JimmyJeffers
Player Valuation: £70m
Been chipping in with all the real graft as well I heard. He’s been cleaning the jobbies off the training pitch every morning.
He was the one who ‘laid’ them there the previous night mind, but still. Well in Dunc
Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....
- Thread starter The Penalty Box Dancer
- Start date
He was the one who ‘laid’ them there the previous night mind, but still. Well in Dunc
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
Classic Dunc. What he gives with one hand he takes with another.
9LeagueTitles5FACups
Player Valuation: £5m
No, I just read the thread.
Don't read it. You need to live vicariously through it.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
LEAGUE CUP FOURTH ROUND DRAW
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Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
Gotta smash them and frankly I think we should be challenging top spot harder as it's a bit of a Scottish Shortbread League to paraphrase a controversial philosopher.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Brentford vs Everton
28th September 2024
Three points separated Everton and Brentford in the table after six games played. Abdoulaye Doucore was suspended after a straight red card against Fulham so Onana and Garner formed the midfield. Everton started positively and within the first minute McNeil was allowed space down the left, put it low just inside the area for Palmer to open up and strike with his right foot making it 1-0! Everton ahead in Brentford! That's his first goal in a blue shirt! Everton rode the Brentford pressure following the goal and Toney came closest to equalising but headed over the bar with the goal gaping for him. Everton hit Brentford on the counter, Beto held up the ball and played it for McNeil to chase, he got into the box and his left footed shot rattled the bar, great effort. Mbuemo looked to take the ball from the goal kick, Mykolenko came in from behind with a terrible tackle and the referee had no choice but to brandish a red card, Everton reduced to ten men on the verge of half-time. Brentford took advantage and Mbuemo had the space to find Norgaard to finish nicely past Pickford in first half stoppage time. Everton made a change at half-time, Palmer went off for Patterson who went to Left Back. Brentford came forward in numbers, Mbueno played it left to Hickey who came forward down the left and played it into the box for Janelt to tap in from six yards putting the home side in front. Everton made three changes with 20 minutes to go, Calvert-Lewin replaced Beto, Roony came on for Rodriguez and Gueye replaced Onana. Roony lost possession with his first touch and it allowed Damsgaard to play the long ball to Toney who was one on one with Pickford and he beat the on rushing keeper to make it 3-1. Everton worked the ball in the final third but just could not break down a unified Brentford line. The match was practically over anyway but Dasilva made sure for good measure with a 30 yard low driven shot into the bottom left corner on 90 minutes. Another heavy league defeat for Everton and for the second season running they've been thrashed by Brentford 4-1.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Bournemouth
6th October 2024
Abdoulaye Doucoure was available for selection after serving his game ban for his sending off in the League Cup Third Round however after a review of thre incident, the FA have imposed a further two game ban that will apply to League Cup matches only so will be suspended for the Fourth Round against Brentford. Vitaliy Mykolenko was suspended after his sending off against Brentford so Nathan Patterson came in at Left Back. Roony Bardghji played ahead of him and Karim Konate was given a start in attack due to Beto missing training during the week with a slight injury but was on the bench. A young Everton attacking quartet led by Konate struggled to get a decent shot in the opening 30 minutes but nothing worrying Neto. Doucourw went on a run down the left, passed inside to Branthwaite who played it forward to Konate, he set up Palmer for the shot and it went just over as he aimed for the top right corner. The second half started, Patterson passing down the left to Roony who won Everton an early corner in front of the Gwladys Street. Patterson's corner didn't beat the first man and came to nothing in what has been a drab game so far. Doucoure was the definitely missed in the last game as his tackling and interceptions were making the difference so far. Cham came on for the last 24 minutes replacing Cole Palmer. Traore took the corner but it was headed away by Tarkowski, Zabarnyi picked it up inside the box, Patterson put in a tackle but it rant to Kerkez who whipped it to the far post and Wehgorst beat Branthwaite to head in the opener. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto came on for Roony and Konate. Can Everton get a point? Calvert-Lewin down the left, passed inside to Doucoure who laid it off for Maffeo but Neto tipped wide, great save. Two minutes to go, Tarkowski urged to play it forward passes to Doucoure who lobs a forwad ball to Beto, Neto rushed out and Beto struck into the bottom left corner, 1-1! Everton back in it! The board went up for six additional minutes, Bournemouth retreated to their own half. McNeil, who replaced Rodriguez crossed from the right and Cham's shot was turned behind by the legs of Neto. Everton created plenty of chances in the final few minutes but Bournemouth managed to hold on for a draw at Goodison Park.
Duncan, did inexperience cost your side today?
DF: I don't think it cost us no, fair play to Roony and Konate for coming in and giving it their best shot but we seen a difference when we had the more ecperienced players on the pitch. They know that to get into this side it takes a lot of hard work and fight and today they wold have seen that against a sturdy Bournemouth defence.
PLAYER RATINGS
Crystal Palace vs Everton
20th October 2024
Vitaly Mykolenko was serving his suspension and Jarrad Branthwaite picked up an injiury in training that saw Mackenzie Hunt come in for his first team debut at Left Back and Ben Godfrey next to James Tarkowski. Roony Bardghji started on the right with James Rodriguez dropping to the bench. Olise was up against Hunt and as he tried to go past him, Hunt was alleged to have pulled him back. VAR took a look and a penalty was awarded on 8 minutes. Edouard's penalty was too powerful for Pickford although he did go the right way, 1-0. Cheick Doucoure played the ball over the top for Edouard on 21 minutes, Pickford camer rushing out as the ball was going away from goal but Edouard kept the ball, he pulled it back to Everton Cebolinha who doubled the lead! That one will make the headlines! Six minutes later Palace hit Everton on the break and Edouard played it left to Everton Cebolinha who kept calm and finished past Pickford, that surely must be it inside the first 30 minutes. Roony was struggling clutching his thigh so Ferguson pulled him off before half-time with James Rodriguez coming on. It got a bit heated between Olise and Maffeo as the referee was reviewing a potential penalty but the foul was committed outside the box. Olise and Maffeo were coming face to face with players from both sides intervening. The travelling Everton fans had saw enough on 65 minutes when Godfrey turned in Ayew's ball into the box with the whole Everton side looking deflated. Ferguson decided it was time for change and to try to rescue a consolation goal as a minimum. Calvert-Lewin came on for Palmer and Gueye came on for Onana. There was a lot of food for thought for manager Duncan Feeguson as he watched his side crumble at Selhurst Park. What seemed to be a good start to the season has quickly faded as the side dropped further down the table into 11th.
DF: It was the worst performance so far this season and would take some beating. Two injuries to Roony and Pablo (Maffeo) which will see them out for a few weeks so we need to assess our options in the squad for the coming games. I thought Mackenzie (Hunt) done ok, he was up against some really energetic forward players but giving the penalty awahy so early got to him and the home fans played on that. He got forward a few times too and looked to try to get things going for us, it's a shame some of the others couldn't figure that out.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
28th September 2024
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Three points separated Everton and Brentford in the table after six games played. Abdoulaye Doucore was suspended after a straight red card against Fulham so Onana and Garner formed the midfield. Everton started positively and within the first minute McNeil was allowed space down the left, put it low just inside the area for Palmer to open up and strike with his right foot making it 1-0! Everton ahead in Brentford! That's his first goal in a blue shirt! Everton rode the Brentford pressure following the goal and Toney came closest to equalising but headed over the bar with the goal gaping for him. Everton hit Brentford on the counter, Beto held up the ball and played it for McNeil to chase, he got into the box and his left footed shot rattled the bar, great effort. Mbuemo looked to take the ball from the goal kick, Mykolenko came in from behind with a terrible tackle and the referee had no choice but to brandish a red card, Everton reduced to ten men on the verge of half-time. Brentford took advantage and Mbuemo had the space to find Norgaard to finish nicely past Pickford in first half stoppage time. Everton made a change at half-time, Palmer went off for Patterson who went to Left Back. Brentford came forward in numbers, Mbueno played it left to Hickey who came forward down the left and played it into the box for Janelt to tap in from six yards putting the home side in front. Everton made three changes with 20 minutes to go, Calvert-Lewin replaced Beto, Roony came on for Rodriguez and Gueye replaced Onana. Roony lost possession with his first touch and it allowed Damsgaard to play the long ball to Toney who was one on one with Pickford and he beat the on rushing keeper to make it 3-1. Everton worked the ball in the final third but just could not break down a unified Brentford line. The match was practically over anyway but Dasilva made sure for good measure with a 30 yard low driven shot into the bottom left corner on 90 minutes. Another heavy league defeat for Everton and for the second season running they've been thrashed by Brentford 4-1.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Bournemouth
6th October 2024
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Abdoulaye Doucoure was available for selection after serving his game ban for his sending off in the League Cup Third Round however after a review of thre incident, the FA have imposed a further two game ban that will apply to League Cup matches only so will be suspended for the Fourth Round against Brentford. Vitaliy Mykolenko was suspended after his sending off against Brentford so Nathan Patterson came in at Left Back. Roony Bardghji played ahead of him and Karim Konate was given a start in attack due to Beto missing training during the week with a slight injury but was on the bench. A young Everton attacking quartet led by Konate struggled to get a decent shot in the opening 30 minutes but nothing worrying Neto. Doucourw went on a run down the left, passed inside to Branthwaite who played it forward to Konate, he set up Palmer for the shot and it went just over as he aimed for the top right corner. The second half started, Patterson passing down the left to Roony who won Everton an early corner in front of the Gwladys Street. Patterson's corner didn't beat the first man and came to nothing in what has been a drab game so far. Doucoure was the definitely missed in the last game as his tackling and interceptions were making the difference so far. Cham came on for the last 24 minutes replacing Cole Palmer. Traore took the corner but it was headed away by Tarkowski, Zabarnyi picked it up inside the box, Patterson put in a tackle but it rant to Kerkez who whipped it to the far post and Wehgorst beat Branthwaite to head in the opener. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto came on for Roony and Konate. Can Everton get a point? Calvert-Lewin down the left, passed inside to Doucoure who laid it off for Maffeo but Neto tipped wide, great save. Two minutes to go, Tarkowski urged to play it forward passes to Doucoure who lobs a forwad ball to Beto, Neto rushed out and Beto struck into the bottom left corner, 1-1! Everton back in it! The board went up for six additional minutes, Bournemouth retreated to their own half. McNeil, who replaced Rodriguez crossed from the right and Cham's shot was turned behind by the legs of Neto. Everton created plenty of chances in the final few minutes but Bournemouth managed to hold on for a draw at Goodison Park.
Duncan, did inexperience cost your side today?
DF: I don't think it cost us no, fair play to Roony and Konate for coming in and giving it their best shot but we seen a difference when we had the more ecperienced players on the pitch. They know that to get into this side it takes a lot of hard work and fight and today they wold have seen that against a sturdy Bournemouth defence.
PLAYER RATINGS
Crystal Palace vs Everton
20th October 2024
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Vitaly Mykolenko was serving his suspension and Jarrad Branthwaite picked up an injiury in training that saw Mackenzie Hunt come in for his first team debut at Left Back and Ben Godfrey next to James Tarkowski. Roony Bardghji started on the right with James Rodriguez dropping to the bench. Olise was up against Hunt and as he tried to go past him, Hunt was alleged to have pulled him back. VAR took a look and a penalty was awarded on 8 minutes. Edouard's penalty was too powerful for Pickford although he did go the right way, 1-0. Cheick Doucoure played the ball over the top for Edouard on 21 minutes, Pickford camer rushing out as the ball was going away from goal but Edouard kept the ball, he pulled it back to Everton Cebolinha who doubled the lead! That one will make the headlines! Six minutes later Palace hit Everton on the break and Edouard played it left to Everton Cebolinha who kept calm and finished past Pickford, that surely must be it inside the first 30 minutes. Roony was struggling clutching his thigh so Ferguson pulled him off before half-time with James Rodriguez coming on. It got a bit heated between Olise and Maffeo as the referee was reviewing a potential penalty but the foul was committed outside the box. Olise and Maffeo were coming face to face with players from both sides intervening. The travelling Everton fans had saw enough on 65 minutes when Godfrey turned in Ayew's ball into the box with the whole Everton side looking deflated. Ferguson decided it was time for change and to try to rescue a consolation goal as a minimum. Calvert-Lewin came on for Palmer and Gueye came on for Onana. There was a lot of food for thought for manager Duncan Feeguson as he watched his side crumble at Selhurst Park. What seemed to be a good start to the season has quickly faded as the side dropped further down the table into 11th.
DF: It was the worst performance so far this season and would take some beating. Two injuries to Roony and Pablo (Maffeo) which will see them out for a few weeks so we need to assess our options in the squad for the coming games. I thought Mackenzie (Hunt) done ok, he was up against some really energetic forward players but giving the penalty awahy so early got to him and the home fans played on that. He got forward a few times too and looked to try to get things going for us, it's a shame some of the others couldn't figure that out.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Celtic View
Player Valuation: £15m
It would appear some ICT fans aren't too happy. 
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Everton vs Leeds United
26th October 2024
Everton's injury crisis worsened with Bardghji, Hunt and Maffeo ruled out for a minimum of 2-3 weeks however Jarrad Branthwaite passed a late fitness test to get him a place on the bench. 20 year old Left Back Eli Campbell earned a start due to injuries and Mykolenko serving his last match ban. Muhammed Cham got only his second start of the season coming in for Palmer to play behind Beto. The rain came down at Goodison Park and it was time for Everton to put an end to their poor form. Everton enjoyed early possession in the opening ten minutes, Campbell found space to run into down the left, Sinisterra backed off allowing him to get into the area, he cut it back, Wober sliced it and it fell to Beto to knock into the bottom left corner! Everton were playing well through the middle and Doucoure was controlling the play, his through ball for Beto was sublime and as he finished it the flag went up on the far side. Onana took the ball just on the centre circle and drove forward with pace, he got into the area and chipped it across the goal for the head of Beto and he put it over from close range, that should have been 2. Two minutes into the second half and Pickford's long kick didn't get out of his own half, Dan James beat Patterson and Sinisterra's shot at the far post was blocked by Campbell, what a goods debut the youngster is having. The corner was dealt with by Beto and McNeil took the ball inside the area, he knocked it back to Pickford who found Patterson quickly to move forward. Rodriguez took the pass and played it inside to Cham, with a quick pass into the box for Beto to put away but once again the Centre Forward was just offside. Everton desperate for the second goal here. Gnonto played it forward for Sinisterra but it was well read by Campbell and he passed back to Godfrey. Sinisterra well and truly in Campbell's pocket today. With 22 minutes to go, the whole stadium applauded for Campbell as he went off for Branthwaite, what a debut and it looks like Everton have a decent player coming through. Godfrey moved to Left Back. Dobbin came on ten minutes later replacing James Rodriguez. Everton had a corner on 81 minutes which was cleared away but Onana who stayed back pumped it forward, Branthwaite passed to Beto and he found McNeil who only had Mesilier to beat and he smashed it into the top right corner, 2-0! The referee was in discussion with VAR after a minute of deliberation it was ruled out! Everton just can't get the second. Leeds bolstered the attack bringing on Harrison and Bamford. Leeds pushed forward on 92 minutes, two minutes still to go, Gnonto moving forward with the ball through the middle, Onana put in a great tackle, what a game he has had. Everton tried to keep the ball but a lazy pass by Dobbin saw Leeds come forward, Gnonto again getting up the pitch and winning Leeds a last second corner. Mesilier got the signal to come forward. Sinisterra put in a great cross, Struijk with a commanding header at the far post making it 1-1! Leeds get the goal to earn them a point! Mesilier leads the celebrations in front of the Everton supporters. Everton kicked off, it went out wide to Dobbin, he pumped it forward into the box but Mesilier claimed with the Leeds fans cheering it. The whistle was blown and it's like a victory for Leeds, Everton in sheer disappointment.
DF: We have to look at our chances closely because to have three ruled out for offside in one game is farcicle. The last one was very tight and there wasn't much in it, if we are talking a knee or an arm, then it has to be scrapped because this can't carry on for the good of the game. We defended very well and a corner caught us out in the last few seconds, it's sinking to see it go in when we done so well all game.
PLAYER RATINGS
Brentford vs Everton
League Cup Fourth Round
30th Octover 2024
A tough night in Brentford was expected after the bees had put four past Everton already this season. Vitaly Mykolenko was back and in the side after suspension and Ben Godfrey started at Right Back due to Patterson's one match suspension and Maffeo's injury. Doucoure was also serving a suspension so it was Gueye and Garner in the middle. Eli Campbell had a debut to remember against Leeds Utd and was named on the bench for the trip. Beto worked hard to get back and win the ball back from Jensen and passed forward to Cham who looked to lead the attack on 23 minutes. He played it forward to McNeil who cut inside but had no options and Hickey took the ball away from him, a nervous start for Everton but neither side really having many chances. It was almost too easy for Brentford on 33 minutes when Damsgaard was allowed freedom down the left and got in a good cross to the far post for Schade to head in the opener. At half-time Everton were yet to have a single shot and it was a terrible first half display. A couple of chances came their way but nothing troubling the keeper, Beto was isolated up top and was showing his frustration. Ferguson made three subs with just under 20 minutes to go, Gueye went off for Onana, Rodriguez was replaced by Dobbin and Palmer came on for Cham. Branthwaite got the ball wide to Dobbin, he got the low cross in but Collins cleared. Onana tried the ball forward to McNeil which was cut out and summed up the evening for Everton. Buendia came forward, he passed to Yarmoliuk who waltzed into the area, Garner not even interested in stopping him, he cut the ball back for Buendia to fire through the defence and past Pickford, 2-0 on 80 minutes. It's a pathetic night for Everton and they basically forfeited a chance in the Quarter Final. A sad showing from The Toffees.
PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester City vs Everton
2nd November 2024
Winless in five, it didn't seem to be a time to get that all important victory to keep their season on track. Going to the Etihad seemed like a daunting task and the opportunity to try and nick a point would be considered a successful result. Ferguson opted to play Onana, Doucoure and Gueye in midfield with the league's top scorer Beto leading the attack. Branthwaite done well to cut out the forward pass from Foden but he lost the ball to him after stalling, he passed into the box for Haaland but his right footed shot went wide. A minute later on 15 minutes Grealish came down the left and his low ball into the box was enough for Haaland to get a nifty touch that saw it crawl over the line and make it 1-0 to the hosts. It was almost too easy for Man City and they made Everton pay from the free-kick when De Bruyne's cross into the box was inch perfect for the head of Akanji to make it 2-0. 8 minutes into the second half, Grealish was free down the left and played the ball in the box for Haaland to get his second, another easy goal for Haaland. Everton made their first change with 25 minutes to go, Onana went off for Palmer. Calvert-Lewin came on for McNeil who was having a poor game. The change paid off and Palmer was instrumental in getting the ball into a dangerous area for Everton, he brought Mykolenko into it, who cut it back for Beto but the shot was blocked, it fell to Calvert-Lewin and he hit it first time into the bottom corner, 3-1! Although too late for Everton with 5 minutes to play. Everton looked brighter but in the second minute of stoppage time, Foden's forward ball to Haaland was sublime as he finished for his hat trick. Another heavy defeat for Everton as they remain winless in their last six.
DF: It's hard to come here and stop a team like Man City when they're in that kind of form. Haaland was unstoppable and we struggled with their pace and energy. I thought Mykolenko had a good game for us today and got into good attacking positions. We have to get back to winning ways but it doesn't look good when your next three is Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. A few more bad results and we are back at the wrong end of the table.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
26th October 2024
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Everton's injury crisis worsened with Bardghji, Hunt and Maffeo ruled out for a minimum of 2-3 weeks however Jarrad Branthwaite passed a late fitness test to get him a place on the bench. 20 year old Left Back Eli Campbell earned a start due to injuries and Mykolenko serving his last match ban. Muhammed Cham got only his second start of the season coming in for Palmer to play behind Beto. The rain came down at Goodison Park and it was time for Everton to put an end to their poor form. Everton enjoyed early possession in the opening ten minutes, Campbell found space to run into down the left, Sinisterra backed off allowing him to get into the area, he cut it back, Wober sliced it and it fell to Beto to knock into the bottom left corner! Everton were playing well through the middle and Doucoure was controlling the play, his through ball for Beto was sublime and as he finished it the flag went up on the far side. Onana took the ball just on the centre circle and drove forward with pace, he got into the area and chipped it across the goal for the head of Beto and he put it over from close range, that should have been 2. Two minutes into the second half and Pickford's long kick didn't get out of his own half, Dan James beat Patterson and Sinisterra's shot at the far post was blocked by Campbell, what a goods debut the youngster is having. The corner was dealt with by Beto and McNeil took the ball inside the area, he knocked it back to Pickford who found Patterson quickly to move forward. Rodriguez took the pass and played it inside to Cham, with a quick pass into the box for Beto to put away but once again the Centre Forward was just offside. Everton desperate for the second goal here. Gnonto played it forward for Sinisterra but it was well read by Campbell and he passed back to Godfrey. Sinisterra well and truly in Campbell's pocket today. With 22 minutes to go, the whole stadium applauded for Campbell as he went off for Branthwaite, what a debut and it looks like Everton have a decent player coming through. Godfrey moved to Left Back. Dobbin came on ten minutes later replacing James Rodriguez. Everton had a corner on 81 minutes which was cleared away but Onana who stayed back pumped it forward, Branthwaite passed to Beto and he found McNeil who only had Mesilier to beat and he smashed it into the top right corner, 2-0! The referee was in discussion with VAR after a minute of deliberation it was ruled out! Everton just can't get the second. Leeds bolstered the attack bringing on Harrison and Bamford. Leeds pushed forward on 92 minutes, two minutes still to go, Gnonto moving forward with the ball through the middle, Onana put in a great tackle, what a game he has had. Everton tried to keep the ball but a lazy pass by Dobbin saw Leeds come forward, Gnonto again getting up the pitch and winning Leeds a last second corner. Mesilier got the signal to come forward. Sinisterra put in a great cross, Struijk with a commanding header at the far post making it 1-1! Leeds get the goal to earn them a point! Mesilier leads the celebrations in front of the Everton supporters. Everton kicked off, it went out wide to Dobbin, he pumped it forward into the box but Mesilier claimed with the Leeds fans cheering it. The whistle was blown and it's like a victory for Leeds, Everton in sheer disappointment.
DF: We have to look at our chances closely because to have three ruled out for offside in one game is farcicle. The last one was very tight and there wasn't much in it, if we are talking a knee or an arm, then it has to be scrapped because this can't carry on for the good of the game. We defended very well and a corner caught us out in the last few seconds, it's sinking to see it go in when we done so well all game.
PLAYER RATINGS
Brentford vs Everton
League Cup Fourth Round
30th Octover 2024
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A tough night in Brentford was expected after the bees had put four past Everton already this season. Vitaly Mykolenko was back and in the side after suspension and Ben Godfrey started at Right Back due to Patterson's one match suspension and Maffeo's injury. Doucoure was also serving a suspension so it was Gueye and Garner in the middle. Eli Campbell had a debut to remember against Leeds Utd and was named on the bench for the trip. Beto worked hard to get back and win the ball back from Jensen and passed forward to Cham who looked to lead the attack on 23 minutes. He played it forward to McNeil who cut inside but had no options and Hickey took the ball away from him, a nervous start for Everton but neither side really having many chances. It was almost too easy for Brentford on 33 minutes when Damsgaard was allowed freedom down the left and got in a good cross to the far post for Schade to head in the opener. At half-time Everton were yet to have a single shot and it was a terrible first half display. A couple of chances came their way but nothing troubling the keeper, Beto was isolated up top and was showing his frustration. Ferguson made three subs with just under 20 minutes to go, Gueye went off for Onana, Rodriguez was replaced by Dobbin and Palmer came on for Cham. Branthwaite got the ball wide to Dobbin, he got the low cross in but Collins cleared. Onana tried the ball forward to McNeil which was cut out and summed up the evening for Everton. Buendia came forward, he passed to Yarmoliuk who waltzed into the area, Garner not even interested in stopping him, he cut the ball back for Buendia to fire through the defence and past Pickford, 2-0 on 80 minutes. It's a pathetic night for Everton and they basically forfeited a chance in the Quarter Final. A sad showing from The Toffees.
PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester City vs Everton
2nd November 2024
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Winless in five, it didn't seem to be a time to get that all important victory to keep their season on track. Going to the Etihad seemed like a daunting task and the opportunity to try and nick a point would be considered a successful result. Ferguson opted to play Onana, Doucoure and Gueye in midfield with the league's top scorer Beto leading the attack. Branthwaite done well to cut out the forward pass from Foden but he lost the ball to him after stalling, he passed into the box for Haaland but his right footed shot went wide. A minute later on 15 minutes Grealish came down the left and his low ball into the box was enough for Haaland to get a nifty touch that saw it crawl over the line and make it 1-0 to the hosts. It was almost too easy for Man City and they made Everton pay from the free-kick when De Bruyne's cross into the box was inch perfect for the head of Akanji to make it 2-0. 8 minutes into the second half, Grealish was free down the left and played the ball in the box for Haaland to get his second, another easy goal for Haaland. Everton made their first change with 25 minutes to go, Onana went off for Palmer. Calvert-Lewin came on for McNeil who was having a poor game. The change paid off and Palmer was instrumental in getting the ball into a dangerous area for Everton, he brought Mykolenko into it, who cut it back for Beto but the shot was blocked, it fell to Calvert-Lewin and he hit it first time into the bottom corner, 3-1! Although too late for Everton with 5 minutes to play. Everton looked brighter but in the second minute of stoppage time, Foden's forward ball to Haaland was sublime as he finished for his hat trick. Another heavy defeat for Everton as they remain winless in their last six.
DF: It's hard to come here and stop a team like Man City when they're in that kind of form. Haaland was unstoppable and we struggled with their pace and energy. I thought Mykolenko had a good game for us today and got into good attacking positions. We have to get back to winning ways but it doesn't look good when your next three is Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. A few more bad results and we are back at the wrong end of the table.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
Or should that be "someone oot"
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Everton vs Liverpool
9th November 2024
Both Mykolenko and Maffeo were back in the side for the Merseyside derby with Calvert-Lewin on the left and Beto up top. Rodriguez played behind the Striker and Palmer went on the right side. Liverpool were top of the table with ten wins from eleven and led Champions Man City by four points. The atmosphere drove Everton forward, 14 minutes gone and Doucoure played a forward pass to Rodriguez who had Calvert-Lewin and Beto ahead of him, he passes to Calvert-Lewin who flicked it on for Beto and he struck it in with his left foot! Liverpool appealed for offside. A pause around the stadium as the decision was consulted with VAR, on review Beto was clearly offside and the goal was ruled out but this boosted the atmosphere with Everton feeling they could continue with this attacking intent. Palmer dispossessed Elliott on 27 minutes, with a pass to Maffeo and a forward ball to Doucoure, he found Calvert-Lewin in space on the left, he crossed into the area and Beto headed towards goal but Allisson saved. Gakpo found Salah on the right, he passed into the box to Jones who passed on to Gakpo to chip over the on rushing Pickford, just onside and the goal was awarded. Maffeo had the ball on the right, he put in a great cross for Calvert-Lewin arriving at the far post and Allisson tipped it over, what a chance. Ten minutes into the second half, LIverpool needed to find the next gear to put a battling Everton to bed, the ball was played into the feet of Gakpo and Tarkowski came from behind taking the Striker off his feet, the referee came over and issued a red card for the tackle. The ball wasn't won and it was clearly a foul but maybe a red was too harsh. Everton made a couple of change with 24 minutes to go, Cham came on for Rodriguez and Konate was given a go replacing Beto. The ten man of Everton battled hard against the league leaders but couldn't find the equalising goal. Liverpool will feel they could have done better but the three points are theirs today.
DF: Looking at the Beto goal, he was offside but we had to keep pressing them and pushing them back. Dominic had a great chance too but was unlucky. The sending off changed the game, we done as best as we could with ten men but being at a disadvantage was always going to be tough. On the positive, we have players back from injury and we need them as we are in the middle of a tough run with Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs all to come.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea vs Everton
22nd November 2024
A trip to Stamford Bridge early in the season to take on 6th place Chelsea. Last season's 5th place finish was enough for Chelsea to make it into the new Champions League format. Cole Palmer was ineligible for this game as per the loan requirements and James Tarkowski was serving his first of three match game ban. McNeil was chosen to play on the right side this evening with Calvert-Lewin on the left and James Rodriguez behind Beto. Duncan Ferguson stated in his pre-match press conference that he wants to take the game to Chelsea and go "all out" to get something at The Bridge. Romelu Lukaku started against his former club. Pickford played the ball upfield, Beto won the flick on and Rodriguez went towards goal, from 20 yards out he tried the shot and lashed it into the bottom left corner! Everton with the lead! Calvert-Lewin brought the ball down the left and cut inside into the area, he played the cut back to Mykolenko but his shot was blocked by James, Everton taking the game to Chelsea. Mykolenko beat Lukaku to the ball, he played it forward to Calvert-Lewin and it went inside to Rodriguez, he played a through ball for Beto and his shot was saved. Great football. Everton could have put the game to bed after 25 minutes. On 29 minutes Enzo played the ball forward for Gallagher who took it in his stride into the box and beat an onrushing Pickford, 1-1. Chelsea started to look more like themselves and on 39 minutes Nkunku passed into the box to Gallagher, Onana got to the ball to put in the challenge but the referee had other ideas and awarded a penalty. Everton were furious with the decision, Onana got the ball but it was a tight angle for the referee to see. The protests continued as it went to VAR and after a couple of minutes it was awarded. Lukaku stepped up and sent Pickford the wrong way to put Chelsea in front. The Everton fans were not happy with that decison and Ferguson kept his cool on the touchline but did not look happy. Chelsea found their rhythm and Gallagher played a short pass for Madueke who turned Mykolenko and stuck low into the bottom corner, 3-1 to Chelsea. Everton were being slaughtered and a minute later Gallagher pulled away from Mykolenko to put it through the hands of Pickford and make it 4-1. Everton made two changes, Roony came on for McNeil and Garner replaced Doucoure. With just over 20 minutes to go Calvert-Lewin found space down the left and put in the cross at the near post for Beto to get above Kepa and pull a goal back for Everton. Cham came on for the last 20 minutes replacing Rodriguez. Onana came forward in the middle, wide a ball left for Mykolenko, he played it inside to Cham and what a ball forward for James Garner, he got his body right for the shot and curled it round Kepa making it 4-3! Everton back within one! Everton had a corner with 8 minutes to go, Chelsea looking tired but Gallagher and Mudryk were on fire. Roony's ball in was cleared at the near post but Garner played it forward to Roony, he had Cucurella coming in but he struck with the outside of the boot from a tight angle beating Kepa and into the back of the net! He ran straight off to the manager to celebrate that one! It's 4-4 at Stamford Bridge! Incredible scenes! A few minutes remained and it was Patterson on for Mykolenko, Ferguson looked to see the game out and not risk losing it in the final few minutes. The board went up for 7 minutes which was gasped at by the travelling supporters. Chelsea with a corner on 96 minutes, Madueke gets it into the six yard box, Badiashile heads towards the bottom corner but it goes inches wide. Pickford pumps the ball forward and the the match comes to an end, Everton with an incredible second half performance to come back and earn themselves a point. 4-1 after 54 minutes but three goals from Beto, Garner and Roony put a smile on the faces of the travelling toffees!
Duncan, do you feel you hung back on trying to win the game?
DF: If the opportunity came for us to break forward we would have went for it but we also had to be wary of losing the game in the additonal time. The second half performance alone was one of our best this season and we found a way to limit Gallagher and Mudryk who were enjoying far too much of the ball. We got the ball forward well and creating some really good chances, we done that well inside the opening 20 minutes and finished the game strongly.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Arsenal
30th November 2024
Just the one change today for Everton, Roony coming in for McNeil. Everton were on a tough run with no wins in 9 but the support for manager Duncan Ferguson was not absent as Everton were showing an improvement on the pitch from compared to last season. Despite having a good goal scoring record this season, Arsenal had only conceded 5 so it would be difficult to break down the side in 3rd place. Rodriguez came close on 2 minutes when his swirling free-kick caught Dragowski off guard and he tipped it over for a corner. Rodriguez certainly had magic in his boots as he found Roony inside the area but he got the shot all wrong trying for the spectacular with the outside of the boot. 18 minutes on the clock and an Everton corner, Calvert-Lewin send the inswinger in to the near post and Branthwaite overpowered Havertz to beat the keeper at the post and make it 1-0! Everton lead! Arsenal were yet to find their stride but on 26 minutes Nketiah played the ball forward for Trossard who had enough to hold Maffeo off and shoot across Pickford to level the scoring. Trossard couldn't see out the first half and went off injured on 43 minutes being replaced by Fabio Vieira. Vieira played a short free-kick on 46 minutes to Smith-Rowe, his shot was closed down by Mykolenko, Vieira retrieved it, got to the byline and passed low for Ben White to knock in to give Arsenal the lead just before the break. The second half started and Vieira was everywhere, he took the ball forward into the box but was checked by Doucoure, the referee pointed to the spot. Jorginho placed the ball down and took his run up sending Pickford the wrong way and slotting into the net, 3-1. Another fight back is required from Everton. Everton with a couple of changes on 69 minutes Gueye came on for Calvert-Lewin and Konate came on for Rodriguez. Gueye dropped into midfield and Konate went up top with Beto. Palmer came on with just over 10 minutes to go replacing Roony. With Konate on the pitch it allowed Beto to come deeper, it worked well as he come to retrieve the ball, took it forward down the right and his low cross made its way through for Konate to bury into the bottom left corner, 3-2! VAR took a look and ruled it out! It was the right decison, Konate was offside. Arsenal are victorious who seemed to benefit from the injury to Trossard with the introduction of Vieira. Good performance today from Godfrey and Branthwaite at the back but not enough in the attacking third.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
9th November 2024
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Both Mykolenko and Maffeo were back in the side for the Merseyside derby with Calvert-Lewin on the left and Beto up top. Rodriguez played behind the Striker and Palmer went on the right side. Liverpool were top of the table with ten wins from eleven and led Champions Man City by four points. The atmosphere drove Everton forward, 14 minutes gone and Doucoure played a forward pass to Rodriguez who had Calvert-Lewin and Beto ahead of him, he passes to Calvert-Lewin who flicked it on for Beto and he struck it in with his left foot! Liverpool appealed for offside. A pause around the stadium as the decision was consulted with VAR, on review Beto was clearly offside and the goal was ruled out but this boosted the atmosphere with Everton feeling they could continue with this attacking intent. Palmer dispossessed Elliott on 27 minutes, with a pass to Maffeo and a forward ball to Doucoure, he found Calvert-Lewin in space on the left, he crossed into the area and Beto headed towards goal but Allisson saved. Gakpo found Salah on the right, he passed into the box to Jones who passed on to Gakpo to chip over the on rushing Pickford, just onside and the goal was awarded. Maffeo had the ball on the right, he put in a great cross for Calvert-Lewin arriving at the far post and Allisson tipped it over, what a chance. Ten minutes into the second half, LIverpool needed to find the next gear to put a battling Everton to bed, the ball was played into the feet of Gakpo and Tarkowski came from behind taking the Striker off his feet, the referee came over and issued a red card for the tackle. The ball wasn't won and it was clearly a foul but maybe a red was too harsh. Everton made a couple of change with 24 minutes to go, Cham came on for Rodriguez and Konate was given a go replacing Beto. The ten man of Everton battled hard against the league leaders but couldn't find the equalising goal. Liverpool will feel they could have done better but the three points are theirs today.
DF: Looking at the Beto goal, he was offside but we had to keep pressing them and pushing them back. Dominic had a great chance too but was unlucky. The sending off changed the game, we done as best as we could with ten men but being at a disadvantage was always going to be tough. On the positive, we have players back from injury and we need them as we are in the middle of a tough run with Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs all to come.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea vs Everton
22nd November 2024
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A trip to Stamford Bridge early in the season to take on 6th place Chelsea. Last season's 5th place finish was enough for Chelsea to make it into the new Champions League format. Cole Palmer was ineligible for this game as per the loan requirements and James Tarkowski was serving his first of three match game ban. McNeil was chosen to play on the right side this evening with Calvert-Lewin on the left and James Rodriguez behind Beto. Duncan Ferguson stated in his pre-match press conference that he wants to take the game to Chelsea and go "all out" to get something at The Bridge. Romelu Lukaku started against his former club. Pickford played the ball upfield, Beto won the flick on and Rodriguez went towards goal, from 20 yards out he tried the shot and lashed it into the bottom left corner! Everton with the lead! Calvert-Lewin brought the ball down the left and cut inside into the area, he played the cut back to Mykolenko but his shot was blocked by James, Everton taking the game to Chelsea. Mykolenko beat Lukaku to the ball, he played it forward to Calvert-Lewin and it went inside to Rodriguez, he played a through ball for Beto and his shot was saved. Great football. Everton could have put the game to bed after 25 minutes. On 29 minutes Enzo played the ball forward for Gallagher who took it in his stride into the box and beat an onrushing Pickford, 1-1. Chelsea started to look more like themselves and on 39 minutes Nkunku passed into the box to Gallagher, Onana got to the ball to put in the challenge but the referee had other ideas and awarded a penalty. Everton were furious with the decision, Onana got the ball but it was a tight angle for the referee to see. The protests continued as it went to VAR and after a couple of minutes it was awarded. Lukaku stepped up and sent Pickford the wrong way to put Chelsea in front. The Everton fans were not happy with that decison and Ferguson kept his cool on the touchline but did not look happy. Chelsea found their rhythm and Gallagher played a short pass for Madueke who turned Mykolenko and stuck low into the bottom corner, 3-1 to Chelsea. Everton were being slaughtered and a minute later Gallagher pulled away from Mykolenko to put it through the hands of Pickford and make it 4-1. Everton made two changes, Roony came on for McNeil and Garner replaced Doucoure. With just over 20 minutes to go Calvert-Lewin found space down the left and put in the cross at the near post for Beto to get above Kepa and pull a goal back for Everton. Cham came on for the last 20 minutes replacing Rodriguez. Onana came forward in the middle, wide a ball left for Mykolenko, he played it inside to Cham and what a ball forward for James Garner, he got his body right for the shot and curled it round Kepa making it 4-3! Everton back within one! Everton had a corner with 8 minutes to go, Chelsea looking tired but Gallagher and Mudryk were on fire. Roony's ball in was cleared at the near post but Garner played it forward to Roony, he had Cucurella coming in but he struck with the outside of the boot from a tight angle beating Kepa and into the back of the net! He ran straight off to the manager to celebrate that one! It's 4-4 at Stamford Bridge! Incredible scenes! A few minutes remained and it was Patterson on for Mykolenko, Ferguson looked to see the game out and not risk losing it in the final few minutes. The board went up for 7 minutes which was gasped at by the travelling supporters. Chelsea with a corner on 96 minutes, Madueke gets it into the six yard box, Badiashile heads towards the bottom corner but it goes inches wide. Pickford pumps the ball forward and the the match comes to an end, Everton with an incredible second half performance to come back and earn themselves a point. 4-1 after 54 minutes but three goals from Beto, Garner and Roony put a smile on the faces of the travelling toffees!
Duncan, do you feel you hung back on trying to win the game?
DF: If the opportunity came for us to break forward we would have went for it but we also had to be wary of losing the game in the additonal time. The second half performance alone was one of our best this season and we found a way to limit Gallagher and Mudryk who were enjoying far too much of the ball. We got the ball forward well and creating some really good chances, we done that well inside the opening 20 minutes and finished the game strongly.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Arsenal
30th November 2024
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Just the one change today for Everton, Roony coming in for McNeil. Everton were on a tough run with no wins in 9 but the support for manager Duncan Ferguson was not absent as Everton were showing an improvement on the pitch from compared to last season. Despite having a good goal scoring record this season, Arsenal had only conceded 5 so it would be difficult to break down the side in 3rd place. Rodriguez came close on 2 minutes when his swirling free-kick caught Dragowski off guard and he tipped it over for a corner. Rodriguez certainly had magic in his boots as he found Roony inside the area but he got the shot all wrong trying for the spectacular with the outside of the boot. 18 minutes on the clock and an Everton corner, Calvert-Lewin send the inswinger in to the near post and Branthwaite overpowered Havertz to beat the keeper at the post and make it 1-0! Everton lead! Arsenal were yet to find their stride but on 26 minutes Nketiah played the ball forward for Trossard who had enough to hold Maffeo off and shoot across Pickford to level the scoring. Trossard couldn't see out the first half and went off injured on 43 minutes being replaced by Fabio Vieira. Vieira played a short free-kick on 46 minutes to Smith-Rowe, his shot was closed down by Mykolenko, Vieira retrieved it, got to the byline and passed low for Ben White to knock in to give Arsenal the lead just before the break. The second half started and Vieira was everywhere, he took the ball forward into the box but was checked by Doucoure, the referee pointed to the spot. Jorginho placed the ball down and took his run up sending Pickford the wrong way and slotting into the net, 3-1. Another fight back is required from Everton. Everton with a couple of changes on 69 minutes Gueye came on for Calvert-Lewin and Konate came on for Rodriguez. Gueye dropped into midfield and Konate went up top with Beto. Palmer came on with just over 10 minutes to go replacing Roony. With Konate on the pitch it allowed Beto to come deeper, it worked well as he come to retrieve the ball, took it forward down the right and his low cross made its way through for Konate to bury into the bottom left corner, 3-2! VAR took a look and ruled it out! It was the right decison, Konate was offside. Arsenal are victorious who seemed to benefit from the injury to Trossard with the introduction of Vieira. Good performance today from Godfrey and Branthwaite at the back but not enough in the attacking third.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
F.A CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW
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The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
LOAN FOCUS
Youssef Chermiti (S.C Covilha)
Youssef Chermiti's loan spell back in Portugal in the fourth tier was going well with five goals in ten matches. Chermitit is considered a star player at the club as he aims to send S.C Covilha back into the Liga Portugal 3.
Alberto Moleiro (Las Palmas)
Evereton's new Left Winger was enjoying a season back at Las Palmas with 5 goals and 5 assists in 15 games. Las Palmas are currently top of La Liga 2 and the 21 year old Spaniard is one of the stars in the league so far this season.
Lewis Warrington (Port Vale)
The 22 year old midfielder was performing very well with an averge rating of 7.00 in League One this season. Warrington has made 19 starts out of 20 for Port Vale and is doing everything that is expected of him out on loan. He currently has a pass completion rate of 88% and tackling completion rate of 78%.
Youssef Chermiti (S.C Covilha)
Youssef Chermiti's loan spell back in Portugal in the fourth tier was going well with five goals in ten matches. Chermitit is considered a star player at the club as he aims to send S.C Covilha back into the Liga Portugal 3.
Alberto Moleiro (Las Palmas)
Evereton's new Left Winger was enjoying a season back at Las Palmas with 5 goals and 5 assists in 15 games. Las Palmas are currently top of La Liga 2 and the 21 year old Spaniard is one of the stars in the league so far this season.
Lewis Warrington (Port Vale)
The 22 year old midfielder was performing very well with an averge rating of 7.00 in League One this season. Warrington has made 19 starts out of 20 for Port Vale and is doing everything that is expected of him out on loan. He currently has a pass completion rate of 88% and tackling completion rate of 78%.