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Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....

Everton vs Aston Villa
20th December 2025

Lineup vs Aston Villa.webp


=Aston villa result.webp

Jarrad Branthwaite was having a solid season so far but missed the home game against Aston Villa due to illness. Igor Zubeldia started next to Chrislain Matsima for his sixth start this season. A first half with minimal action, Cham had Everton's first shot on target on 26 minutes which was comfortably saved by Martinez and just before the break, Cham crossed into the box for Gonzalez to see his header tipped over the bar. Everton picked up the tempo in the second half and were looking for the breakthrough, Samardzic played a great lobbed pass over the defence for Gonzalez and the hands went up for for offside, the linesman flagged for offside as he got the shot away which was saved by Martinez. Maresca made all five subs for Villa and Ferguson followed by taking off Rodriguez and bringing on Moleiro. Moving into a 4-4-2, Moliero went on the left and Gonzalez joined Beto as his striking partner. Gonzalez came deep and played a through ball down the right for Cham, he crossed in for Beto who was crowded out in the box but he won the header, albeit easy for Martinez. Beto played in Gonzalez two minutes later and he tried to dink it over Martinez but he done well to push it out. Cham was doing well down the right and again he found Gonzalez with his cross but he headed over the bar. Everton played a short corner on 87 minutes, Cham passed short to Samardzic and he launched it into the box for Beto to head in! 1-0! But no, Beto was offside! The replay was offside and the goal was rightfully ruled out. What a second half performance from Everton, but no goals to match their intensity. A 0-0 draw at home to Aston Villa but really they should have picked up the victory.

PLAYER RATINGS

ratings vs Aston Villa.webp

Everton vs Manchester United
23rd December 2025

Lineup vs Man Utd.webp

=Man Utd result.webp


The pre-Christmas fixture was against 4th place Man Utd who were reeling after a 3-1 defeat to leaders Chelsea but were still in the hunt for their first league title since 2013. Everton, still in 7th despite being winless in three made one change bringing in Maffeo at Right Back and Branthwaite made the bench after recent illness. Zubeldia kept his place in the side after an impressive performance against Aston Villa. Everton got forward early on and Beto's shot was well saved by Onana, Everton had to be wary of the Man Utd counter and Cham lost the ball to Varane and Mount moved it forward quickly with Sancho on the overlap and Zubeldia done excellently to deflect his shot, hitting the post. After a quiet first half, Everton made a double change on 50 mimutes with Gonzalez going off for Moleiro and Mykolenko being replaced by Patterson. Does Ferguson not have faith in Sean Roughan's ability? Wan Bissaka found Rashford on the right who brought it down brilliantly, cut inside and shot with his right foot finding the bottom right corner, the deadlock broken. Samardzic's last involvement was a shot that was deflected behind for a corner by Varane and then he was replaced by Garner. Rodriguez also went off for Guler. 6 minutes remained for Everton and after dealing with some pressure from Man Utd they got the ball forward, orchestrated by Onana who played a one-two with Garner and forced himself into the box squaring it for Beto to slot at the far post! 1-1! Onana driving Everton forward! Onana left Dalot and Lindelof in his dust! Everton fought hard to win the ball back and what a great tackle by Patterson, Moleiro played it forward to Guler who took it inside the box, tried to put it across goal but Onana claimed it. Is there one last chance for Everton as Man Utd were hanging on, Garner's cross was cleared, it came to Matsima but before he could send it into the box the game came to an end. A quiet first half but a much brighter second and Everton looked the most likely to snatch a winner. A point apiece.
DF: I'm pleased with how we grew into the game in the second half and I haver to say wow to Amadou for grabbing hold of the game and driving it forward in the manner that he did, he carved United open with that one run and Beto done his job to hit the net.


PLAYER RATINGS

ratings vs Man Utd.webp

Bournemouth vs Everton
26th December 2025

Lineup vs Bournemouth.webp


=Bournemouth result.webp

The Boxing Day fixture was a trip down to the South Coast to take on struggling Bournemouth. Currently without a manager after the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo and down in 19th place, a home win against an Everton side without a league win since 6th December would be a huge confidence boost. Roony Bardghji was back from a recent rib injury and was put straight in the team replacing Cham. Arder Guler was given a rare start behind Beto, it just hadn't clicked for the Turkish international yet at Everton but we are all well aware of how good he can be and the brilliance he shows at times is just not consistent. Gonzalez got back to help the defence on 26 minutes and conceded the corner which was taken by Cook, Cook put the ball into the six yard box and Zabarnyi found the net with a guided header to make it 1-0. Everton were yet to get into the game and were not having much time on the ball thanks to the Bournemouth press. Samardzic was on for a tiring Onana. Roony took it down the right from Maffeo and with a cut back to Garner he crossed to the far post for Gonzales to head downwards into the net beating Neto! Bournemouth had a free-kick and a chance to cross into the box on 70 minutes, Brooks aimed for the far post and it looked like Mykolenko shoved Solanke to clear the ball and the referee gave the penalty! Solanke stepped up against Pickford and sent Pickford the wrong way tucking it into the bottom right corner. Roughan came on for Mykolenko and Moleiro replaced Beto with Gonzalez playing as the Striker. Samardzic played a great ball over for Garner but he volleyed just wide of the post, good effort on 80 minutes. Everton pushed men forward and Moleiro came down the left, he passed to Guler and back to Moleiro, switching it to Roony who stayed just onside and he smashed it in to level! 2-2! The match went into stoppage time and Bournemouth tried to slow down the tempo, a tactic that worked for them and both teams come away with a point.

PLAYER RATINGS

ratings vs Bournemouth.webp


AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS
Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure and Karim Konate have had great tournaments, Mali were beaten by Konate's Ivory Coast in the semi-final, Konate scoring a 90th minute goal to ensure the victory and Konate got the first in the final against Senegal to see a 4-1 win and to lift the trophy!


LEAGUE TABLE

League table after 19.webp
 

Everton vs Chelsea
29th December 2025

Lineup vs Che.webp

=Chelsea result.webp



League leaders Chelsea came to Bramley Moore to enhance their league position in the hunt for their first league title since 2017. Everton had recently dropped out of the European places after three consecutive draws and were aiming to return to winning ways with Moleiro in the starting lineup on the left, Doucoure back from the AFCON and Branthwaite partnering the in-form Matsima at the back. Sean Roughan was given a start at Left Back with Mykolenko missing out due to personal reasons. Chelsea came into this unbeaten in eleven and Striker Nkunku on 12 goals this season. Roughan had to be careful not to get sucked in and it happened against Madueke on 2 minutes when he was allowed to skip past him and strike against the post. Madueke put the ball into the box on 14 minutes, Nkunku was impeded by Patterson and thew referee awarded Chelsea a penalty, it looked a fair challenege and VAR will take a look. It is a penalty! Nkunku went for power and he found the bottom right corner, Pickford had no chance. Everton were looking to hit Chelsea on the counter and after Roony played it down the line for Patterson his cross was good but Beto could only make contact to head over. Everton started the second half on the front foot, Moleiro and Guler keen to get on the ball. Moleiro jinxed past James down the left, cut inside on his right foot and blasted into the right corner! Everton back in it! Chelsea showed their class and Enzo found Dafro with a through ball on 58 minutes and he knocked it past Pickford to restore their lead. There was a possible offside and replays show that Dafro was offside, the referee ruled it out after consulting with VAR! Everton made a double change on 67 minutes with Rodriguez replacing Roony and Konate returning from AFCON success to replace Beto. Garner and Godfrey also came on towards the end replacing Samardzic and Roughan and Garner played it to Konate on 90 minutes, he knocked it through for Guler to take into the box, and on the outside of the foot he beat Hedi to make it 2-1! Everton go in front in stoppage time! Everton could not afford to give the ball away cheaply but Garner's pass on 956 minutes was cut out by Palmer, Garner got in to win it but Enzo took it back, it went over to Sterling but late sub Maffeo went through him to win it back and the whistle was blown! Everton with a resurgent victory after a tough December to beat leaders Chelsea!

PLAYER RATINGS

ratings vs Chelsea.webp


DF: Rotation paid off and players stood up tonight, Doucoure and Konate with good performances after a busy December and the rest of the side coming together after going a goal down tonight. Guler is growing into the player we knew he could become and is really showing his quality.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
1st January 2026

Lineup vs Tottenham.webp



=tottenham result.webp


First game of the new year and it's 5th against 7th. Tottenham with the chance to move into third today and Everton who are looking to solidify their European hopes this season to widen the gap on Aston Villa. The Jnauary transfer window was also open and there was a strong link between Arsenal and James Garner, Garner who is regarded as a player for the future at Everton has only featured ten times this season, playing second choice the in form Lazar Samardzic. Would an offer from the title chasers be too good to turn down? Everton's Frederico Redondo returned from his loan spell with Argentinos Jnrs but wasn't part of the matchday squad. Maddison went off early with an injury and was replaced by Son. Pickford's long kick forward was poor and it allowed Tottenham to get forward, Kulusevski played a ball forward into the box for Leonardo to bury into the bottom left corner making it 1-0 after 12 minutes. Samardzic was coming into the game and forced a decent save from Perri who tipped it over the bar. Pickford made a great save at the other end when it looked like Garnacho was going to slot but he tipped it away. It's been all Tottenham as we went into half-time but Everton have defended well to keep the score at 1-0 and Pickford has made some good stops. Arda Guler came off at half-time and was replaced by James Garner. Tottenham kept up their onslaught and Garnacho was allowed too much space down the left, Pickford was there again to deny him and minutes later he had a shot crashing off the cross bar. Ferguson made three more changes with 25 minutes to go, Rodriguez replaced Samardzic, Moleiro came on for Roony and Konate came on for Beto. Gonzalez moved to the right and was more involved in the game, he got a shot away and it hit the bar, Moleiro had a chance to finish the rebound but he put the shot just wide on 88 minutes. It was all Tottenham today and they deserved the victory. A good display from Pickford kept the score to a minimum and it could have easily been a rout.


PLAYER RATINGS

Ratings vs Tottenham.webp

Everton vs Stockport County
F.A Cup Third Round
4th January 2026

Lineup vs Stockport.webp

=Stockport result.webp


It was a chance for Ferguson to rotate just days before an important League Cup Semi-Final away to Wolves. This game against League One opposition allowed Pickford to be rested for Billy Crellin and Sean Roughan kept his place in the team at Left Back. Frederico Redondo was handed his debut after his loan spell ended in midfield with Cham and Okoronkwo was selected on the right side with Konate starting up top. Stockport were defending deep and not allowing Everton space inside the box, Cham was forced to take long range shots but both efforts were blocked in the opening 15 minutes. Moleiro took the ball down well from the Stockport goal kick and ran forward through the middle playing in Guler who struck first time and it was inches wide, most of the ground though it went in. Okoronkwo chased the loose ball down the right after the headed clearance from Stockport and kept it in play, he cut it back to Maffeo and he crossed to the far post where Moleiro made the run to head in the first goal on 35 minutes! Okoronkwo got an assist on 50 minutes when his low cross from the left side into the feet of Konate allowed him to hold off Simpson, turn and slot past Hollingshead, 2-0! The goal was ruled out for offside! Konate was fractionally off. Redondo took the ball on 57 minutes and played a fantastic ball over the top to find Okoronkwo cutting inside from the right and slot low into the bottom corner, what a ball, what a finish! Just when Everton thought they were on their way to the next round, Stockport's corner routine worked a treat and Rydel found Long in space at the far post to head in to make it 2-1. His first Stockport goal and Bramley Moore! It didn't deter Everton and despite Roughan's cross to Okoronkwo being cleared, Cham's cross into the feet of Konate was perfect and he made it 3-1! Sean Roughan went off on 64 minutes being replaced by 17 year old Alex Lombard-Corrigan. Moleiro went down the left and getting the pass from Redondo, he cut it back to the edge of the box for Cham to strike and he found the top left corner with a powerful drive, 4-1! That should be it! On the 85th minute Everton got their 5th when Maffeo got to the byline and put it into the box for Konate, he was tackled by Simpson and Guler was there to get to the loose ball and bury it! Stockport got their second on 89 minutes when Rydel's ball into the box was picked up by McAtee and he slotted past Crellin. Okoronkwo had to go off injured in stoppage time after a great display, it was a shame to see him go off injured. Rodriguez came on. Everton returned to winning ways with some fluid movements in the final third and a solid debut from Frederico Redondo who will be keen to stake his place in the side for the second half of the season.

DF: It's nice to win again and to see some goals. The team performed really well, Lombard-Corrigan done a great job at Left Back and Redondo was brilliant in midfield, he really was the engine today. It's a nice win for us to go into Wednesday's Semi-final and hopefully give us that relief that we can find the net again and hopefully get some goals in the first leg.

Duncan, if you didn't know already, the Wolves game will be your 100th in management, surely you want to mark this occasion with a fine win?

DF: Of course, regardless of what match this is, I want to bring this game back to Bramley Moore knowing that half of the job is done and we can get to our first final in 17 years. We have to be perfect in everything we do and we cannot allow Wolves to take control of this one. The fans will do their job to help get us over the line but I need every single player here to step up like never before.

PLAYER RATINGS

ratings vs stockport.webp

EVERTON SEMI-FINAL, DROPPING OUT OF THE EUROPEAN PLACES AND THE TRANSFER WINDOW

Their first semi-final since 2016 when they lost to Man Utd at Wembley. Duncan Ferguson will be looking to right a few wrongs and return Everton to glory, starting with the League Cup in February. Recently their league form has slightly dipped but a solid comeback to beat Chelsea kept them in the hunt for a European place as we move into the second half of the season. It certainly weas not expected, Everton were hoping to achieve a safe mid-table finish this season but they have performed above expectation and brought the feel good factor back to Merseyside. Going to the game is a more positive experience for supporters now and some were apprehensive about bringing Ferguson in on a full-time basis but he is showing the fans what he can do and the future looks bright. For Everton to keep moving they have to continue to be shrewd in the transfer market and with Garner looking like he is moving to Arsenal, a replacement may be needed. Mykolenko is out of contract in the summer and a new deal isn't currently on the table so a January move could also be on the cards with Everton rumoured to be interested in 21 year old Left Back Alex Valle from Barcelona. Getting into Europe this season will be huge for Everton and returns them to their rightful table in the footballing world. It has been long overdue and with Ferguson and Aspiazu at the helm, it is looking more and more likely, but the second half of the season has to be better than the first. If Ferguson achieves this after guiding The Toffees to 13th last season, he will prove the doubters wrong.

LEAGUE TABLE

League table after 21.webp
 
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton
League Cup Semi Final First Leg
7th January 2026

Lineup vs Wolves.webp

=Wolves result.webp


One of the biggest games for Everton in recent years and this time for good reasons. Escaping relegation in 2022 and 2023, 2024 was slightly better with a 15th place finish and 2025 was even better finishing 13th. The cup runs haven't been great and it's a first semi final since 2016, this time with a new revamped Everton side under manager and club legend Duncan Ferguson. Ferguson stated in his pre-match press conference that he wants to emulate the success of Roberto Martinez and take Everton to their first final since 2009, this time ending the trophy drought and getting a huge monkey off the club's back. Ferguson named his strongest side and the side most supporters expected to see. A strong back four with Mykolenko back in the side, James Rodriguez behind Beto with support on the wings from Gonzalez and Roony. Wolves were having a poor season in the league and in 19th place. They were almost dumped out of the FA Cup at the weekend but Emre Mor rescued a replay for Wolves as they drew 2-2 with Peterborough United. It was a massive game for both teams as Everton were fighting to get back into Europe after a 7 year absence. Wolves were managerless at the moment after the dismissal of Kjetil Knutsen on 1st January so caretaker boss Jonathan Hunter-Barrett stepped in. Dwight McNeil started for Wolves as he returned to face his former side lining up on the left wing. Molineux was packed and as Hi Ho Silver Lining rang around the stadium, you got a sense of a big atmosphere. Dan Burn played a long ball forward and it was took down by Ait-Nouri inside the box, the flag stayed down and it was only Pickford to beat, he slotted from close range to beat him and put Wolves in front after 17 minutes. The referee put his flag up on the far side, he was offside, the whole stadium knew it. Everton got on the ball after Pickford's ball forward and Samardzic got it forward to Roony, he went past Burn and played it into Beto, he struck first time into the bottom left corner and made it 1-0 to Everton! From one end to the other! 30 minutes in and news came in from Elland Road, Leeds 2-0 Liverpool. Everton looked to open Wolves up and Rodriguez played a ball around the corner for Gonzalez to take in his stride but Sa pushed it away. Everton played some lovely one touch football building up to goal, Gonzalez with the knock inside to Beto and Sa denied him from close range. Wolves made some changes at half-time, Ryan Sessegnon coming on and McNeil moving up top. Ferguson made two changes with 20 minutes to go, Gonzalez replaced by Moleiro and Garner coming on for Samardzic. Everton passed the ball around nicely, looking to break down the left with Moleiro, he went back to Mykolenko, with a pass to Rodriguez and another one to Garner outside the box, he found the run of Beto creating space in the area, he took it in his stride and shot across Sa into the bottom left to make it 2-0! The flag went up! Beto was offside when the ball came through. A minute later, Garner played a great ball in for Beto who took it down on his chest and smashed it into the net, does that one count? The flag went up, offside again! He has to time those runs better. 10 minutes later the same ball from Garner came over and Beto found the net again, disallowed again! Three goals ruled out for Everton! Everton have dominated and put Wolves to the sword but only lead by one. Roony took the pass from Beto and his shot was tipped behind by Sa. Everton take the first leg but only lead by a single goal, it could all change at Bramley Moore.

DF: We were excellent and Beto was at his best but to see those goals ruled out just hurts, even though they were the right decision. We have to be even better in the second leg because Wolves could have a new manager in charge by then and will really want to show what they can do. We have to take advantage at home.


PLAYER RATINGS

Ratings vs Wolves.webp



JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW UPDATE

It is understood Vitaliy Mykolenko did not want to sit down with Duncan Ferguson and discuss a new deal. His current deal expires in June 2026 and he has decided to sign a contract with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad joining them in July 2026 for a reported £350k per week. He will join up with Jack Grealish, Fabinho, N'Golo Kante and Paulo Dybala.

Everton did not waste any tine and it seems like a deal was being done in the background for Barcelona's 21 year old Left Back Alex Valle. Barcelona were in need of the sale and decided to cash in with Everton signing the young Spanish full back for £11.75M. Barcelona have a buy back clause between 02/01/2027 - 03/01/2028 for £26M. Valle will join up with Everton immediately.

Everton vs Brentford
11th January 2026

Lineup vs Brentford.webp

=brentford result.webp


The first meeting between the two sides finished 1-1 when Mbuemo put in a top performance to deny Everton the victory and Everton will need to get back to winning ways to close the gap on Aston Villa who have created a four point lead on Everton. New signing Alex Valle made the bench and Vitaliy Mykolenko kept his place in the side despite agreeing to leave the club in the summer. Nathan Patterson was out with a leg injury but was hoping to be back for the semi-final second leg. Everton were playing quickly on the attack and Beto's header was saved well by Raya when Samardzic found him with the cross at the far post on 11 minutes. Beto sprayed it wide right to Roony who took it down on the byline with his head and ran forward down the right, Beto made his way into the box and he met the cross with a powerful header that went in off the underside of the bar, 1-0! Everton lead after 31 minutes! Brentford came back ten minutes later when Pereira found Schade on the edge of the box and his shot found it's way through the bodies to level, 1-1. The defenders backed off and allowed him too much space. Everton got players forward and Maffeo's cross found Rodriguez who headed slightly over on 58 minutes. Everton won the ball back on 66 minutes and Beto played it wide to Gonzalez, he has been quiet so far but he got forward and crossed into the box with Beto running in he looped the header on the edge of the box over the committed Raya and made it 2-1! Beto to the rescue! Everton made a double change with just over 20 minutes to go, Samardzic went off after a solid display and was replaced by Garner who received a warm applause and then the roof went off for Alex Valle as he made his debut replacing Mykolenko. Redondo came on for his league debut replacing Rodriguez. Pickford played it short to Matsima on 91 minutes as he looked to slow the game down, he passed forward to Garner who tried the pass back to Pickford but it was too short and Toney got in and dinked it over Pickford to make it 2-2! A lapse in concentration! Everton tried one last time but Redondo's pass was cut out and the referee brought the game to an end, Everton disappointed to throw it away like this!

DF: It's been tough in the league lately, we've fell out of the European places but it's not to say we aren't still in with a chance. We had our chances and it was a huge lapse in concentration that cost us. Our certain players distracted? Possibly. The window is open and we know what is going on, it is a time when players are under pressure and they've got people in their ear trying to tell them one thing and someone else saying another.

PLAYER RATINGS

ratings vs Brentford.webp

Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
League Cup Semi-final Second Leg
20th January 2026

Lineup vs Wolves 2.webp

=Wolves result 2.webp


The return leg at Bramley Moore came around and the atmosphere had been building from the afternoon around the city. Fans arrived early to take in the atmosphere and it seemed like they could go all the way with Leeds thrashing Liverpool 6-1 over two legs. It was no easy feat overcoming Wolves but still without a permanent manager and firmly in the relegation zone. It was a shame for Nathan Patterson to miss out due to injury, still not quite recovered so Pablo Maffeo kept his place in the side. The side remained unchanged and with Roony and Beto coming into form recently, you would expect Everton to seal this under the Bramley Moore lights. The teams came out to Z Cars and you could not hear yourself think inside the stadium, it was ferocious. The players all took it in and the manager stood on the line with a smile on his face. He shook hands with Jonathan Hunter-Barratt and patted him on the back. It was Everton's biggest game in ten years. The match started with a fast tempo, Cunha tried to find the top corner but Pickford pulled off a fine save tipping it away on 2 minutes. Gonzalez received the pass from Beto and held it up on the left, Mykolenko darted forward and he played him in, he got to the line and put it across for Beto but Sa pushed it away, Rodriguez had the chance but the shot was blocked on the line by Dawson and Roony's chance was saved by Sa. The crowd lifted and the noise was deafening. Wolves dawdled on the ball on 31 minutes and Beto won it back inside the box, he passed to Roony who found Rodrgiuez and from inside the box he slotted cooly to make it 1-0 on the night! Sa's goal kick was poor a few minutes later and Gonzalez played it forward for Rodriguez, he was on a tight angle but managed to squeeze it in with a helping hand from Sa, 2-0 in front, 3-0 on aggregate! Are Everton on their way to Wembley? Everton were relentless, Samardzic ran forward with the ball taking it past players but his shot from inside the box was turned behind. Rodriguez went over to take the corner and the fans were magnificent, he played it to the far post and Beto climbed above Gore to head in the third! These Wolves players are defeated. Ferguson made two changes with around 25 minutes to go, two youngsters came on, Guler replaced Rodriguez and Konate replaced Beto. Guler and Konate were just the tonic as Guler ran forward with the ball following the Wolves attack, got into the box and passed to Konate who turned it in from close range! What a performance! Wolves pulled one back on 69 minutes when Onana made a weak pass and it was cut out by Kalajdzic and he found Cunha who only needed a second to turn and find the bottom corner, superb goal. Onana was taken off just after and replaced by Doucoure. Wolves were coming into it but surely too late, 88 minutes when McNeil put in the corner and Kalajdzic headed down and Gomes put it over the line, but no, it won't count, Gomes was offside. The noise levels rose once again and Bramley Moore was a sea of blue and white as the scarves came out and Everton were minutes away from their first cup final in 17 years. The whistle was blown as Gonzalez beat Dawson for fun and Ferguson punched the air! It was a deserved night of celebration and the delight on the faces of all associated with the club was there to be seen. Everton made the headlines and were writing their history after years of mis-management and poor decisions. Now, one of their own at the helm and one game away from a desrved trophy!

Duncan Ferguson was joined by Sky Sports commentary team Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.

GN: What a way to finish this tie, this ground resembles Goodison in so many ways and it rocked tonight. How do you feel tonight, how do you think the fans supporters feel tonight?

DF: We turned up tonight and didn't just qualify, we put on a show and hit a vulnerable Wolves where it hurt. They were reeling and we really went for it, the attacking football was magnificent to see.

JC: Duncan, you're really bringing the good times back, a first final in 17 years, you went out there and you won in style, do you think you can put Leeds under that same pressure?

DF: Leeds are a different team and are difficult to play. We know that as they beat us recently and have been on a remarkable run. They brushed Liverpool aside with ease and Ange has got them playing some quality stuff, we are really gonna be in for a tough day.

JC: I know this city and I know what it means to these people. To be going to a final, can you end the drought?

DF: Jamie, that's the plan! It's been far too long and I've said it all along, this club deserve to be up there with the likes of Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal, we are a team that should be playing in Europe, it's been too long and I know more than most how vital it is for us to be competing and now we have that chance.

PLAYER RATINGS

ratings vs Wolves 2.webp


LEAGUE TABLE

League table after 22.webp
 
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton
League Cup Semi Final First Leg
7th January 2026

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One of the biggest games for Everton in recent years and this time for good reasons. Escaping relegation in 2022 and 2023, 2024 was slightly better with a 15th place finish and 2025 was even better finishing 13th. The cup runs haven't been great and it's a first semi final since 2016, this time with a new revamped Everton side under manager and club legend Duncan Ferguson. Ferguson stated in his pre-match press conference that he wants to emulate the success of Roberto Martinez and take Everton to their first final since 2009, this time ending the trophy drought and getting a huge monkey off the club's back. Ferguson named his strongest side and the side most supporters expected to see. A strong back four with Mykolenko back in the side, James Rodriguez behind Beto with support on the wings from Gonzalez and Roony. Wolves were having a poor season in the league and in 19th place. They were almost dumped out of the FA Cup at the weekend but Emre Mor rescued a replay for Wolves as they drew 2-2 with Peterborough United. It was a massive game for both teams as Everton were fighting to get back into Europe after a 7 year absence. Wolves were managerless at the moment after the dismissal of Kjetil Knutsen on 1st January so caretaker boss Jonathan Hunter-Barrett stepped in. Dwight McNeil started for Wolves as he returned to face his former side lining up on the left wing. Molineux was packed and as Hi Ho Silver Lining rang around the stadium, you got a sense of a big atmosphere. Dan Burn played a long ball forward and it was took down by Ait-Nouri inside the box, the flag stayed down and it was only Pickford to beat, he slotted from close range to beat him and put Wolves in front after 17 minutes. The referee put his flag up on the far side, he was offside, the whole stadium knew it. Everton got on the ball after Pickford's ball forward and Samardzic got it forward to Roony, he went past Burn and played it into Beto, he struck first time into the bottom left corner and made it 1-0 to Everton! From one end to the other! 30 minutes in and news came in from Elland Road, Leeds 2-0 Liverpool. Everton looked to open Wolves up and Rodriguez played a ball around the corner for Gonzalez to take in his stride but Sa pushed it away. Everton played some lovely one touch football building up to goal, Gonzalez with the knock inside to Beto and Sa denied him from close range. Wolves made some changes at half-time, Ryan Sessegnon coming on and McNeil moving up top. Ferguson made two changes with 20 minutes to go, Gonzalez replaced by Moleiro and Garner coming on for Samardzic. Everton passed the ball around nicely, looking to break down the left with Moleiro, he went back to Mykolenko, with a pass to Rodriguez and another one to Garner outside the box, he found the run of Beto creating space in the area, he took it in his stride and shot across Sa into the bottom left to make it 2-0! The flag went up! Beto was offside when the ball came through. A minute later, Garner played a great ball in for Beto who took it down on his chest and smashed it into the net, does that one count? The flag went up, offside again! He has to time those runs better. 10 minutes later the same ball from Garner came over and Beto found the net again, disallowed again! Three goals ruled out for Everton! Everton have dominated and put Wolves to the sword but only lead by one. Roony took the pass from Beto and his shot was tipped behind by Sa. Everton take the first leg but only lead by a single goal, it could all change at Bramley Moore.

DF: We were excellent and Beto was at his best but to see those goals ruled out just hurts, even though they were the right decision. We have to be even better in the second leg because Wolves could have a new manager in charge by then and will really want to show what they can do. We have to take advantage at home.


PLAYER RATINGS

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JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW UPDATE

It is understood Vitaliy Mykolenko did not want to sit down with Duncan Ferguson and discuss a new deal. His current deal expires in June 2026 and he has decided to sign a contract with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad joining them in July 2026 for a reported £350k per week. He will join up with Jack Grealish, Fabinho, N'Golo Kante and Paulo Dybala.

Everton did not waste any tine and it seems like a deal was being done in the background for Barcelona's 21 year old Left Back Alex Valle. Barcelona were in need of the sale and decided to cash in with Everton signing the young Spanish full back for £11.75M. Barcelona have a buy back clause between 02/01/2027 - 03/01/2028 for £26M. Valle will join up with Everton immediately.

Everton vs Brentford
11th January 2026

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The first meeting between the two sides finished 1-1 when Mbuemo put in a top performance to deny Everton the victory and Everton will need to get back to winning ways to close the gap on Aston Villa who have created a four point lead on Everton. New signing Alex Valle made the bench and Vitaliy Mykolenko kept his place in the side despite agreeing to leave the club in the summer. Nathan Patterson was out with a leg injury but was hoping to be back for the semi-final second leg. Everton were playing quickly on the attack and Beto's header was saved well by Raya when Samardzic found him with the cross at the far post on 11 minutes. Beto sprayed it wide right to Roony who took it down on the byline with his head and ran forward down the right, Beto made his way into the box and he met the cross with a powerful header that went in off the underside of the bar, 1-0! Everton lead after 31 minutes! Brentford came back ten minutes later when Pereira found Schade on the edge of the box and his shot found it's way through the bodies to level, 1-1. The defenders backed off and allowed him too much space. Everton got players forward and Maffeo's cross found Rodriguez who headed slightly over on 58 minutes. Everton won the ball back on 66 minutes and Beto played it wide to Gonzalez, he has been quiet so far but he got forward and crossed into the box with Beto running in he looped the header on the edge of the box over the committed Raya and made it 2-1! Beto to the rescue! Everton made a double change with just over 20 minutes to go, Samardzic went off after a solid display and was replaced by Garner who received a warm applause and then the roof went off for Alex Valle as he made his debut replacing Mykolenko. Redondo came on for his league debut replacing Rodriguez. Pickford played it short to Matsima on 91 minutes as he looked to slow the game down, he passed forward to Garner who tried the pass back to Pickford but it was too short and Toney got in and dinked it over Pickford to make it 2-2! A lapse in concentration! Everton tried one last time but Redondo's pass was cut out and the referee brought the game to an end, Everton disappointed to throw it away like this!

DF: It's been tough in the league lately, we've fell out of the European places but it's not to say we aren't still in with a chance. We had our chances and it was a huge lapse in concentration that cost us. Our certain players distracted? Possibly. The window is open and we know what is going on, it is a time when players are under pressure and they've got people in their ear trying to tell them one thing and someone else saying another.

PLAYER RATINGS

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Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
League Cup Semi-final Second Leg
20th January 2026

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The return leg at Bramley Moore came around and the atmosphere had been building from the afternoon around the city. Fans arrived early to take in the atmosphere and it seemed like they could go all the way with Leeds thrashing Liverpool 6-1 over two legs. It was no easy feat overcoming Wolves but still without a permanent manager and firmly in the relegation zone. It was a shame for Nathan Patterson to miss out due to injury, still not quite recovered so Pablo Maffeo kept his place in the side. The side remained unchanged and with Roony and Beto coming into form recently, you would expect Everton to seal this under the Bramley Moore lights. The teams came out to Z Cars and you could not hear yourself think inside the stadium, it was ferocious. The players all took it in and the manager stood on the line with a smile on his face. He shook hands with Jonathan Hunter-Barratt and patted him on the back. It was Everton's biggest game in ten years. The match started with a fast tempo, Cunha tried to find the top corner but Pickford pulled off a fine save tipping it away on 2 minutes. Gonzalez received the pass from Beto and held it up on the left, Mykolenko darted forward and he played him in, he got to the line and put it across for Beto but Sa pushed it away, Rodriguez had the chance but the shot was blocked on the line by Dawson and Roony's chance was saved by Sa. The crowd lifted and the noise was deafening. Wolves dawdled on the ball on 31 minutes and Beto won it back inside the box, he passed to Roony who found Rodrgiuez and from inside the box he slotted cooly to make it 1-0 on the night! Sa's goal kick was poor a few minutes later and Gonzalez played it forward for Rodriguez, he was on a tight angle but managed to squeeze it in with a helping hand from Sa, 2-0 in front, 3-0 on aggregate! Are Everton on their way to Wembley? Everton were relentless, Samardzic ran forward with the ball taking it past players but his shot from inside the box was turned behind. Rodriguez went over to take the corner and the fans were magnificent, he played it to the far post and Beto climbed above Gore to head in the third! These Wolves players are defeated. Ferguson made two changes with around 25 minutes to go, two youngsters came on, Guler replaced Rodriguez and Konate replaced Beto. Guler and Konate were just the tonic as Guler ran forward with the ball following the Wolves attack, got into the box and passed to Konate who turned it in from close range! What a performance! Wolves pulled one back on 69 minutes when Onana made a weak pass and it was cut out by Kalajdzic and he found Cunha who only needed a second to turn and find the bottom corner, superb goal. Onana was taken off just after and replaced by Doucoure. Wolves were coming into it but surely too late, 88 minutes when McNeil put in the corner and Kalajdzic headed down and Gomes put it over the line, but no, it won't count, Gomes was offside. The noise levels rose once again and Bramley Moore was a sea of blue and white as the scarves came out and Everton were minutes away from their first cup final in 17 years. The whistle was blown as Gonzalez beat Dawson for fun and Ferguson punched the air! It was a deserved night of celebration and the delight on the faces of all associated with the club was there to be seen. Everton made the headlines and were writing their history after years of mis-management and poor decisions. Now, one of their own at the helm and one game away from a desrved trophy!

Duncan Ferguson was joined by Sky Sports commentary team Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.

GN: What a way to finish this tie, this ground resembles Goodison in so many ways and it rocked tonight. How do you feel tonight, how do you think the fans supporters feel tonight?

DF: We turned up tonight and didn't just qualify, we put on a show and hit a vulnerable Wolves where it hurt. They were reeling and we really went for it, the attacking football was magnificent to see.

JC: Duncan, you're really bringing the good times back, a first final in 17 years, you went out there and you won in style, do you think you can put Leeds under that same pressure?

DF: Leeds are a different team and are difficult to play. We know that as they beat us recently and have been on a remarkable run. They brushed Liverpool aside with ease and Ange has got them playing some quality stuff, we are really gonna be in for a tough day.

JC: I know this city and I know what it means to these people. To be going to a final, can you end the drought?

DF: Jamie, that's the plan! It's been far too long and I've said it all along, this club deserve to be up there with the likes of Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal, we are a team that should be playing in Europe, it's been too long and I know more than most how vital it is for us to be competing and now we have that chance.

PLAYER RATINGS

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LEAGUE TABLE

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This may just be the longest, greatest post in GOT history.

I'm wiping away the tears, I may need to change some underwear and I'm running out of pot noodles, but boy am i proud of the lads tonight.
 


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