Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
I don't want to put any unreasonable demands on Ferguson but it's probably a sackable offence to not win every game this season by 3 goals.
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Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....
- Thread starter The Penalty Box Dancer
- Start date
Need to beef up that goalkeeping department. What's Begovic up to?
I think he's 5th choice behind Lonergan, Mucha, Roy Carroll and Mark Bosnich
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
QPR's number one.
Bid whatever it takes
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Brentford vs Everton
16th August 2025
A new Premier League season is upon us and it starts with a trip to Brentford on opening day. A traditional 3pm kick-off but the weather is not the best with heavy rain. Both sides had a solid transfer window with Brentford bringing in Buendia from Aston Villa this summer. Everton went with a familiar line-up but handing debuts to Matsima at the back and Gonzalez on the left. Samardzic and Guler both named on the bench. Brentford started with possession and Everton struggled to get on the ball, they had to change something and on 13 minutes Mbuemo crossed to the far post for Schade to nod in past Pickford. Was it offside? VAR took a look and it was ruled out, Schade moved too soon. 37 minutes in, Branthwaite from the back played a good ball to Rodriguez and he knocked it wide to Gonzales who crossed low into the box first time, Beto looked offside when it was played in, he knocked it in but surely VAR will have a look. Replays show he was onside, the goal stood! Beto won Everton a corner a few minutes later after his attempt was deflected behind and Matsima showed his heading prowess when he nearly converted from Garner's corner but it was blocked on the line. Pickford showed early in the second half why he is still England's number one with two fine saves from Mbeumo and Toney in quick succession. Rodriguez had a long range effort turned behind by Raya on 60 minutes and the resultant corner, he couldn't beat the first man. With 20 minutes to go, Rodriguez's number came up and it was number 25 Arda Guler getting his debut. With 13 minutes to go Hickey played it to Mbeumo who switched to the left and he was in acres of space with Patterson in no mans land and he slotted past Pickford making it 1-1. Pickford was unlucky getting a hand to it. Samardzic came on for his debut replacing Garner for the last 10 minutes. Onana cleared the Brentford corner on 88 minutes and the race was on between Mykolenko and Hickey, got there first and he played it to Norgaard and he passed it back, Beto was there and he took the ball, Hickey threw Beto to the ground in a rage and all hell broke loose. Simon Hooper came over and sent Hickey off! It was Everton now searching for the winner in stoppage time, Roony down the right, cut back onto his left and played it into the area for Guler who struck first time but it was blocked by Collins, the players appealed for handball but the referee waved it away. Brentford hoofed it forward and Branthwaite beat Toney to the header, a lot of tired legs on the field and the referee called time after 96 minutes. A point for Everton in a evenly matched fixture, maybe it should have been three when Brentford went down to ten men.
DF: The first game of the season's always a tough one, you don't know how the other team is going to set up tactically and if their new signings are part of the team. I'm happy with how we played and had our fair share of chsnces on goal. We kept our shape well and didn't allow them in too easily, just when Mbeumo found that space but it was well worked and we should have been tighter there.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
23rd August 2025
This is it. The first competitive game at the new Bramley Moore Dock. It's a complete sell-out over on the banks of the royal blue mersey and Tottenham Hotspur are the first opponents for Everton. The atmosphere had been building for hours before kick-off, the fans were in their seats and the noise could be heard for miles around the new stadium. Z Cars played and the roar was like something you had never heard before, the players were inspired and fired up for what was about to be, the start of a new dawn. Captain Jordan Pickford felt great honour leading out the team he had played for since 2017. Lazar Samardzic made his full debut in the midfield. Spurs got off to a good start the previous week when they beat the league champions Liverpool at Anfield, can they complete the defeat of both Merseyside teams within a week of each other? Unai Emery was new to the job after leaving Villa in the summer and he was making a name for himself as one of the best manager's about. Mykolenko played a short pass for Rodriguez and he found Gonzalez on the left who used his pace to cut inside on his right and went on a maizy run towards the edge of the area, he tried for goal and it deflected on it's way in! Everton lead! 1-0 at their new home! Rodriguez played the free-kick short to Samardzic on 37 minutes and he went for the top left corner from the edge of the box and it whistled just wide, good effort. Everton looked really good on the ball and the defensive efforts of Gonzalez were well respected by the Everton supporters as they got to know their new winger. Pedro Porro came very close to equalising on 59 minutes but Amadou Onana threw himself in front of the ball and deflected it behind. Mykolenko took the throw on 63 minutes and Gonzales played a one-two with Rodriguez, he made space for himself in the area and chipped it for the head of Beto which was blocked, Roony followed up with the header and hit the post. Spurs broke forward through Kulusevski but Matsima got back and blocked him off conceding the free-kick. Beto cleared with the header but the ball came back in, Matsima headed to Beto and Beto started the attack on the left, he found Samardzic running forward and played him in, he took it through the middle and passed wide to Roony, Roony passed to Patterson on the underlap and Patterson played it across the box but it clipped into the net off Van De Ven, 2-0! Beto came off shortly after and Konate came on. Konate went close after shooting wide from Rodriguez's through ball on 75 minutes and he should have put this match to bed. The game stopped for a moment and it was to recognise the brilliance of Nicolas Gonzalez, who lit up Bramley Moore today with a fantastic performance. He was replaced by Moleiro. Samardzic was an engine, he really controlled the middle of the park and he found Roony with a great pass down the right, his run came to an end when he was doubled up on by Skipp and Van De Ven so he played it back to Samardzic who was clattered by Son on the edge of the box, is that inside? Paul Tierney is going to consult with VAR. No penalty! It was deemed to be outside the box. Son got away with a booking, how did he manage that? The match was drawing to an end and the Everton back four had been brilliant and there was a real link with the midfield who supported them throughout. Jordan Pickford took the ball from Kulusevski's cross and the cheers went up as that was almost it! The whistle was blown and the fans were vocal in their appreciation for what they had just witnessed. It was a fantastic Everton performance and Ferguson outsmarted Unai Emery at Bramley Moore today! What a result!
DF: The fans won it for us, all throughout the game they were loud and really showed why this place can be a fortress. We wanted to win today more than anything and we done it well. We knew the first game here would be history-making and we really came out and blew them away! Listen to that noise, these fans are truly the best and this football club is special to all of us. We're in a good mood tonight and we want to keep fighting hard for each and every one of them here today.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
16th August 2025
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A new Premier League season is upon us and it starts with a trip to Brentford on opening day. A traditional 3pm kick-off but the weather is not the best with heavy rain. Both sides had a solid transfer window with Brentford bringing in Buendia from Aston Villa this summer. Everton went with a familiar line-up but handing debuts to Matsima at the back and Gonzalez on the left. Samardzic and Guler both named on the bench. Brentford started with possession and Everton struggled to get on the ball, they had to change something and on 13 minutes Mbuemo crossed to the far post for Schade to nod in past Pickford. Was it offside? VAR took a look and it was ruled out, Schade moved too soon. 37 minutes in, Branthwaite from the back played a good ball to Rodriguez and he knocked it wide to Gonzales who crossed low into the box first time, Beto looked offside when it was played in, he knocked it in but surely VAR will have a look. Replays show he was onside, the goal stood! Beto won Everton a corner a few minutes later after his attempt was deflected behind and Matsima showed his heading prowess when he nearly converted from Garner's corner but it was blocked on the line. Pickford showed early in the second half why he is still England's number one with two fine saves from Mbeumo and Toney in quick succession. Rodriguez had a long range effort turned behind by Raya on 60 minutes and the resultant corner, he couldn't beat the first man. With 20 minutes to go, Rodriguez's number came up and it was number 25 Arda Guler getting his debut. With 13 minutes to go Hickey played it to Mbeumo who switched to the left and he was in acres of space with Patterson in no mans land and he slotted past Pickford making it 1-1. Pickford was unlucky getting a hand to it. Samardzic came on for his debut replacing Garner for the last 10 minutes. Onana cleared the Brentford corner on 88 minutes and the race was on between Mykolenko and Hickey, got there first and he played it to Norgaard and he passed it back, Beto was there and he took the ball, Hickey threw Beto to the ground in a rage and all hell broke loose. Simon Hooper came over and sent Hickey off! It was Everton now searching for the winner in stoppage time, Roony down the right, cut back onto his left and played it into the area for Guler who struck first time but it was blocked by Collins, the players appealed for handball but the referee waved it away. Brentford hoofed it forward and Branthwaite beat Toney to the header, a lot of tired legs on the field and the referee called time after 96 minutes. A point for Everton in a evenly matched fixture, maybe it should have been three when Brentford went down to ten men.
DF: The first game of the season's always a tough one, you don't know how the other team is going to set up tactically and if their new signings are part of the team. I'm happy with how we played and had our fair share of chsnces on goal. We kept our shape well and didn't allow them in too easily, just when Mbeumo found that space but it was well worked and we should have been tighter there.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
23rd August 2025
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This is it. The first competitive game at the new Bramley Moore Dock. It's a complete sell-out over on the banks of the royal blue mersey and Tottenham Hotspur are the first opponents for Everton. The atmosphere had been building for hours before kick-off, the fans were in their seats and the noise could be heard for miles around the new stadium. Z Cars played and the roar was like something you had never heard before, the players were inspired and fired up for what was about to be, the start of a new dawn. Captain Jordan Pickford felt great honour leading out the team he had played for since 2017. Lazar Samardzic made his full debut in the midfield. Spurs got off to a good start the previous week when they beat the league champions Liverpool at Anfield, can they complete the defeat of both Merseyside teams within a week of each other? Unai Emery was new to the job after leaving Villa in the summer and he was making a name for himself as one of the best manager's about. Mykolenko played a short pass for Rodriguez and he found Gonzalez on the left who used his pace to cut inside on his right and went on a maizy run towards the edge of the area, he tried for goal and it deflected on it's way in! Everton lead! 1-0 at their new home! Rodriguez played the free-kick short to Samardzic on 37 minutes and he went for the top left corner from the edge of the box and it whistled just wide, good effort. Everton looked really good on the ball and the defensive efforts of Gonzalez were well respected by the Everton supporters as they got to know their new winger. Pedro Porro came very close to equalising on 59 minutes but Amadou Onana threw himself in front of the ball and deflected it behind. Mykolenko took the throw on 63 minutes and Gonzales played a one-two with Rodriguez, he made space for himself in the area and chipped it for the head of Beto which was blocked, Roony followed up with the header and hit the post. Spurs broke forward through Kulusevski but Matsima got back and blocked him off conceding the free-kick. Beto cleared with the header but the ball came back in, Matsima headed to Beto and Beto started the attack on the left, he found Samardzic running forward and played him in, he took it through the middle and passed wide to Roony, Roony passed to Patterson on the underlap and Patterson played it across the box but it clipped into the net off Van De Ven, 2-0! Beto came off shortly after and Konate came on. Konate went close after shooting wide from Rodriguez's through ball on 75 minutes and he should have put this match to bed. The game stopped for a moment and it was to recognise the brilliance of Nicolas Gonzalez, who lit up Bramley Moore today with a fantastic performance. He was replaced by Moleiro. Samardzic was an engine, he really controlled the middle of the park and he found Roony with a great pass down the right, his run came to an end when he was doubled up on by Skipp and Van De Ven so he played it back to Samardzic who was clattered by Son on the edge of the box, is that inside? Paul Tierney is going to consult with VAR. No penalty! It was deemed to be outside the box. Son got away with a booking, how did he manage that? The match was drawing to an end and the Everton back four had been brilliant and there was a real link with the midfield who supported them throughout. Jordan Pickford took the ball from Kulusevski's cross and the cheers went up as that was almost it! The whistle was blown and the fans were vocal in their appreciation for what they had just witnessed. It was a fantastic Everton performance and Ferguson outsmarted Unai Emery at Bramley Moore today! What a result!
DF: The fans won it for us, all throughout the game they were loud and really showed why this place can be a fortress. We wanted to win today more than anything and we done it well. We knew the first game here would be history-making and we really came out and blew them away! Listen to that noise, these fans are truly the best and this football club is special to all of us. We're in a good mood tonight and we want to keep fighting hard for each and every one of them here today.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Everton vs Barnsley
League Cup Second Round
26th August 2025
Summer nights around Bramley Moore and it's the visit of League One side Barnsley. Ferguson made wholesale changes with Pickford still in goal. Sean Roughan came in for his full debut as did Jenson Metcalfe in midfield after a decent loan spell with Rochdale last season. Lewis Dobbin started on the right with Okoronkwo out injured for a few weeks and Konate led the line. It was a quiet first half at Bramley Moore and the best chance falling to Roughan who tried to curl one into the top right corner and saw it just go over the bar. On 65 minutes Garner played a short corner to Roony on the edge of the box to the dismay of the supporters, he helped it on to Moleiro who switched it to his left foot and found the top left corner making it 1-0! Finally the breakthrough! Moleiro was allowed too much space and he found the top left corner beautifully. The introduction of Roony changed the game for Everton and he played a cut back to Cham whose shot was blocked, Garner followed up, blocked for a second time and Cham knocked it into an open net, 2-0! Roony got a deserved goal to finish the night as he converted from Garner's short free-kick smashing it into the bottom corner with his left foot from outside the box, 3-0! Everton have a real player in Roony who is getting better and better.
PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester United vs Everton
30th August 2024
A tough trip to last season's runners up Manchester United and a chance for Everton to move into second in the table. A strong side selected for Everton with Gonzalez and Samardzic back in the side. Beto was up top with Rodriguez playing behind him. Man Utd showed their class down the right with Antony and his shot after 30 seconds was turned behind by Pickford. United took a short corner on 5 minutes with Fernandes bringing it into the box, it was forced back by Everton and Casemiro played it forward into the feet of Fernandes who smashed it low into the bottom right corner beating an outstretched Pickford. Rodriguez was carrying an injury and he was replaced at half-time by Arda Guler. Everton took the throw deep in the United half, Patterson to Samardzic and he knocked it into the feet on Roony inside the box with his back to goal but he was checked by Dedic and the appeal went up for a penalty. Given! The United players surrounded the referee, the were astounded by the decision and Dedic was shown a yellow card. Gonzalez had the chance to equalise for Everton, left foot smashed into the back of the net, 1-1! A powerful penalty kick! With 20 minutes to go, Everton were fighting for the three points, Casemiro pulled back Roony, nothing given but Patterson won it back and the fans loved it. Guler gave the ball away and it was cut out by Hojlund who quickly found Rashford to his left and bombed forward, he played it inside to Fernandes and his shot was tipped away by Pickford, great save. The corner was cleared and Roony picked it up on the edge of the box, he used his pace and got down the right, played it inside with Onana in support who helped it on to Guler, he went for the spectacular but his curling effort went over the bar. Everton made three changes with 15 minutes to go, Patterson went off for Maffeo, Samardzic went off for Garner and Konate came on for Beto. Man Utd were looking to put the pressure on but Everton were defending well led by the aerial prowess of Branthwaite, Dedic took the ball from Rashford but Garner nicked it, Everton back in possession and with some nice passing it went to Gonzalez on the left, he got to the line and crossed into the box but Guler's header couldn't be guided and went over. Man Utd had a late chance with Mount getting it wrong and ended up near the corner flag. The game ended with the blues supporters giving their appreciation to the players and manager at the whistle.
DF: We knew we would be up against it and had to adapt to to keep ourselves in the game, the penalty which was a penalty gave us a chance but we were not quite there to take all three points. It's better than that the 6-1 defeat here last season so definitely improving. Defensively we were spot on and played as a unit to secure a decent point. Matsima is settling in well and seems to work well with Branthwaite at the back, I can see a promising partnership forming.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Liverpool
13th September 2025
The Merseyside derby has came around early in the season with Everton a point ahead of their neighbours going into this game. James Rodriguez was recovering from an injury so Arda Guler started the match behind Beto with the rest of the team unchanged. The atmosphere was loud and intimidating inside Bramley Moore and for a 12:30 kick off, it started with tempo. Liverpool put Everton under pressure from the first minute but some good defending from Matsima and Patterson managed to keep Diaz and Salah from scoring early on. Patterson got into the area and attempted the cross to Beto but it was deflected behind for Everton's first corner. Guler's corner was good but cleared away by Rudiger. Everton came forward, Patterson crossed from the right but Beto couldn't connect with the header, Gonzalez kept it alive on the left, he turned Alexander-Arnold but Alisson saved his close range shot. The second half started, Everton closing down and winning the ball back, Roony taking it from Robertson with ease, passed to Samardzic and he lofted it down the right for Roony to chase, he knocked it back to Samardzic and he found Guler arriving in the area but his first time effort went over the bar. Mykolenko forward to Gonzalez, he cut it back to Guler and this time his shot was inches wide of the post. Everton in total control but need that goal. With just over 20 minutes to go, Rodriguez finished his warm up and was ready to come on, he replaced Guler. Cham came on replacing Gonzalez so Roony switched to the left and Rodriguez went to the right. Liverpool's finishing had been poor throughout and Everton will be kicking themselves for not taking full advantage. Salah had a great chance to win the game for Liverpool on 89 minutes and his shot was a whisker wide of the post, he was not happy about that one. Patterson came down the right, he had Robertson to contend with but got the ball into the box, Andre had no choice but to put it behind for a corner. The crowd lifted with it being potentially last chance of the match. Rodriguez's corner was headed away by Konate, Matsima headed it back in but Alisson rose and claimed it. The match ended with a 0-0 and Everton would've felt they could have won it. Salah came close at the end but couldn't convert from 12 yards.
DF: It wasn't a spectacle for the supporters but proud we held our own and for large periods were on the front foot. Again, solid at the back and performed well, just couldn't find the goal to win it. Guler came close and was unlucky not to finish. Still, it's a solid performance from our lads and another point on the board against a team that have just won the league and nobody ever gives us a chance to do anything against.
Tim Cahill speaking on TNT Sports had this to say
"We are seeing a different Everton side that we haven't seen in a long time. It's not a team that sit back and allow other teams to have the ball. It's not a team that look defeated before a ball has been kicked. It's a team that has determination but they also have quality. A kind of quality that brings the players together and works well. Everton are a team that are excitable and want to score goals. Gonzalez reminds me of Kanchelskis and Samardzic has similar traits to myself. If Beto can fire on like he did last season, this team will be in for a good season."
It's a good start for Everton but not as good as last season when they picked up 8 points from their first 4 games. The opening fixtures have been tough and 5 points from Tottenham, Man Utd and Liverpool is not to be laughed at. You would think the good form can continue with Norwich, West Ham and Middlesbrough coming up and this could provide a springboard for a better season.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
League Cup Second Round
26th August 2025
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Summer nights around Bramley Moore and it's the visit of League One side Barnsley. Ferguson made wholesale changes with Pickford still in goal. Sean Roughan came in for his full debut as did Jenson Metcalfe in midfield after a decent loan spell with Rochdale last season. Lewis Dobbin started on the right with Okoronkwo out injured for a few weeks and Konate led the line. It was a quiet first half at Bramley Moore and the best chance falling to Roughan who tried to curl one into the top right corner and saw it just go over the bar. On 65 minutes Garner played a short corner to Roony on the edge of the box to the dismay of the supporters, he helped it on to Moleiro who switched it to his left foot and found the top left corner making it 1-0! Finally the breakthrough! Moleiro was allowed too much space and he found the top left corner beautifully. The introduction of Roony changed the game for Everton and he played a cut back to Cham whose shot was blocked, Garner followed up, blocked for a second time and Cham knocked it into an open net, 2-0! Roony got a deserved goal to finish the night as he converted from Garner's short free-kick smashing it into the bottom corner with his left foot from outside the box, 3-0! Everton have a real player in Roony who is getting better and better.
PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester United vs Everton
30th August 2024
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A tough trip to last season's runners up Manchester United and a chance for Everton to move into second in the table. A strong side selected for Everton with Gonzalez and Samardzic back in the side. Beto was up top with Rodriguez playing behind him. Man Utd showed their class down the right with Antony and his shot after 30 seconds was turned behind by Pickford. United took a short corner on 5 minutes with Fernandes bringing it into the box, it was forced back by Everton and Casemiro played it forward into the feet of Fernandes who smashed it low into the bottom right corner beating an outstretched Pickford. Rodriguez was carrying an injury and he was replaced at half-time by Arda Guler. Everton took the throw deep in the United half, Patterson to Samardzic and he knocked it into the feet on Roony inside the box with his back to goal but he was checked by Dedic and the appeal went up for a penalty. Given! The United players surrounded the referee, the were astounded by the decision and Dedic was shown a yellow card. Gonzalez had the chance to equalise for Everton, left foot smashed into the back of the net, 1-1! A powerful penalty kick! With 20 minutes to go, Everton were fighting for the three points, Casemiro pulled back Roony, nothing given but Patterson won it back and the fans loved it. Guler gave the ball away and it was cut out by Hojlund who quickly found Rashford to his left and bombed forward, he played it inside to Fernandes and his shot was tipped away by Pickford, great save. The corner was cleared and Roony picked it up on the edge of the box, he used his pace and got down the right, played it inside with Onana in support who helped it on to Guler, he went for the spectacular but his curling effort went over the bar. Everton made three changes with 15 minutes to go, Patterson went off for Maffeo, Samardzic went off for Garner and Konate came on for Beto. Man Utd were looking to put the pressure on but Everton were defending well led by the aerial prowess of Branthwaite, Dedic took the ball from Rashford but Garner nicked it, Everton back in possession and with some nice passing it went to Gonzalez on the left, he got to the line and crossed into the box but Guler's header couldn't be guided and went over. Man Utd had a late chance with Mount getting it wrong and ended up near the corner flag. The game ended with the blues supporters giving their appreciation to the players and manager at the whistle.
DF: We knew we would be up against it and had to adapt to to keep ourselves in the game, the penalty which was a penalty gave us a chance but we were not quite there to take all three points. It's better than that the 6-1 defeat here last season so definitely improving. Defensively we were spot on and played as a unit to secure a decent point. Matsima is settling in well and seems to work well with Branthwaite at the back, I can see a promising partnership forming.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Liverpool
13th September 2025
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The Merseyside derby has came around early in the season with Everton a point ahead of their neighbours going into this game. James Rodriguez was recovering from an injury so Arda Guler started the match behind Beto with the rest of the team unchanged. The atmosphere was loud and intimidating inside Bramley Moore and for a 12:30 kick off, it started with tempo. Liverpool put Everton under pressure from the first minute but some good defending from Matsima and Patterson managed to keep Diaz and Salah from scoring early on. Patterson got into the area and attempted the cross to Beto but it was deflected behind for Everton's first corner. Guler's corner was good but cleared away by Rudiger. Everton came forward, Patterson crossed from the right but Beto couldn't connect with the header, Gonzalez kept it alive on the left, he turned Alexander-Arnold but Alisson saved his close range shot. The second half started, Everton closing down and winning the ball back, Roony taking it from Robertson with ease, passed to Samardzic and he lofted it down the right for Roony to chase, he knocked it back to Samardzic and he found Guler arriving in the area but his first time effort went over the bar. Mykolenko forward to Gonzalez, he cut it back to Guler and this time his shot was inches wide of the post. Everton in total control but need that goal. With just over 20 minutes to go, Rodriguez finished his warm up and was ready to come on, he replaced Guler. Cham came on replacing Gonzalez so Roony switched to the left and Rodriguez went to the right. Liverpool's finishing had been poor throughout and Everton will be kicking themselves for not taking full advantage. Salah had a great chance to win the game for Liverpool on 89 minutes and his shot was a whisker wide of the post, he was not happy about that one. Patterson came down the right, he had Robertson to contend with but got the ball into the box, Andre had no choice but to put it behind for a corner. The crowd lifted with it being potentially last chance of the match. Rodriguez's corner was headed away by Konate, Matsima headed it back in but Alisson rose and claimed it. The match ended with a 0-0 and Everton would've felt they could have won it. Salah came close at the end but couldn't convert from 12 yards.
DF: It wasn't a spectacle for the supporters but proud we held our own and for large periods were on the front foot. Again, solid at the back and performed well, just couldn't find the goal to win it. Guler came close and was unlucky not to finish. Still, it's a solid performance from our lads and another point on the board against a team that have just won the league and nobody ever gives us a chance to do anything against.
Tim Cahill speaking on TNT Sports had this to say
"We are seeing a different Everton side that we haven't seen in a long time. It's not a team that sit back and allow other teams to have the ball. It's not a team that look defeated before a ball has been kicked. It's a team that has determination but they also have quality. A kind of quality that brings the players together and works well. Everton are a team that are excitable and want to score goals. Gonzalez reminds me of Kanchelskis and Samardzic has similar traits to myself. If Beto can fire on like he did last season, this team will be in for a good season."
It's a good start for Everton but not as good as last season when they picked up 8 points from their first 4 games. The opening fixtures have been tough and 5 points from Tottenham, Man Utd and Liverpool is not to be laughed at. You would think the good form can continue with Norwich, West Ham and Middlesbrough coming up and this could provide a springboard for a better season.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
LEAGUE CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW
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The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Everton vs Norwich City
20th September 2025
Norwich were back in the big time after a three year absence. Manager Juanvi Peinado secured promotion via the play-offs after finishing third in the league but remained winless in 4 so far in the Premiership. Pundits believe it is down to an inactive summer transfer window with Tyrese Campbell and Arnor Sigurdsson the only signings. Everton's Arda Guler suffered an injury ruling him out for six weeks and it was something else hampering his settling in period at the club. James Rodriguez was back from injury and went straight back into the team. Francis Okoronkwo was back on the bench after returning from injury. Everton came flying out and got the ball from Norwich, they moved it fast up the pitch, Rodriguez into Beto and he found Gonzalez just inside the area and he curled it into the top right corner! 1-0 after 25 seconds! The flag went up, Beto was offside when he received the ball. Fast football from Everton. Sigurdsson looked a handful as he came down the left getting past Patterson and trying a shot from a tight angle with Pickford keeping it out with his fingertips. Gonzalez got on the ball on the left and delivered a fantastic cross into the six yard box which Beto buried into the net with his head! 1-0! It took 24 minutes but Everton lead! Gonzales came down that left again and the ball just stuck to his feet, an attacking flair Everton have lacked for years, he crossed again but this time cleared, Gonzales got to the loose ball and played it to Rodriguez who struck first time from 12 yards and made it 2-0! Patterson's corner came to nothing on 30 minutes but Rodriguez retrieved it and played it back to him, he cut it inside to Gonzalez, who quickly found Samardzic on the edge of the box and his pass to Roony allowed him to turn and smash it past Gunn to make it three! Onana came forward through the middle, no challenge and he took the shot from 25 yards hitting the top of the bar, unlucky. One thing that stood out is Everton playing with a smile on their faces, they seem to have a good relationship and it's all over the pitch. Mykolenko won the ball back with a good interception on 46 minutes, he passed to Gonzalez who skipped forward and got into the area, Mbabu was late with the challenge and Gonzalez went to ground, penalty given! No arguments with that. Rodriguez placed the ball down and confidently smashed it into the net with Gunn going to the right, his second goal and Everton are four up! Everton made a double change with 35 minutes to go, Maffeo replaced Patterson and Beto was replaced by Konate. Sigurdsson had a chance for Norwich to pull one back but Pickford made a terrific save knocking it out for a corner. The resulting corner was cleared by Onana and Rodriguez came forward on the attack, Gabriel Sara got close to him and dragged him to the ground, Roony thumped it out of play as Rodriguez stayed down. Ferguson made the call to take off Rodriguez bringing on Cham and Okoronkwo came on for Roony. 8 minutes to go, Branthwaite took the ball down brilliantly from Gunn's kick, he played it wide to Okoronkwo and he got on his toes getting down the line, with a low cross into the box it evaded everyone except Konate to poke in, 5-0 to Everton! The board went up for five additional minutes but Norwich just wanted to get off the pitch. What a win for Everton! Five goals to the good! The last time Everton won a game by five goals to nil was against Leyton Orient in the League Cup Second Round in August 2012.
Duncan, a massive win and a statement to the rest of the league, still unbeaten too.
DF: It's very early days before we start to send messages to anyone. We will continue to be competitive in front of whoever comes in our way and we want to win every game with some style. To be shown a level of faith from the chairmen and to be allowed to continue with this freedom really allows us as a club to move forward and develop an identity. There will be periods when it doesn't go as well as today and the media will flock but we want to enjoy these days and build more confidence in the team.
PLAYER RATINGS
Bournemouth vs Everton
League Cup Third Round
24th September 2025
A trip down to the South coast for a midweek cup tie against a Bournemouth side fresh of handing Newcastle a 4-0 defeat. Ferguson made some changes with Roughan, Zubeldia, Godfrey and Maffeo all in a comletely changed back four. Gonzalez was rested with Moleiro coming in and Konate starting up top. Moleiro came down the left and played it into Garner, he knocked it on to Konate and he found Cham on the edge of the box but his shot went over the bar. Scott brought the ball through the middle on 15 minutes and played a lofted pass to Brooks who knocked it past Zubeldia and had him beat, Outtara made space and left Godfrey, he took the pass inside the area and shooted across Pickford to nestle it into the bottom right corner. Bournemouth in front. The match went into the second half and it was flat from Everton, defending well enough but nothing at the other end of the pitch. With 25 minutes to go, Ferguson made two changes, Beto and Rodriguez on for Konate and Cham. Roony came forward, he had players in support but was tackled to the fury of Ferguson. He simply must play that pass. Everton free-kick on the left side of the box, Rodriguez found Roony in acres of space just outside the box so he played a pass over to him, lined up the shot and found the bottom left corner beautifully! It just floated in! 1-1! Ten minutes to go! Bournemouth came forward but their cross was cleared and Garner brought it out of defence and played it to Roony in support, he took it down the right and waited for options then found Beto with a great ball on the outside of the boot. Beto had the keeper to beat and he done it with ease! 2-1 to Everton! Six minutes of stoppage time at the Vitality and the encouragement went up from the home side. Seconds remained and Brooks went for the first time shot in the box but he was offside and that surely must be it. It's all over! Pickford throws his hands up after a solid display ensuring Everton went on to win the game! It was late on but they got the job done in the last 10 minutes! Everton advance!
PLAYER RATINGS
West Ham United vs Everton
29th September 2025
Monday Night Football at the London Stadium and a chance for Everton to finish the gameweek in the top four if they can beat West Ham. David Moyes was off to a poor start with one win in five so far and new signings Zirkzee and Anthony Gordon were not hitting the heights epxected of them so far. Gordon's struggle at Newcastle saw him leave for a measly £3M to West Ham and was hoping to regain his form. A slow start for both sides with little action in the final third, Ward-Prowse did find Paqueta at the far post but his header went into the side netting after 25 minutes. Kudus used his pace to take the ball forward but credit to Matsima who done enough to put him off and put his shot wide. The second half came to life and West Ham came forward in numbers, Ward-Prowse took a shot that Pickford done well to get across to and turn behind on 49 minutes. It was no surprise to see Beto get taken off with 22 minutes to go as he wasn't involved in the match and was an uninterested performance. Konate came on and the fans were really behind the change. A double change followed a few minutes later, Rodriguez went off for Moleiro and Roony went off for Okoronkwo. Neither side really had the desire to win out there and it had the feel of a game that meant nothing to both sides. Everton missed an opportunity to move into the top four tonight but West Ham also showed why they're in a run of poor form and it's a frustrating night for both managers. Pickford's good form saw him make a few good stops but shots were not really threatening and you can see there's work to be done by the home side.
DF: I thought at the end we were doing our best to take the point, it's not what we wanted but West Ham done a solid job of pushing us back every time we had the ball. They came forward more than we did so we had to be at our best at the back. I'm pleased with the clean sheet but disappointing we couldn't really get going. The defence performed well and done what was asked of them tonight.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
20th September 2025
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Norwich were back in the big time after a three year absence. Manager Juanvi Peinado secured promotion via the play-offs after finishing third in the league but remained winless in 4 so far in the Premiership. Pundits believe it is down to an inactive summer transfer window with Tyrese Campbell and Arnor Sigurdsson the only signings. Everton's Arda Guler suffered an injury ruling him out for six weeks and it was something else hampering his settling in period at the club. James Rodriguez was back from injury and went straight back into the team. Francis Okoronkwo was back on the bench after returning from injury. Everton came flying out and got the ball from Norwich, they moved it fast up the pitch, Rodriguez into Beto and he found Gonzalez just inside the area and he curled it into the top right corner! 1-0 after 25 seconds! The flag went up, Beto was offside when he received the ball. Fast football from Everton. Sigurdsson looked a handful as he came down the left getting past Patterson and trying a shot from a tight angle with Pickford keeping it out with his fingertips. Gonzalez got on the ball on the left and delivered a fantastic cross into the six yard box which Beto buried into the net with his head! 1-0! It took 24 minutes but Everton lead! Gonzales came down that left again and the ball just stuck to his feet, an attacking flair Everton have lacked for years, he crossed again but this time cleared, Gonzales got to the loose ball and played it to Rodriguez who struck first time from 12 yards and made it 2-0! Patterson's corner came to nothing on 30 minutes but Rodriguez retrieved it and played it back to him, he cut it inside to Gonzalez, who quickly found Samardzic on the edge of the box and his pass to Roony allowed him to turn and smash it past Gunn to make it three! Onana came forward through the middle, no challenge and he took the shot from 25 yards hitting the top of the bar, unlucky. One thing that stood out is Everton playing with a smile on their faces, they seem to have a good relationship and it's all over the pitch. Mykolenko won the ball back with a good interception on 46 minutes, he passed to Gonzalez who skipped forward and got into the area, Mbabu was late with the challenge and Gonzalez went to ground, penalty given! No arguments with that. Rodriguez placed the ball down and confidently smashed it into the net with Gunn going to the right, his second goal and Everton are four up! Everton made a double change with 35 minutes to go, Maffeo replaced Patterson and Beto was replaced by Konate. Sigurdsson had a chance for Norwich to pull one back but Pickford made a terrific save knocking it out for a corner. The resulting corner was cleared by Onana and Rodriguez came forward on the attack, Gabriel Sara got close to him and dragged him to the ground, Roony thumped it out of play as Rodriguez stayed down. Ferguson made the call to take off Rodriguez bringing on Cham and Okoronkwo came on for Roony. 8 minutes to go, Branthwaite took the ball down brilliantly from Gunn's kick, he played it wide to Okoronkwo and he got on his toes getting down the line, with a low cross into the box it evaded everyone except Konate to poke in, 5-0 to Everton! The board went up for five additional minutes but Norwich just wanted to get off the pitch. What a win for Everton! Five goals to the good! The last time Everton won a game by five goals to nil was against Leyton Orient in the League Cup Second Round in August 2012.
Duncan, a massive win and a statement to the rest of the league, still unbeaten too.
DF: It's very early days before we start to send messages to anyone. We will continue to be competitive in front of whoever comes in our way and we want to win every game with some style. To be shown a level of faith from the chairmen and to be allowed to continue with this freedom really allows us as a club to move forward and develop an identity. There will be periods when it doesn't go as well as today and the media will flock but we want to enjoy these days and build more confidence in the team.
PLAYER RATINGS
Bournemouth vs Everton
League Cup Third Round
24th September 2025
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A trip down to the South coast for a midweek cup tie against a Bournemouth side fresh of handing Newcastle a 4-0 defeat. Ferguson made some changes with Roughan, Zubeldia, Godfrey and Maffeo all in a comletely changed back four. Gonzalez was rested with Moleiro coming in and Konate starting up top. Moleiro came down the left and played it into Garner, he knocked it on to Konate and he found Cham on the edge of the box but his shot went over the bar. Scott brought the ball through the middle on 15 minutes and played a lofted pass to Brooks who knocked it past Zubeldia and had him beat, Outtara made space and left Godfrey, he took the pass inside the area and shooted across Pickford to nestle it into the bottom right corner. Bournemouth in front. The match went into the second half and it was flat from Everton, defending well enough but nothing at the other end of the pitch. With 25 minutes to go, Ferguson made two changes, Beto and Rodriguez on for Konate and Cham. Roony came forward, he had players in support but was tackled to the fury of Ferguson. He simply must play that pass. Everton free-kick on the left side of the box, Rodriguez found Roony in acres of space just outside the box so he played a pass over to him, lined up the shot and found the bottom left corner beautifully! It just floated in! 1-1! Ten minutes to go! Bournemouth came forward but their cross was cleared and Garner brought it out of defence and played it to Roony in support, he took it down the right and waited for options then found Beto with a great ball on the outside of the boot. Beto had the keeper to beat and he done it with ease! 2-1 to Everton! Six minutes of stoppage time at the Vitality and the encouragement went up from the home side. Seconds remained and Brooks went for the first time shot in the box but he was offside and that surely must be it. It's all over! Pickford throws his hands up after a solid display ensuring Everton went on to win the game! It was late on but they got the job done in the last 10 minutes! Everton advance!
PLAYER RATINGS
West Ham United vs Everton
29th September 2025
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Monday Night Football at the London Stadium and a chance for Everton to finish the gameweek in the top four if they can beat West Ham. David Moyes was off to a poor start with one win in five so far and new signings Zirkzee and Anthony Gordon were not hitting the heights epxected of them so far. Gordon's struggle at Newcastle saw him leave for a measly £3M to West Ham and was hoping to regain his form. A slow start for both sides with little action in the final third, Ward-Prowse did find Paqueta at the far post but his header went into the side netting after 25 minutes. Kudus used his pace to take the ball forward but credit to Matsima who done enough to put him off and put his shot wide. The second half came to life and West Ham came forward in numbers, Ward-Prowse took a shot that Pickford done well to get across to and turn behind on 49 minutes. It was no surprise to see Beto get taken off with 22 minutes to go as he wasn't involved in the match and was an uninterested performance. Konate came on and the fans were really behind the change. A double change followed a few minutes later, Rodriguez went off for Moleiro and Roony went off for Okoronkwo. Neither side really had the desire to win out there and it had the feel of a game that meant nothing to both sides. Everton missed an opportunity to move into the top four tonight but West Ham also showed why they're in a run of poor form and it's a frustrating night for both managers. Pickford's good form saw him make a few good stops but shots were not really threatening and you can see there's work to be done by the home side.
DF: I thought at the end we were doing our best to take the point, it's not what we wanted but West Ham done a solid job of pushing us back every time we had the ball. They came forward more than we did so we had to be at our best at the back. I'm pleased with the clean sheet but disappointing we couldn't really get going. The defence performed well and done what was asked of them tonight.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
Was it around Christmas time he always went on a mad losing run?
(with Fylde)
(In the alternate fictional dimension we now no longer discuss)
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
