Fulham 1 - 3 Everton

After a really poor first half where a strange Everton line-up had allowed Marco Silva's Fulham to take the lead, a much more competitive second half saw Everton take all the points at Craven Cottage in the glorious spring sunshine.

No Jake O'Brien today, as he has apparently sustained an injury!  But Alcaraz starts... along with Harrison and Doucure. Hard to understand why McNeil, Ndiaye and Calvert-Lewin are benched if they are fit, while David Moyes appears to prefer a very strange-looking side that features the error-prone Micheal Keane at the heart of the defence. 

Fulham are without Antonee Robinson today. The left-back, a product of Everton Academy, is having his minutes managed due to a knee issue.

Glorious spring sunshine on the banks of the River Thames for this one, as the Premier League approaches its conclusion for this season, ahead of next week's final game at Goodison Park.

Garner with the kick-off, back to Pickford for the punt upfield. The first few minutes were pretty scrappy from both sides. Alcaraz seemed to have a brielf chance to run in but he lost the ball. Garner with a long throw that Branthwaite could not dig out. 

Doucoure was a bit too strong and Fulham made pretty good use of the free-kick, Wilson shooting straight at Pickford. Harrison got forward and swung the first of his ineffectual crosses beyond the far post. But Everton were unable to keep the ball, losinng it repeady until Iwobi fired in a low one that Pickford held.

All the play was coming from the home side, who seemed to have a greater desire for the ball and to drive forward at Everton, benefitting from some incmpetent passing by the players in Blue. Everton finally played some passing football, Harrison heading a great cross back that didn't quite reach Beto in front of goal.

Beto and Gueye then had to defend, albeit unconventionally, the Senegalese falling on the ball rather than tackling his man in the Everton area. Fulham continued to zip the ball around, and a nice cross to Raul Jiminez was too good to resist as he powered his way through two Everton defenders, flooring both Branthwaite and Mykolenko, and giving Pickford little chance to stop it going over the line after just 17 minutes.  

A really poor start by the Blues, who just don't seem to be at the races today. After a brief foray upfield for Everton, it was Wilson who fired in a dangerous shot that just curled away at the last secoind. Finally, Alcaraz got some room to play in Harrison, who could do no better than shoot straight at Leno.

With Fulham content to be in the lead, Everton had more possession but were unable to do a great deal with it until Mykolenko forced the first corner. Young took it short from the left, then hoofed the return well beyond the far post.  

In the next Everton attack, Mykolenko's cross was headed clear by the first defender. Gueye found Harrison wide right with a deep crossfield ball but Harrison could not retain it.  Pereira tried a long-range shot, well over. 

A sloppy giveaway by Mykolenko on half-way allowed Jimenez to gallop forward into space before finding Iwobi, who curled his shot over the ball. Branthwaite was having trouble after Jiminez had jumped into him earlier in the half. 

Everton got forward but were quickly closed down. However, another turnover went their way, and Garner had another chance for a long throw that won another Everton corner but it didn't cause Fulham any trouble. Pereira was too clever for Alcaraz and Wilson wanted another go, his deflected shot plamed just outsiide the post by a brilliant Pickford save.

Fulham had a couple of goes at the cormer as 3 minutes were added to the first half. Alcaraz stole a clearence but he could only shoot straight at Leno. Another long throw came in and was cleared as far as Docucoure who played it back for Mykolenko, his low shot taking a wicked deflection off Andreas Pereira to put the Blues right back in this one just before the break. 

The game restarted and it was end to end but with no real cjhances until a loose ball fell nicely into the path of Alcaraz but he could only smack it lamely at a blocking defender. Garner got another of his now trademark long throws into the 6-yard box but it ewas headed clear. 

Everton pushed forward . A quick corner was then delivered in well by Young, forcing another one from the other side. This one was right to the nearpost and behnd off Leno's arm but no third corner give, only a goal kick, incorrectly. 

Fulham went straight up the other end and Iwobi set up Sessegnon for a shot that go down Pickford did very well to see and parry. The corner saw Alcaraz. Everton went forward again but the ball was turned over and an audacious attemot at a lobb by Wilson was palmed out brilliantly by Pickford who had leapt wildly like a cat but fallen back down like an elephant. He was okay after teatment and Virginia was not required. 

The Fulham corner was good but cleared.  Berge felt he had to foul Beto for a yellow card. The free-kick was curled in by Young and Beto somehow avoided converting it, only playing it back to Gana and the chance was gone. At the other end, Wilson had another shot, high and wide. 

Alcaraz looked to be struggling with the physicality of the game, getting close attention when he got the ball at his feet. Beto got forward and a chnce to play in Docucoure buthis low cross was too close to Leno. At the other end, yet another attempt from Wilson before David Moyes made his first changes on the hour mark.

Young took out Smith-Rowe, who was then subbed. Jimenez was called for a foul as the free-kick came over, Everton attacked again, Beto again the one to cross rather than be recieveing the ball up high. But most of the play was being driven by Fulham who were keen to restablish their lead. Some clever work by Iwobi almost forced a breakthrough before the Everton defenders cleared.    

It was far from dull with both sides now heavily committed and the intensity of the game seeeing good attacking moves at both ends, Alcaraz somewhow winning a corner for Everton. McNeil sent it over superbly to the far post where that enigma, Michael Keane sent a bullet header that almost burst the Fulham net. Brilliant stuff. 

But VAR decided there was either a foul or an offside… just completely ridiculous. Finally, they backed down and Everton's excellent go-ahead goal was confirmed. 

Then, from a turnover on the half-way line, Alcaraz burst forward and fed Beto. Now his shot was not great, but Leno allowed it to somehow squirm under his hands and into the back of the net! Excellent work by the Blues. 

Fulham were stunned but knew they had to do something, a good cross was headed inches wide by Jiminez as the happy singing of the Blue Army came across loud and clear. Some great chasing by Alcaraz forced a  high turnover, but no long throw this time.  

At the other end, Fulham kept firing in crosses, Keane struggling a little as more changes were made by each side with less than 10 minutes left. A Fulham free-kick and another ball curled in and headed clear, Alcaraz then taking the applause of the Everotn fans as he was replaced after a pretty good game from him.

As the time ticked away, the fight seemd to finally ebb away from the Fulham players as they realized the magnitude of their task was surely impossible. But the balls kept coming into the Everton area and each one needed defending by hook or by crook. Godo got forward and produced a great cutback but Iroegbunam saw the danger and made a brilliant interception. 

More changes by Moyes broke up the play as 7 minutes of added time were shown, with Calvert-Lewin and Coleman joining in the fun. More danger from Godo, somehow stopped again by Iroegbunam. 

McNeil had a chance to relieve the pressure but he played an awful pass between Calvert-Lewin and Ndiaye. Another chance for the Blues to run forward saw Calvert-Lewin chase the ball but he couldn't strike it far enough away from Leno, who was out quickly. 

VAR wanted to look at a Mykolenko handball, with 8 minutes of added time already played. Another ridiculous and completely unnecessary involvement, forcing Darren England to look at it on the monitor...  but — respect — the ref was having none of it. 

And thus ended a fantastic away win for Everton who had completely turned around an awful first half display. 

Fulham: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegno

n (83' Godo), Andreas Pereira (75' Cairney), Berge [Y:56'], Wilson (75' Willian), Smith-Rowe (63' Traore), Iwobi, Jimenez.

Subs not Used: Diop, King, Cuenca, Vinicius, Benda.

Everton: Pickford, Young, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye (90+1' Coleman), Garner, Harrison (61' McNeil), Doucoure (61' Ndiaye), Alcaraz (84' Iroegbunam), Beto (90+1' Calvert-Lewin).

Subs not Used:  Broja, Chermiti, Patterson, Virginia.


Reader Comments (304)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()


Grant Rorrison
1 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:51:14
We can pretty much write the game off if that's the starting 11!
Christine Foster
2 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:52:37
Keane and Young... bugger.

No Jake... on the back foot for 90 mins.

Good luck, Blues!

Ian Jones
3 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:53:01
Grant, you've gone early!
Liam Mogan
4 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:54:17
It's watch through the fingers time…

Is Dyche back for one last Hurrah?

Alan J Thompson
5 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:57:55
I think I've just lost any confidence I had with Moyes.
John Hall
6 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:58:29
Glad I'm not watching this horror show today. I'll check in later with trepidation
Kunal Desai
7 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:59:31
N'diaye hasn't been the same since returning from injury, McNeil only just back. Assuming O'Brien is injured so Keane is the only replacement there and Young replacing Patterson, who let's be honest hasn't made any real impact in the last couple of games.

I'd like to have seen Chermiti given a chance here.

It's just a shame we cannot fast forward these remaining games and close out the season so the building blocks for the summer can get underway.

Mal van Schaick
8 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:00:48
The subs look stronger than the team Moyes has picked. He can’t be serious with this selection it must be a farewell team.
Andy Walker
9 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:02:10
Much better team than last week. We’ll be much better without the ball. Ndiaye has been poor since he came back, and McNeil doesn’t look fully fit yet.
Mike Hayes
10 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:03:00
You just knew those two would be back in
must have cried it in 🙄 that’s a terrible line up at the back may as well have played with 6 🤷
Dave Abrahams
11 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:03:51
Liam (4), Being honest Liam when I was watching the game at Brighton this season which we won 1-0 it looked like Dyche was in charge with one shot on target, a penalty, but defending for most of the game.
Terry McLavey
12 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:04:54
Is Jake O'Brien injured? I hope someone hasn't pissed him off?
Mihir Ambardekar
13 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:05:24
We can write off this game. Why do we have Mcneil on bench instead of Harrison?
Why do managers revert to being poor after good starts? I mean why do we have Doucoure and Harrison starting this game?
Sean Kelly
14 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:06:49
Is Moyes looking for a payoff.
Rob Williamson
15 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:07:44
Mal #8. It might look a stronger bench but Moyes is almost as bad as Dyche at using subs.
Liam Mogan
16 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:08:09
Dave 11. Moyes and Dyche have a lot in common.
Martin Berry
17 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:09:53
Oh the despondency...calm down. Moyes is giving others a spin before the end of the season.
Dont think for a minute this will be the ending line up.
I am sure many of those you thought would start will be on the pitch on 90.
Andrew Merrick
18 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:10:18
I don't get this pick either, every game matters, too weak and slow at the back to cope with Fulham.
Scratches head...
Howard Don
19 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:10:23
Spot on Andy Walker 9. Neither McNeil or Ndiaye looked fully fit last week. Patterson not really showing much and no option but Keane at the back if Jake not fit. But let’s not let that get in the way of the anti Moyes negativity.
Neil Cremin
20 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:11:18
Because Harrison will provide better defensive cover than McNeill which looking at this back line we will need. McNeill looked knackered when substituted recently
Peter Moore
21 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:12:16
Sean Moyes, David Dyche. Terrible with names me, trying to remember the name of our manager
Christy Ring
22 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:14:30
Andy#9 'We'll be much better without the ball', Andy that definitely doesn't fill me with confidence, and not a very inspiring team. What does Moyes see in Harrison, and why not give Dixon a start?
Dale Self
23 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:18:59
The Moyes-Dyche comparison is largely driven by the squad constraints. While Moyes could see a better way in attack than Dyche, ultimately the thin squad and lack of type for type options forces them to revert to these selection letdowns.
Dave Abrahams
24 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:20:41
Liam (16)Go Way!

Howard (19) I think that the one win in the last ten games might have something to do with anti Moyes negativity

Les Callan
25 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:20:45
I thought McNeill was one of our better players last week.
Sean Kelly
26 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:20:57
Why play doucoure and Harrison. Need to I’ve on from these. Give others that will be here a chance to prove themselves
Annika Herbert
27 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:22:57
Why play people who won’t be here next season? Regardless of the pro Moyes fan boys, this is a crap line up.

We know Keane is a bust, Young is 39 etc.?Why not give Chermiti a run out, even a couple of the fringe players from the U21’s?

Isn’t this a perfect time to look at what we have in the U21’s, rather than give the old, well past it brigade?

A better line up than last week!!!? You have got to be joking. But hey, let’s just forget the fact we only have one win in the last 10 eh?

Moyes will never change, it isn’t in his dna.

Colin Glassar
28 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:23:43
That’s a Moyes team. Dour and unimaginative just like him.
Anthony O'Sullivan
29 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:26:50
The stronger we finish the less they will spend in the summer. It's a cunning plan as Baldrick would say.

But it does feel like he wants a good look at the players that are leaving to see is there anything worth keeping.

John Hall
30 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:28:07
If we're going to lose anyway, why not give some other players a chance? You never know, they may surprise us! The only surprise with this line up is if we can escape without losing 5-0
Neil Cremin
31 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:30:48
And fodder for the Anti Moyes brigade.
If O Brien is not available who do they suggest play in defence.
John Hall
32 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:30:57
Seamus deserves a chance! At least he'll show some willingness and urgency to get a result. Why not Moyesey?
Peter Mitchell
33 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:33:17
Wow - some proper miserable gits on here today! I get that some people hate our manager, but we haven't even started the game yet. I will be trying to find a feed to watch and will be cheering them on even if we lose. There is no jeopardy here, no watching between our fingers and biting our nails - thanks to Moyes. It would not be the same, in my opinion, if we had kept Dyche. And before anyone asks (or just labels me that) I am not and never have been a Moyes fanboy. I am just a supporter and will get behind the team regardless of how limited they are and whoever the manager is.
COYB
Raymond Fox
34 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:34:16
Assuming O'Brien is injured, none of our managers have liked Patterson.
Thats the starting line up, it leaves him plenty options to change the team when needed.
Annika Herbert
35 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:34:48
Neil @ 31, anyone apart from Keane. Sorry to upset the Moyes cheerleader brigade
Colin Glassar
36 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:36:08
John 32, I agree. I trust Seamus far more in the centre of defence than calamity Keane.
Liam Mogan
37 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:37:43
ABK - Anyone But Keane. Great motto Annika!

Although not sure who could have played CB? Seamus? DCL doing his best Chris Sutton impression?

Bloody Keystone Kop Keane

Mike Gaynes
38 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:38:26
Our bench could beat our starting lineup comfortably.
Neil Cremin
39 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:38:57
Annika
Who is anybody
By the way I’m not a Moyes cheerleader just an Everton supporter but calling out irrational posts
Also love your insight into who will be here next season. Can you share
Dale Self
40 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:40:51
This gives us a chance to note once again, Chris Sutton is a devil worshipper.
John Keating
41 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:42:16
Wow
I think Moyes has set himself up

McNeil and Nd started last week now on the bench
DCL came on last week should give him minutes and Beto comes on later

Keane, well maybe no option

Young already on holiday looking for another Club

If this team pulls something off then he’s the Moyesiah
If it doesn’t then his words about ending the season gung ho on a high will haunt him when he’s behind the couch

Ashley Roberts
42 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:45:37
I predicted yesterday that Beto, Harrison and Doucoure would start. I think this clearly shows that Moyes really is Dyche in sheep’s clothing. With the Dyche/Moyes style of football the mantra is to defend and try and score on the break. None of the top managers play this style of football. I am afraid the writing is on the wall for the future. I cannot believe McNeil is not starting. Him and Branthwaite were the only 2 quality players against Ipswich last week even though Dwight ran out of legs near the end of the game. This is going to be a backs against the wall game and we know with Keane playing it is going to be very leaky at the back and there was me hoping we would finish above UTD and the Spuds.
Andy Duff
43 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:47:53
For me Doucoure is the only one that I can't understand. Especially after his supposed outburst this week.

He shouldn't be here next year and as such is a waste of a starting place. We should use it on players that are staying.

It's worrying he's a shoe in as soon as he's available like they are going to offer him a new contract.

If he scores the winner it still won't change my opinion, even if it makes me look stupid

Bill Gall
44 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:48:49
Who would be a manager, its no problem to D.Moyes he still gets paid no matter who he picks. It does not seem to be a particularly strong starting 11and seems to be a bit off a slap in the face to those faithful traveling supporters. Stranger things have happened but it appears he has given the home team an advantage that I do not believe they needed.
Jay Harris
45 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:49:50
I looked at the team and thought Sean Dyche was back. I fancied us today but not now with Keane in.

Can they please let me eat my words as the Europa league finalists could go above us this weekend otherwise.

Anthony Flack
46 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:50:08
None of the managers fancy Patterson as he’s not a very good defender

Keane to score the winner

Robert Tressell
47 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:50:46
Hugely disappointing that Moyes has left out Kvaratskhelia, Barella and Marquinhos again. What a mug.
Tom Bowers
48 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:50:51
Moyes obviously not interested in the result !!

Changes yes, but the old familiar failures. Why no new, younger faces if the result doesn't matter ?

Seems like Moyes doesn't really want this job ?
Bring on next season !!!!

Peter Mitchell
49 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:51:10
Andy @43: I wonder if the club have actually offered Doucoure a new contract, but just not on terms he wishes to accept (i.e. lower wages)? It would then make sense to play him - showing him the love - even if there is still a strong chance he will not be here next season. Who knows?
Dale Self
50 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:52:49
Well, this definitely makes Alcaraz the focal point. Let's see what he has (almost wrote 'what he's got' which would annoy an English ex pat, can't remember who).
Alan J Thompson
51 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:53:07
Why exactly is O'Brien not playing, just not picked?
I don't know if he has but I'm sure it has been said that Mykolenko had played centrally before joining us.

I suppose that Moyes feels he needs to know something more on Keane, Young, Doucoure and Harrison although he's probably seen more of them than McNeil, Patterson, Chermiti, Iroegbunam and Calvert-Lewin. Still, he's got another game or two yet.

Liam Mogan
52 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:55:31
There must be some issue with O'brien, otherwise he'd still be on the bench surely?
Martin Farrington
53 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:56:17
Well thats not good.
A hope for the future dashed by instance on fielding the past
Ged Simpson
54 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:57:50
Link mates?
Frank Sheppard
55 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:58:18
Looks like he wants to give everyone a starting opportunity before the end of the season, nothing more, nothing less.
Ged Simpson
56 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:00:09
Agree Frank and prob wise
Paul Kossoff
57 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:03:45
Dale 50. They are both correct. I am sure a certain ex pat would, at the most, give you a slight tap on the back of the leg. Are rit me ol flower na then.
Ged Simpson
58 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:09:54
Desperate now. Tried some but no joy. Anyone help an old fan with a link?
Ernie Baywood
59 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:11:06
I'm not sure where we go after Tarkowski and JOB. Is there another option? I get the ABK call, but who are they?

Young over Patterson. Wouldn't have been my call, but I can see it.

I thought Garner and Gana had a tough time with Doucoure helping them through the work last week.

Not the team I would have predicted. But he doesn't have that many ways to go. Let's see how they play.

Paul Kossoff
60 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:11:55
Apparently O'Brian is wanted by Brighton and Moyes has named Jerome Opoku as his replacement. The report states that Everton have already submitted an offer of £3.3million, in the hope of his current club Basaksehir allowing the centre-back to exit.

The move is said to be just a “matter of time” with negotiations already underway between representatives of both clubs for a concrete agreement.

Dale Self
61 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:17:41
Paul, I would expect a slight kick to the shin, just to let me know.
Paul Kossoff
62 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:18:55
Bollocks!
Derek Powell
63 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:20:32
Shite club we are going fuckin backwards
Andy Duff
64 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:20:46
Hasn't scored in 8 games... never change Everton
Craig Scott
65 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:21:16
Amateur defending from Mykolenko
Paul Kossoff
66 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:21:36
Emile Smith Rowe whips in a delicious cross and Raul Jimenez rises above all to power a header beyond Jordan Pickford to put Fulham deservedly ahead. BBC.
Robert Tressell
67 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:26:02
Paul # 60, hopefully that is not true - because it wouldn't bode well at all for the summer rebuild.
Dan Parker
68 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:26:27
only good thing about today is Moyes confirming what he probably already knows about the players with expiring contracts. Hopefullly plays a stronger 11 for Goodisons last fling.
Andrew Oxton
69 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:26:36
Pickford rooted to his line. A big commanding goalie would have come for that. Myko bullied. Terrible defending all round.
Ged Simpson
70 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:27:34
Ta. Bring back live forum!
Annika Herbert
71 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:28:49
Neil @ 39, you might not be a cheerleader, but you are very quick to criticise anyone who doubts Moyes credentials.

Are you honestly saying that it wouldn’t have been better to give some U21’s a run out, rather than bring the donkey Keane back in?

If we are going to lose, at least lose by checking out the young players. It wouldn’t surprise me if Moyes gave the likes of Keane an extension. He does c love his defenders.

Going well so far though isn’t it?

Craig Scott
72 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:30:12
Any sign of an attack breaks down when Harrison gets the ball!
Dan Parker
73 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:30:19
Charlie Adam strikes again
Mark Stone
74 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:33:23
The comments on here about team selection. Moyes made it clear weeks ago when we were safe that he’d be changing the team up to take a closer look at some fringe / out of contract platers. That’s exactly what he’s doing
Grant Rorrison
75 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:33:50
Worrying if Moyes is actually assessing some of the players starting today with a view to giving them new contracts.
Alan McGuffog
76 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:35:36
This team is capable of scraping a point against Southampton...to give a rousing send off to Goodison. We need to believe!
John Hall
77 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:36:45
Keane, Douc, Harrison, Holgate and Young 5 year contracts all round! What's not to like? Fully deserved
Phil Smith
78 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:37:44
What is this starting line-up?? I guess 5 players playing for their futures at the club. Keep Alcarez, cut the rest. I rather see which kids could step up than which senior players, who have had all season to impress but haven't.
Kieran Kinsella
79 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:40:16
"Dyche in sheeps clothing," lol what an image. I can see Sean trying to hide his mug with a wooly fleece draped over his head mimicking a Scottish accent through his gravely voice while Moyes is tied up and gagged in the hallway cupboard. "Och lads, Gie it laldy"
Craig Scott
80 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:40:25
I'm trying to think of something positive to say about how we're playing. . I'm still thinking.
Ralph Basnett
81 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:44:36
The best thing about keeping Dyche until the end of the season:

We were never getting relegated.
We did not have to pay him off.
Would not have hired Moyes.
New (proper) manager would not entertain keeping Keane, Doucoure, Beto, DCL, Harrison, Young, Mykolenko and Patterson.

Moyes would keep them all!

Dan Parker
82 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:45:15
Why does Keane just keep standing there rooted with his hands behind his back. Myko needs competition for LB
Dan Parker
83 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:48:49
Get in!!! Jammy sods get in
Andy Crooks
84 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:48:53
Mark @ 74, he needed to take a look at Keane?????
Ralph Basnett
85 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:49:03
Goal of the season for the equaliser!
Robert Tressell
86 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:52:02
Annika, # 71.

I guess we could have played Reece Welch instead of Michael Keane today. He is the most likely of the U21 CBs.

That said, he hasn't made the grade this season in the Belgian 2nd division - being returned mid-season after managing just 2 matches.

So it would be a bit weird to pick him for the first team.

Robert Tressell
87 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:53:08
Get in!
Craig Scott
89 Posted 10/05/2025 at 15:58:33
I'd take off Harrison and Beto at half-time and bring on the tea lady as well as the girl who does the wages. Moyes may want to have a good look at them before the season finishes.
Liam Mogan
90 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:01:32
I put some posts on the Doucoure thread earlier which were rather understanding of his dilemma.

I take them back. He's awful.

Ian Wilkins
91 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:02:17
Keane wouldn't be playing if O'Brien or Tarkowski were fit… those calling for the kids I'm afraid haven't watched the kids, I'm sorry to say.

It's a workmanlike side aimed at a point, snatching a win. Truth is, however, it's bereft of any quality. Most are slow ponderous uncomfortable with a football.

There are not many here to be retained, I include Alcaraz sadly, we need new fullbacks. Branthwaite, Pickford, Gana you can do something with; the rest… no thanks. Big reset in Summer. Get some young hungry players with a point to prove…

Alan J Thompson
92 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:04:07
Something of a nothing first half as Fulham pushed more men forward as we dropped back, failing to get men forward when we did try to advance.

Then another soft goal with both Young and Keane in a sort of no man's land marking nothing and not even getting in the way of anything. Indeed, Fulham seem to be making more of a target of Young's side and he's been found wanting.

Doucoure has been his usual rubbish self so maybe he'll turn up in exactly the wrong place to score and while Harrison hasn't done badly without doing anything exceptional, when he does get in a position to cross there's, at best, only Beto somewhere in the penalty box.

We got a fortunate equalizer but if we want to win this we have to get more men forward, I was going to say in support but we need to start working the ball more rather than just hoping to thread one through for Beto to run onto. Moyes needs to make changes and for me Gana and Garner are the men he needs to look at.

Paul Kossoff
93 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:07:41
KK *****😀
Craig Scott
94 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:12:22
Pickford must be odds on to be our Man of the Match in most games before a ball is even kicked.
Ralph Basnett
95 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:28:59
Craig Scott, would have to argue with you their, if Pickford was the keeper everyone thinks he is, we would be further up the pitch.

He's praised for his save from Wilson but it was his positioning that put him in trouble!

Derek Powell
96 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:29:53
KEANOOOOOO
Paul Kossoff
97 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:29:55
Keane Goooooooal
Dan Parker
98 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:30:29
Sign Keane as a striker ha. Get in
Paul Kossoff
99 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:30:30
VAR…
Grant Rorrison
100 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:30:51
As I said in the first post. With that team we've got a real good chance of getting a result today.
Paul Kossoff
101 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:31:10
Poss offside
Paul Kossoff
102 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:31:35
Goooooal
Dan Parker
103 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:31:58
VAR looking for any reason to disallow it.
Paul Kossoff
104 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:32:28
Gooooooal
Dan Parker
105 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:32:44
Given. Goal stands
Paul Kossoff
106 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:33:04
Beto goooooal
Dan Parker
107 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:33:28
What a goal. Beto you legend!!!!
Paul Kossoff
108 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:33:49
Goooooal go go go Goooooal
Robert Tressell
109 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:33:58
Get in!
Dan Parker
110 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:34:36
A striker's goal that. Nice to see. Decent return this season, especially given Dyche's treatment.
Andy Crooks
111 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:34:41
Andy Crooks, @84, I think you owe an apology to Mark Stone.
Craig Scott
112 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:35:04
OMG. We've got a 2 goal lead. We're in trouble now!
Craig Scott
113 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:37:00
Odds on a draw have gone up massively.
Colin Malone
114 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:37:02
Charly, Ndiaye, Beto.

Why didn't they start with this line-up?

Tom Smith
115 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:37:31
Long time watcher, first time poster.

Moyes hater's must be gutted he's proved them wrong again! 😁

Derek Knox
116 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:39:08
What a difference Harrison and Doucoure have made by being subbed.

A pair of useless pricks!

Neil Cremin
117 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:39:43
Annika,

I posted earlier but lost it cause I was underground but I did reply to you cheekily that we were not doing too bad at half time and would love a win and maybe Keane would score.

Now that I'm above ground, can't believe my eyes. Hopefully no capitulation this time!

Paul Kossoff
118 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:46:35
Tom, hasn't finished yet.😟
Craig Scott
119 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:46:57
Fulham have regressed in this half as much as we have improved.
Howard Don
121 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:48:37
Rubbish that Keane, Moyes too negative with this team, doesn’t know what he’s doing. No chance with this selection, relegation form, blah blah negative blah. All proved wrong today.
Dan Parker
122 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:55:02
Tim has done really well since coming on. Few important defensive plays.
Paul Kossoff
123 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:56:50
Last minute far hand ball
Paul Kossoff
124 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:57:39
Pen fulham
Dan Parker
125 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:58:40
Harsh, was trying to put his arm down
Paul Kossoff
126 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:59:04
Pen hand ball fulham no pen
Paul Kossoff
127 Posted 10/05/2025 at 16:59:38
Long check no pen😀
Paul Kossoff
128 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:00:08
1 3 yeeeees
Ernie Baywood
129 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:00:08
That's a new one
Craig Scott
130 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:01:20
A much more purposeful and committed second half.
Dan Parker
131 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:02:09
A great win that. Much improved second half and professionally managed the game.
Paul Kossoff
132 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:02:23
Can't believe we got two VAR decisions today, well done, the Blue Boys.
Christine Foster
133 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:04:06
Not pretty but we battled, about time we had some luck too.

A shout for Michael Keane, well played, sir. I was wrong to doubt you!

Chris Leyland
134 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:04:08
There should quite a few posters on here feeling embarrassed about now at some of their earlier posts. Looking forward to reading their new posts about how wrong they were!
Tom Smith
135 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:04:34
I know Paul, got carried away
Tom Bowers
136 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:06:58
The starting lineup was a mistake, and it took the substitutions to put it right.

Up till then, we were piss poor.

Peter Mitchell
137 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:09:06
Well there you go - there must be some disappointed folk on here tonight!

Moyes, Keane, Mykolenko and Beto all shite, apparently.

What stood out for me is what a different team we look when McNeil is playing.

Chris Leyland
138 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:10:05
Tom Bowers - football is a 90 minute games and it's about using up to 16 players to get the result over that 90 minutes.

As such, that plan worked to perfection today.

Ian Jones
139 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:10:13
Grant, 1 and 100.

To be fair, you were right, we didn't win with the starting line up...

Ian Wilkins
140 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:10:30
I'm happy to put my hands up... first half abject, second half much better.

Delighted with the win, still feel there's lots and lots of squad improvement to be had.

Colin Glassar
141 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:12:14
No one is disappointed, Peter. We were shite the first half. The subs made all the difference and Lady Luck (and fighting spirit) was on our side today.

We won but this team needs a massive dose of ability. UTFT!!

Craig Scott
142 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:15:02
Before we get carried away with a good away win, we should recognise that we had a bit of luck go our way today.

A deflection for the first goal, an elementary keeper's error for the third, and a hand ball decision flagged away that could easily have been given.

Andy Crooks
143 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:15:12
Lady Luck and fighting spirit, Colin, that's what will make us great again.
Paul Kossoff
144 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:16:43
Craig, without lady luck the red shite would never have won a trophy!
Ian Bennett
145 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:17:21
Great result on the road with a rag tag squad. Up to 13th, and yet still criticism of the manager.

He's doing a good job. Forget the past.

Scott Hamilton
146 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:18:02
20 points above the relegation zone with 2 games to go.

Shite that Moyes, eh, Michael?! 😜

Brendan McLaughlin
147 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:18:27
A Silva lining for Moyes at Cave-in Cottage
Colin Glassar
148 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:19:39
We'll still be last on MotD tonight.
Alan J Thompson
149 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:20:56
As has been said before, Keane may be a better striker than defender, but I couldn't understand how long VAR wanted or why and have seen more obvious things not even given a second glance.

I was disappointed with Alcaraz being subbed as he was our best player carrying the ball forward but will look forward to Moyes's press conference and next week's team selection.

Andy Walker
150 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:21:26
Great result. We controlled the game after the initial 25 minutes.

Keane was excellent as was Harrison. McNeil also excellent, but he wasn't fully fit to start, we know that from last week.

Moyes certainly deserves credit for the team selection. Patterson and Ndiaye both deserved dropping after last week and McNeil isn't 100% fit yet. Moyes got it spot on.

Phil Smith
151 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:24:42
I think Moyes has his answers there. Doucouré and Harrison should leave – we were so much better with them off the field.

Keane might be a useful backup. Young can still play, but he's too old to be given another year.

Dom and Seamus are also saying their final ta-ras.

Alcaraz is worth buying.

Good day for the boss, there.

Colin Glassar
152 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:24:43
VAR is a travesty, Alan. Now every single goal, or so it seems, has to be checked endlessly. It's killed the enjoyment of celebrating a goal. Mr Wenger, get rid of VAR!

Andy Walker, Harrison was great? He looks like he's playing piggy in the middle ffs.

Mal van Schaick
153 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:25:43
I take my previous team selection criticism back. It was a Moyes masterclass.

Well done, lads, and the away support was terrific.

George Cumiskey
154 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:26:07
Great result! What a difference when Doucouré and Harrison went of.

McNeil made a hell of a difference. When we go on the front foot, we're a well better team.

Brilliant refereeing as well. Is just me or does McNeil look like he's gained a yard of pace?

Michael Kenrick
155 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:26:18
It hard to stand back and analyze what we just saw without having a good go at point scoring.

But, all that aside, it was a horrible starting line-up, and most honest fans said so. They were no match for Fulham who steamrollered them to the fist goal., then eased off the intensity that had gotten them the lead.

After that, some massive, massive luck: The Mykolenko deflection. That's usually a block and not a goal.

Then the corner. Brilliantly taken and exquisite far post pile driver by Keane... but was it that corner which didn't even touch a Fulham player and should have been a goal-kick? (I know we had one earlier go their way...)

And the third goal... well, Leno apparently saves those for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But not today.

And the penalty VAR non-call? Remarkable considering what they normally do to us.

But hey, that's football. If you think it's down to Moyes's brilliance, have at it. A great win in the end but he and we were very lucky.

Scott Hamilton
156 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:29:48
Dyche was never this ‘lucky’! 😜
Scott Hamilton
157 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:32:32
Everton manager David Moyes speaking to BBC Sport:

"It didn't look [like it would go] that way after the first 20, 25 minutes. I thought we were terrible on the ball but we stuck at it.

We are a resilient crew and the players did a good job in the end.

"Michael Keane was terrific today, he was a proper centre-half. Keano scored a really good header, it was a really good goal."

On Beto's development: "He's done great, he's improving. If he was a 19-year-old striker you'd say he's got a bit to go; he's not but he's certainly improving. Let's hope he can get goals in the remaining games.

"I have been pleased [with performances away from home]. It was a worry for me how this game would go [missing key players] but great credit to the players, we hung in a little bit but certainly improved in the second half."

On referee Darren England standing by his decision not to award Fulham a penalty after being sent to the pitchside monitor: "I clapped him. I would have had a Mexican wave. I saw it on the iPad and I saw the boy was running so I don't know where you'd expect his hands to be. Isn't it great we have someone who is willing to go to the screen and stick with his decision? We want referees to go by their own decision, and from what I've seen, the correct decision."

On next week's final game at Goodison Park: "I have just said to the players we have the biggest game of the season next week, and we are all ready for it."

Neil Cremin
158 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:34:38
I was taken aback with starting line-up but, with no Jake, I didn't see another option. Maybe Seamus instead of Young but with no match time, too risky.

Because Ndiaye and McNeil from recent observation did not have 90 minutes in them, then Harrison and Doucoure were the obvious starters to protect a very vulnerable backline. We did not want to lose and hopefully could snatch a win.

The anti-Keane and anti-Moyes hysteria was comical to observe, especially when both Keane and Beto scored.

Well done to all today and I'm going to enjoy that winning feeling this weekend.

Howard Don
159 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:35:57
No Michael, most honest fans didn't say so, in fact quite a few on here didn't, but don't let that interfere with your “Let's look for any stick I can beat Moyes with” approach to punditry.

Given what was available through injuries and, after last week when Ndiaye and McNeil both looked knackered well before the end, it was a starting lineup and bench to do a job away from home, which it did.

Oh and we weren't lucky either, outfought Fulham all second half and thoroughly deserved the win.

Colin Glassar
160 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:38:39
I thought the ref was MotM. If I had to choose an Everton player, I'd go for Gana Gueye, again. He gets through so much and goes unnoticed.

McNeil was excellent and Charly Alcaraz much improved once he went central. He's wasted playing out wide.

Good second half and we'll deserved win.

If we'd won all our drawn games, we'd be on 72 points now.

Ray Jacques
161 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:39:16
We don't get many away wins.
Let's just enjoy it.
Andy Walker
162 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:40:24
Well said, Howard, there's an agenda on this site now.

Those who feed it won't acknowledge it though.

John Keating
163 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:42:19
Well, after 70 plus years, what do I, or many of us, know about footy?
Prior to the game, I was on the fence about the team. Thought Moyes had set himself up,

However, after a dismal first half, and bringing on two players I thought he should have started, off we went!!!!

Great result, regardless of performance.

Pity the other 3-1 result at Celtic Park didn't go the way I wanted.

Still midweek!!!!!

Colin Malone
164 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:42:56
Let's hope that's the last we see of Doucoure, again I say, it's nothing personal Sonny. Just strictly business.

https://youtu.be/Bo7zkd0kRS4?si=QCuHrdQ8nYjkK_GP

Steve Brown
165 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:43:59
Fair summary from Moysey.

We were terrible in the first 25 minutes due to the team selection and the lack of intensity from the players.

Second half was much better when Ndiaye and McNeil replaced Harrison and Doucoure. So the manager got it wrong in the first half, but made all the right decisions after the break.

I thought Alcaraz really grew into the game.

Colin Glassar
166 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:47:55
I'd love it if we ruined Newcastle's chance of Champions League football next season.

Just to see rat boy's ugly mug…

Steve Brown
167 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:53:07
“Anti Moyes hysteria”, so tiresome.

As soon as I see your name Neil @ 158, I know the same tired cliche is on its way.

Ironically, you are almost hysterical yourself in screaming about anti-Moyes bias.. usually preceded by “I never wanted Moyes but.” Sure buddy.

At least try and come up with some variation to it, so we are not all bored to death.

Jimmy Carr
168 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:56:34
Some posters just never learn; sometimes it's best to say nothing when the line-up is announced. Mind you, it left me baffled.

However, a Moyes masterclass if ever there was one. Bringing the calvary on when they're really needed. Those thousand odd games in the Premier League count for something.

This was how you manage your playing resources to get maximum effect. COYB!

Ajay Gopal
169 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:01:05
VAR tried its best to deny Everton the win, but bad luck, guys, boo hoo.

Taking off Doucoure and Harrison changed things around. Harrison was doing well, but Doucoure was atrocious. Beto was poor and he got lucky with his goal, really poor goalkeeping.

Keane played well – not only the goal but the couple of pinpoint cross-field passes that he played were quite breathtaking. And he was solid most of the game. Enough to convince Moyes to give him a new contract? Possibly.

But well done to the players and David Moyes. Huge improvement in the 2nd half to overturn a 0-1 deficit.

Ian Bennett
170 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:01:32
Steve - I thought he was limited in his selection options. I can't argue with Keane coming in, and playing Young over Patterson was probably a wise choice.

That will have influenced his decision to play Doucoure and Harrison, to avoid being left wide open against two lads that are not first choice away from home.

His bench gave him the opportunity to change it up. I think that's key in the last 20 minutes of Premier League games, and so it proved.

As has been said, it's why hes managed a 1,000 games, and remains a respected figure in the game.

Liam Mogan
171 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:04:52
Great way to lead us into a momentous week. Excellent 2nd half performance.

Less said about the 1st half, the better!

Steve Shave
172 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:06:46
Great result, hard fought 2nd half. I am sick and tired of the anti-Moyes agenda from the same old people, seriously that negativity must be horrible to carry around all the time. I feel sorry for you. To openly deride someone at every available opportunity even when he hasn't really done a lot wrong yet is just plain irritating to be around.

He took over a sinking ship utterly devoid of confidence and he has us doing well with the bare bones of resources at his disposal. Let's at least give him the summer window and a pre-season to see if he can get anywhere near some of your impossible expectations of him so far.

Not the best performance first half, far from it in fact, but it's a points game, can't wait for next season!

Well done, Moyes and Everton. I've just cracked a beer. COYB.

Liam Mogan
173 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:11:49
The keeper should have saved Beto's goal.

But you often see keepers make mistakes when the striker takes the shot early. They don't get 'set' properly.

Andy Meighan
174 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:15:57
Spot on, Steve.

He was left a shit hand but has dealt with it brilliantly.

4 cracking away wins at Palace, Brighton, Forest and Fulham, not many managers in the league with a struggling side would come away with maximum points from those.

Yes, the home form has been shit, thanks, Sean, but sign off with a good win next week and we will all go home from our last ever game at the POld Tart more than happy.

Onwards and upwards at the new cathedral then!

Robert Tressell
175 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:21:04
Really encouraging display – from a pretty poor First XI too.

We all know some of these players are limited but Moyes doesn't have a lot of options (and the options he does have are coming back to fitness, which is why they're used sparingly).

Let's get behind Moyes and the squad and see this season out.

Neil Cremin
176 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:23:11
Totally agree, Ian.

I couldn't have said it better.

Ged Simpson
177 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:26:05
We have 42 points. The top of relegation zone has 22 points.

Of course we dream but dreaded Everton v Shrewsbury or someone in the new stadium.

Now stop whinging. Just a few months ago, we were fucked. Reality.


Colin Glassar
178 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:28:46
Pickford was solid, again.

For some reason, with 10-15 minutes to go, he kept on kicking the ball into touch. Weird boy.

Neil Cremin
179 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:30:57
Ditto, Steve,

If you read my posts, they have consistently stated that I believe he was the only option available.

I'm also bored with the same old culprits constantly looking to find fault.

Neil Cremin
180 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:35:18
Annika

Thus is what I tried to post at half-time. I didn't think I was prophetic, I just found it again, so posted for its irony. No offence intended. No, just looking for some balance.

I'm not pro- or anti-Moyes. I definitely didn't fancy Dyche to keep us safe so we did need a change. I didn't see too many candidates putting their hand up for the job so Moyes was probably the only option at the time.

1:1 Not too bad so far but would love a win. Maybe Keane to score it? [Tongue-in-Cheek joke]

John Keating
181 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:40:49
Further to my post of 163, The enigma of Michael Keane? Unbelievable!

His name on the teamsheet causes dread, anger and incredulity. We are all fully aware of his shortcomings.

However here we are, and there's a guy who hasn't played for ages. O'Brien is out – still not sure why? Keane steps in and, in my opinion, he was the Man of the Match

Just can't work it out? No doubt he'll go seasons end but someone will pick him up. Good on him.

Dave Abrahams
183 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:41:23
The first half was another poor and boring game but, with the two players a lot of fans didn't want to start, holding Fulham to a draw at half-time, I was hopeful we would get better.

When better footballers came on, I also hoped that Alcaraz would be kept on and moved central. Moyes used his subs well today, he didn't last week, and the brains did a lot more than the brawn and got us the points.

I thought we deserved the win but again why was VAR used for Everton's second goal and Mykolenko's handball?

There was nothing to see over the goal although they had a very long look, desperate to find something wrong.

It was great to see a referee sticking to his decision rather than be persuaded by those interfering part-time refs in the studio.

Just get us that win in the final game at The Old Lady and get the points that gets us a lot more money for a higher position and leave us all with smiles on our faces and a final winning memory.

Peter Mills
184 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:50:30
I thought we were outclassed for the first 30 minutes, but was bored silly by Fulham and Silva, and said to my mate “I just wish we would mix it up, play 4-4-2, whatever, do something unpredictable.”

The fortunate goal before half-time allowed us to do that (mix it up). And our manager did it. I have reservations about Davie, but he managed that 2nd half superbly.

I'm absolutely made up for everyone who travelled, it sounded magnificent, and it must have been brilliant when Séamus came on.

Finally, top marks to the referee. It looked as though the faceless ones were trying to tell him that Mykolenko handled it, but he was, rightly, having none of it.

Christy Ring
185 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:52:04
Let's be honest, the early threads complaining about the lineup, including myself, did anyone say anything wrong? No.

Keane had to play because O'Brien was injured, no problem with that. But were we right, because when Moyes replaced Harrison and Doucoure with McNeil and Ndiaye, we were a much better team. The 2nd half was a complete contrast to the 1st, so totally vindicated.

Having said that, I'm totally lost when Michael and Co start saying how lucky we were with the first and third goal, guys credit Moyes, that's football.

Jay Harris
186 Posted 10/05/2025 at 18:56:40
I think quite a lot of us were concerned when we saw the team selection and it's fair to say we had a rough first half but Moyes's half-time talk and in-game management brought us the luck we were due and the 3 points.

Now we just have to beat Southampton in the last game at Goodison to finish above the media darlings.

One thing that bugs me enormously though is VAR's determination to overturn our goals or give a penalty against us. A blind man could see Keane's header was not offside so why check that after deciding there was no foul on the keeper? And as for the penalty review, it is becoming tedious now. The ball was a yard away from Mykolenko. What was he supposed to do? Chop his arms off.

If it takes 3 or 4 minutes to review a referee's decision in real time then there is something wrong with the individuals doing the review.

Eddie Dunn
187 Posted 10/05/2025 at 19:07:38
I hope Moyes remembers that Doucoure and Harrison were pretty useless in that first half, and the eventual selection looked miles better.

Fair play to Keane — he had a very good game.

Jerome Shields
188 Posted 10/05/2025 at 19:12:33
Moyes got his subs right in the second half and turned the game. It just shows you what tactical change can do. Silva sets up his team and only ever fine-tuned his tactics. He got caught today

Steve #172,

Who are you calling old? You are a bit of a dinosaur yourself...

Andrew Clare
189 Posted 10/05/2025 at 19:24:51
I didn't think that we would win that one, so glad I was wrong. An excellent second half. The substitutions won the game.

I love to see Alcaraz pushing forward and releasing Beto to score. Beto is great when he has that service.

Well done, Blues, and well done to the travelling Evertonians who have always given incredible support to the team. Wish I was there.

Ian Bennett
190 Posted 10/05/2025 at 19:39:26
Pickford
Patterson or Dixon
Mykolenko
Branthwaite
Keane

Garner
Gana
Alcaraz

Ndiaye
McNeil
Beto

I assume that's the side people wanted to see.

To me that looks decent going forward, but weak out of possession away from home. There is a lack of match fitness in some also, and on a bad day would be shipping in multiple goals.

It also leaves little genuine game changers from the bench. Last week, the combination of McNeil, Ndiaye and Alcaraz didn't work, so trying again from the off was unlikely.

His enforced selection had me worried. But credit to them for staying in the 2nd half, and then hitting Fulham.

The snipping from those that don't want Moyes is tiresome. He's come in and turned it around. Please give him some credit and please reserve any judgement until he's brought his own players in.

Every one of us want the blue boys to move forward. It's clear that there is going to be no sackings to bring some hipster to take us to a promised land of make believe. The club needs stability and it needs good players coming in. Moyes over the next 2 years is the best bet to achieve both.

Dale Self
191 Posted 10/05/2025 at 19:39:30
2 wins out of 11, meh. Joking, of course.

To me, Moyes just demonstrated he is a superior manager to Dyche. Facing some similar constraints, Moyes has continually come up with solutions more favorable to the players' skill set and desire to play proper football.

Typically, this group would try and would somehow experience a relapse. Whether by bounce or actual tactics they now show some resilience. That's not a new manager bounce or luck, that is possibly a feature of team spirit Andy talked about. Moyes gets credit for that.

I don't like the move, and I am with those who think we would have survived. That said, Moyes is preserving a lot of potential transfer value that the club desperately needs to turn the squad over.

It's not like anyone wishes for Moyes to fail just to be right. On the other side, there are clear similarities in what Dyche and Moyes bring to clubs at different levels. This level was perhaps a bit above Dyche's but around Moyes'. If you were asking for a revolution from Dycheball, there is room to believe that you did not get it with the arrival of Moyes.

It may turn out to be a sensible move in tbe uncertainty of funding what needs to be done in the next few transfer windows.

Dan Nulty
192 Posted 10/05/2025 at 19:41:31
Michael with the Freudian slip:

'Michael Keane sent a bullet header that almost burst the Fulham net.'

Danny O'Neill
193 Posted 10/05/2025 at 19:50:31
As always, I'll reflect later. Great day out in the West London sun with good company.

100 out of 10 for our truly amazing supporters. Relentless from start to finish.

The new Pickford song is great. At one point, it seemed not to stop.

We even got a rendition of "Everton, oh we love Everton" at half time on the concourse.

Joe McMahon
194 Posted 10/05/2025 at 20:01:31
Danny, were you the cool looking dude in the white T shirt & shades?

Good to see team running forwards. Good result today. Well done, Mr Moyes, cant beat a win in the sun!

Richard Duff
195 Posted 10/05/2025 at 20:19:42
Hearing the amazing support singing “Everton, Everton, Everton “ got me thinking that next week we should be signing “Goodison, Goodison, Goodison “!!
Andy Crooks
196 Posted 10/05/2025 at 20:21:25
Look forward to your report, Danny.
Liam Mogan
197 Posted 10/05/2025 at 20:25:09
What a week ahead.

Watching Springsteen on Wednesday night, last game at Goodison on Sunday.

Ian Bennett
198 Posted 10/05/2025 at 20:28:00
O'Brien out with knee injury, per the Echo.
John Keating
199 Posted 10/05/2025 at 20:39:18
The prices quoted these days are crazy! This kid Doak. £30M!!!! Crazy!

However, regardless, this kid Alcaraz, well if they're talking £12-15M?
Seems a steal!

Great result today. Pickford and Keane were immense!

Peter Mills
200 Posted 10/05/2025 at 20:46:54
Glory days, Liam.
Eric Haworth
201 Posted 10/05/2025 at 20:55:20
Credit where credits due, that was a professional manager doing a real professional job. Not what us fantasy football managers would have him do on here.
He made an error of judgement last week, by listening to us, and corrected that this week.

For example pairing Patterson and McNeil on the right from the start last week we payed the price. Patterson was all over the place and even on a good day McNeil doesn’t provide sufficient cover to compensate.

But today Young and Harrison were solid, as was the much maligned Michael Keane, with Mykolenko probably having his best game yet in a blue shirt, and Gueye & Garner were outstanding. That solidity kept us in the game, and despite all these TV pundits talking us down, we kept Fulham’s real chances to being few and far between, and even their headed goal was a defensive misjudgement by Branthwaite and Mykolenko.

But Moyes played his hand brilliantly by bringing on the subs at the point when the Fulham players were tiring and the likes of McNeil and N’diaye could have maximum impact, unlike last week where both were on from the start and neither looked fit and had minimum affect. So hands up, Mr. Moyes you’re more of a manager than any of us👍💙

Ernie Baywood
202 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:02:17
Colin #178 - I think Pickford's kicking was affected by his shoulder. He kept hooking them and it looked like it was the shoulder giving him the problem.

That landing was how you do rotator cuff injuries. And they can be a real prick of an injury and even worse of a surgery/recovery.

Hopefully he's dodged it.

Mike Gaynes
203 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:05:33
Hope Picks is okay. What a tragedy it would be if he couldn't play next week.

Pete #200, you beat me to it. Too quick.

Neil Cremin
204 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:10:06
Ian
Totally agree
We lost a 2:0 lead last week because playing Ndiaye, McNeill and Alcaraz would have left us totally exposed at the back, considering that format had not played together. Needed Harrison and Doucs to work defensively to try and contain Fulham and hopefully sneak a goal later when the game opened up..
Basically that is what we did.
Martin Mason
205 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:10:14
Let me say what I saw as honestly as I can.

A first half, where we were initially outplayed by a good Fulham side, came good for us and, by the end of the half, we had equalised and were the better side. Their goal was a superb header by Jiminez, ours a decently worked effort by Mykolenko.

In the second half, we were superb and neither goal was lucky. We took over the game completely, breaking down their attacks and playing the ball out really well.

Our Men of the Match? Jordan as always but this time Keano too, superb not only defensively but his play out of defence was superb at times. Garner and Gana top class.

Who had a bad match? Nobody apart from Jack Harrison who tries so hard but looks to be not up to this level of game; everybody else played well overall.

Substitutions? Really well done and at 60 minutes to give time. All subs knew what was needed of them and all fitted in to improve the team.

A superb performance, a beautiful day on a beautiful ground, with beautiful friends and a great bunch of travelling fans at the ground. I could possibly raise the odd criticism but why after a performance like that?

Two awful VARs and 10 minutes overtime but Fulham by then were never going to touch us.

My Mother told me that there'd be days like this.

Sam Hoare
206 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:18:11
Great result even if the performance didn’t always match. Would be nice to finish above Tottenham and United (one of whom will be in champions league next year)

Nice to see Beto get his 10th goal of the season in only 1500 minutes. He’s certainly got things to work on but seems to get the ball in the net by hook or by crook.

Danny O'Neill
207 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:37:31
Ive been reading through the posts.

I'm not sure why some (not all) posts have descended into oneupmanship and gloating over "Moyes haters".

We've just won a game of football some this morning predicted we wouldn't.

The supporters had a great day out, as I'm sure those watching and listening at home did.

Enjoy it and Match of the Day in an hour.

Wrong selection, good changes. Who cares? We played well once we woke up. And Everton won. Thats what matters.

Brendan McLaughlin
208 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:46:03

Danny O'Neill
209 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:54:22
The Jordan Pickford song:

"He's a Maccam, he's a blue, he's a toffee through and through. He hates Newcastle, he hates the white, Jordan Pickford is dynamite"

Link

Liam Mogan
210 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:59:01
What does 'he hates the white' mean?
Danny O'Neill
211 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:04:58
The perils of auto correct on your phone. Hates the Shite
Brendan McLaughlin
212 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:05:35
Leeds? Liam #10

I'd have gone for "the shite".

Mark Murphy
213 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:08:03
Just got home
Pissed
Exstatic
UTFT
Andrew Merrick
214 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:09:45
Thanks for posting that Danny, the away end was loud and proud on my stream, and it always lifts the team to hear you guys, made up for everyone blue today :)
Liam Mogan
215 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:16:11
Thanks Danny, should have listened tbf
Neil Copeland
216 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:18:25
Just got home, what a fantastic day out with the best away support in the world. Outstanding from start to finish and the JP chant is even better.

The team did alright too.

Well in blues. UTFT!

Robert Tressell
217 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:26:53
Sam, you've stuck by Beto from day one.

Today, I don't think he was lucky at all with his goal. I think he caught Leno out by striking the ball well and early.

That's now 8 in 28 league games and 12 in 33 all competitions. That's really not bad at all in fairness.

By contrast, Liam Delap has 12 in 38 (all competitions) - and he gets a lot more support in a very attacking Ipswich side.

Robert Tressell
218 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:32:09
John # 199, £30m is really not a lot for a Premier League transfer these days. A good proportion of the players Moyes bought in his first spell would now be £30m transfers.

Inflation runs higher in the transfer market than normal life. And just think of the price of a pint these days.

Andy Crooks
219 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:32:30
Sometimes, Everton give you a great day. What joy!!
Ian Bennett
220 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:33:19
It's even better Robert.

It's 8 goals in 15 full games equivalent (1350 minutes).

He's also missed 10 big chances. He's getting into goal scoring positions.

Will be interesting whether we are prepared to sell that?

Andrew Merrick
221 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:35:39
That is a very interesting comparison Robert, l like beto too, he is not a polished number 9, but if his stats are better than delap thats pretty useful eh?

Maybe if we view him as a useful prem ready squad player, that's enough..

Liam Mogan
222 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:37:37
The minutes per goal Beto stat is a very apposite one.

Gangly, clumsy, couldn't trap a bag of sand etc. But does have a goal threat. Not to be sniffed at.

Dave Abrahams
223 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:37:40
Robert (217) if Beto scores and we get a point or three I won’t complain— he’ll never be a great footballer in fact he’s pretty poor but when he scores, and he’s doing okay at that, he’s doing his job and earning his wages so he could be here next season or we might get some interesting and surprising bids for him, so keep scoring Beto and you’ll do yourself a lot of good and Everton FC as well.
Neil Cremin
224 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:49:35
Danny
Not sure if you are including me in those comments
I have been already been accused of being a Moyes cheerleader #35 ir tiresome #167 but if you read the first 20 post most (not all) are slating of the team selection and the manager. I prefer balance not bias and will call out posts where I think bias is blinding fair analysis (caveat IMO). For me the most measured posts are from Ian #190 and Erik #201.
As you often say we are all Blues and want our team to win. Today was a good day so let’s enjoy the moment.
Sam Hoare
225 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:52:56
Robert@217, yes, I always thought there were some raw materials to work with there but he was being misused. Moyes has got more out of him.

Since David Moyes’ first Premier League game back with Everton (15 January), only three players have scored more goals in the league than Beto: Isak, Salah and Mateta.

Ian Bennett
226 Posted 10/05/2025 at 22:53:49
Sign Delap and he battles it out with Beto for the number 9 or a physical duo.

Asking Delap to hit the ground running at a bigger club is a challenge, see Hoiyland, so to me id keep Beto - and lose dcl.

Yes Dcl is a more of a neat footballer, but if he"s not getting chances or converting them, isn't what we need.

Billy Shears
227 Posted 10/05/2025 at 23:01:12
So pleased to be proven wrong... well done Blue Boys for putting in the effort for our magnificent away fans!!!
Brendan McLaughlin
228 Posted 10/05/2025 at 23:04:41
Neil #224

Danny quite often calls out those who criticise the "Moye's bashers".

Never seems to intervene to the same extent to defend the Blues who are supportive of the manager.

Martin Berry
229 Posted 10/05/2025 at 23:20:11
Martin 17#

Spot on mate !

Danny O'Neill
230 Posted 10/05/2025 at 23:51:02
Neil, no, I'm not referring to you or anyone in particular.

I'd just rather the conversation didn't go that way.

We can all debate the manager and players and that is fine.

That's a bit unfair to be honest Brendan mate. I will call out people with my own views. I don't see why I should defend anyone's on either side of the divide.

Unfortunately, his re-appointment was always going to create this. I'd rather just concentrate on the good job he's done so far and hope he get's the backing to build on it in the summer for next season.

I'll question anyone, just as anyone can question me. Big shoulders and I never take offence.

Ben King
231 Posted 11/05/2025 at 00:09:10
Excellent win!

Let’s finish ahead of Utd, Spurs, Wolves & the Hammers!

Mike Gaynes
232 Posted 11/05/2025 at 01:21:39
Ben #231, all I want is to finish ahead of MU. I want to stand over those chumps just once.
Derek Thomas
233 Posted 11/05/2025 at 04:25:39
So to sum up...

Vs Fulham we go behind early then win 3-1 and (some) people aren't too happy.
Vs Bayern we go behind early and win 3-1 and it's the greatest game ever.

Who said football fans are fickle?

Steve Brown
234 Posted 11/05/2025 at 05:09:09
Robert 218, basis your research which players would be alternatives to Delap in that £30 million transfer bracket?

My sense is that there will be better alternatives internationally, but it would be great to hear who could be considered.

Matt Traynor
235 Posted 11/05/2025 at 05:21:42
Well, I had got my IPTV working, and was looking forward to it until a) I saw the teamsheet and b) the wife decided to watch some violent movie on Netflix (I do worry about her). So not enough bandwidth for all, I decided to go on what I got off radio, plus the TW live stream.

Definitely a game of 2 halves (I long for a full pint of Everton one day).

I watched the highlights on MOTD early this morning, and felt the edit showed that they were trying to show a game of two halves.

I felt Myko was at fault for the 1st goal, but to be fair, I think that was Raul Jiménez's 6th goal against us (?) and I wasn't surprised he out-jumped Myko.

Later in the game it was shown that Myko misplaced a pass - I couldn't be arsed to rewind to see who it was - but someone in our midfield played a horrible ball to him, and unfortunately he doesn't have legs like Inspector Gadget.

Good goal from Keane. "Celebrated" like someone who knows he's gone at the end of the season.

I know Beto's goal was assisted by Leno, but he hit it first time, which I think caught Leno off guard.

The pundits gave Pickford MOTM - by some distance. Now here's my controversial point. Does anyone think Beto looks a different player under Moyes (pretty much in the same team he was labouring under Dyche previously)? Moyes made the point in his post-match commentary that if he was 19, you'd work on certain areas... Beto himself said he feels like he's improving - as long as he's playing.

That's now 10 for the season... not bad in that team? So would you try to cash in on a 27/28 year old or keep him as a back up (not sure he'd like that himself, but it's a squad game).

Jerome Shields
236 Posted 11/05/2025 at 05:35:13
Beto did take his goal well. He has the shooting of a natural goalscorer.He was well trained in the basics when young and is a out and out forward.Playing in a Defensive formation which is so much part of Everton's shape is sonething he is still getting to grips with.Calvert Lewin is better at it.
Matt Traynor
237 Posted 11/05/2025 at 06:20:06
Jerome #236 - Good point - I agree DCL is better, simply because he's been in the system for longer, more familiar with the surrounds of the club and the league etc.

This is all if's, but's and maybe's, but if DCL does decide to stay on, and on the assumption we have a limited budget and other priorities, I personally don't think going into next season with DCL, Beto, Chermiti (another year older etc.) and a.n.other or someone stepping up, would be the worst outcome.

Also partly as I still have sleepless nights of some of the shaftings we've had when buying big-ticket strikers in recent history.

Neil Cremin
238 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:26:29
Thanks Danny
I agree
It frustrated the hell out of me when this thread started off being about Moyes rather than discuss options available with Jake out.
Danny O'Neill
239 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:37:49
Totally Neil, as match day approaches, I just go into match mode. We have all week to debate other matters and most of it is healthy when it doesn't get too personal. We all want the best for our club. Some of the most heated debates I have are with friends and family close to me!!
Robert Tressell
240 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:38:54
Steve # 234,

If the budget is £30m, that's really not a lot of money for a Premier League transfer - especially a striker. It's less than Villa paid for Ollie Watkins nearly 5 years ago. It's £20m short of what Wolves paid for Cunha 2 years ago.

In world football, there won't be many who would cost that little and deliver more than about 8 to 12 goals in their first season.

On that basis, for the £30m release clause, I think Delap is probably one of the best options out there.

Other good options would include:

Ferguson (Brighton) - although probably costs more than £30m.

Castro (Bologna) - again probably costs more than £30m. He's the most talented and potentially gettable striker out there.

Bonny (Parma)

Barry (Villareal)

Emegha (Strasbourg)

Arokdare (Genk)

The latter four could kick on and develop into a Marcus Thuram quality player - but equally might be more likely to plateau out as a Beto standard player (or like Onuachu at Saints, fall well short of Beto).

That's the problem with trying to buy "ready made". At that price, all you're really doing is stock piling players who are no better than the players you already have.

Personally, I think it is better to hunt around for players of exceptional talent aged 16 to 20 - and then try to develop them over a few years. Even then, many of the most likely have already moved recently - Tzimas (Brighton), Harder (Lisbon), Oskarsson (Sociedad), Tel (Spurs) and Kroupi (Bournemouth). But Franculino (Midtylland), Stassin (St Etienne) and Ivanovic (Millwall) stand out as interesting options amongst dozens and dozens of much younger players.

Brian Porter
241 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:41:25
I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but despite various comments and criticism, doesn't that make Beto our leading scorer for the season?
Sam Hoare
242 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:42:45
Steve@234 my pick would be Evann Guessand from Nice. He’s a similar profile to DCL and Beto (tall, strong, fast and hard working) but has good technique and links play really well.

Other options might be Mika Biereth, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Lucas Stassin, Tolu Arkodare, Mikkel Bro Hansen, Hugo Ekitike (likely too expensive), Manfred Ugalde, Franjo Ivanovic, Simon Banza.

Steve Shave
243 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:45:23
Excellent list Robert, I haven't heard of some of them but I like the look of Ivanovic at Millwall and also I was watching some videos of Emegha, tall and fast and looks a good prospect.

Bireth is a good shout Sam but now likely to cost more than £30m.

Robert Tressell
244 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:58:12
Out of all these players Sam / Steve - who would you be confident is going to get more than 12 goals in season one? That’s a much more difficult question
Steve Shave
245 Posted 11/05/2025 at 08:11:19
I guess Robert much depends on the other players we get in and team style next season.
Ian Bennett
246 Posted 11/05/2025 at 08:12:20
I think the lad from Strasbourg has the best profile, but Chelsea will have first option on him as sister club. Diarra like wise.

Keep an eye on Jackson at Chelsea if hes surplus to requirements. Ekitike is as likely as Jonathan David sadly.

It's going to be hard to find a better goal scorer than Beto. I do think he can score 10-15 goals over a full season if he's given the minutes. Yes, I cant believe I typed that.

Not the most polished clearly, but he's getting chances. It's when strikers don't get chances you've an issue.

Sam Hoare
247 Posted 11/05/2025 at 08:32:21
Robert@244 it's plausible you could put Haaland in this team and he struggles to get more than 15. The provision of chances is obviously as large if not a larger issue. Beto is a decent goalscorer but doesn't link play as well as top strikers. DCL links play better but is struggling to be clinical.

I think an all rounded striker like Guessand is the way forward. Ekitike looks to have an all round skill set too but will be too expensive I suspect.

Depending on what money is availbale I think its quite possible we go into next season without a new striker (maybe another option if DCL leaves). It will be harder to improve on Beto than it will be at RW, RB and CM.

I don't think Ferguson will cost more than £30m any more for what it's worth. He's had 2 dud seasons (due to injury mainly) and is 21 soon with less than 15 club goals since he broke onto the scene young. Could be a risk worth taking for someone but I'd be surprised if he cost more than £25m at this point.

Ian Bennett
248 Posted 11/05/2025 at 08:37:52
Ferguson is probably more likely to be a loan in the EPL, or perhaps an overseas club come in for him.

Robert Tressell
249 Posted 11/05/2025 at 08:39:48
That all makes sense. For me at around the £30m mark only Delap, Castro and Ferguson would be worth doing.

Beyond that, probably better to stick with Beto and stock up on a few high potential teenagers who cost up to around the £20m mark.

Wilson, Ings and (of course) DCL are available as free transfers. So could provide cover (although wages are high and injuries an issue)

And I could see a decent logic to giving Broja another go on loan. He has talent and once he gets a run of games could start scoring.

Brian Williams
250 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:00:47
Getting this thread back on the subject in hand (yesterday's result) rather than the transfer guessing game it's become, two of yesterday's goals showed how small margins, very small margins in fact, can have a huge difference in the outcome.

For the first goal Myko didn't hit the shot particularly well but it got a great, for us, deflection and went in.

For the third goal Alcaraz's pass to Beto had a real touch of good fortune in that the pass itself ended up being the pass he intended only because it caught the defender's leg and fell very nicely for Beto.

Beto's goal itself, which he hit well, but in most games the keeper would have saved that rather than failing to deal with that bounce just as it got to him.

I make the point not to denigrate any player but, as I said, just to show how very small margins can have a huge effect on the outcome.

Yesterday those small margins went very much in our favour but, as we all know but lots seem sometimes unable to accept, the difference between scoring and not scoring doesn't always make the player attempting to score a donkey, or useless, or "get rid" material.

Rob Halligan
251 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:02:44
Two defeats in eleven at The Cottage! Who said again it was an unlucky ground?

Sorry Billy # 227, I know it was you. I guess it’s so easy to forget past results at some grounds, whilst some stick in the head ie Anfield, OT, Stamford Bridge etc.

Definitely a game of two halves. A couple of decent saves by JP to keep us in the game until a (in my opinion) flukey equaliser by Myko took us in level at half time. Another great save by JP to keep the game level until Keane and Beto stepped up to finish the game. Plenty of debate between our gang as to whether it was a foul by Charly on their defender for the corner from which we scored. I say it was a fair shoulder to shoulder, whilst Dave thinks it was a push by Charly. And why the long VAR review for the goal? First of all the screen said possible foul, then possible offside? Having seen the goal on MOTD, there is clearly no foul by anyone and no flick on to Keane, and we all know you can’t be offside from a corner, so what were they looking for? The third goal, another break by Charly, we’ve definitely got to sign him up, and a first time shot by Beto, with a massive helping hand from Leno to finish the game. I can just imagine the uproar on here if JP had made that error!!

The traffic report flashing up on the screen towards the end of the game did not make good reading…….Putney Bridge closed, meant a long walk to Hammersmith, meant we didn’t get back to Euston till about 18.30. Still enough time for a couple before the 19.40 train, when we were joined again by the team!

So overall, a good day out. I’d say JP was MOTM, and I can’t wait for the visit to Skunksville in two weeks time when the new song for JP will be booming out up in the gods. The skunk maggots will definitely be dragging their knuckles when they hear this one!!

Brian Williams
252 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:05:11
Rob, well done for yesterday mate. Once again our away support was out of this world.
Danny O'Neill
253 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:11:05
That song was great Rob. It never stopped.

I will personally apologise for the trains. I think it is me. I am cursed!!

Brian, I'm still on a high from yesterday. Transfer talk can wait until the summer as it isn't going to affect the next two matches.

I'm just enjoying a great win and looking forward to the next one.

The only players that can deliver that are the ones we have now.

Mike Doyle
254 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:20:24
Sam #242] out of interest, How do you locate/spot these players? Do you watch a lot of European football or do you have another source?
Robert Tressell
255 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:23:31
Brian #250, completely right. We are a few small margins away from Moyes being lambasted as a mug for his selection etc. Until we go into games with much better players than the opposition we will continue to rely on small margins.

Sometimes the manager will get the rub of the green and therefore have got the tactics right. Sometimes the ball just won’t go in and the manager will be incompetent.

Danny O'Neill
256 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:25:38
I don't think anyone was lambasting him as a mug. Just a few raised eyebrows. Certainly from where I was sat and the messages I received just before kick off.

The manager has to decide. That's his job. It didn't pay off, but he changed it, which did.

Sam Hoare
257 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:32:50
Mike@254 most of my opinions are plagiarized! I read a lot of online scouting reports from people I think have a good eye and then often I’ll cross reference with stats from the likes of FBref, transfermsrket and whoscored which are all free. I’ll watch highlights for players I’m interested in but we all know these can be misleading. Very occasionally I’ll watch a match on tv if it’s teams with players I like (Nice vs Rennes for example).
John Williams
258 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:12:23
There are always people telling us, our centre forwards
don t score enough goals, but surely that is heard at every football club, but I was suprised to hear yesterday, that Danny Wellbeck reached double figures for the first time in his career, with that penalty.
Mike Doyle
259 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:24:13
Sam #257] That sounds like a big time commitment. Perhaps you could offer your analysis to Mr Moyes & co for the coming transfer window?
Neil Cremin
260 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:31:37
Danny Me again

I would respectfully disagree

When I saw the team I also raised my eyebrows and went straight to the subs to check if Jake was there. When he wasn’t I think I understood the logic.

If he started with Ndiaye and McNeill I think we would be in danger of capitulating like last week. They are attack minded players. As I posted already, I think Harrison and Doucs were selected to protect an inexperienced defensive lineup until the game opened up and then bring on the two. Don’t think either are up to doing 90min yet

Brian Harrison
261 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:00:04
Neil 260

I think its really worrying to see you say it was better he started with Harrison and Doucoure to protect inexperienced defenders. Keane and Young have played 100s of games, Branthwaite has been a regular for practically 2 seasons and Mykolenko has played for the last few years. We should be starting with our strongest side which in my opinion doesn't include Harrison and probably Doucoure, the fact we went 2 up against Ipswich then gave up the lead was nothing to do with having attacking players starting a game it was silly individual mistakes that stopped us winning that game.
Have we been ground down so much over the last few years that some fans are now wanting to see players who can fill a defensive jobs rather than creative players.

Danny O'Neill
262 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:10:19
Yes Neil, that's why he's the manager and we aren't.

Quite a few were a bit concerned that young Jake didn't feature at all. I certainly must have missed any reports of him being injured.

It was good management by Moyes yesterday. I think in the main the criticism of the starting line up was the persistence with Doucoure and Harrison. He's obviously got his reasons and I'm guessing that's work rate, but you couldn't question any of those players in the second half for work rate off the ball.

Poor Beto was, once again, running on empty, but kept going.

Colin Glassar
263 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:11:15
Spot on, Brian.

I can’t believe some people on Twitter are now suggesting we should keep Keane (Doucoure/Harrison) because he showed some basic competence as a defender yesterday. And the other two for their work rate,

This is why Everton needs a total mentality reset. NSNO needs to be respected, and obeyed, again.

Danny O'Neill
264 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:18:41
Yes Brian. Keane is a very experienced defender. He and Young have a combined age of 71. Branthwaite doesn't need protecting and Mykolenko, for all his limitations, is a decent defender most of the time.

Besides, we had Gana and Garner sat in front of the defence to do that job.

Just like we shouldn't get carried away with a half's worth of a decent performance and result this week, I don't think we should judge on last week's either.

We were very poor for nearly 45 minutes yesterday and it would have been no surprise had we headed for the tunnel trailing at the break. Possibly by more where it not for a very good save by Pickford.

Ian Bennett
265 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:20:03
I think he will have looked at it and thought if it's two passing teams against each, other we will lose out.

Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Pereira, Wilson, Sessengnon, jimenez are all good ball players. Better than ours at least as a collective.

Tactically he will have decided that the counter press was the way to stop them playing.

Defeatist? I am not sure a midfield of Garner, Gana, Alcaraz, Ndiaye and Mcneil controls thst midfield- and with Keane and young that's a fair gamble away from home.

4 wins away from home in the last 8, vs 1 in 21 previously if I heard it right.

Robert Tressell
266 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:29:05
I agree with Neil.

As Brian points out earlier, this was a game of fine margins. We did deserve to win in the end but got back into it with a lucky deflection.

As all of our past 4 managers have concluded, our limited attacking talent means we're more likely to get a good result playing conservatively.

With someone like Ipswich's McKenna as manager - we would definitely approach the game differently. Players like Ndiaye and McNeil would start and we would take the initiative and attack the opposition.

However, that leaves us vulnerable on the counter and space in open play to pick off an exposed 40 year old full back and slow as a snail Michael Keane. Our defence is so good because the whole team prioritises the defensive effort (none more so than Harrison and Doucoure), not because the defensive players are good.

You might have been more likely to get a 4-3 Fulham win than a 1-3 Everton win.

At some point I would like us to go with a manager like McKenna - but realistically, he is probably the sort of guy who might takeover once Moyes has steadied the ship and sorted out a firmly bottom half bunch of players (especially in attack / wide). In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if McKenna does join us after being sacked by Spurs in a couple of years...

Danny O'Neill
267 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:40:57
The game changed when we took the game to Fulham and had them on the back foot, hunting in packs rather than inviting them on.

Robert, I'll have to be convinced by McKenna. It might be me being harsh or uneducated, but I instantly think of Graham Potter or, worse still, Mike Walker.

You are right about Moyes. He can and should stabilise us, but I don't see us lifting up any trees with him at the helm. I genuinely hope I am wrong. Time will tell.

The summer will tell us a lot about our ambition. Not just the manager, the club.

Robert Tressell
268 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:53:56
Danny # 267

This is the thing that gets me so exasperated.

Of course Moyes will not pull up any trees in the next two years. In June we will have a squad of 13 first team players, quite a few of whom aren't very good. It also looks likely we'll have only a modest kitty (anything below £75m net spend being modest these days compared to what the likes of Palace, Bournemouth, Forest, Brighton etc have all been spending).

So if you want someone to play front foot football next season (which Moyes generally won't) then you have to accept there's a good chance our results will be worse, not better (albeit we'll see more goals).

The thing that is really stopping us from playing successful front foot football (and choosing managers who do that) is the crap squad.

Martin Mason
269 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:54:56
Spot on Derek@233. I for one don't accept any criticism over yesterday's performance especially of Keane, Moyes and Jordan who are often slagged mercilessly. 3-1 away against a good Fulham team was simply exceptional and a festival of enjoyment for the fans at the ground in beautiful conditions. Yes, we have a poor squad and yet on days like yesterday some square pegs are starting to fit into square holes. The poor squad is what we have, Moyes is what we have and support them is what we should do not criticise them. I see a decent future for us with some falls on the way but please support them not criticise them from pillar to post. Supporters are what we saw yesterday at the Cottage. As a club we should be proud to have them. What a song for Jordan too. Instead of saying I think we'll lose today, try saying well the odds are against us but we still have a decent chance of winning. Odds against don't mean that you can't win. Horsham Branch is planning on how we can get tickets and which games we can get to next season. Better times are coming. Btw, I don't accept that either of Evertons last 2 goals was lucky. We got the ball forward well and the shots were intended to go into the goal and there are many ways that this can happen. There is no such thing as luck, the goals were absolutely as intended, don't be defeatist, they were superb goals.
Liam Mogan
270 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:06:49
I'm not impressed by McKenna at Ipswich. Another one of those 'we play attacking football' coaches who get found out when they are not willing to adapt to circumstances.

And he's a ringer for Kurtan Mucklowe from 'This Country'

Colin Crooks
271 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:17:09
Doucourie is not my favourite player in fact I think he is very poor technically. but even with the benefit of hindsight. the hindsight merchants don't seem to know what they watched.

The game did not change because Doucourie was substituted. it changed as a direct result of his persistence which lead to our equalizer.

Without that goal, we go in at half time trailing having been comprehensively outplayed. Fulham, on the other hand would have gone in leading after completely dominating.

They say goals change games, but so does a kick in the bollocks. Fulham simply didnt recover from from a 48th minute kick in the bollocks

Colin Glassar
272 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:24:14
CC, if we want somebody to chase after everything, we could swap him for a puppy.
Colin Crooks
273 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:31:41
CG

I don't do band wagons. Not even against puppy dogs.

That means I wont say a game changed when a player went off the pitch when I clearly saw it change when he was on it and he had contributed to the change.

Martin Mason
274 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:35:44
Colin, you need to accept that you may not really know what you have watched? A question, for Moyes he is first choice, for you, he has no talent whatsoever.

Who knows best — you or Everton's coaching staff? Not being funny but we must also accept our own shortcomings sometimes.

Christy Ring
275 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:49:15
Robert# Delap taken off again after 60miin’s yesterday, personally I’d prefer to take a chance on Ferguson, and he’s more of a target man.
Colin Glassar
276 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:56:12
CC, I accept that he was involved in the equaliser. I also recognise his work rate, doggedness (pardon the pun), enthusiasm and love for the club etc… but that doesn’t make up for his technical deficiencies.

I like Doucoure. I thought he was better at Watford than he is for us. He’s a big lad who causes defences trouble, but players like that are ten a penny. We need someone who can trap a ball, defend a ball, pass a ball. These are qualities Duke lacks.

As for Harrison? No comment

Sorry, CC, I just re-read your previous post and it seems we do agree about Doucoure.

Steve Brown
277 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:58:28
Ian @ 265, and 11 points in 11 games. That does not represent a good haul, but perhaps the performances deserved more.
Steve Brown
278 Posted 11/05/2025 at 13:01:40
I also don’t think winning possession leading to a deflected goal represents Doucs making a significant contribution to yesterday’s game.
Colin Crooks
279 Posted 11/05/2025 at 13:01:55
Martin

"You need to accept" that you maybe.... Actually, you are, definitely are talking shite.

It wasnt just me who saw Doucourie's contribution to our equalizer. nearly thirty thousand people inside Craven cottage saw it too. Not to mention the millions who saw it on their TV's.

"Not being funny" but I didnt mention Selection. Moyes, or his coaching staff.

Ian Bennett
280 Posted 11/05/2025 at 13:12:02
4 defeats in 17. Unlucky against Villa, and the performances against Liverpool and City were decent.

Id say yes, it's a very good turn around compared to the prior 4 or 5 years. Add in the squad quality and injuries.

Phil Wood
281 Posted 11/05/2025 at 13:36:52
Oh Well! 3 goals and 3 points. Sorry so many have been disappointed. Never mind. Maybe next season we can cheer a lot of you up and get relegated. Then you can vent your spleen with glee telling everyone it was you who always knew that David Moyes would fail.
Strange lot.
Eric Haworth
282 Posted 11/05/2025 at 13:51:47
What is it with us, that we can’t just enjoy having a great day out in the capital, topped off for a change with a rare, and well earned three points. Thanks to massive contributions from “everyone”, (including customary whipping-boys) players, management and us. Without “calling-out” fellow blues by airing our prejudices? Just enjoy these days for what they are when they come, because it’s not as if we get that many of them and it’s not as if we don’t all want the same thing?
Martin Mason
283 Posted 11/05/2025 at 14:34:19
Colin sorry mate but I'm blanking you from now. You are too short on the ability for intelligent conversation.
Danny O'Neill
284 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:00:01
When we have played more on the front foot Robert, we have looked good. Tottenham for and hour, yesterday for most of the second half and, to a lesser degree, the second half at Palace.

We won all three of those.

So he / we can do it. We all know the limitations of the current players, but there are enough in the team to do it.

That's why my main point was that the summer will tell us a lot in terms of ambition. And for next season, not 2 or 3 years time. It will be a stepping stone, but we should expect forward (no pun) movement.

I mentioned Doucoure in my own report, which is yet to appear. I did mention him being involved in the equaliser, but aside from that, he was poor. But then so were most of the players in the first half, Pickford and Keane aside.

We all judge players on performances, be it individual games or over the course of season(s).

Jamie Crowley
285 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:12:31
Yesterday my fourth son, Colin, was at the game in London. He's overseas on a study program with college.

We bought him the cheapest ticket we could - last row next to the away fans. Somehow (?!) he just waltzed in with the away fans and ended up in the away section.

He was over the moon, had the time of his life. What a game to see! Three goals. He sent us videos and you'd of thought we'd won the league! 😂. He'll never forget it as long as he lives.

Someone named Paul bought him a beer. Paul said he knew me through TW. When I asked, "Paul who?" My son, bless him, replied, "I don't know." 🙄

To Paul - please identiy yourself so I know who bought him the beer, and thank you!!!

Danny O'Neill
286 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:16:14
Yes Jamie, if you had tickets in the neutral part of the stand, where there were plenty of blues, it was easy to drift into the actual away section.

I did it myself for the second half. There is no segregation on the concourse, and the stewards don't check. Everyone stands anyway, so as long as you could squeeze in next to someone, it was fine.

Jamie Crowley
287 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:34:24
Danny I was shocked he got in, and had no idea that was possible.

He was just thrilled.

It was hilariious. On the second goal he sent video and you could hear him give three quick but strong, "WOOO"s.

My family was like, SO American...

He probably stuck out like a sore thumb but didn't care at all. 😂

Liam Mogan
288 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:36:08
Your son sounds like Ric Flair, Jamie! 😀
Andrew Merrick
289 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:36:28
Oh dear united are losing nil 2 and poor spurs
Steve Brown
290 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:41:30
Ian @ 280, I thought the defeats to Man City, Villa and Chelsea were an outcome of the gameplan.

Liverpool away was a better performance.

Ian Bennett
291 Posted 11/05/2025 at 16:00:40
Clearly a different view to me the,n mate.

I thought they managed the game very well against city, with it going city's way after the Tarkowski injury. Before hand city didn't look their normal self.

Villa I thought it was a brighter performance, despite him only have the players for a day or two. I remember getting done on the counter-attack by Watkins, with Calvert-Lewin having some very presentable chances and a good penalty shout.

Certainly not a lot between both those sides, whilst they stayed in the game against Chelsea. Certainly an improvement on the prior year at Stamford Bridge.

Limited squad, injuries to lots of players. Biggest defeat by 2, once, and three 1 nils.

Martin Mason
292 Posted 11/05/2025 at 17:49:38
Forgot to mention but in the 8 bells before the game we met an Evertonian family over from Philadelphia first time to watch Everton at Fulham and then off to Liverpool to see the pubs and other sites associated with Everton and the City in general. Luckily I guaranteed them the win because of the Horsham effect and so glad that they were able to see the team play so well and the Everton fans in such fine spirits. My mother said there would be days like this.
Christy Ring
293 Posted 11/05/2025 at 18:04:09
I see the redshite booing Alexander-Arnold when he came on and everything he touches the ball, horrible lot.
Tom Bowers
294 Posted 11/05/2025 at 18:08:11
Today started out as so many this season many different opinions about who should start and this being a democracy gives us the right to state our case without being marched off by Trump's Brute squads.

Having said that most agreed that the lineup was strange and didn't give us much confidence about winning.

However footie being unpredictable as it is, there was always the outside chance especially as they had unexpectedly beaten Forest a few weeks back.

Not surprisingly the first half was awful except for the fluke equalizer and the performance was still shaky until the substitutions.

I was glad to see Robinson not playing especially with Young at right back. Young's tackling is poor to say the least.

Alcaraz for me was excellent and I do hope he is kept as a starter.

Peter Mills
295 Posted 11/05/2025 at 22:17:40
Jamie#285 - that’s the best post I’ve read on here for a long time.

Thanks for it, and very best wishes to your lad.

Neil Copeland
296 Posted 11/05/2025 at 22:30:26
For those still wondering about the JP chant https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1XMhoZyXME/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Jamie Crowley
297 Posted 11/05/2025 at 23:26:27
Peter -

Thank you. Sincerely hoping I find out who the "mystery Paul" is.

Hewitt? Can't be Ferry he's stateside. Kossoff?

Colin is already in Rome now. He's doing the smash n grab Euro tour. Then back to London for a week for his study program, then to Dublin for 2.5 days.

His father wouldn't let him go to Europe without seeing the Vatican and going to Ireland. 😜

Paul Ferry
298 Posted 12/05/2025 at 03:41:51
Where have you been Crowley? I assumed that you were voting in the Conclave. Papa Al the first from the windy city: USA USA USA 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🙏🔔🔔🔔🔔🗽🗽🗽🗽USA USA USA GET IN THE HOLE

Very nice story on the lad. I watched the game back yesterday and there's a lad in a black top in the seat nearest to the 3000 going apeshit when we scored.

Lots of folk on here just read and choose not to write and that might be your Paul.

Steve Brown
299 Posted 12/05/2025 at 04:53:33
Great to see your son had such a brilliant visit to Craven Cottage Jamie.

Kids are lucky these days, they have such amazing experiences. A trip to Cornwall for our hols was the most we could expect when I was a nipper.

Steve Brown
300 Posted 12/05/2025 at 05:19:33
Ian @ 291, it is all about opinions.

I always enjoy reading your posts even if we don’t always agree. You make your points really well, and that makes them very interesting.

I have never once read you critique a post as “anti-Moyes brigade” simply because a fellow fan posted that a differing opinion on the team’s selection, gameplan, performance or substitutions.

If a poster wants to set out why Mr Moyes has done a brilliant job, then great. I think he has done a good job overall so the differences are marginal. In certain games, I think he has surrendered the initiative to high quality teams in poor form due to his caution (as he has done for most of his career).

But, I admired the way he changed things against Fulham after getting the initial line-up, frankly, completely wrong. Decisiveness, willingness to make changes and go for games will win Mr Moyes admirers from all Blues.

In the last 11 games, he has smacked into the reality of a poor quality squad, made worse by injuries to key players. He needs serious backing in the transfer market in the summer if we are to progress. If he doesn’t get it, fans should focus on the owners not the manager.

Paul Ferry
301 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:03:08
Cornwall, luxury, we were lucky to go to a caravan near Conway.
Steve Brown
302 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:12:36
Haha Paul, been to Conway in a caravan as well!

My main memory of our holiday to Cornwall was that the car broke down outside Newquay, and my poor old man spent the first few days of the break fixing it.

Paul Ferry
305 Posted 12/05/2025 at 07:35:51
Glad you had a brill day and a nice walk in the park after the 8 Bells, Rob. Cracking boozer.
Mark Murphy
306 Posted 12/05/2025 at 20:47:13
Rob, you were in the Eight Bells??? Where were you hiding?

Were you hiding from the round again??

Rob Halligan
307 Posted 12/05/2025 at 20:49:12
Wasn't in there, Mark.

We were in The Rocket near Putney Bridge before the match, then headed straight back to Euston afterwards.

Mark Murphy
308 Posted 12/05/2025 at 21:02:03
Thought it was strange we didn’t see you in there.
Martin Mason
309 Posted 13/05/2025 at 09:48:34
Sunday takes on a special significance for me to see if they can maintain what I thought was a decent improvement at Fulham and to see what Moyes's thinking is on selection.

Sorry that we didn't get to see you in the Eight Bells, Rob.


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


How to get rid of these ads and support TW

© ToffeeWeb