minutes of the match today (let’s pretend the last 20 didn’t happen). Nothing like hearing Goodison rocking all the way across the pond.

As others have mentioned, we may have made the wrong substitutions — would have preferred Beto or Armstrong, even Harrison despite all his flaws, so he could bring some energy up the field — but we’re so light in midfield right now, we’ll struggle no matter what in the last quarter of matches.

As someone who has defended DCL through and through — which was getting very hard to do these past couple months — I’d like nothing more than for him to score 6-10 goals the rest of the season, re-sign with us, and find a new life under Moyes and at the new stadium. I still believe he has it in him. Just keep doing what he did today, what a goal.

Great to get a look at O’Brien, whom I always assumed was bought to replace Branthwaite when we sell him for £70 million in the summer, but who knows, maybe Tark, Jarrad and Jake can give us one more year as the most imposing back line in world football. He deserved a run-out and looked the part. And everyone had their moment today, not least Ndiaye, who continues to impress and is slowly building what will hopefully be a lasting legacy at Everton. Also good to see Patterson finally show a bit of what he can do, Lindstrom too.

Let’s go take it to Brighton next week and channel that drubbing we gave them 2 seasons ago.

Martin Mason
198 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:19:11
A very weakened Spurs side and we wobbled towards the end but what a magnificent 3 points.
Neil Copeland
199 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:19:14
Ernie 194, beat me to it!

So if the o with 2 dots above it is called an umlaut does that make the other one with a line through it a krosaut?

David West
200 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:20:58
Thought the way Moyes used lindstrom & O'brien was clever, and a clear indication that he's miles ahead tactically of Dyche.

It wasn't a back 3 or a back 5 he was slotting in to a 3 at the back when they were on us but at RB when in possession.

Its a sign that some little tweaks can make a huge difference.

It's not reinventing the wheel, it's using what you have to the best suited way of playing, to get the best from them, rather than saying" I'm playing this way, this ridgid way and you have to fit in "

A couple of reinforcements in Jan would lift the spirits of fans and players even more,

It felt like players where running faster, pressing harder, taking responsibility without the fear of dyche saying why didn't you clear it or lump it up.

Players believing in what they are doing is a good start compared to players knowing the tactics are flawed.

Ian Wilkins
201 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:26:27
Plenty of positives today.
Changed team set up, playing further up the pitch, imposing ourselves on the opposition and deservedly taking a 3-0 lead, with good goals from open play. Far more positive and enthusiastic, lifting the crowd, Goodison alive again.

Yes still plenty to ponder. Surrendering 2 goals and bringing pressure through a tiring team with limited options for change, and maybe taking the wrong ones. Tho it’s hard to see obvious alternatives.
How to solve the problem of Doucouré, who works hard but adds little.
The squad will be strengthened by returning injured and hopefully a couple of new additions.
Far from job done, but after prolonged darkness there is a little light at the end of the tunnel.

Phil Roberts
202 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:28:28
Ernie, I found it - Alt {155} ø
Thanks.
Yes, I know he is Danish but ø and ö are the same, one Danish, the other Swedish. Same goes for æ and ä.

Oh the joys of having a Swedish wife. The things you learn - which includes telling the EU forget your 90 day rule for me


John Raftery
203 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:30:36
One win and we are concerned about Moyes keeping us hovering around 6th/8th next season! If he achieves that it will be a truly remarkable achievement given the size of the rebuilding job required.
Paul Hewitt
204 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:35:21
For 70 minutes we were the far better side. Sure Spurs come into the game once they scored there first, that's expected. But we hung on and won. No way we would score 3 if Dyche had stayed. I said Moyes would keep us up when he came in
I'm not changing my mind.
Neil Cremin
205 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:51:56
Just stepping back in to see latest posts. There is some begrudgery here.

Danny, surprised with you. What we got today was a transformational performance from any game I saw under Dyche. High Press, Fast movement, and probable more shots at goal then we have had in the past 6 games. What does one have to do to get credit.

Yes we were under pressure but that was for 2 reasons, Ndiaye had cramp and had to come off, Lindstrom was knackered. How’ many 90 minutes has he played. Same with O Brien. If left on and had given the ball away in the last 10 minutes and they scored the cry would be out for Moyes about SUBSTITUTIONS. Why didnt he take him off.

The second reason was a rush of blood to the head by Pickford which let them back in.

As for Annika, it seems reading your post that you would prefer us to go down just to prove that, in your option, Moyes was a wrong decision. ‘

Can believe such pettiness.

The appointment of Moyes didn’t excite me. Did see some logic as there was no other low risk manage with PL experience available other than Potter and he is already feeling the pressure.

However I was waiting to see what a new manager would do with the resources available to him and must say what we got today was chalk and cheese from Dyche. Let’s enjoy the moment and hope it continues. Ill back any manage who can get these players playing like they did for 70 minutes today. It’s the club that’s important not your petty begrudgery.

Iain Johnston
206 Posted 19/01/2025 at 22:52:16
Well, personally I enjoyed that.

For me Spurs with Postecoglou are like we were under Martinez, yes they play well and score goals but they'll always concede more. They're a shambles at the back.

Both Lindstom & Ndiaye had nothing left, our two main attacking threats today had ran themselved into the ground. Substituting them was sensible but due to our thin squad we only have Young & Patterson to replace them. O'Brien hasn't played 90 mins at this level yet so again for me replacingh I'm was sensible.

We won, that's good enough for me without any of the Quincy forensics. One thing is certain Moyes will get them fitter.

We'll have Garner back for Brighton so hopefully he can slot in for Doucoure.

Well done Blues, now lets get something from Brighton before we do Man United.

Jason Brodie
207 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:02:27
In Moyes we trust. Glad he's back.
Denver Daniels
208 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:11:27
If that was a movie it would be The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. The Good. the first 70 minutes. The Bad Doucoure. Good grief, how many bloody times did he give the ball away. The last time on the edge of our box, gifting it to Spurs. The Ugly... the last 25 minutes. That was a bad as the Bournemouth debacle. Overall, happy with the performance and Moyes's impact. On to the next game.
Edward Rogers
209 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:31:45
Real Snidey foul by Fernandes in the lead up to Brighton's second goal, twat wasn't even spoken to. Should have been off.
Nick Page
210 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:37:43
Win 1 and lose 2 or Draw 2 and lose 1?

Sean Dyche was amazing for Everton - a hero 2x over for what he did but ultimately this is why Dycheball doesn’t work. You have to take risks, get players in the opposition box (loads) and score goals in the premier league. It’s not rocket science - the shite are living proof. On the other hand, we’ll never play like Pep’s City nor do I want us to. If you “get” (cliche alert) Everton then you know the fans want; hard work, hard tackles, and players in the box. The School of Science is really a myth, as even Kendall’s 84-87 sides were super hard working and hard.

But you can’t defend for nil-nils nor can you try and defend leads. Foot on throat football if you’re winning. Never ever defend a lead.

COME ON MOYESY

UTFT

Derek Thomas
211 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:43:05
All in all a decent 70 mins, then Moyes did what Moyes does; but due to lack of decent options on the bench ended up with the best safety first options he could...3-0 up, he will always go to his his default setting of trying to see it out with 20 mins to go.

It could've cost us and unless his options improve it will cost us against better teams...that's assuming we get to that winning position.

The hard running Doucoure will find it hard to get dropped by Moyes.

O'Brien's is not a wing back and looks lost in the final third of the pitch

Ryan Holroyd
212 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:43:37
Danny @198

'I didn't join in when some sang the managers name. I just sat down'


Did you then put your pampers back on?

Danny O'Neill
213 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:49:45
Neil @205,

You’ve maybe misread me or I wasn’t clear.

I enjoyed the match. Nervy last half hour and even nervier last 10+added as we hung on.

The manager got it right. He had to make changes, but was constrained by what was on the bench resulting in us going defensive and inviting Tottenham on to us.

A sense of relief when the whistle went, buy in all a good day out, leaving Goodison feeling mostly positive. It’s been a while since I could say that.

Mike Gaynes
214 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:57:45
Rob #174, great report. I was thinking of you and Pete and the rest of the guys as the clock wound down... what a feeling.

I just watched the game back and I join in the compliments for Lindstrøm (I don't have an "ø" on my keyboard so I have to cut and paste from more sophisticated posters). This was finally the guy I'd seen play once in the Bundesliga. Today he was constantly looking to attack, put in more good crosses than I'd seen all season, and was a snapping terrier when checking back. Great stuff.

Nick Page
215 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:59:26
Denver #208
“ The Ugly... the last 25 minutes. That was a bad as the Bournemouth debacle. ”

I have to disagree. Bournemouth scored 87, 92 and 96. It was farcical. It could easily have been 5-0. Bournemouth were average until about the 85th minute, got lucky and took their chances. Dyche never countered their changes and fortune favours the brave. Today we won. But the point is you can’t sit on a lead in the premier league. It’s suicidal. There always needs to be an outlet and a threat.

Si Cooper
216 Posted 19/01/2025 at 23:59:31
Moyes deserves praise for looking at the squad and opting for something different than what Sean Dyche was seemingly fixated on.
Disagree with whoever posted Ashley Young has probably been our best defender. Sure, he has been much better and not a liability by learning to curb his ambition, but the natural constraints due to him slowing down with age affect the whole flank he plays on. Hopefully Davey M will continue to use him when it suits rather than having him as the nailed on starter Dyche saw him as.
Glad Lindstrom showed a lot more of what he can bring to this team.
I don’t think any of our players, or the squad overall, are really atrocious but you do have to be incredibly careful about the balance of the team to get the most you can from most of the players all at the same time.
I think Dyche had lost sight of that and was fixated on the players he thought were the ‘safest pair of hands’.
Moyes has quickly identified other permutations and been open to trying them. That’s to his credit, although I think many other managers would have done the same, and he has given us a really good performance and result.
BUT it’s still just the one swallow isn’t it?
Denver Daniels
217 Posted 20/01/2025 at 00:20:15
Nick #215, to me at least, it looked like we stopped playing. We were cruising and then we shut up shop and Spurs, with nothing to lose, went for it. Which is pretty much what happened against Bournemouth (them going for it). If we had had the ability to hit them on the break, we could have carved them up. Maybe we just don't have the players to be able to do that and that's why he made the subs he did. I'm just happy with the win.
Ed Prytherch
218 Posted 19/01/2025 at 00:20:33
Nice post Jonathon 197. I too think that the glass is half full.
Paul Ferry
219 Posted 20/01/2025 at 00:37:40
Ryan Holroyd (169): Daft post. Erm…you see Ryan he did play for us and had a very successful time and is still admired by, I would suggest, the clear majority on here. Because of this your post is well utterly redundant, wrong and not that well conceived in my opinion. What is its actual point? WTF have West Ham got to do with anything? If it has any logic it would, I suppose, have to be that you believe that Richarlison’s time with us was not good enough for a second invitation (“Why would we want Richarlison?) It's kinda easier to say that in a single clear sentence if that is indeed your position.

Ryan Holroyd (212): Daft post. Insulting post. Danny or anyone else for that matter has an absolute right not to join in the Moyes welcome song if that is what he chooses to do. Who are you to tell him what to do? Oh, by the way, Dave Abrahams said on here that he was not going to join in the fun. Should he put his “pampers” back on too?

Are you able Mr. Holroyd to understand that there a perfectly reasonable, intelligent, articulate and mature argument to be made for waiting to see what happens and expressing reservations and, therefore, being somewhat less excited and enthusiastic than say your good self?

Sam Hoare
220 Posted 20/01/2025 at 00:38:45
Almost back home after a long but thoroughly enjoyable day, heading up to Goodison. Might post a match report tomorrow (later today!) if I’m making any sense.
George Stuart
221 Posted 20/01/2025 at 00:41:25
You only sing when your umlouting !
Happy and enthused. Still not over the moon. Many moons yet to go but it was nice to see the manager do something.
Dennis Stevens
222 Posted 20/01/2025 at 00:43:35
Status Quo fan, George?

Sorry - I'm thinking of Umleitung

Paul Ferry
223 Posted 20/01/2025 at 00:45:01
Great stuff Sam. I'm glad that you were there to see it and take everything in. Tell you what, there's some good actors in that Spurs team. Did you by any chance manage to touch Moyes or get a lock of his hair!? Make sure to have a good glass of wine when you close the front door.
Sam Hoare
224 Posted 20/01/2025 at 01:07:20
Thanks Paul, didn’t get quite close enough for a lock but caught a smile or two. I enjoyed the ‘he’s got red hair but we don’t care’ chanting and it seemed he did too.
Annika Herbert
225 Posted 20/01/2025 at 01:46:30
Neil @ 205, I would suggest you read my post again, or maybe you just had trouble understanding it? At no stage have I ever said I would prefer us to get relegated so Moyes gets sacked.

As I stated earlier, I sincerely hope he keeps us up. But I do not want him in charge long term. That is simply my opinion to which I am entitled.

Try reading and understanding before making accusations that are wrong in there entirety.

I do not like Moyes but will back him whilst he is here. I will congratulate him if, as hoped, he keeps us free of relegation.

I cannot stand ridiculous posts that make the completely wrong assumptions. Again, as previously stated, I do not want Moyes in charge long term.

But if, in your bias, you believe an opinion is begrudgey, then that’s your problem. It certainly won’t make me change my opinion

John Keating
226 Posted 20/01/2025 at 03:29:23
The 3 points were all that mattered today. It was a must win for me
The fact we got them playing some good quick football was definitely an added bonus.
As a number of us have been asking to try a 3-5-2 for a while it was good to see it today and used successfully
No doubt another week with the squad will see Moyes slowly change the style, tactics and confidence of the players

One negative for me though, thinking of Villa, Bournemouth, and to a lesser extent this Spurs match is game management
I understood the reasoning of the subs but regardless our game management really needs to improve

A similar first half performance over the 90 minutes next week and a similar result will be greatly appreciated and set us up nicely for Leicester

Don Alexander
227 Posted 20/01/2025 at 03:41:33
Phil (#182), I'm alive and well thanks, happy with the result, dubious about the game management by Moyes, and still depressed as hell by the decades long damage bestowed upon us by Moyes' greatest supporter (who he screwed to the max in classic "professional" mind-set mind you), Kenwright, Kenwright having screwed all of us to the max in classic "bogus-professional" mind-set of course - hence our all but engulfing ongoing woes.

Still, if a mere three points floats your boat, well done.

And tonight's "pie" was a delicious beef stroganoff by the way - devoid of crustiness for a change!

Si Cooper
228 Posted 20/01/2025 at 04:24:20
Neil Copeland (199), “if the o with 2 dots above it is called an umlaut” isn’t right. The two dots by themselves are the umlaut which, I think, can go above a range of vowels (a, o and u). Umlaut means ‘changed sound’ in German and, like the acute and grave accents in French, cedilla in Portuguese, etc, it indicates the way that vowel/ word is to be pronounced.
Phil Roberts is correct that Swedish alphabet has 29 letters (I didn’t know that) but German one is technically exactly same as ours with 26, but with the 3 umlauted vowels and something called eszett or ‘scharfes s’ which looks like Greek capital letter beta and which modifies the ‘s’ sound, it isn’t really
Ernie Baywood
229 Posted 20/01/2025 at 04:39:32
Don - if 3 points don't float your boat... What would? (Pie excepted).

This result and performances was as good as it's been in a while. It's a good day.

Jerome Shields
230 Posted 20/01/2025 at 04:54:48
Obviously Dycheball missing ingredient was a ball player and attacking support.Moyes has shown in this game the reason he was brought in.

Defensively minded with a supported attack, a set up on Dyche.The last game he made no changes to Dycheball and the selection. This game he made changes.

In the next game Lindstrom will be marked. Moyes needs a step up on Doucoure.He now has a deeper squad, bringing in Dyche fringe players in from the cold. I wonder how much Garner is of fitness?

Alan J Thompson
231 Posted 20/01/2025 at 05:05:28
I agree that Ndiaye was suffering, probably cramp, and needed to come off but to put Young on when he could have used Armstrong, Harrison or even Beto or Sherif to keep the pressure on, provide a forward outlet.

Patterson I could agree with as he could play wing half(back?) but I didn't see O'Brien needing to be replaced but then to throw on Keane was just inviting Spurs to play their game. And if there is a shortage on the bench why not try a youngster rather than two goalkeepers, there must be one youngster who puts in as much effort as Doucoure, if that is the yardstick.

Overall it was a better performance than that which we've seen under Dyche this season and credit to Moyes for that but whatever the strength of the bench I thought they were the wrong players to send on.

Yes, I'll celebrate the win but that doesn't mean I should overlook what I think were mistakes that seemed to surrender our position in this game.

Ernie Baywood
232 Posted 20/01/2025 at 05:38:11
Alan, there will be loads of mistakes. We can't know whether throwing Beto on would have worked out - these are very marginal calls when the quality in the squad is so limited. I wouldn't have turned to Keane (or Young when he did) either.

The fact is that Moyes has the same problem that Dyche had. Whichever way you turn, there isn't a clear winning option. There's nothing he can do that everyone would say "well it was clearly the right call, and he either just got unlucky or the players let him down".

The difference is that Moyes still made some of those marginal calls, both with the setup and the subs. If he got them wrong then he would be blamed but he was just about brave enough to make a change and he got the win. So he gets to write the story on this one.

Dyche understood that if you never make any decisions, then very few people can criticise you for changing the outcome. That's how he remained a 'miracle worker' in many people's minds. He got more value out of fine tuning the narrative than he did the team. For a while he was unlucky, and then it was the players' fault. Easy game this football management. About 12 million he got for that.

Alan J Thompson
233 Posted 20/01/2025 at 06:10:52
Ernie(#232); Is it being brave to replace a player suffering from cramp and if you believe some written on here that Lindstrom (umlaut considered but not found) was "knackered" having given his all and O'Brien wouldn't see out 90 minutes as this was his almost first full Premier League game. Yes, mistakes will be made, the art maybe keeping them to a minimum, but I thought, regardless of the number of options, the wrong ones were made which I assume was to go more defensive, having come up with a plan that got us in a winning position he chose to change it.
Alan J Thompson
234 Posted 20/01/2025 at 06:10:55
Ernie(#232); Is it being brave to replace a player suffering from cramp and if you believe some written on here that Lindstrom (umlaut considered but not found) was "knackered" having given his all and O'Brien wouldn't see out 90 minutes as this was his almost first full Premier League game. Yes, mistakes will be made, the art maybe keeping them to a minimum, but I thought, regardless of the number of options, the wrong ones were made which I assume was to go more defensive, having come up with a plan that got us in a winning position he chose to change it.
Alan J Thompson
235 Posted 20/01/2025 at 06:13:32
And just to show how strange life and mistakes can be, I pressed "submit" but it took almost 30 seconds to go through and then came out twice.
Mike Gaynes
236 Posted 20/01/2025 at 06:16:56
Alan J, O'Brien looked leggy to me. Besides, he had only played a few minutes this season and I could well understand Moyes' not leaving him on for the full 90. You don't get max fitness with training alone.
Neil Cremin
237 Posted 20/01/2025 at 06:56:18
Danny, my point was that surely the manager should be praise for getting that performance our of that team.
Annika, my post was based on this sentence “ A much improved performance today for sure and, though I have my doubts, I sincerely hope he keeps us up.‘ I interpreted this that you believed that the manager who you did not want would not keep us in the PL.
There has been so much negativity around TW over the past months where Dyche and almost every player in the squad were considered not good enough. Yesterday we saw something different from the same group of players. Only difference is the manager. Give credit where it is due and leave our prejudices at the gate.
To end I would like to ask both of you, who would you have picked to replace Dyche who would realistically have taken up the job.
I also was not enthused about Moyes getting the job, I am of the school of never going back but I don't think TFG had any other options. Would have preferred a shorter contract but for the moment he is our manager and based on yesterday certainly got Goodison rocking which we havent seen in a while.
Its easy to sit on the sidelines and by an armchair manager, after two games in charge I will give Moyes huge credit for performance yesterday.
A lot done, a lot more work to do.
Danny O'Neill
238 Posted 20/01/2025 at 07:00:55
I didn’t see the point in your pampers comment Ryan@212.

What has an infant undergarment got to do with a great, and much need win?

Danny O'Neill
239 Posted 20/01/2025 at 07:22:10
I did say he got it right Neil @237. The subs disrupted the pattern, but in fairness, he didn’t have many options and the players were looking tired.
Ernie Baywood
240 Posted 20/01/2025 at 07:32:23
Alan, he made the call and plenty of people disagreed. I've watched, in the past, players clearly struggle and not be changed out. With Lindstrom he made one loose pass and he was off in favour of fresh (though old) legs.
Annika Herbert
241 Posted 20/01/2025 at 08:21:33
Neil @ 237, don’t get me wrong, I celebrated Sundays win as if we had won a trophy and was extremely happy with the performance. Which I fully attribute to Moyes team changes and more positive tactics.

If he keeps us up and continues to deliver much improved performances, I will be further impressed.

My concern is if we offer him a long term contract as I feel Moyes can only take teams so far, as in his previous stint here. But that doesn’t mean I won’t appreciate any improvements he makes whilst he is here.

My personal choice would have been Thomas Franks. But I suspect that would have been a difficult choice, given the compensation that Brentford would have requested

Bill Fairfield
242 Posted 20/01/2025 at 08:43:30
It was a much improved performance yesterday. All Moyes has to do, is keep on improving,to climb the table and quieten down the doomsayers.
Lee Courtliff
243 Posted 20/01/2025 at 08:47:04
I'm pleased to hear DM mentioned Jesper 2 or 3 times in his presse, as he's a player who I think has something about him and it would be interesting to see him (or Ndiaye) being given a chance in Doucs role.

From what I read, Lindstrum is available for around £18M in the summer, that's not a massive amount by todays standards and this is a player who, not too long ago, had the likes of Liverpool sniffing around him. Definite potential in that lad.

Paul Ferry
244 Posted 20/01/2025 at 08:54:06
Annika Herbert 241 - My concern is if we offer him a long term contract as I feel Moyes can only take teams so far, as in his previous stint here. But that doesn’t mean I won’t appreciate any improvements he makes whilst he is here.

We already have - 30 months.

Totally agree on Jesper Lee - 243

Paul Ferry
245 Posted 20/01/2025 at 09:07:26
Well, for someone, Mike Gaynes, who has actually written on here, that DCL has never scored a 'great goal' for us - remember the last Old Lady derby, but according to the American Gaynes, it wasn't 'great' - I truly hope that he celebrated DCL's not 'great' but fucking magnificent goal v Spurs.

Where's that CEO you told us would be in place two weeks ago MG?

Steve Shave
246 Posted 20/01/2025 at 09:23:23
It is an interesting paradox we find ourselves in with Dom. He needs love to blossom, yet many have given up on him. With a new manager and some fostered belief he could continue to play an important role in our new stadium.

I have always been one of his biggest fans but his performances of late have suggested his head is elsewhere. I have even found myself in the last couple of weeks (for the first time ever since he's been with us) suggesting it was time for him to go.

That performance at the weekend has got me wondering (yes I know this is the age old trap for us and I am probably foolishly optimistic!) if there is still a chance if he can strike up a bond with Moyes?

Has he been taking it easy for fear of injury 6 months before his contract ends or has he been taking it easy because his head is elsewhere? I think those are two very different scenarios and when you consider the money at stake for him, can you really blame him if its the former? If he did his achilles or cruciate ligament in Feb/March he'd be absolutely fucked and his risky contract game would have backfired.

Now let's say this IS a turning point for him and us (trying not to get carried away here!) then a new contract could ease alot of stress around this. Ship Beto instead and use it towards one of those Brazillian forwards we've been linked to (Alberto or Igor Jesus), a bit of flair to push Dom and challenge for a starting berth.

That and add a quality wingback and a right winger and we will look an entirely different outfit, so so important we recruit first team quality, people who immediately improve us. I think I need a lie down, that is way too much optimism for an Evertonian on a Monday.

Brian Harrison
247 Posted 20/01/2025 at 09:42:03
For months and months people on here were saying we cant play any other way than the way Dyche set us up, which was largely a defensive set up with a lone striker isolated. The theory from those thinking that was the only way this group could get anything from any game was to keep playing that style as if we played a more attacking style we would get ripped to shreds.
Well just shows what happens when you get a proper manager in who wants us to play front foot football. The pre game interview were Moyes talked about we and us not this club as the previous manager did.
Then in his interview after the game after praising the players he said he was delighted to send the Evertonians home happy, again another word Dyche ever used. Look Moyes isn't stupid and knows there is a lot of work to do, but for the first time in quite a while I feel excited about watching my team again, so thank you for coming back David Moyes.
Andy Crooks
248 Posted 20/01/2025 at 09:47:46
Paul Ferry, good post @219, saved me some outraged typing.
Ernie Baywood
249 Posted 20/01/2025 at 09:54:06
Brian H - Moyes was referring to Everton as 'we' in interviews months ago. I think he's genuine in his feelings for the club.

Of course points matter more, but both are good. I can understand people not wanting to go back, but as a step change from Dyche it's night and day.

Colin Crooks
250 Posted 19/01/2025 at 09:57:08
I've been dying to get a good look at O'Brien and after an iffy start, I thought he settled down very nicely. Made up with him, but I cant for the life of me understand criticism of taking him off. The lad hasnt played all season and actually staggered as his team mates high five'd him when he came off. Lindstrom was running on empty too.

The hindsight merchants make me howl. When Dyche didnt take exhausted players off against Bournemouth they couldnt express their outrage loud enough;. They were screaming that the LACK of substitutions cost us that game.

The naivety of the Spurs defending defied belief, but credit to Moyes. His team were set up to exploit it. Great to see us repeatedly press as a unit, but I simply don't understand how people who watch football regularly cant quite grasp how a team with players like Culuvseski, Maddison and Son decided to make a fist of things towards the end. Did you REALLY think we would get it all our own way for the entire gamer ??? We probably spent 3-4 minutes (max) worrying that we might not win. A very pleasant change from spending 90 minutes worrying that we may not even get a draw. I really don't know what it is about some of our fans. Many seem to be more than capable of feeling the agony and crushing disappointments of failure, but they seem completely unable to take any joy from a great day like yesterday.

Over forty years ago Ricky Villa scored a very similar goal to Dominic's yesterday in a cup final. While Spurs (famous for their misery) still talk about Villa's goal to this very day. We have many who will simply concentrate on the one DCL missed.

Well done Davey Moyes. I wasnt in favour of his appointment, but I will be more than happy to come on here every single time he wins and give him the credit he deserves

George Cumiskey
251 Posted 20/01/2025 at 09:59:02
Still can't understand why he kept Doucouré on, for me nearly every Spurs attack came from him losing the ball somewhere on the pitch, it could easily of cost us the win.
Barry Rathbone
252 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:09:07
Just good to win I couldn't give a monkeys who the manager is as long as he takes us forward which inevitably means winning.

Time will tell if this is a welcome blip or meaningful trend but for now it's just good to beat a decent side like Spurs.

Brian Williams
253 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:15:21
Had Moyes brought on one, or both, of the 18 year olds and we'd conceded 3 to only draw he'd have been absolutely slaughtered on here.
You look at that bench and you must realise how limited we are at the moment.
We're missing three of our "best" midfielders in Tim, McNeil and Jimmy Garner. Pretty sure if they'd all been available they'd have been brought on or started.
Too many slag the substitutions made but never offer an alternative.
We won and played some very good football.
How many think we could have said that in January?
Dave Abrahams
254 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:18:05
Young was good substitution for me he did okay, Patterson also did okay defending and going forward but when Keane came on, good bad or indifferent, it invited Spurs to attack and left practically nobody upfront to hold the ball up and waste time although Doucoure wasted no time in handing the ball over to them with stupid fouls or passing the ball to them.

For seventy minutes we did very well then poor decisions and none markings got us getting the worrying beads out but thankfully held on to get the win we deserved.

The posts were very favourable to Dyche after that 4-0 win over Wolves but didn’t last long hopefully Moyes can build on this win, and with midfielders coming back and a couple of signings coming in he will have a stronger squad to help him achieve that.

Neil Cremin
255 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:18:21
Annika
I agree with all you have said there
I also think there are a few managers in PL who I would also like to have but my point is I believe that none currently at other clubs would have left their job to join us in a relegation battle at this stage of the season. For me that left 2 available and I would have even been afraid of Potter having the stomach for that battle.
Moyes was the least risk besides being divisive for many.
A saying I hate but we are where we are so let’s all forget whatever our past opinions are, build a bridge and get over it and hopefully it will be stabilising in the short term so we can plan for a bright blue future in the long term.
Brendan McLaughlin
256 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:32:03
What a day.

Great if nail biting win but the drama didn't end there. Few hours after the match our daughter was admitted to hospital and gave birth to our first grand-daughter. Mother and baby doing fine.

Dominique...perhaps?

Dyche gone, Moyes back, win over Spurs and baby grand-daughter... dry January has never been so difficult!

Darren Arnold
257 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:38:30
Congratulations, Brendan - hope mum & baby continue to do well. Quite a day for you yesterday!
Alan McGuffog
258 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:39:30
Great stuff Brendan..congratulations ! Being a grandfather is fantastic. Most of the time !
Phil Roberts
259 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:40:03
Lots of talk on depth of the squad.

1. Harrison's Wages until the end of the season (assuming the £90k per week and the loan ends 25/5 not 30/6) are £1,620,000. Can we not just pay Leeds £1,5m to take him back so we can bring in on loan someone Moyes wants?

2. We got the best part of the Dobbin/Iroegbunam (In Germany it would be Irögbunam) as Lewis was loaned to West Brom with no goals in 17 starts and now at Norwich. Meanwhile Tim played in 6 matches before being injured. And we lost or drew them all. Is Moyes going to think he is more of an answer for a tiring midfield than Harrison Armstrong?
3. Presume when McNeil is fit, He will replace Decoure and Garner to cover Gana and Mangala

Andy Crooks
260 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:46:44
Brilliant news, Brendan.Congratulations!!
Dave Abrahams
261 Posted 20/01/2025 at 10:50:31
Brendan (256), Congratulations to Breige, yourself and to your daughter of course who gave you and Breige this wonderful gift of a lovely grandaughter and maybe a lucky mascot for the Blues! June adds her congratulations to all of you, we hope she a long, happy and healthy life.
Laurie Hartley
262 Posted 20/01/2025 at 11:06:46
I thought Tarkowski had a great game today. Tuchel was present. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tarkowski gets called up for the next England game.

I was impressed with O’Brien’s ball control and his demeanour. I think we are on a winner with this lad.

Lindstrom showed signs of what he is capable of - he can strike a football. Methinks we will see him on the scoresheet soon.

Great to hear Goodison going off - the joy enhanced by the obvious disappointment of Jim Beglin.

Last but not least - that Ndiaye - he’s a footballer he is.

What’s our Name?

Raymond Fox
263 Posted 20/01/2025 at 11:10:56
A good result and at last some joy, lets hope we get more.

Calvert-Lewin getting his goal and causing the own goal by the Spurs player is another plus.
We now want our injured players fit and maybe a couple players signed.
The teams below are continuing to help us by losing which is also good.

The downer on here is the same moaners who are always negative whatever happens, give it a rest.

Rob Jones
264 Posted 20/01/2025 at 11:21:01
That performance was marvellous. Seventy great minutes, IMO, by which time we could and perhaps should have been six goals up. Players pressing, harrying, playing brave football, physically dominating Spurs.

We then got what some would call the David Moyes special, but which I'd say was simply the paucity of our squad. It claimed Dyche (along with the limits of his imagination and belief in the players). The subs weren't great. They weren't. Even the Bens (can someone please explain that term?) can admit that. But there really weren't many great options. Two kids, a dire left-footed right-mid, or Beto, who has proven a disruptor, but can't hold the ball up, which would have invited pressure onto us.

We don't win that game under Sean Dyche. We maybe (MAYBE!) scrap for a lucky point from it. I wanted Dyche in January 2023. I wanted Thomas Frank or Danny Rohl this month. I'm happy with David Moyes, and if he pushes us up to the 6th/8th window that some have absurdly suggested, most of us would snap hands off.

By the way, there are some of us of a certain age who freely admit that the best version of Everton we've ever known came under David Moyes. Best results, best consistent run of league finishes, FA Cup final, European football, etc... but can we please remember we're Everton fans, and not David Moyes fans? People have a right to be skeptical about the man after the way his first run ended. You don't have to like the comments. But making specious remarks questioning their fandom and suggesting they'd prefer us to lose helps no-one. Unity among the fanbase has seldom been more important than it is right now, and splintering it with shitty, caustic remarks do the club and yourselves a disservice.

Steve Brown
265 Posted 20/01/2025 at 11:26:55
180 minutes played, of which 70 were good quality.

That is not a criticism of Mr Moyes, as his work on the team was admirable yesterday. High line, pushing Mykolenko forward, aggressive pressing, counter-attacks with pace, players actually linking up with DCL. He got most things spot on.

His substitutions weren’t successful and lost us all momentum - venting on here won’t change that. The subs who replaced O’Brien and Lindstrom looked slower than the “exhausted” players they replaced. Young and Keane were off the pace from the moment they stepped onto the pitch to the final whistle.

Lindstrom misplaced his first pass on 66 minutes and was substituted 4 minutes later. If one misplaced pass = exhaustion was the standard applied to the team this season we would have made 5 substitutions after 20 minutes in every game. O’Brien did not look tired at all to me, and had contained threats down his side admirably.

We will have a bit more perspective on where we are after BHA away and Leicester at home, so maybe take it down a level until we have a bigger evidence base.

Ernie Baywood
266 Posted 20/01/2025 at 11:40:37
Phil 259 - I doubt McNeil fits Moyes' view of a second forward/third midfielder. I'd expect to see him on the left with his crossing ability. Then probably Ndiaye on the right unless he's fancied down the middle - personally I'd love to see him centrally with room to run at players. That goal was a thing of beauty.

I assume, though, that we're trying to buy the Doucoure replacement... but now you mention him, could it be Iroegbunam?

Rob Jones
267 Posted 20/01/2025 at 11:47:48
Ernie, Iroegbunam isn't the worst shout for the dual role played by Doucoure, though if I'm honest, I'd rather a true creator or scorer playing behind DCL. In the short term, though, *if* we're keeping Harrison to the end of the season, we'd do worse than to play him there. We get his hard work, and he's better placed on the pitch than on the right, which negates what strengths he has.
Dave Lynch
268 Posted 20/01/2025 at 11:48:46
In defence of Pickford who some (and rightly so) have cited he could of done better by claiming the ball and commanding his box.

He is getting use to a different defensive set up and will take a bit of time to build up some trust in it.

Can only see us going from strength to strength on yesterday's performance but still a bit disappointed we didn't go at them 2nd half as I reckon we could have put a few more past them.

Mark Murphy
269 Posted 20/01/2025 at 12:03:44
Danny - Brighton next.
I wont sing any Moyes songs if you promise not to sing about fcuking curtains, candles and tanners!

UTFT


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