Season › 2024-25 › News David Moyes praises Michael Keane following 3-1 win at Craven Cottage Anjishnu Roy 10/05/2025 82comments | Jump to last Everton head coach David Moyes praised Michael Keane following an “impressive” performance in the Blues’ 3-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. The defender scored the go-ahead goal in the second half leading to a first win since April 12 for the Toffees. Keane’s header put Everton in front after Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute and Vitalii Mykolenko equalised at the stroke of half-time. Bernd Leno was sloppy in goal and unable to stop Beto’s third just minutes after what could be Keane’s last goal for the club. The 32-year-old centre-back’s contract runs out this summer and there’s no chatter surrounding a new deal. Keane has mostly featured on the bench this season but has found some prominence recently following the injury to James Tarkowski at the back. “Michael Keane, who has had some difficult times, played so well today and was immense for the goal off the corner,” Moyes said. “He’s a great boy and showed his professionalism as we’ve had injuries to (Jake) O’Brien and (James) Tarkowski and we looked different at the back.” Signed from Burnley in 2017, Keane has made 228 appearances so far for Everton. He scored his 16th goal for the club after getting his head to a corner kick taken by Dwight McNeil in the 70th minute. Everton had an underwhelming first half where they struggled to dominate proceedings and went on the backfoot after 17 minutes. “We were incredibly poor in the first 30 minutes but nothing had broken for us in the game either. Mykolenko’s strike went in and that gave us hope at half-time,” Moyes added. “It hugely changed my thoughts, it gave me a chance to take a breath and I’m glad we did because the team showed themselves in the second half. We got into the game and got the victory.” Matchday Uppdates and Reaction Reader Comments (82) 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 () Ernie Baywood 1 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:07:02 Fair play to Keane. Even goal aside he put in a very good performance and played the last 15 minutes cramping up. He's a bit unfairly treated in my opinion. He's not great, but he's been decent, and struggled when asked to be the player he isn't. He's not a high line, possession in the backline player. I'm glad he got a goal which surely signs off for us. Mind you, where are we signing a 4th choice centre back from? Martin Mason 2 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:14:49 He was simply brilliant today and not only his defensive game. The diagonals that he was popping to the wings were Messi like. Ben King 3 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:28:44 #2Messi like…. Liam Mogan 4 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:30:52 Slight bit of hyperbole there Martin! Messi was normally receiving diagonals, not pinging them like Mick Kegger was this afternoon.I'm not a fan of Michael Keane as a CB at all, but credit where's its due, he had a good game today. And he has always had an eye for goal. Martin Mason 5 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:34:24 Where do I find that eye roll to the ceiling emoji when I want it? Liam Mogan 6 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:36:53 I thought emojis were banned?Seriously though, you clearly had a great day Martin and why shouldn't you enjoy it and shout about it. UTFT Brendan McLaughlin 7 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:38:46 We won on the road.Martin had a good day.Hyperbole on ToffeeWeb... a first surely? Danny O'Neill 8 Posted 10/05/2025 at 21:45:05 Good to catch up Martin. I enjoyed the conversations as much as I eventually enjoyed the match. Mike Gaynes 9 Posted 11/05/2025 at 01:19:02 Ernie #1, we may need a third choice to replace Tarks early on. A surgically-repaired hamstring isn't likely to be ready for August. Paul Kernot 10 Posted 11/05/2025 at 04:26:59 What a game of two halves.Probably like a lot of us, I was concerned when I saw the line up, particularly a back four including Keane & Young, followed by an atrocious first half, incredibly we went in level. Subs really made a difference. Well done there Mr Moyes and Pickford my MoM. Finally. Saints held City to a nil, nil draw too. Interesting day/game next week then for numerous reasons. Jonathan Oppenheimer 11 Posted 11/05/2025 at 05:29:29 Ill forever think of Keane similarly to the way I will Doucoure: Massively flawed players who drive you absolutely bonkers; made too much money through no fault of their own; remind you that if theyre playing a lot it means were a very mediocre squad; play hard for the badge and are true professionals; score some absolute crackers when you need it most; are now coming to the end in their early 30:; and get a whole lot of stick because theyre just not quite good enough. But on their day, when it all comes together, with no major blunders and an eye for goal…you can almost pretend all those other games didnt happen where you were hiding behind the couch. And no matter what Ill always have a soft spot in my heart for the two of them. Paul Kernot 12 Posted 11/05/2025 at 05:35:30 See, told yer. The sentiment for next week has started already. Blue tinted glasses for Keane and Docoure. Nice post Jonathan. Matt Traynor 13 Posted 11/05/2025 at 05:44:26 "Mick Kegger" - I like it.A modern day Mick Lyons, although that may cause Martin's eyes to roll out of his head. Paul Hewitt 14 Posted 11/05/2025 at 06:41:15 Keane played well yesterday, scored a good goal and defended well. But he still scares the shit out of me when he has the ball at his feet. Colin Crooks 15 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:01:44 Made a fraction of the errors Tarkowski made during that disastrous start to the season when we were a defensive shambles...but still somehow took twice as much of the blame.Band Wagons eh ?. Some people can do no wrong and some cant do any right. Keane is a better passer of the ball than Tarkowski and has a goal in him. He's meant to be the error prone one, but anyone who cares to take a closer look at the goals we have conceded this season will know otherwise. I fully expect us to win our last three games without our irreplaceable Mr dependable Craig Scott 16 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:08:53 No wonder teary eyed Bill prevailed at this club for so long given the sentimental, blue-tinted glasses some fans on this forum wear when it suits them. I dont begrudge Keane the odd goal he scores for us, but the player is a liability and we need to get rid. Hes so slow in defence that when he cramps up like he did today even our medical staff dont seem to notice. Danny O'Neill 17 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:16:03 I don't think there will be many blue tinted glasses for Doucoure.Keane played really well. Cramp? I've suffered from it when I've played after a long absence. It didn't surprise me, especially on a warm day with the sun beating down. More than most of the players, whenever there was a pause, he was straight over to get water down his neck, so he was obviously conscious of it. Jerome Shields 18 Posted 11/05/2025 at 07:29:52 Keane took his goal well as he can do.His forward play can be above average and sometimes great.Defensively is was ok today, but can suffer a lack of confidence in that position.Brathwaite and him seem more use to playing together, which is a plus for Keane.He needs that reassurance.His lack of pace in defence is a big problem. Paul Ferry 20 Posted 11/05/2025 at 08:24:20 I'm pleased for MK - not that MK - that he got to have his swan-song before the wonderful 3,000. He deserves it. I felt for him so much when with courage he talked about his mental health issues in public. That takes real guts. I imagine that he is very popular in the dressing room and that matters. Some of the shite about him on here that touches on the personal is fucking shameful. He was once a better defender than he is now. It's now time to part company with my warm wishes and many others I'm sure. Remember who scored the first vital goal against Palace on 19 May 2022? Dave Abrahams 21 Posted 11/05/2025 at 08:54:32 Colin (15)From your post it would seem you have only been watching Keane this season—hes been here a lot longer than that— those seasons are what he gets judged on, give me Tarkowski any day of the week.By the way most of the defence made mistakes at the start of the season some more than Keane including Pickford. Danny O'Neill 22 Posted 11/05/2025 at 08:59:30 As important as that was Paul, it was an exceptional Brazilian like finish with the outside of his boot.He also got a screamer from outside the box against Tottenham in 2023 in the 90th minute that gave us a vital point. I was fortunate enough to be in the Upper Gwladys and saw it arrowing towards the goal like an Exocet missile. It was fortunate the net caught it and not the bonce of some inspecting supporter behind the goal, as I think the St John's team would have had to be called to the rescue!!Dave, he has mostly been very poor for us during his time here with good performances being the exception, not the norm. As an ex defender, obviously nowhere near his level, he frightens me most of the time.I can see him going back to Burnley. He's a north-west lad and has spent his career at Manchester United, Burnley and Everton, so can't see him straying to far from the nest.Let's see whether Moyes wants to keep him. A guy I was talking to yesterday gave an opinion on the team selection, saying it could be Moyes giving some of those out of contract a chance to prove themselves.Not an opinion I shared as they have had several seasons to do that, but an interesting thought nonetheless. Jeff Armstrong 23 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:28:49 I really do think a lot of these out of contract players will be offered at least 12 month deals, Young, Keane, Virginia, new loan deals for Harrison, Broja maybe even Mangala and Lindstrom.Moyes will not want wholesale changes to his squad, Im sure there will be new additions, but not 10- 15 if all the out of contract and loans leave. Dave Lynch 24 Posted 11/05/2025 at 09:58:49 I've always felt a bit sorry for Keane.He has played in some fucking awful defensive systems under previous managers. He never hides and has always stepped up when needed.He also has a better goal scoring strike rate than most of our forwards. James Newcombe 25 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:09:13 Micky Keane does score goals. Some have been very important! Didnt he start off as a forward?As a defender, hes always been prone to the odd cock-up as well though (concentration lapses?). I wouldnt be surprised if he was offered a deal, it depends how much he wants to play. Kevin Naylor 26 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:24:20 People forget Michael did play for England a few years back. For what ever reason I believe his confidence went and he unfortunately never got it back. Never complains and is a model professional from what I see. I wish him all the luck in the world should Moyes not extend his contract. Mike Doyle 27 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:37:12 Jeff #23] Agree with you. There are too many to replace in one window. My starting point is to assume that most of the out of contract expiring players who are currently here & playing plus the loan expiring players will probably be offered the chance to extend.Some wont want to and, in the case of loan players, it may not be possible to do another deal with their clubs.My guess is that about 5 of our current regular matchday squad will be replaced Brian Harrison 28 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:38:58 I was amazed to see Moyes starting line up, how anybody with as much experience as he has could pick Harrison before Ndaiye or McNeil is worrying. Even a 50%fit McNeil is better than Harrison, if Moyes is ever going to lose his negative football agenda then he has to stop making mistakes like this. We have had to put up with survival football for at least 3 seasons, so now having secured safety weeks ago the fans want to see and deserve to see a team more intent on scoring than defensive football.We were lucky to go in level at half time and had we not levelled the game Moyes has said he would have made the changes at half time. The changes when they did come were effective and produced the turnaround in the game. I thought Keane had a very good game and has always been the most productive goal scorer from set pieces of any of our current defenders. Also the delivery from McNeil was superb unlike the dross from dead ball situations we have had to watch from Garner and Harrison.I hope this game once and for all showed Moyes that if we hope to be in the top half of the league next season then we cant have Harrison or Doucoure in the team.Finally take a bow our wonderful away fans even when we were losing all you could hear was our fans singing from beginning to end. Mind we shouldnt be surprised they have been doing this for years, mainly unnoticed by the media, were yesterday they had to acknowledge how good they are. Dave Abrahams 29 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:55:27 I remember some of Keane goals because some of them were very good but lets not go overboard about him being a consistent scorer— he has scored 14 league goals over 8 seasons— less than two a season— Ill guarantee his mistakes and cock ups are double that. Liam Mogan 30 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:59:51 I'm sorry but 8 years of Michael Keane is enough for anyone. Never mind Doucoure, if we re-sign Mick Kegger then we have no ambition. He is not and never has been a top flight CB. Defensively he is one of the poorest players I have ever seen at Goodison Park (and I've seen some shockers)Nice guy, undoubtedly got a goal in him and can strike a ball, but one decent game yesterday does not make up for the dozens and dozens he has been out of his depth. Good luck Michael and hope you find another club on a decent contract. Paul Birmingham 31 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:20:19 Great to win away but in perspective, Michael Keane's, core role is as a CB.His Everton career is highlighted by some of the best goals in each season but thes are heavily out weighed by the defensive mistakes he has made over the years.Time for the new era at Everton to start.They'll be other players, leaving Everton as we and for the right reasons.UTFTs! Colin Crooks 32 Posted 11/05/2025 at 11:50:04 Dave @21I was there yesterday because I love the place, but have reigned in my away trips this season, because they were taking me longer to get over than the players, but trust me mate. There are not many games Michael Keane has played for Everton that I havent seen. I didnt just start watching him this season.As it happens, I don think we have had a decent center half for years. I'm not saying it was always the players fault, because playing with a back nine (as we have tended to do) can be an awful lot more complicated than playing in a back four. James Tarkowski is a formidable presence in both boxes and he is fantastic when sitting deep defending his box But his game can be encapsulated in that one sentence. Stand him up against a counter attack or quick feet and he is as bad as it gets. As agricultural as they come. That may be all that is required to fight relegation (which he seems to have done most his career), but there is a reason why he doesnt get into the top half. There is a reason why the big boys have never knocked on his door. You seem to be suggesting that Michael keane cant be complimented for performances this season because he has (like all our other defenders) been poor in the past. I simply don't agree. dierent managers and systems bring out different performances in a player - Chris Wood ? what I do know is Tarkowski seems to be bomb proof. It doesnt matter how bad he gets, somebody else will always get the blame. for every mistake you can name that Keane has made leading to a goal this season. I think I could name you four from Tarks.I'll have a little sporting bet with you Dave, if you are up or it. We beat a very good Fulham side without Tarkowski yesterday. I bet you a shilling we win our two remaining games without Mr irreplaceable too. . Martin Mason 33 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:03:44 Surely there could have been very good logic in starting with the players he did and then bringing on the players that he did. Credit please, Moyes and the coaches may just know a thing or two. It isn't an eleven man game now. Matt Traynor 34 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:11:24 Martin #33, clearly Moyes & Co are the paid professionals, not us amateurs (who happen to have been here before them, and will be long after), and they see the players all week etc.However in my view the reaction on here to the teamsheet was understandable. (Personally I wasn't aware O'Brien had an injury).The first half sort of justified some of the concern.But credit where it's due - he made changes (early) and the second half was a different story.End of the day, we got 3 points against a team fighting for Europe, away from home, and the management, the players, and the fans who were there deserve credit. Dave Abrahams 35 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:45:58 Colin (32) Colin I think Michael Keane can be complimented for every good game he has played since he came here like every other player but Colin that wont make him a good consistent player.James Tarkowski got plenty of stick for his early season performances——are you sure he has made four times the mistakes Keane has made?I think Tarkowski offers more to the team than just defending, he organises the defence, ordering them where to go, a great captain who tries to sort out the many arguments with referees, no top team has come in for him— I think Man. Unt. would be a better team with him rather than the very expensive McGuire, no top team has come in for Pickford either!Yes Ill have that little bet with you £5– to go to your favourite charity or mine and I definitely hope I lose the bet! Christy Ring 36 Posted 11/05/2025 at 13:00:26 Keane has been a model professional, credit where its due, he had a great game yesterday, especially as hes not match fit, and hes scored some memorable goals, the one against Palace the most important. Lets be honest, hes had a very good contract and more luck to him, but hope he gets a new contract in the summer but not with us. Bernard Dooley 37 Posted 11/05/2025 at 13:02:19 Well I'm another who goes with Jeff Armstrong #23 in believing that there will be less movement than people think. I also have a sneaking feeling that Moyes might keep Michael Keane. If that happens, cue a bit of mayhem on ToffeeWeb ! Robert Tressell 38 Posted 11/05/2025 at 13:14:31 Bernard, I think that's a possibility - especially if Keane is willing to take a chunky wage cut. However, when Moyes first took over at Everton, one of the major tactical things he did was to move the defensive line higher up the pitch by replacing stout but slow defenders like Weir and Stubbs, with faster players like Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott and Distin.I think he'll be aiming for the same thing this time around - but if he doesn't have the funds available, he might re-sign Keane for cover on a 2 year deal. Martin Mason 39 Posted 11/05/2025 at 13:22:25 Matt, that's exactly how I feel. I tend to reserve my criticism for the club from the owners down and try to lay off the players a bit. They do as they are told and they don't ask to be recruited, that is a club reponsibility. Andrew James 40 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:04:52 I'm wondering if, for a season only, we might look at bringing back Coady who is an experienced professional who can help develop the younger lads back there.He's going down with the Foxes and I am still puzzled as to why we passed up the opportunity to keep him.As for Keane, I'm always pleased to see him score or have a good game. And I echo the posts praising him for going public about his mental wellbeing. Peter Moore 41 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:12:11 Coady's lack of pace is the issue I think. He also lacks physical strength in battles, compared to Tarky, O'Brien or Thwaite I think. Similar level to Keane I think, though a better leader and older too. Neil Lawson 42 Posted 11/05/2025 at 16:05:41 An interesting situation for Keane. He has been paid handsomely and even if his salary was halved, he will be very comfortably off. Most families can cover their costs on £40k a week. So might he stay albeit upon significantly reduced terms? Will he be able to get more money elsewhere? He has the ability to be a real asset to a Championship team. I have a feeling that he will be staying and for all his shortcomings, he will always give absolute commitment. As a squad player, I would not argue with a decision to offer him a contract. Jerome Shields 43 Posted 11/05/2025 at 19:10:30 It is obvious that players whose high wage contracts are finishing and who are of questionable worth for those contracts will be leaving unless they accept short term reduced wages contracts.As the transfer Window opens this will be the first stage.The next stage then will be strengthening the squad.Moyes's will want as little change as possible.Bringing players into the first team will not be immediate unless a few are needed.More likely to join the squad and be gradually introduced. Moyes did tactically out smart Silva.Silva thought the team could continue as the first half and win.Normally he would have made a tactical change , but didn't.Even after the game he seem to be of the same mind.I don't think any of Evertons goals were lucky.Players were in positions to shoot and did. Martin Mason 44 Posted 11/05/2025 at 19:23:58 Correct Jerome, none of the goals were lucky, whatever that is. Ryan Holroyd 45 Posted 11/05/2025 at 19:48:16 A few players will be needed if even half the players on loan or out of contract leave Danny O'Neill 46 Posted 11/05/2025 at 20:01:05 Football is a game of luck, Martin. What is it you are taught from a young age? Get the ball on target. That's what we did and we won.I agree, Ryan. We will bring in new players, but we will retain some of those out of contract or currently on loan. Who they are on both counts is anyone's guess. Tommy Carter 47 Posted 11/05/2025 at 22:09:16 No doubt his attitude is probably first class and he does everything that is asked of him by managers and coaches. On the rare occasion he plays with confidence hes ok. He has a number of vast shortcomings. But he can strike a ball well. However, I cant think of many poorer players that have played so many games for the club. Any suggestions? Si Cooper 48 Posted 11/05/2025 at 00:10:32 “On the rare occasion he plays with confidence hes ok.”Nail on the head Tommy. On occasions youve seen it drain out of him in a matter of minutes and it could then take months to return.Certainly not a weakness Tarks shares.On the ‘did the manager start the wrong players debate Im of the opinion that it was always going to be about using around 15 players well over 90 plus minutes. The manager has earned the right to experiment with the tactics / squad a bit. Overall he remains accountable for the results. Yesterday, by hook or by crook, he made it work out in the end. Craig Scott 49 Posted 12/05/2025 at 03:39:53 Jerome and Martin. Getting a fortuitous deflection and an elementary keeper's error for two of our goals definitely had an element of luck associated with them. If those two goals weren't lucky what sort of goals would be?I'm sure you've both separately acknowledged at some point when good attempts that didn't go in were 'unlucky'. So being honest and admitting we had some luck doesn't denigrate from the players who scored by taking their 'chances'. We definitely need more of that. Jerome Shields 50 Posted 12/05/2025 at 04:57:15 Craig#49- The goal acts as a decisive, final blow(ending the opponents chances). It emphasizes closure (the tactical play achieved its purpose). Even if luck played a role, the outcome is irreversible. When you look at the goals they all look the result of Professional play. In modern football that is percentage play and trained and planned for.Sealed the game. killed off the contest. Noone will argue that that was not achieved, If Everton consistently played football like that they will get results. Colin Crooks 51 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:17:20 It's just plain daft to say fortune didn't play a part in two of our goals. Only an idiot would believe Mykolenko intended his shot to ricochet off the defender and completely wrong-foot the goalkeeper after we had been out-played for the entire half?Forget the goalkeeper error. That's his fault, but if Alcaraz's pass for Beto had gone where he had initially played it, it was going behind him. "Fortunately" it clipped the retreating defender and landed right into the big man's path. Game over.Luck rears its head to some degree in every game of football; it's part and parcel. When it goes in your favour, you embrace it; when it goes against you, you curse it. Fuck knows it goes against us often enough. I'll take all the luck we can get, but I won't deny it when it comes our way. If people want to delude themselves that Mykolenko and Alcaraz intended those fortuitous deflections, then more fool them. Danny O'Neill 52 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:27:14 A bit harsh that. Colin, but I get what you mean.A bit like when it doesn't come off, I will often say "Right idea, unlucky". Luck works both ways.Mykolenko did all he could do. Get the ball towards the goal. You are taught that as a player from a very young age. Colin Crooks 53 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:32:50 Dave A @35,I know as fact that you would be delighted to lose the bet. In the scheme of things, a fiver would be nothing against the obvious love you have for this club.I like your idea that the loser pays his fiver to a charity of the other's choice. Mine would be Cancer Research for numerous personal reasons.BTW, Dave. We may not agree on Tarkowski, but we do agree on one thing: I hope you lose the bet too. Rob Halligan 54 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:39:59 What's that old saying? "If you don't buy a raffle ticket, you won't win the raffle!!"Mykolenko and Beto both “bought a raffle ticket" — and both won!! Colin Crooks 55 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:42:25 I honestly don't see how it's harsh to describe what happened, Danny. We all saw it.I don't like discussing luck, because somebody will surely come along and quote a famous golfer — as if relentless practice and two lucky deflections amount to the same thing.I'm happy to be lucky. I have seen my team suffer the alternative on too any occasions not to be.Rob, Agreed, but we have people on here denying they bought a raffle ticket. Danny O'Neill 56 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:51:21 Colin,I genuinely get what you're saying. Luck is part and parcel of football as it is in life.Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. Like betting on a horse or thinking an expensive meal to a girl may lead to something.Mykolenko and Beto took a chance. They put it on target and got lucky. Had they sliced it into the stands, they would have been crucified.They didn't and they scored.Fortune favours the brave. They made their own luck. Mike Gaynes 57 Posted 12/05/2025 at 07:17:05 Colin and Dave, may I humbly suggest Cancer Research UK? Marine AFC is a patron. So am I.And hey, Everton officially has a CEO on the job this morning. It's Angus Kinnear's first day of work. Let's see some signings by lunchtime, eh? Colin Crooks 58 Posted 12/05/2025 at 07:24:11 DannyYou described Alcaraz's pass as pure vision. Take another look. His poorly executed pass benefited hugely from a deflection which took it right into the path of Beto.You think he earned that? I personally think he got lucky, because it was not a difficult pass to make.I think Beto "earned" his luck because he got his shot on target. Not his fault the keeper made a complete hash of it. Danny O'Neill 59 Posted 12/05/2025 at 07:39:11 I'm not going to get into a tit-for-tat with you, Colin. I say it as I saw it. As do you. Sometimes we over analyse football. Alcaraz had one thing on his mind and the intent was there. Beto got his shot on target and scored to put us 3 - 1 up.I'll leave the goalkeeper's discussion to the goalkeeper's union. I personally think it was a great worked goal and the keeper was caught out, not expecting it. The flight and speed of the ball in real time is very different to what we see on the screen with the benefit of hindsight. I'll leave that to the pundits.All that matters is that we won, regardless of whether it was lucky or not. Ernie Baywood 60 Posted 12/05/2025 at 08:52:38 You need a bit of luck. The point is that luck often goes your way when you are the ones actually doing something. When you're on the back foot, it seems to go against you.We didn't have many lucky shots or through balls in the early part of the season simply because we didn't do it that much. We did have some bad breaks in our own half or our own box. Well that's where the ball lived for about 18 matches. It's logic rather than curse.I did think it was a bit rich that people on here complained that VAR tried their best to stop us. We just got a couple of good breaks. If that happened to us you just know there would be those claiming a conspiracy... "Of course a referee finally stands by his decision when it's us!".For what it's worth, I was a bit surprised by that handball decision. I thought it was a modern penalty (ie the ones I don't like but they seem to get given). Likewise they they were pretty quick to ok Alcaraz's pressure on the keeper. It was almost like common sense unusually prevailed.Just enjoy the game. They're fighting, they're actually contributing in the opponent's half. Dave Abrahams 61 Posted 12/05/2025 at 10:01:12 Colin (53), I also knew that you are an avid Everton fan and have been following them most of your life that was regarding me saying have you only been watching Michael Keane this season!Yes the bet is on and I do donate to Cancer Research and I understand why Mike @(57) suggests it but I also donate a bit more to “ CONCERN” which is a Third World charity and helps people in those countries to have their own working business which helps them and also people in their community.Come on Beto and Co. help Colin to win this bet! Martin Mason 62 Posted 12/05/2025 at 10:29:38 There is no such thing as luck only a series of probabilities that what you try has the outcome that you intended. If there is such a thing as "luck", and there isn't in the real World, then the player who scores a bicycle kick from 30 yards isn't brilliant, he has the ultimate in luck because the odds against him scoring are massive. Mykolenko's goal was exactly what he intended and if the ball was deflected, that happens in football and is nothing to do with a mythical property called luck. Beto's goal was superb but the goalkeeper didn't save it. To call this luck is hysteria, he shot quickly and to the perfect spot inside the post. I believe in football outcomes being dictated by natural odds not luck. How is this luck transmitted btw, is it Bluetooth? Come on guys, we scored three great goals all scored with the intent of scoring. I would say that a shot from the edge of the area through the legs of many players who are trying to deflect it has a high probability of deflecting from one, the chances of a great shot like Beto's going in as it did are significant so no luck sorry. Did I say how superbly Everton played yesterday and how they fully deserved to win? Kevin Molloy 63 Posted 12/05/2025 at 10:39:58 nothing lucky about that third goal in my view. A brilliant finish, he hit it so early and the keeper wasn't set, hence the weak hand. Eddie Dunn 64 Posted 12/05/2025 at 10:55:40 I think Moyes has been having a good look at his options. I expect that we will attempt to do some business and if we don't get the targets a few of our out of contract lads might be offered deals.I was delighted that Keane had a good game, and a goal. Moyes will be pondering Tarkowski's return and might well decide that it would be good business to give Keane a one year extension.Several people made the good point that Tarkowski had a very poor run of games early season(perhaps hampered by an injury to his back?).I will be glad to see Harrison and Doucoure leave. The former lost several 50-50 tackles on Saturday, losing possession and putting us on the retreat.Doucoure passed behind people at vital times and considering that he and Beto have been paired in so many games now, it was like watching two guys who had just met on the team bus.Fulham bossed midfield for an hour, making Gana and Garner look pedestrian. Tim Ironman came on and his physicality stood out. I hope he get in the starting line-up for the next outing. Darren Arnold 65 Posted 12/05/2025 at 11:11:08 Keane is a limited player who hasn't been at his best for some time, but he puts it all in and never hides, and always gives us a chance when up for a corner/set piece. Has never really justified his price tag or wages, but is a decent squad player - I'd have no problem with him staying as cover on substantially reduced wages. Jerome Shields 66 Posted 12/05/2025 at 14:13:55 Martin#62Yes it.It all percentages and the better sides avail of the higher percentage A bit of extra skill or tactics gives more opportunities and better percentages.If you waited on the great move and great finish in the Premier League you will wait, because the opposition is out to reduce the percentages all the time.Actually a walk through goal is considered a soft goal Colin Crooks 67 Posted 12/05/2025 at 15:26:49 Yeah it's all percentages. Nothing to do with Chance, Providence, Luck, Fortune Those things don't exist.The guy who collected after the horse he backed had been trailing a distance third only for the front two to come down at the last fence... was working on percentages ?Hehehe Martin Mason 68 Posted 12/05/2025 at 15:28:45 Really sorry guys, Garner appears to be a nailed on first choice now, his performances since coming back from injury have got steadily better and he actually had a very good game Saturday. Our defence has been very good and yesterday was superb against a very fast moving Fulham side and Garner has contributed well to that. His form alongside the magnificent Gana was for me why Keano was so good. On Saturday's form and what we learned from the starting 11 we may be closer to having a decent side than I have believed which is just great. I could see how badly upset Jack Harrison was when his runs came to the inevitable dead end. He is a decent lad who tries as hard as anybody I've seen. He isn't shit. Jerome Shields 69 Posted 12/05/2025 at 15:37:19 Colin.In Premier League Football. Danny O'Neill 70 Posted 12/05/2025 at 15:41:49 Honest assessment Martin. Garner doesn't get the praise he deserves. Harrison does try hard. I can't call him shit. But he's not what we need on that right flank. He's played at the highest levels of English football. I never did. Tier 5/6 is as high as I got Martin Mason 71 Posted 12/05/2025 at 15:44:19 I also thought that Mykolenko had an excellent game yesterday. He is a real athlete and he can actually cross and shoot a bit. He got passed a couple of times but that happens and Fulham were really mobile. Full backs can't be good in isolation now only with good defenders alongside and a good midfielder to protect them. He could be a gem yet. McNeil was pretty excellent when he came on as was Iroegbunam. Colin Crooks 72 Posted 12/05/2025 at 16:05:33 Oh, I see, Jerome… It's only Premier League football where luck doesn't exist.Thats a relief. I was thinking about the two golfers on the green. One gets struck by lightning and the other doesn't. I've been racking my brains wondering which one of them was playing the percentages.So, luck pervades in every walk of life... but it by-passes the Premier League?Got it. Danny O'Neill 73 Posted 12/05/2025 at 16:11:45 Mykolenko got the shot towards the goal. How it ended up in the back of the net is irrelevant. It did.Michael Keane bullied the defence and smashed it into the net. How it got there is irrelevant.Alcaraz saw the run and played the pass. How it got there is irrelevant.Beto ran onto the pass and slotted it past the keeper. How it got there is irrelevant.Three goals. Martin Mason 74 Posted 12/05/2025 at 16:23:00 Fell off me chair Brian. Mark Murphy 75 Posted 12/05/2025 at 16:56:26 On Michael Keane“ He is not and never has been a top flight CB”He played for England 12 times.UTFT Jem Bir 76 Posted 12/05/2025 at 17:47:05 Here's a thing - we are (checks notes) 13th in the league, the mighty Spurs are sitting just above the drop zone.Given the past few years, we should all accept that Moyes has pulled a blinder, and part of the success has been McNeil.As for luck? It's nice to get some occasionally and we were lucky that Moyes came back.Phew. mike corcoran 77 Posted 13/05/2025 at 12:03:31 If any one is interested, it looks like Moyes has got 24 points from 15 games. If that was from the start of this season we would be in 7th place above Brighton on goal difference. So at Moyes's usual glass ceiling all ready. Onwards and upwards! 😁https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/spieltag/wettbewerb/GB1/plus/?saison_id=2024&spieltag=15 Ian Bennett 78 Posted 13/05/2025 at 12:24:01 25 points from 15 games, including Liverpool played twice.65-70 point range. John Chambers 79 Posted 13/05/2025 at 12:35:29 Moyes has been in charge for 17 games, first match was loss to Villa, so more like 55 points in a season before expectations get set too high Dave Abrahams 80 Posted 13/05/2025 at 12:45:41 Mark (75) Carlton Palmer and a few more played for England more times than Michael Keane, Kendall never played once and Colin Harvey played once so playing or not playing for England doesnt really define a footballers ability. John Chambers 81 Posted 13/05/2025 at 12:49:06 Moyes has been in charge for 17 games, first match was loss to Villa, so more like 55 points in a season before expectations get set too high Danny O'Neill 82 Posted 13/05/2025 at 13:49:00 Criminal that those players never appeared more for England more than once between them, Dave. But then I don't think Everton has ever been popular with the England setup.I think the only time we were heavily represented in my living memory was the World Cup in 1986. In that infamous match against Argentina, we had 4 players on the pitch. Stevens, Steven, Lineker and poor Peter Reid chasing Maradona's shadow in a race that was already lost.If we would've had a UK or GB team at the time, we had the Welsh Keeper, England right back, Welsh centre-back and left-back, England's right midfielder, the centre-midfield in Reid and Bracewell (who should have played for them more), and two Scottish centre-forwards. If Sheedy hadn't have opted for Eire, it would have practically been Everton. That's how good we were.The mention of Carlton Palmer reminds me of Graham Taylor's "grafters". Possibly the worst England team I've seen, even though I'm not into the England thing. Those who follow England more closely may be able to contest that.I think we've done the Moyes thing to death. He's been given the recognition he deserves, even those like myself with reservations.He will be better judged in the course of a full season (hopefully) with better players available to him. Not 17 games. Let's hope he gets the chance and gets it right. mike corcoran 83 Posted 13/05/2025 at 15:19:16 So we had 18 pts after the 21st league game, a home defeat to Villa the day after Moyes was appointed and he was not pitch side? We have now played 36, 15 games more garnering 24 pts. What they call week 21 these days is here https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/spieltag/wettbewerb/GB1/plus/?saison_id=2024&spieltag=21 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