Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....
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The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
F.A CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW
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The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Bournemouth vs Everton
17th February 2025
Ferguson kept the same side that beat Brentford and a win away at Bournemouth would put The Toffees on 30 points, 6 points clear of the drop zone. Moleiro came down the left from the kick-off but couldn't get past Aarons, he came back to Arana and he passed to Rodriguez in the middle who played a great ball back into the box for Moleiro, nice movement, Moleiro tried to curl it into the bottom right with his right foot but got it wrong and it went wide. Beto was shouting for it in the middle. Garner came forward with the ball on 11 minutes but Tyler Adams came rushing through and took Garner out with a nasty challenge, the referee did not hesitate and it was a straight red card! Everton looked to take advantage and on 29 minutes Onana played a direct pass to Moleiro who took it in his stride getting into the box on the left side and played a low ball in towards Beto but Senesi tried to cut it out and put it past Neto giving Everton the lead! Everton were doing well closing down the space and keeping the ball in the Bournemouth half, 50 minutes gone and McNeil helped it on to Garner on the edge of the box, he played it on to Onana who quickly moved it left to Moleiro who danced his way into the penalty area from the left and smashed a low shot with his left foot beating the keeper at a close angle and making it 2-0! Solanke had Bournemouth's first shot on target but it was easy for Pickford. Everton were playing nice football and when Neto pushed away McNeil's cross, Garner took it down nicely on his chest and his shot was pushed over the bar. McNeil was the first change going off for Everton with Okoronkwo coming on for the last 23 minutes. Lewis Cook had a great chance to pull one back but Pickford was alert and tipped it over, great save. Pickford kept Everton in the game with a few good saves, Weghorst won the header from the late Bournemouth corner and it was heading into the bottom corner but Pickford stretched to keep it out. Everton slowed the game down in stoppage time, taking the sting out of it and keeping the ball. It was a solid Everton performance which was helped with the sending off but they still scored twice away from home and recorded back to back wins!
Monday Night Football Analysis
Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney was a guest on Monday Night Football with Jamie Carragher with both pundits discussing Everton's attacking movement and the dangerous positions Alberto Moleiro and Guilherme Arana found themselves in for most of the game. "Everton had so much space on the left side and it allowed Moleiro to drift in to get shots away, he got a goal for it too which was a brilliant finish" stated Wayne Rooney. Jamie Carragher finished with plaudits for the midfield who worked tirelessly to keep Everton pushing forward. "Onana was exactly what we want to see from him, he moved the ball side to side and brought players into attacking movements, he was always there to defend and get the ball moving. James was smooth as well when he was involved and Everton seem to have got their act together, they played some nice football tonight."
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Crystal Palace
22nd February 2025
After a great display on Monday night, Amadou Onana was on the bench due to having a tight calf so Idrissa Gueye came in to the starting XI. Another win would certainly take the pressure off relegation and move them into fighting for a strong mid-table finish with the aim of improving on last season's 15th place finish. Palace put Everton under some early pressure with Svensson on the overlap down the right but Arana was doing well defensively. Arana got down the left on 12 minutes, played a low ball into Beto at the near post, he knocked it back for Rodriguez to shoot but it was blocked. McNeil put the ball out for a corner being under pressure from Svensson. Olise took it finding Guehi in the six yard box and he headed past Pickford to give Palace the lead. Rodriguez took the ball in the middle looking for an opening, he played it down the left to Moleiro and he knocked it into the box for Beto, but was he offside? He took the ball down and slotted past Henderson but the referee will be checking this. Disallowed is the decision! Beto was too early. Everton made the first change on 56 minutes, McNeil went off for Roony. Palace were trying to put this game to bed but their finishing let them down in the second half, Everton still with a chance and Jamie Vardy stepped off the bench and came on for James Rodriguez. Ferguson going with two up top. Garner with a first time pass forward and Vardy took the shot but it was straight at Henderson. Patterson got to the ball before Ayew and lobbed it forward, Vardy chased it down but lost it to Mitchell, he has to keep the ball there. Garner with a pass to Roony on the right, he put it low into the box and Arana's first time strike as deflected behind for a corner on 78 minutes. Everton need to do something. With 5 minutes to go, Doucoure came on for Garner and Konate came on for Beto. Palace got the ball down the other end and done enough to frustrate Everton in the final few minutes. Everton are beaten at home against a sturdy Palace side.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Brentford
F.A Cup Fifth Round
26th February 2025
A home tie for Everton and one the manager feels the team should be winning. After beating Brentford 3-0 here earlier in the month, Ferguson feels his side can further add misery to their campaign. The bad news for Everton was the the calf injury to Jarrod Branthwaite in training this week resulting in a month out. Patterson was suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards and Jamie Vardy was cup tied. Okoronkwo started on the right with Moleiro on the left and Beto up top. Onana, Cham and Garner formed the three man midfield. Brentford came out attacking looking for that first goal but Pickford pulled off two great saves from Toney to keep things level and with the aim of calming things down. Beto cleared from the Brentford corner but Toney took it down just outside the box, he found Schade in space and he took the shot on from 18 yards finding the bottom right corner, 1-0 to Brentford inside the first 10 minutes. Beto got stuck in to win the ball back for Everton on 18 minutes, he passed back to Cham and he brought Moleiro into play who set off down the left but he was caught by Mbuemo. Everton looked shaky at the back and Arana's poor clearance was brought down by Mbuemo on the left, he got the cross in too easily and Schade headed in his second. Moleiro played it out wide to Okoronkwo who took it in his stride with his chest, got to the byline and found Beto who was denied by Raya at the near post, Everton's first real chance. Brentford were enjoying their football, Toney with a backheel to Schade, a quick pass to Jensen, he put it on his right foot, looked up at goal from the edge of the box and curled it right into the top right corner, Pickford just watching it go past him. Brentford 3-0 up on 54 minutes and on their way to the Quarter Finals. Everton made four subs, Rodriguez replaced Cham, Roony came on for Moleiro, Konate replaced Beto and Mykolenko came on for Arana. Pickford took the kick short but if it wasn't for Okoronkwo being alert it would have allowed Buendia through on goal, he played it wide to Maffeo who came down the right with space in front of him, a low pass into the box found Konate to beat Raya and pull a goal back for Everton on 75 minutes! Okoronkwo was getting in the mood as he took it past Rico Henry, his cross was cleared back to him, he passed short into the box to Rodriguez and he was tripped by Norgaard, the referee gave the penalty! James Rodriguez put the ball down on 82 minutes, the chance to get Evertom back into the tie, James Rodriguez....left foot.....sent the keeper the wrong way! Everton get a second! The board went up for an additional 7 minutes, time for Everton to get a goal. They won a corner on 96 minutes which was taken by Rodriguez, the corner was cleared and Jensen ran forward to the delight of the visiting supporters. He passed to Noorgard and his short pass couldn't find Buendia and Mykolenko intercepted, coming down the left side, he got the cross into the box which fell to Maffeo and he struck first time hitting Henry and going behind for a corner. This will be the last chance. Rodriguez found Roony short inside the box, he went back to Rodriguez, the fans urging him to cross, he hit it low into the box which hit a few legs and found Onana, he poked it low and it rolled into the net! The Everton players looked shocked, but the goal stood! Everton levelled! The replay showed Onana's strike took a touch off Ajer on the way in, 3-3 at Goodison! We are going to Extra Time! Doucoure came on for Garner for fresh legs in the middle of the park. Doucoure had the only shot for Everton in the first half which went sky high over the bar. Brentford came out on the attack but Pickford done great in goal to keep it level at the break. Everton were doing little in the way of attack in Extra Time and Brentford ceased on that, Damsgaard put a cross in and Pickford saved well pushing away Kouame's header. The tie was to be decided by penalties in front of the Gwladys Street, James Rodriguez was up first for Everton, he went down the middle and Raya saved! Poor penalty! Damsgaard took Brentford's first, he went left and it was saved by Pickford! James Tarkowski made his way forward, he stepped up and Raya made himself as big as possible, no problem, straight into the bottom left! Kouame for Brentford, powerfully taken into the bottom right, Pickford was close. Karim Konate was next for Everton, buoyed by his goal in the match, can we keep Everton in the shoot-out? With confidence, he sends Raya the wrong way and rolls it into the right corner! Ajer was the third taker for Brentford and he sent Pickford the wrong way smashing it into the top right corner. Roony took ghe fourth kick and sent Raya the wrong way, 3-2! Buendia walked up slowly with the boo's ringing around the stadium, he sent Pickford the wrong way and made it 3-3. Doucoure came forward, placed the ball down and took a look up, he smashed it to the left and Raya got across to save. He put his head in his hands, it wasn't a bad penalty. Janelt with the chance to send Brentford through, he went left and Pickford saved! It goes on! The next taker for Everton was Onana, can he put Everton in front? He went left and Raya pushed it away! Norgaard now for Brentford, and he tucked it away sending Brentford into the Quarter Finals! What a game at Goodison Park but that's the last F.A Cup action we will see at this ground. Everton done so well to come back but that's where it ends for The Toffees.
DF: Great character, great determination but in the end it came down to chance and we lost. We took some good penalties, i told the players to leave the fancy pants stuff out of it and the two keepers made some good saves. We have to do better and not go behind by three goals, to come back was fascinating stuff but we don't want to be killing ourselves going into another 30 minutes of Extra Time. I have a group of players who are devastated but we have three days before going to Elland Road for a big league game.
PLAYER RATINGS
17th February 2025
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Ferguson kept the same side that beat Brentford and a win away at Bournemouth would put The Toffees on 30 points, 6 points clear of the drop zone. Moleiro came down the left from the kick-off but couldn't get past Aarons, he came back to Arana and he passed to Rodriguez in the middle who played a great ball back into the box for Moleiro, nice movement, Moleiro tried to curl it into the bottom right with his right foot but got it wrong and it went wide. Beto was shouting for it in the middle. Garner came forward with the ball on 11 minutes but Tyler Adams came rushing through and took Garner out with a nasty challenge, the referee did not hesitate and it was a straight red card! Everton looked to take advantage and on 29 minutes Onana played a direct pass to Moleiro who took it in his stride getting into the box on the left side and played a low ball in towards Beto but Senesi tried to cut it out and put it past Neto giving Everton the lead! Everton were doing well closing down the space and keeping the ball in the Bournemouth half, 50 minutes gone and McNeil helped it on to Garner on the edge of the box, he played it on to Onana who quickly moved it left to Moleiro who danced his way into the penalty area from the left and smashed a low shot with his left foot beating the keeper at a close angle and making it 2-0! Solanke had Bournemouth's first shot on target but it was easy for Pickford. Everton were playing nice football and when Neto pushed away McNeil's cross, Garner took it down nicely on his chest and his shot was pushed over the bar. McNeil was the first change going off for Everton with Okoronkwo coming on for the last 23 minutes. Lewis Cook had a great chance to pull one back but Pickford was alert and tipped it over, great save. Pickford kept Everton in the game with a few good saves, Weghorst won the header from the late Bournemouth corner and it was heading into the bottom corner but Pickford stretched to keep it out. Everton slowed the game down in stoppage time, taking the sting out of it and keeping the ball. It was a solid Everton performance which was helped with the sending off but they still scored twice away from home and recorded back to back wins!
Monday Night Football Analysis
Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney was a guest on Monday Night Football with Jamie Carragher with both pundits discussing Everton's attacking movement and the dangerous positions Alberto Moleiro and Guilherme Arana found themselves in for most of the game. "Everton had so much space on the left side and it allowed Moleiro to drift in to get shots away, he got a goal for it too which was a brilliant finish" stated Wayne Rooney. Jamie Carragher finished with plaudits for the midfield who worked tirelessly to keep Everton pushing forward. "Onana was exactly what we want to see from him, he moved the ball side to side and brought players into attacking movements, he was always there to defend and get the ball moving. James was smooth as well when he was involved and Everton seem to have got their act together, they played some nice football tonight."
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Crystal Palace
22nd February 2025
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After a great display on Monday night, Amadou Onana was on the bench due to having a tight calf so Idrissa Gueye came in to the starting XI. Another win would certainly take the pressure off relegation and move them into fighting for a strong mid-table finish with the aim of improving on last season's 15th place finish. Palace put Everton under some early pressure with Svensson on the overlap down the right but Arana was doing well defensively. Arana got down the left on 12 minutes, played a low ball into Beto at the near post, he knocked it back for Rodriguez to shoot but it was blocked. McNeil put the ball out for a corner being under pressure from Svensson. Olise took it finding Guehi in the six yard box and he headed past Pickford to give Palace the lead. Rodriguez took the ball in the middle looking for an opening, he played it down the left to Moleiro and he knocked it into the box for Beto, but was he offside? He took the ball down and slotted past Henderson but the referee will be checking this. Disallowed is the decision! Beto was too early. Everton made the first change on 56 minutes, McNeil went off for Roony. Palace were trying to put this game to bed but their finishing let them down in the second half, Everton still with a chance and Jamie Vardy stepped off the bench and came on for James Rodriguez. Ferguson going with two up top. Garner with a first time pass forward and Vardy took the shot but it was straight at Henderson. Patterson got to the ball before Ayew and lobbed it forward, Vardy chased it down but lost it to Mitchell, he has to keep the ball there. Garner with a pass to Roony on the right, he put it low into the box and Arana's first time strike as deflected behind for a corner on 78 minutes. Everton need to do something. With 5 minutes to go, Doucoure came on for Garner and Konate came on for Beto. Palace got the ball down the other end and done enough to frustrate Everton in the final few minutes. Everton are beaten at home against a sturdy Palace side.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Brentford
F.A Cup Fifth Round
26th February 2025
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A home tie for Everton and one the manager feels the team should be winning. After beating Brentford 3-0 here earlier in the month, Ferguson feels his side can further add misery to their campaign. The bad news for Everton was the the calf injury to Jarrod Branthwaite in training this week resulting in a month out. Patterson was suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards and Jamie Vardy was cup tied. Okoronkwo started on the right with Moleiro on the left and Beto up top. Onana, Cham and Garner formed the three man midfield. Brentford came out attacking looking for that first goal but Pickford pulled off two great saves from Toney to keep things level and with the aim of calming things down. Beto cleared from the Brentford corner but Toney took it down just outside the box, he found Schade in space and he took the shot on from 18 yards finding the bottom right corner, 1-0 to Brentford inside the first 10 minutes. Beto got stuck in to win the ball back for Everton on 18 minutes, he passed back to Cham and he brought Moleiro into play who set off down the left but he was caught by Mbuemo. Everton looked shaky at the back and Arana's poor clearance was brought down by Mbuemo on the left, he got the cross in too easily and Schade headed in his second. Moleiro played it out wide to Okoronkwo who took it in his stride with his chest, got to the byline and found Beto who was denied by Raya at the near post, Everton's first real chance. Brentford were enjoying their football, Toney with a backheel to Schade, a quick pass to Jensen, he put it on his right foot, looked up at goal from the edge of the box and curled it right into the top right corner, Pickford just watching it go past him. Brentford 3-0 up on 54 minutes and on their way to the Quarter Finals. Everton made four subs, Rodriguez replaced Cham, Roony came on for Moleiro, Konate replaced Beto and Mykolenko came on for Arana. Pickford took the kick short but if it wasn't for Okoronkwo being alert it would have allowed Buendia through on goal, he played it wide to Maffeo who came down the right with space in front of him, a low pass into the box found Konate to beat Raya and pull a goal back for Everton on 75 minutes! Okoronkwo was getting in the mood as he took it past Rico Henry, his cross was cleared back to him, he passed short into the box to Rodriguez and he was tripped by Norgaard, the referee gave the penalty! James Rodriguez put the ball down on 82 minutes, the chance to get Evertom back into the tie, James Rodriguez....left foot.....sent the keeper the wrong way! Everton get a second! The board went up for an additional 7 minutes, time for Everton to get a goal. They won a corner on 96 minutes which was taken by Rodriguez, the corner was cleared and Jensen ran forward to the delight of the visiting supporters. He passed to Noorgard and his short pass couldn't find Buendia and Mykolenko intercepted, coming down the left side, he got the cross into the box which fell to Maffeo and he struck first time hitting Henry and going behind for a corner. This will be the last chance. Rodriguez found Roony short inside the box, he went back to Rodriguez, the fans urging him to cross, he hit it low into the box which hit a few legs and found Onana, he poked it low and it rolled into the net! The Everton players looked shocked, but the goal stood! Everton levelled! The replay showed Onana's strike took a touch off Ajer on the way in, 3-3 at Goodison! We are going to Extra Time! Doucoure came on for Garner for fresh legs in the middle of the park. Doucoure had the only shot for Everton in the first half which went sky high over the bar. Brentford came out on the attack but Pickford done great in goal to keep it level at the break. Everton were doing little in the way of attack in Extra Time and Brentford ceased on that, Damsgaard put a cross in and Pickford saved well pushing away Kouame's header. The tie was to be decided by penalties in front of the Gwladys Street, James Rodriguez was up first for Everton, he went down the middle and Raya saved! Poor penalty! Damsgaard took Brentford's first, he went left and it was saved by Pickford! James Tarkowski made his way forward, he stepped up and Raya made himself as big as possible, no problem, straight into the bottom left! Kouame for Brentford, powerfully taken into the bottom right, Pickford was close. Karim Konate was next for Everton, buoyed by his goal in the match, can we keep Everton in the shoot-out? With confidence, he sends Raya the wrong way and rolls it into the right corner! Ajer was the third taker for Brentford and he sent Pickford the wrong way smashing it into the top right corner. Roony took ghe fourth kick and sent Raya the wrong way, 3-2! Buendia walked up slowly with the boo's ringing around the stadium, he sent Pickford the wrong way and made it 3-3. Doucoure came forward, placed the ball down and took a look up, he smashed it to the left and Raya got across to save. He put his head in his hands, it wasn't a bad penalty. Janelt with the chance to send Brentford through, he went left and Pickford saved! It goes on! The next taker for Everton was Onana, can he put Everton in front? He went left and Raya pushed it away! Norgaard now for Brentford, and he tucked it away sending Brentford into the Quarter Finals! What a game at Goodison Park but that's the last F.A Cup action we will see at this ground. Everton done so well to come back but that's where it ends for The Toffees.
DF: Great character, great determination but in the end it came down to chance and we lost. We took some good penalties, i told the players to leave the fancy pants stuff out of it and the two keepers made some good saves. We have to do better and not go behind by three goals, to come back was fascinating stuff but we don't want to be killing ourselves going into another 30 minutes of Extra Time. I have a group of players who are devastated but we have three days before going to Elland Road for a big league game.
PLAYER RATINGS
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Leeds United vs Everton
1st March 2025
Ten games to go, 30 poimts available, 6 points currently clear of the relegation zone. Leeds were in good form, 9th in the table and Daniel Farke was hoping for a top hald finish after getting Leeds back into the big time last season. Onana was struggling with fitness so Gueye came in for him, Patterson went back in at Right Back, Mykolenko at Left Back and Roony on the right wing with Okoronkwo dropping to the bench, moreso for rest. Everton came out with a possession style keeping the ball well but nothing going forward, if the tactic was to come away with a point then Ferguson was doing it well. Mykolenko went through Gnonto to win the ball and he played it to Rodriguez in the middle, he fed it through for Moleiro in space as he cut inside but his shot was just wide of the post. 45 minutes in the first half and Sinisterra put the corner into the box, Kristensen and Tarkowski jumped for the ball and the fans appealed for handball by Tarkowski, the referee stopped the game and consulted with VAR. A few minutes later it was decided that it was a penalty! Tarkowski's arms was slightly raised and moved the direction of the ball. Wober stepped up for Leeds, blasted into the bottom right corner, 1-0. Everton kicked off the second half and Roony came down the right, Wober lashed out kicking at his ankles as he went past. Tarkowski was straight over to Wober to tell him to sort it out and had a word with the referee about his conduct. The referee kept his cards in his pocket, it was a late frustrated challenge. On 60 minutes Mykolenko played it down the left for Moleiro, his deflected cross beat the Leeds defence, Beto ran on to it and put the shot wide, he should have hit the target. Konate was on for Beto in the last 20 minutes. Godfrey got away with one when the ball slipped away from him, Gnonto was one on one with Pickford and his fancy lob hit the roof of the net. Vardy came on for the last 10 minutes replacing Rodriguez, can Everton grab something from this? Konate lobbed it right to Roony who advanced into the area, low cross to the near post and Vardy knocked it past the keeper on 85 minutes, 1-1! His first Everton goal! Sinisterra found Almiron on 86 minutes, he dribbled past Tarkowski and Pickford saved his shot knocking it onto the post, Gnonto got to the ball and knocked it in, Leeds restored their lead. Everton held the lead for 60 seconds and it's Leeds who are back on top. Everton couldn't hold on and Leeds took all the points.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Manchester City
8th March 2025
Still one of the best teams in the world, league champions Manchester City started this evening's match in 4th place. 14 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and four points behind 2nd place and rivals Man Utd. Ferguson went defensive against Man City, keeping the same starting XI that were beat last week by Leeds. Everton sat back allowing Man City to come forward, Theo Hernandez was quick down the left and he cut it back for Grealish to shoot from inside the box but he put it over on 16 minutes. Mykolenko helped it on to Moleiro and he knocked it down the left for Beto, he got to the byline and cut it back inside the box for Moleiro but his side footed shot went over the bar. Godfrey held the ball for too long and Bernardo got in to win it back, he played it wide left to Grealish, he played it to De Bruyne inside the box, and he put it on a plate in the six yard box for Haaland to knock in on 40 minutes, 1-0 to City. Grealish ran with the ball into the area on 47 minutes, still inside the first half and he was going nowhere, Patterson nudged him off the ball as it was going out of play and the referee awarded a penalty! That was not a penalty and City had the chance to go in at the break 2-0 up. Haaland smashed it into the bottom left corner and City were two goals clear. Raphina came on for Man City and he took the corner on 56 minutes, Godfrey's clearance only went as far as Callum Doyle who took it down and set up the shot which rolled into the back of the net, far too easy and nobody closed him down. Onana replaced Gueye on 65 minutes. Everton tried to go with a long ball approach but Ederson was quick off his line to beat Beto to the ball. It was a comfortable win for Man City and Everton had Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs all to come in what could be very decisive.
DF: Let's be honest, there was no foul on Grealish, it was a fair challenge and he made the most of it. The referees are not giving us a fair deal and we are having many decisions go against us which aren't judged correctly. That's the second one in two weeks and I'm not happy about it.
PLAYER RATINGS
Liverpool vs Everton
15th March 2025
It's one of the biggest Merseyside derbies in recent times with Liverpool 10 points clear at the top and a chance to go closer to their 20th title. Everton are 6 points clear of the relegation zone and they need as many points as possible on the board. Konate came in for Beto, Maffeo replaced Patterson and Branthwaite returned from injury and was named on the bench. Everton, as usual were baxcked by a atrong following at Anfield and a big performance was needed. Liverpool were possession dominant in the first 30 minutes but Everton kept the score at 0-0. 40 minutes on the clock, Szoboszlai ran forward, played it right to Salah and he crossed for Nunez to knock in the first to make it 1-0. Salah and Nunez found their flow and Salah provided once again for Nunez on 49 minutes to shoot past Pickford into the net, 2-0. Liverpool were in full flow and Van Dijk was next on the scoresheet as he smashed one in from the edge of the box from the corner, 3-0 on 52 minutes. Salah played the ball into the box on 53 minutes and Nunez claimed to have been fouled by Godfrey, Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot stating Godfrey clipped Nunez on the ankle. Nunez went for the hat-trick and Pickford pushed it away! Everton made four changes, Branthwaite came on for Godfrey, Cham replaced Rodriguez, Okoronkwo replaced Roony and Beto came on for Konate. The subs were just on the pitch when Salah converted FROM Szoboszlai's pass on 58 minutes. Three minutes later, Szoboszlai sent the corner in and Joe Gomez made it five. On 74 minutes Gueye launched a long ball forward, Beto took it down on his chest and smashed it into the top left corner, what a goal! It's just a consolation goal but one hell of a strike! When Liverpool play like that they can't be stopped but it does take a lot to stop them in that form. Everton were lost today and well beaten. It was a horror show. Moleiro had his worst game for Everton and the Anfield crowd got to him.
DF: It doesn't get much worse than that and getting five put past you at Anfield hurts. I can't defend anyone for that level of performance and words will be had. It's not acceptable and I want to apologise to every Evertonian today. It was a complete and utter mess. There's an International break now, this is the chance to regroup and start again. We have Chelsea at home when we come back and we can show them what talent we have here.
DERBY DEFEAT UNFORGIVEABLE
It was one of the worst derby displays from Everton in this decade and to see them crumble so easily shows the problems they have in the team. The first question, is are any of the players actually any good and can they do any better than this? Jordan Pickford is one of the best Goalkeepers in the league and has been fantastic for Everton but there seems to be some issues in front of him. James Tarkowski is slowing down and Ben Godfrey is not the ideal replacement. Jarrod Branthwaite is a young developing defender and needs more time but he has a lot of potential if Everton can keep hold of him. It may have been a mistake sending Igor Zubeldia to Juventus on loan, he is playing Champions League football and playing it well. Guilherme Arana needs time to settle in from Brazil. In his 8 league appearances so far, he has done ok. Alberto Moleiro had a shocking game against Liverpool and the crowd loved to wind him up, he is also settling in to life in England and needs time to adjust to the Premier League. Idrissa Gueye is getting older and doesn't have the legs like he used to. Amadou Onana blows hot and cold and sometimes we see brilliance and sometimes it's like he doesn't exist. James Garner has been one of the team's good performers this season and is getting better with more game time. James Rodriguez feels like a luxury signing and he had a great first half to the season but we haven't seen his brilliance as of late. There is more to come from Roony and Konate, Beto has been prolific in front of goal but when he has a bad gane, he has a BAD game. Francis Okoronkwo has been one of the season's highlights, he has done well down the right and been dangerous when called upon. Jamie Vardy may seem like a waste of money, his goal against Leeds almost secured Everton a point and he may be only able to give 10 minutes here and there. Overall, there is a lot of potential at the club but another Defender may help with Tarkowski starting to slow down. Everton have a huge 7 games left to secure their top flight status and once again find themselves in 7 cup finals. If the club are to stick with Ferguson for the rest of the season, the supporters also need to get back on board after some horrific performances.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
1st March 2025
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Ten games to go, 30 poimts available, 6 points currently clear of the relegation zone. Leeds were in good form, 9th in the table and Daniel Farke was hoping for a top hald finish after getting Leeds back into the big time last season. Onana was struggling with fitness so Gueye came in for him, Patterson went back in at Right Back, Mykolenko at Left Back and Roony on the right wing with Okoronkwo dropping to the bench, moreso for rest. Everton came out with a possession style keeping the ball well but nothing going forward, if the tactic was to come away with a point then Ferguson was doing it well. Mykolenko went through Gnonto to win the ball and he played it to Rodriguez in the middle, he fed it through for Moleiro in space as he cut inside but his shot was just wide of the post. 45 minutes in the first half and Sinisterra put the corner into the box, Kristensen and Tarkowski jumped for the ball and the fans appealed for handball by Tarkowski, the referee stopped the game and consulted with VAR. A few minutes later it was decided that it was a penalty! Tarkowski's arms was slightly raised and moved the direction of the ball. Wober stepped up for Leeds, blasted into the bottom right corner, 1-0. Everton kicked off the second half and Roony came down the right, Wober lashed out kicking at his ankles as he went past. Tarkowski was straight over to Wober to tell him to sort it out and had a word with the referee about his conduct. The referee kept his cards in his pocket, it was a late frustrated challenge. On 60 minutes Mykolenko played it down the left for Moleiro, his deflected cross beat the Leeds defence, Beto ran on to it and put the shot wide, he should have hit the target. Konate was on for Beto in the last 20 minutes. Godfrey got away with one when the ball slipped away from him, Gnonto was one on one with Pickford and his fancy lob hit the roof of the net. Vardy came on for the last 10 minutes replacing Rodriguez, can Everton grab something from this? Konate lobbed it right to Roony who advanced into the area, low cross to the near post and Vardy knocked it past the keeper on 85 minutes, 1-1! His first Everton goal! Sinisterra found Almiron on 86 minutes, he dribbled past Tarkowski and Pickford saved his shot knocking it onto the post, Gnonto got to the ball and knocked it in, Leeds restored their lead. Everton held the lead for 60 seconds and it's Leeds who are back on top. Everton couldn't hold on and Leeds took all the points.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Manchester City
8th March 2025
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Still one of the best teams in the world, league champions Manchester City started this evening's match in 4th place. 14 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and four points behind 2nd place and rivals Man Utd. Ferguson went defensive against Man City, keeping the same starting XI that were beat last week by Leeds. Everton sat back allowing Man City to come forward, Theo Hernandez was quick down the left and he cut it back for Grealish to shoot from inside the box but he put it over on 16 minutes. Mykolenko helped it on to Moleiro and he knocked it down the left for Beto, he got to the byline and cut it back inside the box for Moleiro but his side footed shot went over the bar. Godfrey held the ball for too long and Bernardo got in to win it back, he played it wide left to Grealish, he played it to De Bruyne inside the box, and he put it on a plate in the six yard box for Haaland to knock in on 40 minutes, 1-0 to City. Grealish ran with the ball into the area on 47 minutes, still inside the first half and he was going nowhere, Patterson nudged him off the ball as it was going out of play and the referee awarded a penalty! That was not a penalty and City had the chance to go in at the break 2-0 up. Haaland smashed it into the bottom left corner and City were two goals clear. Raphina came on for Man City and he took the corner on 56 minutes, Godfrey's clearance only went as far as Callum Doyle who took it down and set up the shot which rolled into the back of the net, far too easy and nobody closed him down. Onana replaced Gueye on 65 minutes. Everton tried to go with a long ball approach but Ederson was quick off his line to beat Beto to the ball. It was a comfortable win for Man City and Everton had Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs all to come in what could be very decisive.
DF: Let's be honest, there was no foul on Grealish, it was a fair challenge and he made the most of it. The referees are not giving us a fair deal and we are having many decisions go against us which aren't judged correctly. That's the second one in two weeks and I'm not happy about it.
PLAYER RATINGS
Liverpool vs Everton
15th March 2025
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It's one of the biggest Merseyside derbies in recent times with Liverpool 10 points clear at the top and a chance to go closer to their 20th title. Everton are 6 points clear of the relegation zone and they need as many points as possible on the board. Konate came in for Beto, Maffeo replaced Patterson and Branthwaite returned from injury and was named on the bench. Everton, as usual were baxcked by a atrong following at Anfield and a big performance was needed. Liverpool were possession dominant in the first 30 minutes but Everton kept the score at 0-0. 40 minutes on the clock, Szoboszlai ran forward, played it right to Salah and he crossed for Nunez to knock in the first to make it 1-0. Salah and Nunez found their flow and Salah provided once again for Nunez on 49 minutes to shoot past Pickford into the net, 2-0. Liverpool were in full flow and Van Dijk was next on the scoresheet as he smashed one in from the edge of the box from the corner, 3-0 on 52 minutes. Salah played the ball into the box on 53 minutes and Nunez claimed to have been fouled by Godfrey, Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot stating Godfrey clipped Nunez on the ankle. Nunez went for the hat-trick and Pickford pushed it away! Everton made four changes, Branthwaite came on for Godfrey, Cham replaced Rodriguez, Okoronkwo replaced Roony and Beto came on for Konate. The subs were just on the pitch when Salah converted FROM Szoboszlai's pass on 58 minutes. Three minutes later, Szoboszlai sent the corner in and Joe Gomez made it five. On 74 minutes Gueye launched a long ball forward, Beto took it down on his chest and smashed it into the top left corner, what a goal! It's just a consolation goal but one hell of a strike! When Liverpool play like that they can't be stopped but it does take a lot to stop them in that form. Everton were lost today and well beaten. It was a horror show. Moleiro had his worst game for Everton and the Anfield crowd got to him.
DF: It doesn't get much worse than that and getting five put past you at Anfield hurts. I can't defend anyone for that level of performance and words will be had. It's not acceptable and I want to apologise to every Evertonian today. It was a complete and utter mess. There's an International break now, this is the chance to regroup and start again. We have Chelsea at home when we come back and we can show them what talent we have here.
DERBY DEFEAT UNFORGIVEABLE
It was one of the worst derby displays from Everton in this decade and to see them crumble so easily shows the problems they have in the team. The first question, is are any of the players actually any good and can they do any better than this? Jordan Pickford is one of the best Goalkeepers in the league and has been fantastic for Everton but there seems to be some issues in front of him. James Tarkowski is slowing down and Ben Godfrey is not the ideal replacement. Jarrod Branthwaite is a young developing defender and needs more time but he has a lot of potential if Everton can keep hold of him. It may have been a mistake sending Igor Zubeldia to Juventus on loan, he is playing Champions League football and playing it well. Guilherme Arana needs time to settle in from Brazil. In his 8 league appearances so far, he has done ok. Alberto Moleiro had a shocking game against Liverpool and the crowd loved to wind him up, he is also settling in to life in England and needs time to adjust to the Premier League. Idrissa Gueye is getting older and doesn't have the legs like he used to. Amadou Onana blows hot and cold and sometimes we see brilliance and sometimes it's like he doesn't exist. James Garner has been one of the team's good performers this season and is getting better with more game time. James Rodriguez feels like a luxury signing and he had a great first half to the season but we haven't seen his brilliance as of late. There is more to come from Roony and Konate, Beto has been prolific in front of goal but when he has a bad gane, he has a BAD game. Francis Okoronkwo has been one of the season's highlights, he has done well down the right and been dangerous when called upon. Jamie Vardy may seem like a waste of money, his goal against Leeds almost secured Everton a point and he may be only able to give 10 minutes here and there. Overall, there is a lot of potential at the club but another Defender may help with Tarkowski starting to slow down. Everton have a huge 7 games left to secure their top flight status and once again find themselves in 7 cup finals. If the club are to stick with Ferguson for the rest of the season, the supporters also need to get back on board after some horrific performances.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Everton vs Chelsea
29th March 2025
6th place Chelsea were the visitors at Goodison Park and it was a defensive set-up for Everton. Five at the back with Arana and Patterson operating as Wing Backs. Konate and Beto both started in attack for Everton and Romelu Lukaku returned against his former club. Beto held the ball up and laid it off to Patterson before getting back into the box, it was played to Tarkowski who was quite far forward and his return pass to Patterson down the right saw him find space, he skipped past Chilwell and crossed low, Beto controlled it and held his nerve as he blasted past Slonina from close range! Everton with the first goal on 10 minutes! Beto with his 20th of the season! Patterson got down the right again, he had to come back with Chilwell blocking his movement, Tarkowski passed to Garner and he fed it through to Beto who took it in his stride and buried it into the back of the net! 2-0 to Everton! 23 minutes in! Beto is on fire and Chelsea can only look on! This is the reaction they needed! James Rodriguez came close from the free-kick with the keeper doing enough to tip it over the bar. The half time whistle was blown and Everton went off to full support from the Evertonians! Everton came under a bit of pressure in the second half and Branthwaite was great in the air winning headers to clear the danger. Rodriguez went off to applause with 30 minutes to go and Cham came on. On 65 minutes Chelsea pulled a goal back when Rhys James scored from range going in off the post, Chelsea back in it. Ferguson freshened things up changing both full backs, Mykolenko and Maffeo coming on. Chelsea put numbers on with Jackson joining the attack. Everton just have to see the game out and with composure they did just that! Chelsea tried but could not succeed and Everton record a huge win!
DF: Just like that we fight back and get a massive three points, who woud have thought after recenty results? Training has been different this week and I gave the lads two days off last week which I think helped. We had a few tough sessions this week but we've looked a lot sharper. I'm pleased today but it has to continue. The fans brought it home today too, they were great and vocal, just how we like it.
PLAYER RATINGS
Arsenal vs Everton
5th April 2025
League Cup winners Arsenal were trying to solidify their top 4 expectations whilst also competing in the Champions League Last eight. With the league potentially lost to Liverpool, a second place finish was not out of reach. Everton on the other hand were trying to retain Premier League status and were nine points clear of the drop zone going into this difficult away game. Kafrim Konate was recovering from injury so made the bench after a late fitness test so Jamie Vardy got his first start in a two Striker formation with Beto. Everton got us underway at The Emirates stadium, Godfrey took it at the back and passed to Garner who let it run past him and Saliba come crunching in on him, surely a yellow card? Nothing given, it was a late challenge and Tim Robinson let it go without a booking. Arsenal picked up the tempo and got on the ball, Rice to Odegaard, he found Saka in space on the edge of the box, left footed strike into the bottom corner, 1-0 on 5 minutes. Quick football from Arsenal. Odegaard played an incisive pass whick took Godfrey out and Saka was through against Pickford, he nudged it left to Osimhen and he made it 2-0 on 16 minutes. Godfrey found Arana making a move down the left on 20 minutes, he went past Saliba on the byline, knocked it to Rodriguez inside the box who helped it on to Beto to strike first time, turned behind by Ramsdale. So far it's a poor half for Everton, Vardy just isn't involved at all. 46 seconds into the second half and Havertz cut through the Everton midfield with a ball to Osimhen to nudge past Pickford, was he onside? No flag and it counts. Everton made two changes just after the 60 minute mark, Vardy went off for Konate and Patterson went off for Maffeo. Gueye got it wide to Arana on the left, delivery is important here, he pulled it back to Rodriguez and he knocked it on to Gueye who struck from outside of the box and watch it sail over. Konate played a long ball for Beto to chase on 95 minutes and the referee ended the match, it was a routine win for Arsenal and a disastrous performance for Everton.
Duncan, Southampton picked up a point today, do you see this going to the wire?
DF: Unless we do something about it then yes. It's in our hands and we have to win matches, otherwise we can only blame ourselves for the situation we find ourselves in. Today was abysmal and I expected a better showing after beating Chelsea. We just have to turn up against Spurs next week and try to get something from the game.
In other news, Igor Zubeldia is having a great season with Juventus, playing Champions League football, do you miss him?
DF: Igor has quality and in hindsight it may have been a bad move to let him go. We could do with the extra legs in defence to see games out and he would have been useful for this end of season run-in.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
13th April 2025
Another important fixture on the road to survival for Everton and a difficult opponent in 8th place Tottenham. Everton were hoping to take advantage of Spurs' latest away trip to Monaco in the Europa League. Konate and Beto started the game with Onana back in the midfield. Something seemed to click with Everton and from the kick off Roony took it down the right and found Konate in front of him who crossed first time for Beto to knock in after 34 seconds! Everrton surprising everyone! Everton were going for the second and Rodriguez almost converted the free-kick from 20 yards curling around the wall beautifully forcing Perri to tip it out for a corner. Tottenham got themselves into the match after a shock opener, possession ststs ruled in their favour and Everton were doing all they could to keep them out. Tottenham were working the ball patiently but Everton were happy to sit in and wait for a misplaced pass to win it back. Beto took it down from Pickford's long kick forward on 40 minutes and knocked it to Onana in the middle, he played it forward to Rodriguez and a with a delicate ball over the defence he found McNeil going forward, he took the shot due to pressure and it was easy for the keeper. Everton were really well organised and it looked like Spurs were about to get back in the game on 61 minutes but Pickford denied Kulusevski from close range. Garnacho was on for Spurs and he has caused Everton problems in the past. Roony played it forward for Beto who was challenged by Doig, his foot seemed high and Beto went down in the box, Doig had already been booked. Paul Tierney gave Everton the penalty! Doig was appealing to the referee, but no second yellow was given! The Everton fans are appalled at that decision. Rodriguez put the ball down and he rattles the cross bar! What a miss! Doig took the ball and was booed by the home supporters. A few minutes later Rodriguez went off for Doucoure, I think it was more of a tactical change than anything else. Beto was the next player to make way on 79 minutes for Cham. Garnacho came down the right on 89 minutes bursting with energy, he crossed into the box, Son knocked it down to Maddison and Pickfors pushed away from close range, what a game Pickford is having. Garnacho came forward again, his cross was cleared by Tarkowski. The Everton defence have been brilliant today, Richarlison beaten in the air by Doucoure who got back to work for the defence. The referee called time and it was a well earned Everton victory! The defence worked tirelessly to keep it at 1-0 and to win with a possession stat of 29% is really something. Everton now a step closer to safety!
Duncan, a great victory! You knew Ange's game plan and didn't fall into his trap, keeping the team as tight as they could but moving it quickly when in possession.
DF: I was a bit nervous after we got the goal and thought we were in for it, we had a feeling Spurs would look for gaps and the plan was to stay as rigid and deep as we could. We absorbed the pressure and counter attacked to get the ball up the pitch. It was a huge win for us and one we deserved, the lads were excellent from start to finish and showed their real quality.
LEAGUE TABLE
29th March 2025
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6th place Chelsea were the visitors at Goodison Park and it was a defensive set-up for Everton. Five at the back with Arana and Patterson operating as Wing Backs. Konate and Beto both started in attack for Everton and Romelu Lukaku returned against his former club. Beto held the ball up and laid it off to Patterson before getting back into the box, it was played to Tarkowski who was quite far forward and his return pass to Patterson down the right saw him find space, he skipped past Chilwell and crossed low, Beto controlled it and held his nerve as he blasted past Slonina from close range! Everton with the first goal on 10 minutes! Beto with his 20th of the season! Patterson got down the right again, he had to come back with Chilwell blocking his movement, Tarkowski passed to Garner and he fed it through to Beto who took it in his stride and buried it into the back of the net! 2-0 to Everton! 23 minutes in! Beto is on fire and Chelsea can only look on! This is the reaction they needed! James Rodriguez came close from the free-kick with the keeper doing enough to tip it over the bar. The half time whistle was blown and Everton went off to full support from the Evertonians! Everton came under a bit of pressure in the second half and Branthwaite was great in the air winning headers to clear the danger. Rodriguez went off to applause with 30 minutes to go and Cham came on. On 65 minutes Chelsea pulled a goal back when Rhys James scored from range going in off the post, Chelsea back in it. Ferguson freshened things up changing both full backs, Mykolenko and Maffeo coming on. Chelsea put numbers on with Jackson joining the attack. Everton just have to see the game out and with composure they did just that! Chelsea tried but could not succeed and Everton record a huge win!
DF: Just like that we fight back and get a massive three points, who woud have thought after recenty results? Training has been different this week and I gave the lads two days off last week which I think helped. We had a few tough sessions this week but we've looked a lot sharper. I'm pleased today but it has to continue. The fans brought it home today too, they were great and vocal, just how we like it.
PLAYER RATINGS
Arsenal vs Everton
5th April 2025
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League Cup winners Arsenal were trying to solidify their top 4 expectations whilst also competing in the Champions League Last eight. With the league potentially lost to Liverpool, a second place finish was not out of reach. Everton on the other hand were trying to retain Premier League status and were nine points clear of the drop zone going into this difficult away game. Kafrim Konate was recovering from injury so made the bench after a late fitness test so Jamie Vardy got his first start in a two Striker formation with Beto. Everton got us underway at The Emirates stadium, Godfrey took it at the back and passed to Garner who let it run past him and Saliba come crunching in on him, surely a yellow card? Nothing given, it was a late challenge and Tim Robinson let it go without a booking. Arsenal picked up the tempo and got on the ball, Rice to Odegaard, he found Saka in space on the edge of the box, left footed strike into the bottom corner, 1-0 on 5 minutes. Quick football from Arsenal. Odegaard played an incisive pass whick took Godfrey out and Saka was through against Pickford, he nudged it left to Osimhen and he made it 2-0 on 16 minutes. Godfrey found Arana making a move down the left on 20 minutes, he went past Saliba on the byline, knocked it to Rodriguez inside the box who helped it on to Beto to strike first time, turned behind by Ramsdale. So far it's a poor half for Everton, Vardy just isn't involved at all. 46 seconds into the second half and Havertz cut through the Everton midfield with a ball to Osimhen to nudge past Pickford, was he onside? No flag and it counts. Everton made two changes just after the 60 minute mark, Vardy went off for Konate and Patterson went off for Maffeo. Gueye got it wide to Arana on the left, delivery is important here, he pulled it back to Rodriguez and he knocked it on to Gueye who struck from outside of the box and watch it sail over. Konate played a long ball for Beto to chase on 95 minutes and the referee ended the match, it was a routine win for Arsenal and a disastrous performance for Everton.
Duncan, Southampton picked up a point today, do you see this going to the wire?
DF: Unless we do something about it then yes. It's in our hands and we have to win matches, otherwise we can only blame ourselves for the situation we find ourselves in. Today was abysmal and I expected a better showing after beating Chelsea. We just have to turn up against Spurs next week and try to get something from the game.
In other news, Igor Zubeldia is having a great season with Juventus, playing Champions League football, do you miss him?
DF: Igor has quality and in hindsight it may have been a bad move to let him go. We could do with the extra legs in defence to see games out and he would have been useful for this end of season run-in.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
13th April 2025
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Another important fixture on the road to survival for Everton and a difficult opponent in 8th place Tottenham. Everton were hoping to take advantage of Spurs' latest away trip to Monaco in the Europa League. Konate and Beto started the game with Onana back in the midfield. Something seemed to click with Everton and from the kick off Roony took it down the right and found Konate in front of him who crossed first time for Beto to knock in after 34 seconds! Everrton surprising everyone! Everton were going for the second and Rodriguez almost converted the free-kick from 20 yards curling around the wall beautifully forcing Perri to tip it out for a corner. Tottenham got themselves into the match after a shock opener, possession ststs ruled in their favour and Everton were doing all they could to keep them out. Tottenham were working the ball patiently but Everton were happy to sit in and wait for a misplaced pass to win it back. Beto took it down from Pickford's long kick forward on 40 minutes and knocked it to Onana in the middle, he played it forward to Rodriguez and a with a delicate ball over the defence he found McNeil going forward, he took the shot due to pressure and it was easy for the keeper. Everton were really well organised and it looked like Spurs were about to get back in the game on 61 minutes but Pickford denied Kulusevski from close range. Garnacho was on for Spurs and he has caused Everton problems in the past. Roony played it forward for Beto who was challenged by Doig, his foot seemed high and Beto went down in the box, Doig had already been booked. Paul Tierney gave Everton the penalty! Doig was appealing to the referee, but no second yellow was given! The Everton fans are appalled at that decision. Rodriguez put the ball down and he rattles the cross bar! What a miss! Doig took the ball and was booed by the home supporters. A few minutes later Rodriguez went off for Doucoure, I think it was more of a tactical change than anything else. Beto was the next player to make way on 79 minutes for Cham. Garnacho came down the right on 89 minutes bursting with energy, he crossed into the box, Son knocked it down to Maddison and Pickfors pushed away from close range, what a game Pickford is having. Garnacho came forward again, his cross was cleared by Tarkowski. The Everton defence have been brilliant today, Richarlison beaten in the air by Doucoure who got back to work for the defence. The referee called time and it was a well earned Everton victory! The defence worked tirelessly to keep it at 1-0 and to win with a possession stat of 29% is really something. Everton now a step closer to safety!
Duncan, a great victory! You knew Ange's game plan and didn't fall into his trap, keeping the team as tight as they could but moving it quickly when in possession.
DF: I was a bit nervous after we got the goal and thought we were in for it, we had a feeling Spurs would look for gaps and the plan was to stay as rigid and deep as we could. We absorbed the pressure and counter attacked to get the ball up the pitch. It was a huge win for us and one we deserved, the lads were excellent from start to finish and showed their real quality.
LEAGUE TABLE
Rita_Poon
Player Valuation: £90m
I don't have the strength. Can you sum up in two words?
Life changing.
Rita_Poon
Player Valuation: £90m
who's?
mmmmsnouts
Player Valuation: £40m
What if Dancer is actually very good at FM but tanks matches for extra drama in the thread
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