Season › 2024-25 › News Crystal Palace versus Everton conor mc court 15/02/2025 137comments | Jump to last Everton come to Selhurst Park today for a clash of two in form Premier League teams. The Merseysiders have been invigorated since the shackles have come off from the straight jacket of the Dyche era and head into this on a game after a momentus last gap equaliser which drew the curtain of the last ever Derby at Goodison marking a befitting end and most unbelievably jaw dropping script. To see their arch enemies so bedazzled, self imploding for the world to see their indignity laid bare, only added to the lasting memories of that historic night. The toffees opponents today are a force to be reckoned with after taking 13 points from their last 6 games.They have coped magnificentally with the loss of Chalobah who was cruelly recalled without time to find an adequate replacement despite being a bedrock of their team. Despite this Chris Richards the American international will marshall an area that Everton should look to target on the right hand side of the Eagles defensive triumvirate. For all plaudits should be given to their resurgent hosts Everton have nothing to fear. The Londoners are a team who are at their most dangerous on the counter as highlighted by their demolition job on Rubin Amorims Man Utd team last time out. At Selhurst Park things have not come so easy when the onus has been on Glassners men to be the dominant force. In 12 league games this season they have picked up a paltry 11 points while scoring only 11 goals to boot. Therefore this should be a game of tight margins and David Moyes tactics and approach will be fascinating. Does he sit back and try and counter as he opted to do at Brighton or does he take a more balanced approach and try to remain solid but take the game to them putting pressure on the aforementioned weakness they may now have? With Ndiaye sadly missing there will be a great opportunity for another of Dyche's greatly maligned players Jack Harrison to follow in the redemption acts of OBrien, Beto and Lindstrom. His Everton career has so far been one of frustration and disappointment and Moyes has admitted that he will be his greatest challenge to turn around in the short term with his confidence at a low ebb and fan disgruntlement to battle against. However recent signs have been good with a positivity and jinkiness in his play no doubt rejuvenated by the high pressing drills he is now working on under the new regime and perhaps a new willingness from a more energised fan base to see the player succeed. The freedom and ability to play on his preferred left should also aid the cause of a player who at Leeds once outperformed James Rodriguez in most of the important metrics goals,assists,importance to the team, accountability, work rate, consistency of performance and defensive output. Evertonians can only dream that he can finally start showing that level of form in a Blue shirt. Harrison I would imagine will be the only change from the Liverpool game though I would expect to see more prominent showings from Charly Alacaraz and Tim Ingrobunem throughout this fixture. This will be tight and I hope and believe that we will nick a 1-0 win and give those fantastic supporters a worthwhile journey to savour on the long trek back home. Reader Comments (137) 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 () Donal Armani 1 Posted 15/02/2025 at 15:36:20 Respect, Conor 👍 Ian Bennett 2 Posted 15/02/2025 at 15:42:15 Id be goingPickford Obrien Mykolenko Tarkowski Branthwaite Gana Garner Alcaraz Harrison Lindstrom BetoIroegbunam to come on for a tiring midfielder Danny O'Neill 3 Posted 15/02/2025 at 15:47:14 Thanks Conor. I'm just closing in on Selhurst Park, so here we go!.I'll do my usual unorthodox match and day out follow up. Hopefully it will get published here. My Bournemouth one didn't, just on Lyndon's new site.Let's go and get the points. Charles Taudin Editorial Team 4 Posted 15/02/2025 at 15:50:47 #3 Danny Sorry if your last "unorthodox match follow up" was not published, I was not yes aware of your contributions guys. As I mentioned last time, we'll keep on posting your content. So i'll make sure your draft will be published. Brendan McLaughlin 5 Posted 15/02/2025 at 15:51:16 Don't leave it so late next time Conor. Frank Sheppard 6 Posted 15/02/2025 at 15:59:57 Interesting choices for DM, will he start Harrison, or Alcaraz? And Doucoure…… perhaps Lindstrom and Alcaraz and Harrison all start ???? James Lauwervine 7 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:01:18 Oh dear. My apologies, conor (with a lower case ‘c’), but this is riddled with mistakes and reads like it had been written with AI help, or at least using a thesaurus. It would take me at least an hour to point out all that is wrong with it and the whole thing just feels forced and false. This once wonderful fan site is falling apart and that’s tragic. Sorry to be brutal. Andy Crooks 8 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:01:53 Well done, Conor. Nigel Scowen 9 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:03:42 Frank@6Why not both Frank? Doucoure is suspended. Alan J Thompson 10 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:07:06 Has Moyes held a pre-match press interview with team news etc? Nigel Scowen 11 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:08:27 Thanks Conor, for having a go and giving a shit Jeff Armstrong 12 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:08:29 James#7, Connor has done the preview due to the lack of editorial preview that has been a staple on ToffeeWeb for years, it was a quick effort I believe so if you think you can do better, you have a go next game, respect to Connor for a good effort. Frank Sheppard 13 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:11:07 Nigel 9- yes he is- apologies my post not clear. I meant Duke needs replacing, and available options very different. Steve Brown 14 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:13:09 @ 7, ridiculous, pompous comment.Conor has taken the time to post a pre match report because the new editors didn’t.Just say thank you and shut your trap. Nigel Scowen 15 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:17:37 Frank@13I don’t think he has much choice other than Beto with Lindstrom and Harrison on the flanks with Alcaraz at No9 such is the state of the injuries at the moment. My issue will be that they all basically have to see out the entire game.Interesting how SKY were making a huge issue over Spurs 9 injuries, we also have 9 and played midweek, SKY Sports darlings pah! Sean Kearns 16 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:24:28 It’s Glassner’s men, not Glassners… Possessive and all that….Just saying like 🙄 Brent Stephens 17 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:28:03 #7 "This once wonderful fan site is falling apart and that’s tragic. Sorry to be brutal".Not to be brutal, but a pedant would have put a hypen between "once" and "wonderful". Paul Kossoff 18 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:35:29 Steve 7, nope.This is definitely written by a i.eg, "To see their arch enemies so bedazzled, self imploding for the world to see their indignity laid bare, only added to the lasting memories of that historic night." Shakespearean to say the least."Everton should look to target on the right hand side of the Eagles defensive triumvirate." triumvirate, seriously!And best of all, "Evertonians can only dream that he can finally start showing that level of form in a Blue shirt."Harrison, really. Evertonians dream about him going back to Leeds and not being given a contract.Are we being taken for one on t w now? Chris James 19 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:41:32 Looks like the side most of us would have wanted 4-2-3-1 (not that there were tons of options with available players!). Chance for Alcaraz to impress!J. PickfordV. MykolenkoJ. BranthwaiteJ. Tarkowski (c), CaptainJ. O'BrienJ. GarnerI. GueyeJ. HarrisonC. AlcarazJ. LindstrømBeto Matt Byrne 21 Posted 15/02/2025 at 16:59:15 Well said Steve at14. Thanks Conor. A great effort, unfair lack of appreciation. Robin Gomme 22 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:01:34 By my reckoning a 4-0 win gets us 12th. then hope MU and Spurs draw tomorrow. Who'd have thought? Conor McCourt 23 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:02:26 Sorry fellas just seen at 12 there was still no match report so had 30 minutes to put something down. I did think that the editorial team would make it more presentable and readable as had no time to research and take my time over.I forgot about Doucoure's red card until I made my way home from the shops.I realize it's a pathetic attempt but just wanted something up on the site to give the new guys a bit of breathing space. Brian Williams 24 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:04:12 Far from pathetic Conor (spelt correctly). A good attempt and better than doing nothing and just moaning. Well done mate. Robin Gomme 25 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:04:18 Don't put yourself down Conor. Steven Sturm 26 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:05:09 Thanks Conor. Brian Williams 27 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:06:45 Robin, it's only a 2-0 win required with the draw for the ither two. Bet you forgot to reduce CP's goal difference as well as increasing ours. 😉 Andrew Grey 28 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:07:01 Paul - 18 You missed the bit where Harrison was compared to James Rodriguez! Raymond Fox 29 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:07:04 Your selling yourself short Conor, I couldn't fault it.Thanks buddy. Andrew Grey 30 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:08:56 Conor -23 It's not easy is it? Thanks for giving it a go at such short notice. Barry Williams 31 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:10:00 Conor McCourt - 23Pure respect mate! Matt Byrne 32 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:13:17 Let the moaners have a go next time, well done Conor! Dave Abrahams 33 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:13:59 Conor (23) Sorry ? What for? I learned plenty from that review and being absolutely honest,not trying to be nice there was a lot more to read than Lyndon’s article on Evertonia.If you’ve got time write one next week for the Man. Unt. game, well done mate! Chris James 34 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:14:05 Always easy to snipe from the sidelines, don't listen to the boo boys, good to get something up Conor! Robin Gomme 35 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:15:47 Brian #27 indeed I did! So it is actually doable... Ged Simpson 36 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:16:22 What seems a long time ago, we exchanged opinions and great quips about our team and players within it.Now, after many jumping ship and peculiar loyalties emerging, the next derby will be between TW and Evertonia.I will be selling TW and Evertonia scarfs once my suppliers deliver. Check outwww.keyboardcapers.conI think Evertonia fans will be found pre and post match in The Apple and the more traditional TW fans will be in The Android.Then when things calm down and we develop a sense of perspective, then we can see if Everton are playing!Who? Brian Williams 37 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:20:45 Robin#35.It is indeed mate. 🤞 Lee Courtliff 38 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:22:40 Well done, Conor, it's a solid effort. Paul Kossoff 40 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:25:25 Matt 32. I did have a go. What a game post at just gone two pm. So the moaners did have a go as the site had nothing. Si Cooper 41 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:27:20 Well done Conor.Wouldn’t mind if it was done (by anyone) using AI (as long as it gets the facts right who cares about the subjective bits). Point is just to provide the start of the thread isn’t it?Paul K, I dream about Harrison becoming as good as Messi and an absolute legend as one of those who helped propel us to a glorious future. Better than being endlessly negative about a player who is currently with us. Paul Kossoff 42 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:29:59 Where is the live forum? Paul Ferry 43 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:33:16 This fella knows his stuff: Doucoure and Ndiay both out and'Harrison I would imagine will be the only change from the Liverpool game though I would expect to see more prominent showings from Charly Alacaraz and Tim Ingrobunem throughout this fixture'. Jerome Shields 44 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:38:22 Thanks Connor. Much appreciated.Keep going and writing. Derek Knox 45 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:40:43 R.I. P. T W, totally screwed up by new pretenders to the throne ! Ged Simpson 46 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:45:11 Any live links? Ralph Basnett 47 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:47:12 No live link!!!!! Ralph Basnett 48 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:51:04 This is shocking! Paul Kossoff 49 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:51:54 We got lucky. Palace scored header far post but ball had gone out if of play var Paul Kossoff 50 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:53:01 Two good attempts by palace and two good saves from J p. Paul Kossoff 51 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:55:22 Si, but hypocritical. I'm negative but Harrison is by far a negative player that's why 99% of us want him gone. Paul Kossoff 52 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:56:36 Everton pressing good run by O'Brian and good cross. Paul Kossoff 53 Posted 15/02/2025 at 17:58:15 Beto was clean through but pulled back by Hughes, no card. Paul Kossoff 54 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:00:26 Volley by Lindstrom good save by keeper but positive by us on target too, keeper injured by hitting post. Beto if on his heels would have had a tap in! Paul Kossoff 55 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:01:42 Keeper still down on the half hour, dropped ball to palace but should be our throw. Paul Kossoff 56 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:02:39 Aljkaraz from distance on target but keeper saved nice touch from beto Paul Kossoff 57 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:03:56 Aljkaraz again shot but over, Harrison done well Paul Kossoff 58 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:07:33 Meteta close eight yards but tarks in, foul to us 36 gone Paul Kossoff 59 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:12:22 Shy hits the bar, let off for us. Again dropped ball to palace but should have been to us near cost us Paul Kossoff 60 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:12:55 Goooooal Beto!!!! Paul Kossoff 61 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:14:19 Great pass to Beto on like lightening on keeper great finish. Paul Kossoff 62 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:16:32 I don't think anyones on here, taps Mike, blows, is this even on? Drops Mike, walks off in disgust. 😭 Raymond Fox 63 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:17:41 Beto is turning into Lukaku. Alan J Thompson 64 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:28:13 Given the lack of anything else I suppose this is what is passing as the match report.After the first 5 minutes we seemed to sit back and a few errors at the back almost let Palace in. Our main problem was that our midfield looked like what they were, 4 blokes playing together for the first time and not getting it together. And then just as I was hoping half time would come around a Palace player gives a throw in away and Alcarez skips away puts Beto through and as he continues to show, he knows how to finish.Moyes needs to sort out the midfield, perhaps explaining their responsibilities more and perhaps look at getting more support forward or somebody helping Harrison out wide as he seems to be left to his own resource out there, so long as we don't try to just see out this lead. Christy Ring 65 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:29:28 Moyes has totally transformed Beto, as he said himself, it's nice for a manager to fill you with confidence, instead of shouting at you, and not giving you a chance. By the way, congratulations Conor on an excellent report in 30 mins. Neil Tyrrell 66 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:32:13 Thanks Conor for the thread, hopefully you make it a weekly feature mate.This one's for MK: How nice is it to have a centre-forward that actually scores one on ones? It's beyond me how long Dyche stuck with DCL and barely gave Beto a sniff.Good half from Pickford, and we got lucky with that sitter off the underside of the bar. Palace playing tidy stuff at times but don't look completely solid, much like us really. Let's bang a couple more past them and move on up! George Cumiskey 67 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:33:17 Good first half but please don't sit back we're ten times better when we're on the front foot. Paul Kossoff 68 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:38:45 Tarks and O'Brian fk up, goal Palace. Fk up in defence. Ralph Basnett 69 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:39:08 Fast asleep! Paul Kossoff 70 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:41:09 Goal given after five minutes var. Unbelievable!!! George Cumiskey 71 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:42:32 Tarks deffo to blame there I'm afraid Paul Kossoff 72 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:43:45 I'm off to make a cuppa, I'll leave Connor to do the match reports. My fingers are tired. Alex Fox 73 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:44:04 Firstly, a big thanks to Conor for taking the time out of his weekend to pull this match preview together. A good read.Charles (4) - it is a big concern that the new editorial team appear to have completely forgotten about a Premier League game and failed to create a match thread or live forum. I’m not sure if you’re involved in the wider strategy or are simply a content writer for the site, but it’s time that MoveUp Media make a statement on what their intentions for the site are and what readers can expect in terms of content moving forward. Lyndon’s post suggested that plan is to ‘take TW to the next level’, but this is starting to feel like a serious regression.ToffeeWeb has a long history of being not just one of the best Everton sites on the internet, but one of the best football fan forums full stop - its content, community and preservation of club history has been streets ahead of rival sites. Everyone on this site wants MoveUp Media to make a success of this venture, and early teething problems are absolutely to be expected, but clear communication will go a long way towards reassuring the fans. Ralph Basnett 74 Posted 15/02/2025 at 18:47:03 Watching Palace pass around us!Glassier makes a positive move and paid off straight away! Ralph Basnett 75 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:02:00 No subs and we are barely hanging in here! Ralph Basnett 76 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:04:07 If we are this bad against Palace then Utd will embarrass us at GP.No ideas at all. Paul Kossoff 77 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:10:12 Goooooal!!!!! Aljkaraz Goooooal!!!! Mark Tanton 78 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:10:49 It might be a chaotic game but our bravery has been rewarded. So happy. Paul Kossoff 79 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:10:52 Goooooooooooooooooal!!!!!!!!😁 Paul Kossoff 80 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:12:26 goal goal goal goal Goooooooooooooooooal!!!😁👮👮 Ralph Basnett 81 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:18:21 Missing the live thread though! Christine Foster 82 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:29:13 THAT was a brilliant win.. Neil Tyrrell 83 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:30:13 Ralph @ 74,75,76Yes we were terrible weren't we? Shocking away win. Almost embarrassed to take the 3 points home. What the fuck is wrong with you? Brilliant from Beto today, and thanks to Pickford for keeping us in it early. Has to be between them for MotM but Beto probably shaded it overall, he was a beast. COYB!!!! 💙 Brian Williams 84 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:30:23 Ralph#76No ideas at all.Well I'll take no ideas at all every day of the week. Raymond Fox 85 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:31:30 No more talk of relegation now, up the toffees. Geoff Trenner 86 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:33:51 Great result after a battling performance, Alcaraz looks like a decent signing Neil Cox 87 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:34:24 What a great result. Moyes has certainly managed to turn us into a team that is difficult to beat and which scores. Would have been happy with a point but am very happy with all 3. COYB!! Joe McMahon 88 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:34:33 I only caught last few minutes, but wow, loving this. We are winning and scoring! So pleased for Beto. And Ralph, do goals not please you? Alan J Thompson 89 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:36:26 Well we got the three points which is what it's about but that was as disjointed an effort and probably the worst performance under Moyes. Does it just highlight the number of injuries but we certainly miss Ndiaye and hopefully gets what midfield we have to put out to improve and getting a better understanding of playing together. Geoff Trenner 90 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:37:55 Neil, I think Branthwaite should be in consideration for MotM Neil Cox 91 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:38:10 We have momentum. Confidence can’t be bought but it’s made all the difference. I don’t get negative comments when we’re having a good run. We won’t win every game but the lads are showing fight and giving 100% which is all I want to see. Ian Bennett 92 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:38:46 Well in blues. Moyes was absolutely what we needed. Michael Kenrick 93 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:38:51 Alex, I decided to contact Charles directly offline and he agreed to post my (almost-live) match report, which I just submitted.Here's hoping... Absolutely brilliant win, and I could not contain myself!!! Rick Tarleton 94 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:38:56 Napoleon asked of his generals, "is he lucky?" At the moment for us luck is finally helping us and about time too. Martin Berry 95 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:39:55 There's no pleasing some, you have to despair !This was a fabulous result considering the hard match Wednesday and our depleted bench, just be thankful of the shift these player put, brilliant effort. Neil Tyrrell 96 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:41:37 Good shout Geoff, Jarrod had a great day too. Hard not to give it to Beto though! Tommy Carter 97 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:45:12 I think the way some Everton players performed under Ancelotti was a classic case of a manager who knows what he’s doing getting the best out of his players. On a lesser level, Moyes is getting some decent performances from these players. Just shows what an atrocious manager Dyche was. Gaute Lie 98 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:45:50 This would definitely not have happened under Dyche. Hurra for the team, and time for us all to support David Moyes. If just for now. Brian Denton 99 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:49:08 Just need Wolves to win tomorrow, and Spurs and Utd to draw, for the perfect weekend. If Utd or Spurs win, we go down a place. If they draw we don't. Colin Glassar 100 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:49:42 I can’t believe what’s happening. Dave Abrahams 101 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:52:38 Well with the squad we had today and after giving their all for 100 minutes on Wednesday we came away with another precious three points after another battling display I wouldn’t have the nerve to criticise any player today.Another goal from Beto and hands up when Alcaraz put him through I was confident he would score and then he was our first defender for most of the game, kept the Palace defenders on their toes and won throw ins that kept the clock ticking towards the final whistle, the goal helped me to make him MMOTM but it was his overall display that earned that award and I bet I’m not the only one who gives him the nod.Alcaraz looks like he will be a fans favourite as well, made a goal with a perfect pass then cool as a cucumber to slot in the winner.Michaels report of the games will be a big loss but I couldn’t be happier after a win like that against a team in form match report or no match report and a staunch Everton got this thread rolling early this afternoon, in fact I’m taking the MOTM award off Beto and giving it to Conor ——Well in lad the pen is mightier than the sword. Ernie Baywood 102 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:52:58 Well done Michael K. Hopefully this lot read their emails. It does beg the question of whether you might pop up somewhere else? Ajay Gopal 103 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:53:54 Fantastic result, honestly I wasn’t expecting it. Beto - what a revelation! He and Alcaraz seem to be striking up a decent partnership. Harrison puts in MASSIVE effort every game, love his attitude. The back line seemed unsure sometimes, but they stuck to their task. When you think that the Crystal Palace manager could bring on 3 England internationals as substitutes whereas Moyes could only play 40 year old Young and young Iroegbunam, then you must credit David Moyes for this quite unbelievable turnaround. Imagine if we have Ndiaye, McNeil, and a few more striking options, we should once again become a team that everyone hates playing against. All the players deserve a few good days of rest to recover from the incredible efforts they have put in the past 2 games. Si Cooper 104 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:57:06 Yes TW is definitely regressing…. with some World Class moans on this thread.Great win by a threadbare squad after the energy expenditure and emotional roller coaster of the previous two fixtures.We rode our luck to get three points (deserved at least a draw regardless) and can have no complaints about the officials today (most mature performance from Anthony Taylor I think I’ve ever seen).Now I have confidence (barring any more significant losses to injury or suspension) that we will stay up this season. More luck than that and it will be accomplished comfortably.In Moyes we trust. Nicolas Piñon 105 Posted 15/02/2025 at 19:57:28 Wow!More injuries and we keep on the up.Thanks Moyes. What a mentality change. COYB! James O'Connell 106 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:01:48 What a week. COYB!Can watch MOTD later also!May not be last shown either! Phil Greenough 107 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:03:43 I feel that some members don't know what to do with their endless amounts of negativity. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some take their doom and gloom mentality to a new level. They've been able to channel their diatribe into ToffeeWeb over the recent years, but I feel their rants will have to find a new home from now on. UTFT. Colin Glassar 108 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:06:22 Is European football next season a possibility? Neil Tyrrell 109 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:10:16 Si @104, great point about the ref. It's a rare match that this happens but I barely noticed him today, and that's what I hope for out of a ref. Now if we could only reduce those VAR delays Paul Ferry 110 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:11:55 Great to hear from you MK. "Don't be a stranger", as the fucking Yanks say. Paul Ferry 111 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:13:05 You mean Ralph Basnett Phil G? What a knob he looks like. Christy Ring 112 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:13:16 Still buzzing, have to say, Moyes definitely has matured and great to have him now. He transformed the team, breathing confidence into the players, letting them play, down to the bare bones tonight, unreal, the messiah. I never believed in Beto, but Moyes has turned him into a Striker, delighted for him. Neil Tyrrell 113 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:16:41 Colin #108, I'm confident that European football will certainly happen next year, don't lose any sleep over it 😎Seriously though, I know what you mean. Onwards and upwards!!!! Paul Ferry 114 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:25:33 I think that we will finish 11thish Brent Stephens 116 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:41:39 I thought the loss of Ndiyai might seriously weaken our search for points, but how the lads have collectively stepped up.Imagine the spine of the team with a fit Ndiyai: Branthwaite and Tarkowski, Tim Iro and Alcaraz, Ndiyai and Beto. And with O'Brian having settled in almost unnoticed, and Lindstrom and Harrison surprisingly finding their feet in the last few games, this is a team that's changed beyond recognition. Scott Hamilton 117 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:42:06 Colin - I was looking at the table and thinking that 10th was achievable. Europe? Who knows. ‘Magnificent Seventh’ would be ironic, wouldn’t it. Tamhas Woods 118 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:44:40 Scott 117 - magnificent 7th would be... well magnificentBut please no DVDs. Ever again. Paul Birmingham 119 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:52:10 Great effort and resolve..The Evertonians made it like their home game, and we're brilliant!Hopefully no more injuries, will be reported tonight.Well done David Moyes.UTFTs! Jerome Shields 120 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:53:09 Beto was always schooled in the basics.What he needed was a Manager who understands his style. Moyes does.Under Dyche we rarely seen the through ball. David Wall 121 Posted 15/02/2025 at 20:53:58 Instead of saying we are 13 points above the relegation zone can we please say we are 11 points away from a European spot Danny O'Neill 122 Posted 15/02/2025 at 21:05:15 Good on you Michael.Colin. Anything is possible. When 6 minutes went up, I had nervous flutters, but the boys in blue saw it through. Brian Wilkinson 123 Posted 15/02/2025 at 21:13:11 Just think had Calvert-Lewin and Broja picked up their injuries in February, Beto was on his way out until then.No brainer Beto man of the match, was everywhere today, upfield, back defending, putting their defence under constant pressure, his one on ones are unreal, not to sound nasty, but Calvert-Lewin being out, could be our biggest gain this season.If we are performing like this with a threadbare squad, having 3 strikers out, Ndiaye, McNeil, Patterson, Coleman, Mangala, makes you wonder what we will be like next season, with players back and squad addition.One final note and I know he has been hammered in the past, but putting the old head of Young on, could be a master stroke by Moyes today, brilliant game management by Young, and keeps the players close nit. Barry Williams 124 Posted 15/02/2025 at 21:21:21 It is not just the fact that the results have been better - it is the way the team are set up, the way they are applying themselves and the way that the injuries have not somehow derailed the momentum. If we hadn't quite had the results we had, but they'd at least been an improvement on the previous regimes - and we'd played as we have - people would be relatively optimistic. This is beyond anyone's expectations - and it, in my humblest of opinions, goes much beyond the new manager's bounce. I expected a heavy legged performance - which it seemed to be in the first 20 mins or so, but then the team seemed to find renewed energy and rhythm - plus, we are actually playing football that you can enjoy! Well well above anyone's expectation this! All credit to the management staff and the players for implementing whatever they have been told to implement! Tony Abrahams 125 Posted 15/02/2025 at 21:24:52 Some fine words in what you do hastily put together Conor, and thankfully matched by a performance full of spirit and togetherness. Mick O'Malley 126 Posted 15/02/2025 at 21:32:12 There is a better connection between the fans and the team since Moyes came in, I've argued with other Everton fans who insisted that the players were shite and no other manager could make a decent side out of these players and that Dyche was doing everything he could and was the man we needed, I've never believed that, most of these players are internationals. Look at the goals were scoring, we've scored in 5 league games in a row, we are commiting players forward, Beto is starting to bang them in, he's said Moyes is working with him,.Dyche would throw him on with 10 minutes left to try and rescue something, it's like night and day, there's a positivity starting and it's great to see, everything was just so depressing under Dyche, the football, the atmosphere and the mood around the club, good win today UTFT Tony Abrahams 131 Posted 15/02/2025 at 21:39:24 I’ve never been that big on match reports but they do set the ball rolling and have been one of Michael’s biggest strengths, since I joined this website, so it was genuinely good to see you posting Michael.I’ll second you when agreeing with Si, Neil, because that was as good as I’ve seen Anthony Taylor referee. He has got some very good attributes for a referee imo, his biggest being that he often gets himself close to the ball, but he can be hasty sometimes, so it was good to see him keeping the cards in his pocket, whilst trying to let the game flow.Made up with Everton today. Defensively leggy at times, (which was probably to be expected) but so much more cohesion and togetherness and also some clever passages of play, which were done with composure and speed Edward Rogers 132 Posted 15/02/2025 at 21:41:00 Never thought I'd hear/see the words Beto...M.O.T.M.Time for my second slice of humble pie. Well done Big Fella. Merle Urquart 134 Posted 15/02/2025 at 21:53:12 Get in Blues! Palace may consider themselves unlucky but we've been turned over in a similar fashion multiple times this season...we dug deep, created good chances and scored two fine goals. I don't know why var took so long for Palace's goal it looked nailed on ok for me. I would have gladly took a point before the game so all 3 is a thoroughly deserved bonus. Another shout out to Lindstrom who l erroneously thought was another Everton weakling earlier in the season...he was terrific again this evening. I hope my grammar receives the approval of the comprehension police! Brian Wilkinson 135 Posted 15/02/2025 at 21:59:50 Another nice thing as well, as soon as Moyes is asked about the great job he is doing, he turns it back on them and says how fantastic the players have been and supporters.So modest and rightly giving the players praise, what’s not to like. Shaun McGough 136 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:15:16 expected nothing today to be honest, after 3 games in a week and one of the best treatment tables we’ve had in a while and docure suspended, well done every player and staff member, through thick and thin 💙👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Everton are me be all and end all but Moyes should ne given a LOT of TIME now and bring us together, good things come to those who wait Alan McGuffog 137 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:16:26 My only downer is the regret about being out of the cup. Building a head of steam dare I say it, like 1983 - 84 Peter Mills 138 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:17:35 Michael K, brilliant to see you posting on here. Peter Quinn 140 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:21:46 What a transformation under David Moyes. Six points from our last two difficult away games means we are not just relying on the Goodison factor. The bonus for Evertonians is positive football, goals, a smile on the players faces and our incredible away fans being rewarded for their amazing support. Hopefully it will be onwards and upwards. Who could ever have forecast any of this when the news broke of David Moyes appointment. COYB or maybe just maybe we can start using NSNO again at some point in the future! Robert Tressell 141 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:23:26 Ps. Only realised now that Conor did the article. Good effort. 👍 Paul Conway 142 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:31:12 brian Wilkinson 123« not to Sound nasty ! ».. you don’t.You are probably stating what a lot of people are thinking.Beto already showed signs of quality.I think it was against Newcastle.He scored an absolute beaut, where he swiveled and unleashed a cracking shot, that was chalked off.The whole action was an absolute joy to watch and if it had of been awarded, we would still remember it. He simply wasn’t given enough time and I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t performing and slated him.I’m so happy for him, he must have gone through hell.He said a few days ago, that Moyes gives him advice and encouragement and doesn’t shout at him.How can you encourage someone, by shouting at them. Tom Bowers 143 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:41:30 I agree Paul. Beto hadn't had enough time to make the necessary impression.I think Dyche was obsessed with the DCL/Doucoure combination.Now that he is starting he has shown he is a class finisher and I also think Alcaraz should stay as a starter ahead of Doucoure.They looked a bit jaded today after all the exertion and euphoria of the RS game but still got the win which shows the team has responded brilliantly to the new (old) gaffer. Jim Potter 144 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:49:24 Can't believe I'm seeing Everton playing competitive, passionate, decent football again. Such a quick turn around.I'm enjoying watching Everton! Long time since that was an emotion I've had. 'Endured' and 'suffered' were more common feelings.Kudos to the ex Ginger One.Nervous wreck a month ago.Zen like calm now.COYB. David Bromwell 145 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:50:54 Wonderful result, with special praise for the referee who let the game flow nicely. Special mention to some of the players, Alcaraz had a fine debut in a difficult match, Beto is unrecognisable from the player of a few weeks ago and was rightly given the man of the match award. Finally the two wingers who have had difficult times early in the season but were both dangerous today and showed some real quality at times.Also a special mention to the young players on the bench, great to see them and I hope they all realise there will be spaces in the senior squad for next season. What an incentive. George Stuart 146 Posted 15/02/2025 at 22:51:10 May you live in interesting times.I can hardly believe the stuff I'm watching.After the Keystone Cops first half I thought oh well we drew the important one. You can't win every week. Simple header from a corner. Oh well.VAR corner went out. :O Beto ? Hold up play ? Rubbish. Give him something to run on to. goal a game.The new kid ? An assist and a goal !I don't know which teams to look for on the table. Ipswich, Leicester ? Man U ? Villa ???If you look at the table 13th - 16th it looks like a early 1960s table.All good stuff. 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