It was an eery night at Goodison Park as defeat would almost certainly end Duncan Ferguson's short tenure as manager. The fans knew it and the chairman knew it, who was in attendance tonight. Ferguson had a chance to turn it around and a convincing win over Forest would be the starting point. Ryan Christie came into the lineup and played in a role behind lone Striker Beto. The Everton players were working for each other and Christie's through ball on 8 minutes to Beto saw him drive it home into the bottom left corner! Everton with an early lead! Branthwaite played it wide to Patterson on 17 minutes, he passed short to Doucoure who found Harrison on the right, the low cross came into the box and Beto tapped in first time, 2-0! Six minutes later, McNeil passed back to Mykolenko, he looked up into the box and went for the far post, Beto shrugged off Niakhate and headed in for his hat trick! Just over 20 minutes gone and Everton are flying! James Garner almost made it four when his long range shot was tipped over the bar by Turner. Forest were on top in the first 20 minutes of the second half and Everton were keeping their shape, Branthwaite was having a good game keeping them out. Doucoure done well to power his way into the area but his shot left a lot to be desired as he put it across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. Everton made a change on 67 minutes, McNeil went off for Danjuma. Ryan Christie went up against Danilo on 76 minuted and was involved in a challenge that resulted in a foot injury, he went off being replaced by Muhammed Cham. Hudson-Odoi was full of energy so late in the game drifting past Harrison and Patterson but the legs of Branthwaite to beat him to the ball showed the real class. Everton just had to close the game out, Coleman and Zubeldia came on for Patterson and Doucoure. Everton had a free-kick on 91 minutes, Danjuma played it short to Cham who got it on to his left foot and curled it into the bottom left corner, what a goal! His first for Everton! What a result for Everton, they hit back in style! Forest put them under pressure in the second half but they couldn't convert their chances. The heat is off Ferguson for now and that scoreline will provide some breathing space.
DF: It was a great performance, Beto was on fire from the off and got a perfect hat-trick, he's been itching to get more goals and he was hard to play against tonight. We needed that win, the performances have been getting better but the scorelines didn't match up, that will be the catalyst for this team to keep progressing. Ryan (Christie) will be out for some time, he has a broken ankle and will likely miss the rest of the season.
PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester United vs Everton
24th February 2024
=
It was the return fixture and Man Utd were off the pace in 6th place but still in the race for a Champions League spot. Everton's win over Nottingham Forest has reignited the belief according to manager Duncan Ferguson and firmly believes the side are more in tune with each other than ever. Beto's man of the match performance earned him a start at Old Trafford this evening and Muhammed Cham was named to play behind him. Man Utd were passing through Everton and a couple of incisive passes found it's way to Antony and on to Hojlund inside the area and he netted against Pickford on 7 minutes. Fernandes played the free-kick to Wan-Bissaka on the edge of the box but his ball into the box was cut out by Patterson, it fell to Rashford and he smashed it from 12 yards into the bottom corner on 32 minutes. Everton were being tore apart down their right side and Rashford's cut back for Hojlund was too easy making it 3-0 on 41 minutes. The second half started and Everton looked fired up, Beto shrugged off Varana and took a shot from 20 yards but it went over the bar, the first shot at goal for Everton. Fernandes passed forward to Hojlund and Doucoure went into him with a robust challenge taking him down, the ball ran free into the area, Rashford got to it, played a one-two with Fernandes and the smashed it low for his second making it 4-0 on 51 minutes. Mykolenko won the ball back down the left and played a nice one-two with McNeil, he passed inside to Cham and his nice first time pass forward to Beto inside the area saw him curl it round Onana grabbing a goal back for Everton. VAR are taking a look at this one and it's a quick check to rule it out! The Everton players are furious! The goal has been chalked off! Beto came off and was replaced by Calvert-Lewin for the last half hour. Fernandes took the ball down the right side beating Branthwaite, his weak cross found it's way into the box and Tarkowski left it were Tel could dink it past Pickford making it 5-0. Everton were seeing more of the ball but Man Utd were happy to take their foot off the gas, Pickford played it long on 85 minutes and it was Cham who hit the shot first time and it beat Onana, 5-1. Great ball upfield by Jordan Pickford. Cham nearly got his second but Varana charged down the shot blocking it for a corner. The six additional minutes won't be enough for Everton get back in the game but with the introduction of Danjuma, it brought out the best in Mykolenko and Cham but it was too late in the day as Man Utd were well ahead.
DF: Far from good enough, not even in the game when it mattered so yes I'm furious with their attitude. Playing for the last 10 minutes is not something we should be proud of, we should be embarrassed. Knowing we can have a go yet we got tore apart five times. The next three I'm gonna say we need all nine points. Bournemouth, Luton and Crystal Palace. They are all fixtures we have to win now.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Bournemouth
2nd March 2024
=
The season end was approaching and wins were needed for Everton. Moshiri could pull the trigger on Ferguson if he doesn't beat Bournemouth this afternoon. Danjuma started on the left and McNeil started on the right. The rest of the side remained unchanged from the defeat at Old Trafford. Sean Dyche returned to Goodison Park, this time in the dugout of Bournemouth. Dyche wasn't on a good run in the league but had Bournemouth through to the F.A Cup Quarter Final. He will be relishing this challenge due to feeling his dismissal from Everton was unjust. Danjuma came down the left after the first minute showing his class and what he can bring, his cross found Beto but he couldn't get a good enough contact on the header. Doucoure played it to McNeil on 15 minutes and he cut in from the right side working it on to his favoured left foot and put the shot across the keeper into the bottom right! 1-0 to Everton! Danjuma came down the left but his cross left a lot to be desired, this allowed Bournemouth to hit Everton on the counter, Kluivert played the ball through for Moore whose shot beat Pickford off his line hitting the underside of the bar and going in. 1-1 after 25 minutes. Everton worked the ball out from the back, Doucoure to McNeil in space on the right, he passed inside to Doucoure to take the shot and it was palmed away by Neto. McNeil with the inswinger, Branthwaite won the header and what a save by Neto to get across and put it out for another corner. Neto claimed it with ease but good pressure from Everton. Kerkez took the Bournemouth throw on 48 minutes in the first half, Senesi didn't react and Beto nipped in, he went for goal outside the area and put it over the bar. Mykolenko linked up well with Danjuma on the left and Danjuma put a great ball over the defence for Cham, he controlled it on his chest and hit a half volley that Neto got a hand to. The keeper was having a great game and got better as the match went on. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on with just under 30 minutes to go replacing Muhammed Cham. Everton were stretching the play, Mykolenko passed to Garner who got the ball into the box and Calvert-Lewin got up for the header to make it 2-1 on 71 minutes! Great impact from Calvert-Lewin! Everton were looking good down the flanks and McNeil got to the byline putting in a low ball into the box for Calvert-lewin, Neto got a hand to it and it ran free to Danjuma who slotted calmly making it 3-1! Everton didn't stop there and were creating a lot of chances, McNeil put the ball into the box again, this time Mykolenko smashed it in low making it 4-1! Everton have been sensational today and bounce back with a fantastic win!
DF: Both McNeil and Danjuma were at their best today and the football they produced was nothing short of quality. Since going with two up top we put them away and they had no way back into the game as soon as it went 3-1, we felt relaxed and scored another for good measure.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
WILL EVERTON BEAT THE DROP?
With ten games to go, Everton are only two points above the relegation zone and points on the board are desperately needed. Sheffield United and Fulham are far from down despute both being winless in their last four matches. Bournemouth are also in danger of being sucked in after their defeat to Everton. With The Toffees travelling to Luton this weekend, another three points is a must and again with a home game against Sheffield United a couple of weeks later. Ferguson seems to have settled on his best eleven with Danjuma and McNeil putting in a solid performance against Bournemouth and the solidarity of Garner and Doucoure in midfield. Mykolenko has also grew as the games have gone on and his link up play with Danjuma was fantastic to witness. The board are on the back of Ferguson and with each passing game, could be his last, he has to go out and win as many as he can in the remaining ten.
It was an eery night at Goodison Park as defeat would almost certainly end Duncan Ferguson's short tenure as manager. The fans knew it and the chairman knew it, who was in attendance tonight. Ferguson had a chance to turn it around and a convincing win over Forest would be the starting point. Ryan Christie came into the lineup and played in a role behind lone Striker Beto. The Everton players were working for each other and Christie's through ball on 8 minutes to Beto saw him drive it home into the bottom left corner! Everton with an early lead! Branthwaite played it wide to Patterson on 17 minutes, he passed short to Doucoure who found Harrison on the right, the low cross came into the box and Beto tapped in first time, 2-0! Six minutes later, McNeil passed back to Mykolenko, he looked up into the box and went for the far post, Beto shrugged off Niakhate and headed in for his hat trick! Just over 20 minutes gone and Everton are flying! James Garner almost made it four when his long range shot was tipped over the bar by Turner. Forest were on top in the first 20 minutes of the second half and Everton were keeping their shape, Branthwaite was having a good game keeping them out. Doucoure done well to power his way into the area but his shot left a lot to be desired as he put it across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. Everton made a change on 67 minutes, McNeil went off for Danjuma. Ryan Christie went up against Danilo on 76 minuted and was involved in a challenge that resulted in a foot injury, he went off being replaced by Muhammed Cham. Hudson-Odoi was full of energy so late in the game drifting past Harrison and Patterson but the legs of Branthwaite to beat him to the ball showed the real class. Everton just had to close the game out, Coleman and Zubeldia came on for Patterson and Doucoure. Everton had a free-kick on 91 minutes, Danjuma played it short to Cham who got it on to his left foot and curled it into the bottom left corner, what a goal! His first for Everton! What a result for Everton, they hit back in style! Forest put them under pressure in the second half but they couldn't convert their chances. The heat is off Ferguson for now and that scoreline will provide some breathing space.
DF: It was a great performance, Beto was on fire from the off and got a perfect hat-trick, he's been itching to get more goals and he was hard to play against tonight. We needed that win, the performances have been getting better but the scorelines didn't match up, that will be the catalyst for this team to keep progressing. Ryan (Christie) will be out for some time, he has a broken ankle and will likely miss the rest of the season.
It was the return fixture and Man Utd were off the pace in 6th place but still in the race for a Champions League spot. Everton's win over Nottingham Forest has reignited the belief according to manager Duncan Ferguson and firmly believes the side are more in tune with each other than ever. Beto's man of the match performance earned him a start at Old Trafford this evening and Muhammed Cham was named to play behind him. Man Utd were passing through Everton and a couple of incisive passes found it's way to Antony and on to Hojlund inside the area and he netted against Pickford on 7 minutes. Fernandes played the free-kick to Wan-Bissaka on the edge of the box but his ball into the box was cut out by Patterson, it fell to Rashford and he smashed it from 12 yards into the bottom corner on 32 minutes. Everton were being tore apart down their right side and Rashford's cut back for Hojlund was too easy making it 3-0 on 41 minutes. The second half started and Everton looked fired up, Beto shrugged off Varana and took a shot from 20 yards but it went over the bar, the first shot at goal for Everton. Fernandes passed forward to Hojlund and Doucoure went into him with a robust challenge taking him down, the ball ran free into the area, Rashford got to it, played a one-two with Fernandes and the smashed it low for his second making it 4-0 on 51 minutes. Mykolenko won the ball back down the left and played a nice one-two with McNeil, he passed inside to Cham and his nice first time pass forward to Beto inside the area saw him curl it round Onana grabbing a goal back for Everton. VAR are taking a look at this one and it's a quick check to rule it out! The Everton players are furious! The goal has been chalked off! Beto came off and was replaced by Calvert-Lewin for the last half hour. Fernandes took the ball down the right side beating Branthwaite, his weak cross found it's way into the box and Tarkowski left it were Tel could dink it past Pickford making it 5-0. Everton were seeing more of the ball but Man Utd were happy to take their foot off the gas, Pickford played it long on 85 minutes and it was Cham who hit the shot first time and it beat Onana, 5-1. Great ball upfield by Jordan Pickford. Cham nearly got his second but Varana charged down the shot blocking it for a corner. The six additional minutes won't be enough for Everton get back in the game but with the introduction of Danjuma, it brought out the best in Mykolenko and Cham but it was too late in the day as Man Utd were well ahead.
DF: Far from good enough, not even in the game when it mattered so yes I'm furious with their attitude. Playing for the last 10 minutes is not something we should be proud of, we should be embarrassed. Knowing we can have a go yet we got tore apart five times. The next three I'm gonna say we need all nine points. Bournemouth, Luton and Crystal Palace. They are all fixtures we have to win now.
The season end was approaching and wins were needed for Everton. Moshiri could pull the trigger on Ferguson if he doesn't beat Bournemouth this afternoon. Danjuma started on the left and McNeil started on the right. The rest of the side remained unchanged from the defeat at Old Trafford. Sean Dyche returned to Goodison Park, this time in the dugout of Bournemouth. Dyche wasn't on a good run in the league but had Bournemouth through to the F.A Cup Quarter Final. He will be relishing this challenge due to feeling his dismissal from Everton was unjust. Danjuma came down the left after the first minute showing his class and what he can bring, his cross found Beto but he couldn't get a good enough contact on the header. Doucoure played it to McNeil on 15 minutes and he cut in from the right side working it on to his favoured left foot and put the shot across the keeper into the bottom right! 1-0 to Everton! Danjuma came down the left but his cross left a lot to be desired, this allowed Bournemouth to hit Everton on the counter, Kluivert played the ball through for Moore whose shot beat Pickford off his line hitting the underside of the bar and going in. 1-1 after 25 minutes. Everton worked the ball out from the back, Doucoure to McNeil in space on the right, he passed inside to Doucoure to take the shot and it was palmed away by Neto. McNeil with the inswinger, Branthwaite won the header and what a save by Neto to get across and put it out for another corner. Neto claimed it with ease but good pressure from Everton. Kerkez took the Bournemouth throw on 48 minutes in the first half, Senesi didn't react and Beto nipped in, he went for goal outside the area and put it over the bar. Mykolenko linked up well with Danjuma on the left and Danjuma put a great ball over the defence for Cham, he controlled it on his chest and hit a half volley that Neto got a hand to. The keeper was having a great game and got better as the match went on. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on with just under 30 minutes to go replacing Muhammed Cham. Everton were stretching the play, Mykolenko passed to Garner who got the ball into the box and Calvert-Lewin got up for the header to make it 2-1 on 71 minutes! Great impact from Calvert-Lewin! Everton were looking good down the flanks and McNeil got to the byline putting in a low ball into the box for Calvert-lewin, Neto got a hand to it and it ran free to Danjuma who slotted calmly making it 3-1! Everton didn't stop there and were creating a lot of chances, McNeil put the ball into the box again, this time Mykolenko smashed it in low making it 4-1! Everton have been sensational today and bounce back with a fantastic win!
DF: Both McNeil and Danjuma were at their best today and the football they produced was nothing short of quality. Since going with two up top we put them away and they had no way back into the game as soon as it went 3-1, we felt relaxed and scored another for good measure.
With ten games to go, Everton are only two points above the relegation zone and points on the board are desperately needed. Sheffield United and Fulham are far from down despute both being winless in their last four matches. Bournemouth are also in danger of being sucked in after their defeat to Everton. With The Toffees travelling to Luton this weekend, another three points is a must and again with a home game against Sheffield United a couple of weeks later. Ferguson seems to have settled on his best eleven with Danjuma and McNeil putting in a solid performance against Bournemouth and the solidarity of Garner and Doucoure in midfield. Mykolenko has also grew as the games have gone on and his link up play with Danjuma was fantastic to witness. The board are on the back of Ferguson and with each passing game, could be his last, he has to go out and win as many as he can in the remaining ten.
Everton were the visitors to Kenilworth Road. The last time they played here was back in 2007 when Tim Cahill sent Everton through to the League Cup Quarter Final. Luton have risen through the leagues and are back in the top flight for the first time since 1992. Everton brought back Amadou Onana who was named on the bench for the trip. Cham played thre ball through for Danjuma who cut inside into the box from the left, he tried a shot from a tight angle which was cleared to the outside of the box, Doucoure hit it first time and his shot was just wide. Pickfords sent the goal kick down the middle on 32 minutes, Cham was fouled and the ball ran through to Beto, Anthony Taylor played the advantage, he took the ball wide and helfd it up well, he passed back to Garner who sent it over to Danjuma, he showed his skill, got the ball onto his right foot and curled it into the botom right corner! What a goal from Danjuma! Garner and Doucoure linked up well in midfield, Doucoure played a great ball to Cham, he took it down on his chest like it was easy and then drilled it home to make it 2-0 a few minutes before half-time! Luton grabbed a goal back just before the break when Doughty crossed in and Barkley powered in the header beating Patterson to score against his former club. A quick salute to the home fans and back to the centre circle. A goal at the wrong time for Everton. Patterson just let him go. Luton won a free-kick on the edge of the box with seconds to go in the first half, Barkley placed the ball down and struck it over the wall into the top corner, 2-2. What a strike from Ross Barkley. It's all level at Kenilworth Road. Ross Barkley was having a great game, he passed it to Nakamba and he found Samba in the box who made it 3-2 to Luton on 53 minutes. Everton have fell apart here. Everton made a double change with 25 minutes to go, Dele came on for Cham and Onana came on for Garner. Everton corner on 66 minutes, McNeil with a great ball to the far post and Tarkowski heads in the third! Back on level terms! Danjuma went down on 70 minutes and had to go off injured being replaced by Harrison. McNeil went to the left wing. McNeil passed inside to Dele, he passed to Onana and he hesitated on the shot, eventually taking it but it was deflected for a corner. Luton put on a fantastic display to take the game to 3-2 but then at 3-3 neither side could find the winner. It will feel like two points lost for Everton who almost had the game sewn up at half-time but Ross Barkley came back to haunt his boyhood club.
DF: The Danjuma injury will see him out for a number of weeks, maybe a couple of months. He had a good game today and it's disappointing to see him go off with an ankle injury. We need our best players as we are fighting for our status here.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Crystal Palace
16th March 2024
=
With Danjuma out, it was McNeil on the left and Harrison on the right. Ferguson kept his faith in Beto and Calvert-Lewin was still subjected to the bench as it appeared he wasn't working hard enough in training to change the manager's mind. Palace got an early corner and Olise's cross was cleared by McNeil, Harrison came forward down the left and had Beto in support racing into the box, Harrison put it low across the box and Beto couldn't make contact, what a start that could have been. Doucoure with a good forward ball to Cham, he played a through ball for Beto to hit on his left but didn't take the shot quick enough and Henderson got out to make the stop. Everton were in the groove playing good attacking football and Cham's chance from 18 yards went over the bar. Everton just need to convert. Harrison took the ball down well and got it over to the left for Mykolenko who was in space, he passed forward to Cham, with a touch into the area he took a low left footed shot and buried it into the bottom right corner! Everton made two changes, Zubeldia came on for Cham and went into midfield. Calvert-Lewin got a chance to get on the scoresheet replacing Beto who had a quiet game. Mitchell took the throw in for Palace and Calvert Lewin got a touch on it taking it past Anderson, with only the keeper to beat he found his corner with a confident finish on 87 minutes making it 2-0 and securing the victory! It was a nervous stoppage time for Everton after they conceded a free-kick which Pizarro took and Anderson got above Tarkowski and Calvert-Lewin putting the header over Pickford to make it 2-1. Ferguson was kicking every ball with Everton and guided them through to record a 2-1 win and keeps them moving away from the danger.
DF: We go into the international break with a win and we are doing everything we can to keep moving up the table. It's far from over and we have Chelsea when we return. I have a lot of trust in this group of players, they are playing good football but we tend to switch off at crucial moments in matches, giving away silly fouls and allowing a moment to change the game against us.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea vs Everton
30th March 2024
=
It was important for Everton to pick something up at Stamford Bridge. Four points clear of the drop zone but still not out of sight yet. Ferguson opted for a defensive formation playing Zubeldia in front of Branthwaite and Tarkowski. Jordan Pickford showed early on he was one of the top keepers in the league with a fantastic save tipping over Nkunku's free-kick from 20 yards. Chelsea were dominant but wasteful with their chances, Everton were riding their luck inside the first half. James Tarkowski ran into trouble when Pickford played a short pass putting him under pressure from Sterling and he slotted past Pickford on 35 minutes. Nkunku won the ball in the challenge allowing Sterling to capitalise. A few minutes later Zubeldia had to go off injured and was replaced by Cham. Nkunku took the Chelsea corner on 45 minutes, Colwill headed against the bar, it fell to Chalobah and he hit it towards the bottom corner deflecting in off Nathan Patterson on the post. It was a difficukt half for Everton spending most of it inside their own half. Beto intercepted the pass to Gallagher on the edge of the Chelsea box, knocked it back for McNeil who tried to curl it into the bottom corner and it was just wide. Everton made a double change, Dobbin and Calvert-Lewin came on for Harrison and Beto in the last 30 minutes. Everton showed a bit more fight and desire but nothing to worry Chelsea. It was a win for the home side and a poor Everton performance in London.
DF: We go into the last seven games with 7 points from our last 5. At this stage we need to be better, our performance today was not good and we failed to test them in the attacking third. We allowed them too much of the ball and too much space in between the lines to dominate. Jarrad is potentially out for the rest of the season with a hernia and Igor [Zubeldia] will miss April with an ankle injury. It's time for Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane to step up and get this club over the line. It's time for Amadou Onana to be ready to be at his best. Danjuma is back from injury, he will be key to the run-in and Dele is also back from injury.
A big game for Everton and for manager Duncan Ferguson against 7th placed Spurs who were aiming to stay in the race for Europa League. With Branthwaite injured, Ben Godfrey came into defence and Gueye and Onana made the midfield two with Garner and Doucoure on the bench. Danjuma was back from injury and started on the left with McNeil moving over to the right. Lo Celso took the free-kick for Spurs on 4 minutes, Hojbjerg flicked on the header and Skipp beat Danjuma to the header to put it past an onrushing Pickford. Danjuma took the Everton corner on 26 minutes and the headed clearance was retrieved by McNeil, he played it back wide to Danjuma who cut inside and got a shot onto his right foot which went through the keepers arms and in! Everton get one back! Was Danjuma onside? Yes, there's nothing wrong with that! Everton look better after the equaliser but Danjuma was struggling with a knock, he had to go off for Harrison. A minute to go before half-time Onana and Harrison play a great one-two down the right and Harrison broke free into the box, he tried to poke it towards goal and it came back out to Cham, he can't miss from 6 yards! 2-1 to Everton! Spurs made three changes at the break and Brennan Johnson was on to join the attack. Skipp found Sarr running through on goal getting past McNeil, he went round Godfrey and equalised with a strike into the back of the net on 63 minutes. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on for Beto for the last 20 minutes to try to win the game for The Toffees. Onana played a great ball to send Harrison through, he should have played in Calvert-Lewin instead of going for goal, his deflected shot earned Everton a late corner. The cross came in but it was initially cleared, Onana fed it to McNeil and his shot was tipped over, great effort. Everton were defending the point in stoppage time and Gueye and Onana were back to defend, Ferguson was furious with Calvert-Lewin demanding he got into the game and worked for the loose balls. It's a point at Goodison and McNeil will feel he could have scored when his shot was tipped over late on.
DF: We done very well to come out fighting in the second half and go 2-1 up, we had our chances to win it at the end and it was disappointing not to. We made good chances and were in the right positons, I felt Onana played the playmaker role really well and looked calm in the middle. I've been questioned on why Dominic {Calvert-Lewin] is on the bench, it's simply because he's not working hard enough so we had a chat and we want to see how he can impact the game from the bench.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Sheffield United
8th April 2024
=
Games don't get bigger than this at this stage of the season. Evertonians who onced dreamed of winning titles and getting into Europe will have a different kind of anxiety tonight as Everton can go 7 points clear of the drop zone. Ben Godfrey kept his place in defence and Beto led the attack once again for The Toffees. Everton came out fighting with Gueye winning the ball back and starting the attack on 30 seconds, Danjuma took it down the left and played it to Beto who then fed it through for McNeil into the box and his shot hit the top of the bar. Everton took their time in possession, Godfrey played a lobbed pass for Mykolenko to chase down the left, he crossed into the box and Cham's header was kept out by the keeper. Danjuma played a ball wide to Patterson on 10 minutes and raced into the box for the return to tap in from a few yards out, 1-0 to Everton! Everton were looking classy, Danjuma had Sheffield United backing off, Patterson's delivery was on point and his cross on 15 minutes for Beto to head in the second was sublime! This is the Everton performance we have been waiting for! McNeil with a good ball forward for Cham who moved into the channel to take the ball, he crossed in for Beto and his shot was tipped over at close range, great save. The flag was up anyway, Beto was offside. The second hald started and Everton kept the momentum, Tarkowsi headed on to Onana who flicked it to McNeil, with a delightful forward ball for Beto to strike first time past the keeper and make it 3-0! Everton were creating so many chances but not putting their chance away. At 3-0 they looked assured and confident, like they have found their rhythm under Ferguson. With less than 30 minutes to go and Gueye on a booking, he was replaced by Doucoure. Danjuma was struggling with a reoccurring injury so he went off for Harrison. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on for the last 10 minutes and on 89 minutes capped the cameo with a goal getting on the end of Harrison's low drilled ball into the six yard box. Everton 4-0 up! What a fantastic display from Everton, Sheffield United were poor and this result will improve their chances of survival.
DF: I'm not usually one to single players out but I thought McNeil's defensive work was exceptional today, he supported Patterson and put in a shift. Godfrey had a solid game at the back and worked well with Tarks, he will be a good option for us for the rest of the season. The confidence was there today, we looked a much better side and it really showed. We are a team that can score goals and devestate teams, I really thought we had them backed into a corner tonight.
PLAYER RATINGS
Wolves vs Everton
14th April 2024
=
An injury ravaged Everton were close to securing their Premier League status for another season and a win over Wolves would go a long way in making that possible. The injury list grew with Muhammed Cham and Arnaut Danjuma now added to it but Danjuma was likely to be fit for Brighton at home on 27th April. Ben Godfrey kept his place in defence and Dele was given the nod behind Beto. Wolves were off to a good start and putting Everton under early pressure, Neto was finding too much space in the midfield. Onana gave the ball away cheaply on 15 minutes with a weak pass, Sarabia played the ball through the middle and Cunha buried into the left corner making it 1-0. Everton got away with a second when Chan flicked it on to Dawson to head past Pickford but he was offside. Wolves dominated the first half and will be asking themselves how they aren't in the clear. Everton have a chance in the second half to fight back. Dele went in on Gomes with a late tackle taking him down and the referee had no choice but to send him off with a straight red, it was a rash challenge. Ferguson was furious with that as Dele walked off the pitch. Everton made three changes on 69 minutes, Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on for Beto, Michael Keane replaced Ben Godfrey and Amadou Onana came off for James Garner. Caovert-Lewin passed left to McNeil on 80 minutes, he got to the byline but came back to find Garner on the edge of the box and his first time shot went over the keeper and into the net, 1-1! Great goal by Everton! Wolves came back and on 87 minutes they caught Everton out of position and Cunha got his second smashing it past Pickford from close range. VAR took a look and after a minute the decision was no goal! As Neto slid the ball into the box, Cunha was ahead of Tarkowski. Everton battled in the second half with ten men and fully deserved a point at Molineux. Wolves had two goals chalked off and rightly so, Everton will be pleased to take a point after going a goal down and go 8 points clear of Fulham.
Everton vs Brighton and Hove Albion
27th April 2024
=
Arnaut Danjuma was selected for the game but there was concerns over his fitness and injury proness and whether a permanent deal would be worthwhile. A win for Everton would not secure mathematical safety but it would be almost job done if they can get over the line. Everton got off to a good start when Danjuma rifled in the free-kick from 20 yards running off towards the manager to thank him for keeping the faith in him, 1-0 Everton. Doucoure passed to Danjuma and got the return which saw him get into the box, his shot was parried away by Steele. Brighton hit Everton with some late half pressure and Gross' corner threw them off guard when Mitoma found Pedro in the box and he got it over Pickford with a little dink to level. Everton worked hard to end the half and Beto's header was not too far over, catching Steele off his line. Everton started second half with the same intensity and fighting for every ball, Godfrey started the play from the back, McNeil played it forward and Beto shook off Ryan and slotted to make it 2-1! Chris Kavanagh was not happy with something and VAR took a look, the goal was ruled out stating Beto had strayed offside, what a ludicrous decision! Ferguson is furious with the fourth official and received a yellow card for misconduct. Calvert-Lewin came on for the last 25 minutes replacing Beto and Danjuma switched sides with McNeil. Danjuma was tiring and with 20 minutes left he was replaced by Dobbin. Pickford played the goal kick down the middle and Calvert-Lewin deceived Ryan at the back and saw himself one on one with Steele, it had to be but he put the shot wide. That was the chance. Mykolenko crossed in from deep and it fell to Patterson, he took it down well and launched a spectacular shot into the top left corner, what a goal! Everton back in front! Everton were not done there, McNeil with the ball on the left cut it back to Doucoure who turned well and fed it through to Dobbin inside the box, Dobbin finished into the bottom corner! Everton are no doubt safe! However, VAR took a look and it was ruled out for offside! Ferguson lost it on the touchline and his reaction saw him sent off! Everton have been screwed by VAR. Enough was done to get the win but Everton have every right to be furious with the refereeing decisons today.
DF: Something needs to be done because the decision making is not good and referees are too reliant on VAR making the decision. We are glad we done our best to get over the line but those decisions could have cost us. Why was I sent off? Because I told the fourth official exactly what I thought of the decision ruling out Lewis' goal and I don't regret a word.
PLAYER RATINGS
Aston Villa vs Everton
4th May 2024
=
Duncan Ferguson's post match comments criticising the refereeing in their game against Brighton saw his ban upheld and Ian Woan took charge of the match at Villa Park. Everton are not mathematically safe but it would require Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Fulham to win all three of their remaining games and Everton lose all three and it is highly unlikely at this stage of the season but still a possibility. Everton kept the same side however Jarrad Branthwaite was back from injury and named on the bench. Danjuma got off to a good start linking play with Beto and McNeil, he took it down lovely on the left, cut in on his right and Martinez made a good early save. Danjuma was struggling again with injury and went off on 19 minutes for Jack Harrison. Villa played out from the back and got the ball forward to Douglas Luiz who took a shot on the edge of the box, Mykolenko made the sliding challenge but it took the ball past Pickford making it 1-0 to Villa. Luiz turned provider 10 minutes later for Diaby who curled it round the defence and into the bottom corner, Villa with a well deserved lead. Ramsey came down the left and was up against Patterson, Patterson won the ball back but it looked like he caught Ramsey slightly on the ankle, Attwell didn't hesitate and pointed to the spot. VAR took a look and awarded in favour of Everton, no penalty! Woan made changes, going with two up top, Calvert-Lewin came on for Onana, Young came on for Mykolenko and Zubeldia replaced Godfrey in defence. Moreno played the ball forward on 58 minutes and it ran through to Pickford. Attwell wasn't happy with something and awarded a penalty to Aston Villa! What was that for? Confusion around the stadium and confusion amongst the Villa players. He stated there was a coming together between Young and Diaby inside the box but nothing on the replay indicates any foul play. Barbosa lined up the spot kick and put it into the top right corner sending Pickford the wrong way. It has to be one of the most bizarre penalty decisions in recent years. The match ran into stoppage time and on 94 minutes Everton pulled a goal back when McNeil crossed in to the far post and Harrison headed past Martinez. It was too little too late for Everton and Aston Villa were the much better side. There was some poor refereeing decisions which have left the footballing world bewildered and it's Everton who have paid the price.
IW: I can't praise Unai Emery and Aston Villa enough, they are a wonderful football team to watch and they have had a fantastic campaign. On the other hand, we didn't match them, we were overran in midfield despite having numbers there and they pressed up high up the pitch. We were powerless today and simply just not with it. It's nice to be safe again this season and I'm sure Duncan will have plans in place for next season and we know we can play our next two games without the added pressure and hopefully finish the season stronger.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
A win for Bournemouth and Fulham today sees them makes it difficult for Sheffield United who will need to get something from their remaining two games. Everton are safe from relegation and will face a battling Fulham next time out. At the other end of the table, the race is on between Man City and Arsenal and Arsenal will be buoyed after Chelsea's 2-0 win over City. Liverpool moved into third with victory over Nottingham Forest and the battle for a Champions League place was on between them and Manchester United.
A Fulham win would make sure they are a Premier League team next season so Everton should expect a battle at Goodison Park. Jarrad Branthwaite returned to the side after injury as did Muhammed Cham playing behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Lewis Dobbin got his first Premier League start of the season on the right side. Calvert-Lewin hadf the first real chance after 14 minutes but he couldn't get the header on target from Mykolenko's cross. Calvert-Lewin had another chance on 27 minutes when Dobbin supplied a great cross and he headed over the bar, he just can't get things to go right for him. Everton needed a spark and Danjuma came on for McNeil with a little over 20 minutes to go. Mykolenko came down the left and went for the cross but it was cleared away by Robinson, Patterson took it down outside the area and passed to Garner, he put in a nice ball and nobody saw Danjuma coming into the box to tuck away beating the keeper and making it 1-0! Everton were almost there, 94 minutes on the clock, Garner with a pass to Dobbin and he played Calvert-lewin through on goal, he took it onto his left foot and shot wide. It just hasn't been his day in front of goal. Fulham threw everything at Everton inside the final few minutes, a point could be good enough if Sheffield United lose. Everton get the victory which moves them up to 14th on 41 points.
DF: It was frustrating not to get the breakthrough but that ball from Garner was inch perfect and Danjuma done excellent to finish. I think Dominic needs to relax a bit more, he's causing defenders issues and winning aerial balls, I think it will come good for him if he can remain determined.
PLAYER RATINGS
Brentford vs Everton
19th May 2024
=
It was the final day of the season and it was a chance for both sides to finish as best as possible in the table. The league was still undecided and was between Man City and Arsenal with City holding a one point lead. Sheffield United had a chance of survival if they were to win and Fulham lost. Muhammed Cham missed this one through injury so Doucoure was given the role behind Calvert-Lewin and Lewis Dobbin started on the right side. Brentford started with high tempo, Schade took the ball down the right and played it back inside the area to Norgaard, Gueye won the ball from behind but Rob Jones saw it as a foul and awarded Brentford a penalty, it's a harsh decision and VAR will take a look. The penalty kick stands! Wissa against Pickford and he casually sends him the wrong way going into the left corner. That was a harsh decision and Ferguson cannot believe it. Brentford were playing well and the second goal came on 10 minutes when Wissa converted first time from Roersley's low ball into the box, Everton on the beach. Dobbin put in a hopeful cross from deep and found McNeil who headed wide, it was a difficult one to make contact with. Brentford found it too easy and Jensen had the better of Tarkowski to slot from close range on 32 minutes and Brentford were flying. Ferguson felt like it was time for change and on 49 minutes introduced Beto for Doucoure and Danjuma for Dobbin. Branthwaite made an excellent tackle which allowed Danjuma to run through the middle, Norgaard couldn't keep up with him and dragged him down, the away fans protested but the referee allowed advantage, Beto passed to Gana and it ran through to McNeil in the box, he crossed in and it looked to hit Collins on the arm, the referee waved it away! Just as Everton were coming into their stride, Lewis-Potter's cross deflected off Patterson and went past Pickford making it 4-0 on 76 minutes. Ferguson went for another change and gave Chermiti a go for Calvert-Lewin. Beto and Danjuma were making the difference for Everton and Chermiti got his first goal on 85 minutes heading past Strakosha from Danjuma's lobbed cross! He has done more in a few minutes than Calvert-Lewin all game! The match ended and Brentford finished on a high as Everton were deservedly beaten. The season is over and it's Duncan Ferguson's first summer in charge, depending if the board stick with him.
SS: Duncan, your team suffered defeat and you have to say it was deserved.
DF: Brentford were much better but again I have to state the standard of officiating is below par and needs looking into. The penalty decision was ridiculous and I don't know how Norgaard stayed on the pitch, that was a foul that even I have been sent off for in the past! There is too much inconsistency in the game and we are being punished.
SS: You end the season in 15th, not great but well clear of the drop, what's your brief assessment?
DF: I took this job and we were 14th in the table, we went into the bottom three but there was a resurgence in the last ten games and we dug ourselves out of it, it's important to go into the new season following that trajectory.
SS: Do you have plans for the summer transfer window?
DF: I have players I like and I have players I don't like! That goes for in and out of the club. If I'm given the opportunity I want to build this team for next season and improve in areas I believe we need improvement. I'm not here to be friends, I'm here to get this club back up there and fighting. I know what players I want and I can see who the ones fighting with me are. This isn't a second chance saloon or a final pay day for players, it's my football club which I love and I won't accept anything but the best.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE 2023/24
It was a tight race to the end but Manchester City's 3-0 away win at Villa Park secured the title as Arsenal were held by Manchester United. Liverpool and Manchester United secured European Champions League football next season and Aston Villa earned themselves a Europa League spot. It wasn't a great season for Julian Nagelsmann and Newcastle United after he replaced Eddie Howe earlier in the season but could only guide them to a mid-table finish. Everton secured another season in the Premier League and their last at Goodison Park before moving to Bramley Moore in 2025. The three promoted teams will find themselves playing Championship football next season with Luton Town well adrift at the foot of the table.
TOP GOALSCORERS
Erling Haaland finished the league season as top scorer and Everton's Beto makes the top ten finishing the season with 12.
www.inverness-courier.co.uk
