Brilliant Alcaraz header seals fantastic win over Newcastle

From their point of view, this is a bloody tricky game. They'll have looked at our away record, they'll be skittish as hell if it's nil-nil at half-time.

You'd just fancy Beto to grab one and the place will be like a library.

I wouldn't be surprised if he signed him.

Harrison and Lindstrom probably get kept because of their age and possible resale value…

Strange selection.

Maybe those extremely embarrassing photos that Doucoure had of Moyes with a goat have been passed on to headless chicken, Kack Harrison? :-)

I remember the great Vialli, when Chelsea beat Bolton on the last day of the season. That result kept us up as we could only draw with Coventry at home – thanks Gareth Farrelly!

Vialla said in his post-match comments, that he told his players they needed to go out and try and win the game. This was for the integrity of the League and it was also a responsibility to Everton.

Too often, players are allowed to go out and perform nowhere near their capabilities in the last game, if it has no consequences for them. I applauded Vialli for his words and his total professionalism. A legend and one footballer and man I will never forget.

So go out there EFC and give it to the Barcodes and don't embarrass yourselves and us by not giving a toss. COYBs.

He's not very good and managers don't rate him.

And I'm glad we aren't letting Dom advertise his wares on our dime. Beto deserves his start.

If he is to be moved on, how about a return to Rangers as makeweight for Igamane, who we have (allegedly) shown interest in?

Simply provides better cover for back four who by most TW standards is very depleted and inexperienced together.

Alternative of McNeil maybe better going forward but we would be very vulnerable at the back and unlikely to last the game. We do want to win the game even if it is Keane or O'Brien header from a set piece or a Beto breakaway goal. We can only win the game if we don't concede.

If we get any kind of positive result, I will have to reconsider my overall assessment of some of the players. Always hope but low expectation for this one. A defiant UTFT!

When we have the ball, he's usually involved as well, he doesn't hide. I don't think it helps playing him on the right when he's left-footed. I also think he's anxious and feels the crowd being on his back.

I still believe he's a decent squad player and we should cut him some slack.

TW favourites Alcaraz playing; Doucoure not playing; experience of Young vs defensive frailties of Patterson

What changes do you suggest?

It's not as though they'll do a Harry Catterick on him and fine the club for putting out a less than first pick side…

Or as Harry said: "When is a reserve not a reserve?" I suppose when you have a 20-player squad.

As a manager and later pundit, he came across as articulate and knowledgeable and obviously had great integrity.

Otherwise, I think we will get over-run.

He's been here years and failed to impress anyone and is obviously leaving.

In terms of all round play, this might be the best I've seen Beto. Gana is everywhere – so deserving of a new contract. I honestly couldn't pick out a poor performer and we've had some good chances. I'm also only hearing our fans from their spot up in the gods.

The pressure will ratchet up a level in the second half but, if we can continue to frustrate them, then there are chances for us here.

It seemed noticeable that we play the ball more along the floor when looking for Beto than we ever do when Calvert-Lewin plays but we still play that useless corner beyond the far post, looking for one of our central defenders to head back across the face of goal.

An entertaining half mostly — kept scoreless by good keeping at both ends of the pitch.

If there was ever a player, I would have loved wearing the Royle Blue was Vialli. Just a wonderful human being, taken from us, far too early.

That is why he doesn't play.

Further up the table than when he joined Everton?

(Just like the last time Moyes was here.)

Villa's goalkeeper has been sent off, so it'll be tough for them to win now.

Ndiaye is such a joy to watch when he goes on his runs, the ball sticks to him like glue and his skill is incredible.

Might still win this, fingers crossed for a good second half — it might get very tense for the Barcodes!

There She Goes has caught on, by the way, if you could hear it.

We are having a lot of possession. Sorry, keeping hold of the ball well. That will stop if we put Doucoure on.

I don't think Mark Hughes is that dying about him. There were some words between them and Hughes kept looking to get on in a European Cup-Winners Cup final, but was ignored..

This is a cagey game. Everton did just about enough in the first half and Newcastle now are afraid of getting caught out.

Talk about going out on a high.

Great way to finish the season.

Superb second-half performance.

It's not a gotcha I'm genuinely interested.

While I hope Harrison has now served his term, his work rate today was incredible. Fair play to him – never shirked in blue for one minute.

Huge performances all over the pitch. Credit to the team off the pitch too.

Onwards and upwards.

Remarkable transformation.

‘But what direction is he taking us'!!!!

I really wasn't sure but I think he's a player that struggled under Dyche's restricted style.

All you doubters, and you know who you are, I hope you're eating your humble pie with a large dollop of cream tonight.

This manager has transformed us, he's nearly trebled Kopite Dyche's tally, some going that! And 5 brilliant away wins at places we wouldn't have got 2 points under Sean kopite Dyche.

But he'll still have his doubters; he's taking us into this new stadium in better shape than any other manager could have.

We owe him big time; he's made me want to go the games again. Thanks, David, and big thanks to the players who have responded.

Taking a team from serious relegation candidates to a team that is now spreading happiness when there was once despair.

Let's hope for a few solid additions to build on this.

Well that's Doucoure gone. Young, I'd have kept tbh. Calvert-Lewin a gonner too. McNeil a squad player at best. His legs have gone.

Three or four new quality players and we'll be right up there in the mix next season.

Any shift in perspectives as we now conclude the season? 31 points won since his return which doesn't just make us secure in the Premier League but also makes us attractive to potential signings.

“What direction is he takin us?”

What a stupid comment that is! The direction is up, in case you haven't noticed!!!

Vialli was an incredible person. Born into an extremely wealthy family. Despite the privileges that he had available to him, he pursued and achieved excellence through hard work. He was a phenomenal player with some amazing attributes.

The handball shout looked like it should have been a penalty as it struck his hand hardly from point blank range and changed the flight of the ball.

After scoring, we sat back and lost momentum when both Alcaraz and Ndiaye, my MotM, were subbed off, both looking injured. Calvert-Lewin with 4 minutes and added time was a strange sub for me but I suppose Moyes felt we needed an outlet up front.

A good finish to the season and now on to the merry-go-round that is the transfer window before moving to the royal blue Mersey.

You couldn't write it!

I knew I was right, I just didn't realise how right.

Also means we finished with 48 points - which was the same as last season before the corrupt FA got involved. We also scored 3 more than last season and conceded 4 less.

Compared to last season's results, David Moyes got 8 more points in the 19 games he was in charge. Do it again, Davey, and that is top half easy.

Oh a good way to go into the summer with these last few weeks.

This squad needs few more quality players and we should finish in Top 7-8 next season. UTFT

Looking forward to some good players joining and next season, converting those draws into wins. Since we can't afford a complete overhaul in one season, I expect that some of the out-of-contract and loan players will be retained for another season.

Forest have shown that you need a good squad to keep up with the big boys. Just having a good team is not sufficient.

A great goal by Alcaraz was well deserved with a terrific header earning the points. He will get the MotM with that goal but played well and I won't begrudge him that award but Gana Gueye and Ashley Young had very good games with Pickford making three or four saves that helped in the win.

I could hear our brilliant fans but never got a glimpse of them.

Conor Crooks, you have earned a £5 donation to Cancer Research which I will add to my next donation to them. You had great faith in the Blues expecting them to win at Newcastle but it was no fluke – could have been bigger – and well deserved.

The same set of players have been motivated, encouraged and transformed by Moyes. He has, without doubt, earned the right to be in charge next season.

Hopefully he will be backed up by a few proper summer signings and we can all look forward with a bit of confidence and excitement.

One very happy Blue Nose signing off for another season. Enjoy the break all you Evertonians.

Well done, Moyes, 31 points from 19 games with so called limited players.

Special mentions to O'Brien, Gana and Alcaraz. All put an immense shift in.

Why on earth is he so negative about our performances!

O'Brien and him were immense.

We weren't on the beach that's for sure, and I hope that whoever was involved in the latter part of the season that saw us escape the relegation fight has a good holiday.

Looks like we are ahead of schedule already! COYB.

I genuinely thought we were going down under Dyche. The team seemed aimless, and worse, didn't look like they gave a shit.

Fair play to Moyes – he turned it around, with a couple of astute loan signings (one of whom we barely got to see sadly), so he deserves to lead us into the new dawn that is HD-BMD-Everton Stadium.

Let's hope somehow he gets some backing in the market without having to sell some of the prospects – the squad needs a major overhaul.

Yes, he's had bad games (who hasn't in the past 'x' years), but massive goals, never publicly complained about being on the fringe, and the occasional great game like today.

Go (it is probably time for both parties) with your head held high, sunshine, and thanks for the effort you always gave.

You could have understood the team relaxing after securing safety given what many of them have gone through over the last few years, but the standards never slipped.

Culture is massive. That feels like the biggest improvement Moyes has brought. That was hugely impressive today and gives us a bit of hope that we're going in the right direction. It's been a while since I've felt like that.

Lots of good performances today, including Young, Keane, Garner, Mykolenko, those that normally slip well under the radar.

Beto is looking significantly improved. From being a menace to defenders earlier in season, he now looks a menace with purpose. His all round game is getting progressively better.

Ndiaye and Alcaraz showing well together in the way we hoped they would. O'Brien, Pickford, Gana all excellent.

Great end to the season, much to build on. Will be interesting to see who stays and who goes.

And thank you for showing pride. Nothing to play for, Newcastle everything to play for, you'd never have known it.

They could've steam-rollered us if we didn't care about the game – but we did. We matched them in every department.

Calvert-Lewin proved to me he is not and never will be a striker.

Season Awards:

Most Passionate Player – Jordan Pickford
Most Improved Player – Mykolenko
Most Underrated Player – James Garner
Most Valuable Player – Idrissa Gana Gueye*
Most Likely To Succeed – Jarrad Branthwaite
Most Talented Player – Iliman Ndiaye
Most Likeable Player – Beto
Most Frustrating Player – Jack Harrison

And

Surprise Package (at least to me): David Moyes Esq. Take a bow, sir. I was wrong about you.

*Player of the Season.

Sorry, I mean I've tried to hold back but, fuck me — what a dreadful miss... double miss.

Only the goalkeeper to avoid. And he hits it straight at Pope, for fuck's sake.

Pope parries it back to him… surely now… just put it in the net!

Nope! Over she goes. Un-fucking-believable!!! Get him gone.

Also need to remember that, as well as Young, Doucoure, Virginia and Begovic leaving, Holgate's contract is up and so he officially leaves and let us not forget that the obnoxious Neal Maupay finally leaves the club and we get paid for getting rid of him.

And given his messed-up 1-on-1 today, then does that knock another £10k a week off the offer to Calvert-Lewin?

Moyes has turned it round despite losing a number of starters including: Mangala, Lindstrom and more recently his centre back pairing as well as having Ndiaye out for a long period too. It's been a remarkable turnaround.

If we ever get into the position of fighting for the last Champions League place in the last game of the season, we would expect it.

The Barcodes got very very luck today!

As I mentioned on the Live Forum, we don't have to fear anyone next season. There is no great side in the Premier League and since David Moyes came we have shown we can progress and compete with the best.

He has taken what Dyche actually did well (organising a defence) and vastly improved all other areas. With some good signings, there's no reason why we won't see real progress next season.

Well done to all today and for all their efforts since January.

Great hope to take into pre-season.

If they see a piece of crap play from our multi-millionaires… they ignore it or put a nice gloss on it with some fanciful excuse.

If I see a piece of crap play from our multi-millionaires, I call it out — no messing.

The only way this club might ever be great again is if standards across the board — but especially standards of play on the field, where it really, really matters — are drastically, and I mean drastically improved… well, I think even you can probably figure out the rest.

I'll say this: if he was auditioning to stay in the last two games, Keane showed really well.

Hats off to Moyes for getting them motivated today. Scott @44, I absolutely did not want him back and I'm happy to admit he has proved me 100% wrong.

There are a lot of us!

Well done, Moyes. Great 3 points with a threadbare squad.

It's like you really enjoy moaning.

Probably Everton was the right club for you to choose. You'd have been fucked in the 80s. 😂

I didn't see Moyes as our saviour but I hold my hands up and recognise his outstanding achievement since January. He clearly got into the players heads. Well done, Mr Moyes.

Also well done to all our supporters for staying behind this team — especially during the dark days up to January 25. I hope to get over to BMD / The Hill next season, health permitting. I stood on the other famous Hill for years (Croagh Park) and saw great success until I had to retreat to the comfy seats.

Come on new season. New arena and new silverware. A cup please Davey

Must get Gana to extend his contract; Alcaraz a must.

Alcaraz has to replace Doucoure in that role. Keane and Young are worth another year IMHO. And we have to keep hold of Gana… even giving him Doucoure's wages!

Great way to end the season.

I think a few like Michael Keane now leave with head reasonably high. He's not been too bad when called upon this season and bailed us out a bit too. But no need to be sentimental. Lots of players out there with much more mobility than Keane so we should move on.

A few early signings would be a good lift this important summer. Let's see what TFG are made of. COYB

And thanks to Michael @69 for trying to spoil the mood. And “even you could probably figure out…” @75 - just unpleasant and unnecessary.

Anyway, I’m off for the summer - see you next season, TWers, enjoy the close season!

I did say have a small bet on us at 8.5/1 plus because we had a better chance than that.

Did I think we would win? No, not really, everything appeared to be against us. They were desperate to win and we weren't, we had important players missing and playing on their patch to boot.

So what about who we retain and who we don't now! I think we still need 2 to 4 quality players for next season and that will do us fine.

Sean @ 82,

Where is Croagh Park?

In the gentlemen's club where I watched the game, there was plenty of money going on to an “Everton/Palace to win” double bet. I was dubious pre-match, then was hoping they would all cash in after 80 minutes. Unfortunately, most people seemed to be caught up in the moment, losing sight of the ability of the rs to urinate on chips.

As one of those who was initially dubious about the re-appointment of David Moyes, I congratulate him on what he has done since his return to the club.

A thought for Kevin Thelwell who whilst having to deal with a negative net spend bought in Ndiaye, O'Brien, Alcaraz and Beto (all brilliant today) with almost no money spent on any of them up front.

I'm not sure what the truth of it is but I cannot believe we have offered Calvert-Lewin a new contract.

At the start of the season, people were vitriolically attacking us for our views on him, and the season has panned out the same as most others — more injury and more pretending to be a capable Premier League footballer.

Thank you, Dominic, for your effort over the last number of years but don't let the door hit your ass on the way out.

Today was great however, a committed performance where I for one didn't see one coming. A big summer rebuild required with probably 7-8 new faces incoming.

Onwards and upwards, Toffees.

I've always felt we owe Thelwell a debt of gratitude for a job well done.

Kevin Molloy (50): “ knew I was right, I just didn't realise how right”.

You also get an awful lot wrong Mr. Molloy, don't you?

Mr David Moyes has given us some pride back. He's certainly earned the right to lead us out at BMD.

Credit to Moyes, and the biggest thing that I don't think the powers that be will be totally aware of (unless they're educated by some clever football people who have got Everton's best interest at heart) is that, after years of negativity surrounding our football club, the fans have begun to unite, and the players have started to play without pressure for the first time since the crowd was allowed back into the stadium after Covid.

A big summer awaits; if the manager is given some money and can get the recruitment right, then anything is possible next season for a club like Everton.

Our fans are absolutely desperate for success so hopefully the Friedkin's can get behind the manager because he has brought a lot of momentum into the squad.

He went to St James Park today and told me that Everton were simply superb in terms of organisation and executional skill. He was unbelievably impressed.

I watched the game on a stream, I thought that they were superb too but we need to do this without sitting back and taking it for so long even though it's an amazing skill.

Same next year at the RS will be fine though.

He just needs to head to the corner flag next time he scores and we'll be back in 2005.

Half way home. I'll do a write-up when I get back.

What a privilege to be stood once again with those supporters. They didn't stop.

I keep saying it, but just wait until we win our next trophy.

When are next season's fixtures out?

Not one camera shot neither.

Or don't Newcastle count?

Somehow, Newcastle Utd get away with it. Man Utd to a degree as well.

9:00 am on Wednesday, 18 June.

I didn't want Moyes back (and still don't) but credit where credit is due, he's come in and steadied the ship.

There's plenty to be optimistic about if we get the recruitment side of things right this summer. We need major surgery in the wide areas by adding pace and full-backs that attack and overlap. Imagine what a difference a pair like Baines and Coleman in their prime would make to this side with pacey wingers in front of them.

I feel we only have a small core group of players that are good enough to take us to the next level:

Pickford, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, O'Brien, Gueye and Ndiaye.

We need to add much more quality to that group of players as the rest just aren't good enough. Obviously Gueye must be retained at all costs and I'm hopeful Alcaraz's loan will be made permanent.

Maybe McNiel could do a decent job as a Number 10 but not out wide as he lacks pace. Beto looks like he could score double figures if he's our first choice striker... but I'm hoping for an upgrade.

It's going to be a very interesting and important summer to look forward to.

Croke Park is in my old town of Dublin.

That we started with half the outfield players out of contract or on loan and used two more out of contract from the bench, yet produced such a good performance says much about the motivational ability of Moyes and his staff as well as the professionalism of the players themselves.

Results towards the end of a season can sometimes be misleading but finishing with three consecutive wins sends us into an important summer on a very positive note.

Especially the last 10 minutes of non-stop Pickford adulation!
Loud and proud!

You must have enjoyed today?

I watched on TNT and it was an NUFC love-in.

Such dreadful bias should be disallowed? Could we do something about it legally?

I sincerely hope you enjoy many many games at BMD!
Beir bua!

I think you hit the nail on the head.

Getting that performance from that team (in terms of contract) was a masterclass in motivational management.

You'd have been stood on your chair … like the kid in front of me!!

Excellent way to end the season and I look forward to some new additions to the squad. Should be an exciting summer.

You must be supporter of the year despite being a Moyes sceptic! (Big smiley)

Rumour has it he's on the Yes to new contract list released tomorrow, including Gana (yes) and Calvert-Lewin (hmm).

Thanks, I thought that was you meant... been there many a time for football and gigs.

That stadium generates some unbelievable atmospheres.

My brother and nephew went and sat in the home end. Bastards didn't invite me.

The disruption he causes, compared with the trouble he introduces and his transfer value, just doesn't make sense.

Not sure why we'd have wanted to do that, but it does look like good business, getting Ndiaye, O'Brien and Alcaraz for that lazy get.

Gueye has been quality so my comment isn't related to his performances – I just want us to get a quality replacement (younger) that can be our lynchpin for years to come.

Immediately to the bar post-Mass with two sons and the Mrs. to watch the second half and have a beer. The first miracle was making more wine after all... We looked very good, and on whole have looked so much better under Moyes. A great result to finish the season.

Dinner tonight is a 10 blue crab crab boil, all of them caught by the Mrs and myself over this Memorial Day weekend in the States. Eating like kings (and a queen), awaiting next season, full of hope.

I can't believe the turnaround. Finishing the season on 48 points after the first half of this season is a certifiable accomplishment, especially when viewed through the lens of the last three seasons.

UTFT. Everyone have a wonderful summer. Happy days. The future is much brighter for Everton entering their new stadium and hopefully a new era.

In all fairness, Sean, being Irish, it's Croke Park???

Are you Irish?

The Geordies had their hands in their big heads.

Great to see Rob and Danny and I noticed John Raftery but was too busy looking for Danny to catch his attention (sorry John!).

Another fabulous away day. It’s funny how you get a feeling about games sometimes.

The skunks seemed very nervous and anxious which got progressively worse the longer the game went on until the PGMOL gave them a lifeline.

We were outstanding today and finish the season with 3 straight wins for the first time since 88-89. The support was once again very loud and full of belief, never heard the home support until Man U scored.

Loads to look forward to and can’t wait for the new season already!

I’ll be glad when big ears and his dopey mates find employment elsewhere. Maybe Logan, chappers and dalgleish will give us a fairer crack of the whip.

Moyes was a bit coy on signing Charly. He's done well and was very good today. Also seems a good cultural fit with his attitude and effort. But if there's a better option available, then it might be a bit more complex than just signing the guy who is already here out of convenience.

Gana surely will be offered a contract. His energy is exceptional - he might be slowing down but he's still faster than most! The only way he doesn't sign is if he himself decides he wants to do something else with the tail end of his career.

Dom's situation continues to be shrouded in mystery. I'd like him to stay and fight for his place simply because we can't really afford to buy too many Premier League standard players. It's a shame that he missed most of the Moyes period as we never really got to see what he could do in this side when fit.

I genuinely think that if you hadn't continued, then there wouldn't be a ToffeeWeb worth visiting.

Miserable bugger or not, you're certainly a blue and the site doesn't work without that.

Thanks for your support this season Neil and everyone else you mentioned. Did you commiserate with Rob after he lost the FPL ToffeeWeb Cup Final?

It gets even worse with each viewing, but that denied Rogers "goal" is a work of the most profound injustice. Was the League Committee wired up to the ref's whistle? What is being put out by way of explanation is pure balderdash. I suspect that there is no recourse but wouldn't it be nice poetic justice if there was. But Villa would have to convince the North Wharf Road crew who always put their hands over their ears and make loud noises that they would not have lost after going 1-0 up. Don't see it.

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks to Neil, Rob, Danny, John and the rest of the 3,000.

Agree about Michael Keane Ernie (139).

ToffeeWeb without Michael is like Everton without Moyes.

MK will love me for that one!

I didn’t get to speak for very long with Rob, I take it that congratulations are in order then?

Oh, and I forgot to mention in my earlier post, never mind Forest, hard luck but thoroughly deserved for the scabs.

Onto other business: Moyes did the job we needed. Let's back him. Let's back the team. Four months on, every comments section is still peppered with unadulterated worship or gritted teeth acceptance.

The subject has been done to death, people. It's not about him, it's about the club, about the team.

BREAKING NEWS after last season's historic unprecedented (will it/can it ever be repeated?) treble, Paul Ferry RETAINS FPL no red shite here league title CONGRATULATIONS Paul Ferry 👍🍺🍷🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇

I think Moyes would take that Rob!

In the last 2 seasons Pickford has kept 25 clean sheets

Overall career for Everton has kept 87 clean sheets and saved 7 penalties in the league

37 clean sheets for England, saving 5 penalties out of 20 in penalty shoot outs for England.

Too right he is Dynamite.

Nite everyone.

Yet another MOM performance today and he played those near 50,000 nor-easterners to a tee (they must have loved hearing the 3,000 sing his new song all the way through the second half).

He also just strikes me as a nice fella. If anyone would like a snapshort of JP the person:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnC1ksIgIVw