mmmmsnouts
Player Valuation: £40m
TPBD out, get another poster in here to get this save turned around
Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....
- Thread starter The Penalty Box Dancer
- Start date
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
Two titans.
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
Being on night shift at the pig snout rendering factory I can only watch this now. Thank you vhs!
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
EVERTON HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE
Duncan Ferguson was disappointed to not lift his first trophy as as manager but he remained upbeat. The press were met with a smile and he went on to state that this is just the beginning for a young Everton side and to achieve a cup final after a turbulent few seasons was nothing short of remarkable. Ferguson continued by saying the side will come back from this even stronger and that it adds to their footballing experience of getting to a major final. Now they have tasted Wembley, maybe next time the nerves won't get to them as much and it won't seem like an uphill battle to take Everton back to winning trophies. The F.A Cup is well and truly alive and a trip this week to The Britannia to play Stoke stands in their way of getting to the last eight.
Duncan Ferguson was disappointed to not lift his first trophy as as manager but he remained upbeat. The press were met with a smile and he went on to state that this is just the beginning for a young Everton side and to achieve a cup final after a turbulent few seasons was nothing short of remarkable. Ferguson continued by saying the side will come back from this even stronger and that it adds to their footballing experience of getting to a major final. Now they have tasted Wembley, maybe next time the nerves won't get to them as much and it won't seem like an uphill battle to take Everton back to winning trophies. The F.A Cup is well and truly alive and a trip this week to The Britannia to play Stoke stands in their way of getting to the last eight.
Never heard of this lad macca, any chance of taking him on a cheeky loan for a season or two?
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Stoke City vs Everton
F.A Cup Fifth Round
25th February 2026
It was time to move on from Sunday and it was a Wednesday trip to Stoke for the F.A Cup. Stoke were on a good run of form sitting 4th in The Championship but will find it tough coming up against Premier League opposition in the shape of Everton who are reeling after a cup final defeat and losing ground on Europe in the league. Alex Valle got a start at Left Back and Maffeo was in at Right Back with what seemed to be a wing back type formation with Branthwaite, Zubeldia and Matsima forming a strong back line. Gonzalez, Beto and Konate all started in attack with Everton looking to take the game to Stoke on their own back yard. Stoke were playing wide getting balls into the box, so far Everton not really getting out of their half in the opening 20 minutes. Matsima moved the ball wide for Maffeo who got forward and cut inside into the box from the right and put it into the danger zone, it went in off Auston Trusty as he held his head in his hands with disgust after putting it past his own keeper. Stoke were known for their set pieces and Bazoer put a good ball in from 30 yards out on 47 minutes, Odobert beat Valle to the header and knocked it across goal for Yates to beat Maffeo to the header and knock it in past Pickford, 1-1 on the verge of the interval. Ferguson made a change just after half-time and Samardzic seemed to be struggling so came off for Moleiro. Konate and Onana got into a bit of miscommunication and they both left the ball for Burger but fortunately Zubelida tracked down the shot and and deflected it out for a corner, Everton need to pull it together. Stoke were playing some nice football and getting through the Everton back line really easily, on 58 minutes the short, quick passing between Laurent and Odobert was beautiful on the eye and the ball played in to Yates to slot past Pickford was perfect, Stoke deservedly in front. The flag went up! Laurent was offside in the build-up, an escape for Everton. A minute later it did count and Moleiro tried to clear the ball but only as far as Burger who smashed it from outside the area to beat Pickford, the fans in raptures. 30 minutes to go and changes were needed, Ferguson brought on Garner and Guler for Branthwaite and Konate. 5 minutes later and Everton were moving the ball better, Garner went wide to Gonzalez and he switched it to Valle on the left, he knocked it forward for Moleiro and he struck with his right foot looping it over the outstretched arm of Trott and into the top right corner! 2-2! Davis with the Stoke corner, cleared by Matsima at the front post, Guler lost out to Yates for the header into the box and Valle was wrong side of Laurent at the far post and he nudged it in to give Stoke the lead on 76 minutes. Stoke were brilliant and were playing well on the front foot, nobody expected a performance like this. Inside the last five minutes and Onana lobbed it forward for Beto to chase down, he turned Trusty with ease but his shot was poor and it just isn't good enough from Everton. Gonzalez was offside when he took the pass from Garner and he played it to Beto to finish but the flag went up in the end. Gonzalez pumped it into the box for one last chance but Trusty headed back to Trott and the Britannia rose with cheers. That's it and Stoke City beat a vulnerable Everton and move into the Quarter Finals!
Not the result you wanted, two cup exits in the space of three days. Is there complacency creeping in?
DF: It's not been the ideal week and I'm the first to say we have to step up and raise our game. The cup exit was a blow and to go out of the F.A Cup adds to the pain but we now know we have time in the season to try to finish as strong as possible. Europe was the dream and now getting a top half finish is something we should be proud of. We have to remember how far we have come.
PLAYER RATINGS
Leicester City vs Everton
28th February 2026
With a European place too far out of reach, a strong finish was all Everton could take from a progressive season. An away trip to Leicester with The Foxes looking to secure Premier League football for another season. Roony Bardghji was still not match fit so didn't make the trip, Gonzalez started on the right side with Konate going up top replacing Beto. Ferguson made a surprise change taking out Branthwaite for Zubeldia. Patterson and Maffeo were absent through injury so Ben Godfrey started at Right Back. The first half was quiet, Zubelida almost got on the scoresheet with a well worked free-kick saw his shot get tipped over the bar but he also almost cost Everton losing it to Daka but done well to recover his mistake.Leicester also got caught out at the back and Konate intercepted and ran forward on an amazing solo run slotting past the keeper but clipping the post, unlucky. Everton looked more assured in possession and Samardzic won it back, he passed forward to Konate and he brought in Gonzalez, with a nice touch he took the ball away from Gil and found Konate in the box and he smashed it in from close range on 45 minutes! It was a poor header from Kluivert that gave it to Samardzic in the build up. Ferguson made two changes with 35 minutes to go, Okoronkwo came on for Gonzalez and Garner replaced Samardzic. Kluivert made up for his earlier error when he supplied the ball into the box for Onuachu to slot past Pickford from close range to bring it level. VAR checked it for offside and the check came back as no goal! Everton brought on Onana for Guler to support the midfield and try to keep the lead. Everton done all they could to keep Leiceste out, Mykolenko was on for Valle to help out the defence. He won the header and Moleiro just had to run down the line, he passed to Mykolenko but he lost it to Soumare and he passed forward to McAteer, it went into the box for Onuachu and his shot was easy enough for Pickford, is that it? It is! Everton with a hard fought win! Good solid displays from Zubelida, Matsima and Godfrey at the back and Konate's goal will give him some confidence.
DF: It's about making the right changes and seeing if something else works. Today it was Jarrad's turn to sit out, it doesn't mean anything negative, he will come back in but we have a squad for a reason and we have to play to individual strengths. I felt it was a game Igor (Zubeldia) could step up for and he did, better than I expected. We've played twice a week for a while and it has caught up with us, now it's a chance to prepare for Wolves in 8 days and get some time together as a squad in training.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
8th March 2026
Some good news this week coming out of Finch Farm and it was Nathan Patterson agreeing a new four year contract to 2030. The 24 year old expressed his delight at the club and was enjoying his football under Duncan Ferguson. After recent injury he was named on the bench with Ben Godfrey keeping his place at Right Back after a good performance against Leicester. The only change was Garner in for the injured Samardzic but it was nothing long term. Talk around 34 year old James Rodriguez and his decision to retire from football in the summer. It is not known whether this is official but James has hinted at hanging up his boots after a fantastic career. Roony Bardghji was back and on the bench today, he played for the u21's in midweek losing 3-2 to Middlesbrough but had a great game. Neto took the throw near the Everton corner flag and it was Sessegnon who crossed into the box, Matsima headed away and Sessegnon rifled it back in, Pickford stopped it with his feet but it ran free to Cunha who tapped it in, what on earth was Pickford doing? 1-0 down but Everton came forward, Cunha left one on Guler and he went down but play continued, Garner played it through for Konate who hit the post but he was offside. Guler stayed down and was substituted for James Rodriguez on 28 minutes. Valle played it to Garner and he crossed from the left, Konate peeled away at the back post and headed down towards goal but Sa made a great save at the post. Everton attacked the South Stand in the second half and the noise was deafening inside Bramley Moore, Valle played a one-two with Moleiro and then crossed in to the far post, great ball in for Gonzalez at the back post to head in! 1-1! A minute later Monchu played a short corner to Neto 25 yards out and he drilled it low into the bottom left corner, what a goal, 2-1 to Wolves. 20 minutes to go and it was time for changes, Beto replaced Konate, Patterson came on for Godfrey and Roony returned from injury to replace Gonzalez. Matsima played a long ball down the right for Roony, what a pass, he got to the byline and crossed in for Beto and he leaped higher than Sa to head in the equaliser! Only on the pitch for one minute and Everton hit back! Ferguson told his team to press and keep pressing but the thirds goal didn't materialise. Everton rescued a point against a fighting Wolves side.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
F.A Cup Fifth Round
25th February 2026
It was time to move on from Sunday and it was a Wednesday trip to Stoke for the F.A Cup. Stoke were on a good run of form sitting 4th in The Championship but will find it tough coming up against Premier League opposition in the shape of Everton who are reeling after a cup final defeat and losing ground on Europe in the league. Alex Valle got a start at Left Back and Maffeo was in at Right Back with what seemed to be a wing back type formation with Branthwaite, Zubeldia and Matsima forming a strong back line. Gonzalez, Beto and Konate all started in attack with Everton looking to take the game to Stoke on their own back yard. Stoke were playing wide getting balls into the box, so far Everton not really getting out of their half in the opening 20 minutes. Matsima moved the ball wide for Maffeo who got forward and cut inside into the box from the right and put it into the danger zone, it went in off Auston Trusty as he held his head in his hands with disgust after putting it past his own keeper. Stoke were known for their set pieces and Bazoer put a good ball in from 30 yards out on 47 minutes, Odobert beat Valle to the header and knocked it across goal for Yates to beat Maffeo to the header and knock it in past Pickford, 1-1 on the verge of the interval. Ferguson made a change just after half-time and Samardzic seemed to be struggling so came off for Moleiro. Konate and Onana got into a bit of miscommunication and they both left the ball for Burger but fortunately Zubelida tracked down the shot and and deflected it out for a corner, Everton need to pull it together. Stoke were playing some nice football and getting through the Everton back line really easily, on 58 minutes the short, quick passing between Laurent and Odobert was beautiful on the eye and the ball played in to Yates to slot past Pickford was perfect, Stoke deservedly in front. The flag went up! Laurent was offside in the build-up, an escape for Everton. A minute later it did count and Moleiro tried to clear the ball but only as far as Burger who smashed it from outside the area to beat Pickford, the fans in raptures. 30 minutes to go and changes were needed, Ferguson brought on Garner and Guler for Branthwaite and Konate. 5 minutes later and Everton were moving the ball better, Garner went wide to Gonzalez and he switched it to Valle on the left, he knocked it forward for Moleiro and he struck with his right foot looping it over the outstretched arm of Trott and into the top right corner! 2-2! Davis with the Stoke corner, cleared by Matsima at the front post, Guler lost out to Yates for the header into the box and Valle was wrong side of Laurent at the far post and he nudged it in to give Stoke the lead on 76 minutes. Stoke were brilliant and were playing well on the front foot, nobody expected a performance like this. Inside the last five minutes and Onana lobbed it forward for Beto to chase down, he turned Trusty with ease but his shot was poor and it just isn't good enough from Everton. Gonzalez was offside when he took the pass from Garner and he played it to Beto to finish but the flag went up in the end. Gonzalez pumped it into the box for one last chance but Trusty headed back to Trott and the Britannia rose with cheers. That's it and Stoke City beat a vulnerable Everton and move into the Quarter Finals!
Not the result you wanted, two cup exits in the space of three days. Is there complacency creeping in?
DF: It's not been the ideal week and I'm the first to say we have to step up and raise our game. The cup exit was a blow and to go out of the F.A Cup adds to the pain but we now know we have time in the season to try to finish as strong as possible. Europe was the dream and now getting a top half finish is something we should be proud of. We have to remember how far we have come.
PLAYER RATINGS
Leicester City vs Everton
28th February 2026
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With a European place too far out of reach, a strong finish was all Everton could take from a progressive season. An away trip to Leicester with The Foxes looking to secure Premier League football for another season. Roony Bardghji was still not match fit so didn't make the trip, Gonzalez started on the right side with Konate going up top replacing Beto. Ferguson made a surprise change taking out Branthwaite for Zubeldia. Patterson and Maffeo were absent through injury so Ben Godfrey started at Right Back. The first half was quiet, Zubelida almost got on the scoresheet with a well worked free-kick saw his shot get tipped over the bar but he also almost cost Everton losing it to Daka but done well to recover his mistake.Leicester also got caught out at the back and Konate intercepted and ran forward on an amazing solo run slotting past the keeper but clipping the post, unlucky. Everton looked more assured in possession and Samardzic won it back, he passed forward to Konate and he brought in Gonzalez, with a nice touch he took the ball away from Gil and found Konate in the box and he smashed it in from close range on 45 minutes! It was a poor header from Kluivert that gave it to Samardzic in the build up. Ferguson made two changes with 35 minutes to go, Okoronkwo came on for Gonzalez and Garner replaced Samardzic. Kluivert made up for his earlier error when he supplied the ball into the box for Onuachu to slot past Pickford from close range to bring it level. VAR checked it for offside and the check came back as no goal! Everton brought on Onana for Guler to support the midfield and try to keep the lead. Everton done all they could to keep Leiceste out, Mykolenko was on for Valle to help out the defence. He won the header and Moleiro just had to run down the line, he passed to Mykolenko but he lost it to Soumare and he passed forward to McAteer, it went into the box for Onuachu and his shot was easy enough for Pickford, is that it? It is! Everton with a hard fought win! Good solid displays from Zubelida, Matsima and Godfrey at the back and Konate's goal will give him some confidence.
DF: It's about making the right changes and seeing if something else works. Today it was Jarrad's turn to sit out, it doesn't mean anything negative, he will come back in but we have a squad for a reason and we have to play to individual strengths. I felt it was a game Igor (Zubeldia) could step up for and he did, better than I expected. We've played twice a week for a while and it has caught up with us, now it's a chance to prepare for Wolves in 8 days and get some time together as a squad in training.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
8th March 2026
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Some good news this week coming out of Finch Farm and it was Nathan Patterson agreeing a new four year contract to 2030. The 24 year old expressed his delight at the club and was enjoying his football under Duncan Ferguson. After recent injury he was named on the bench with Ben Godfrey keeping his place at Right Back after a good performance against Leicester. The only change was Garner in for the injured Samardzic but it was nothing long term. Talk around 34 year old James Rodriguez and his decision to retire from football in the summer. It is not known whether this is official but James has hinted at hanging up his boots after a fantastic career. Roony Bardghji was back and on the bench today, he played for the u21's in midweek losing 3-2 to Middlesbrough but had a great game. Neto took the throw near the Everton corner flag and it was Sessegnon who crossed into the box, Matsima headed away and Sessegnon rifled it back in, Pickford stopped it with his feet but it ran free to Cunha who tapped it in, what on earth was Pickford doing? 1-0 down but Everton came forward, Cunha left one on Guler and he went down but play continued, Garner played it through for Konate who hit the post but he was offside. Guler stayed down and was substituted for James Rodriguez on 28 minutes. Valle played it to Garner and he crossed from the left, Konate peeled away at the back post and headed down towards goal but Sa made a great save at the post. Everton attacked the South Stand in the second half and the noise was deafening inside Bramley Moore, Valle played a one-two with Moleiro and then crossed in to the far post, great ball in for Gonzalez at the back post to head in! 1-1! A minute later Monchu played a short corner to Neto 25 yards out and he drilled it low into the bottom left corner, what a goal, 2-1 to Wolves. 20 minutes to go and it was time for changes, Beto replaced Konate, Patterson came on for Godfrey and Roony returned from injury to replace Gonzalez. Matsima played a long ball down the right for Roony, what a pass, he got to the byline and crossed in for Beto and he leaped higher than Sa to head in the equaliser! Only on the pitch for one minute and Everton hit back! Ferguson told his team to press and keep pressing but the thirds goal didn't materialise. Everton rescued a point against a fighting Wolves side.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Newcastle United vs Everton
15th March 2026
Beto got the start away to Newcastle as Karim Konate picked up a minor calf injury in training. Gonzalez, Guler and Roony all started behind him in a familiar attack. Newcastle were off the pace slightly in 12th but were still going strong in the Europa Conference League. As we entered the last 9 games of the season, at this point Everton were trying to finish as high as possible with Europe looking very unlikely. Everton were off to a good start and had a decdent number of chances, Samardzic went for goal from the 30 yard free-kick and the keeper tipped it over, a flurry of corners followed but were cleared away. On 25 minutes Trippier put the corner into the box and Coates had an easy header into the Gallowgate End to make it 1-0. Branthwaite was beaten to the ball. Valle done well to win ther ball back from Joelinton, he passed to Onana who played in Beto but his shot was charged down by Botman. Guler played a good ball over the defence for Beto, he took it on his left foot but his shot was saved by Mamardashvili. Patterson put in a great lofted pass into the box for Guler and he slotted nicely with his left foot to make it 1-1 on 48 minutes! Samardzic was having a good game but he suffered a knock with 30 minutes to go, he went off and was replaced by Garner. Everton were getting the ball down the flanks and the crosses were coming in, Patterson aimed for the far post and Gonzalez was denied by Hall who cleared off the line. Gonzalez lost the ball to Tonali and Newcastle hit Everton on the break, he passed to Miley and a great ball was played through to Stephenson, who beat Branthwaite and slotted past Pickford to put Newcastle back in the lead. Rodriguez came on for Guler, Moleiro replaced Gonzalez and Mykolenko was on for Valle to try to grab an equaliser. Everton were being pressed by Newcastle but a great lobbed ball forward from Onana to Roony saw him break into the box and put it into the six yard box for Beto to toe poke home, the equaliser on 91 minutes! The match ended after six additional minutes and a point seemed like a fair result. Everton had better possession but Newcastle hit them on the break and made them pay.
DF: It was a game in which we had chances but were denied a few times by a decent goalkeeper. We had to watch the press and the counter attack plus they were good in the air so we tried to get our crosses in to feet and it worked better for us.
PLAYER RATINGS
EVERTON YOUTH UPDATE
There was some shining moments for the youth of Everton on the international break. 18 year old Midfielder continued his development earning his first cap for Scotland in a 2-0 defeat against Poland. Hepburn earnt the cap with some inspiring displays at his loan club Portsmouth in League One this season. John has the making of an excellent midfielder for Everton.
Alex Lombard-Corrigan scored for England U18's in a 5-09 win over Portugal. The 17 year old Defender was learning his trade at Stevenage this season in League One and is no doubt a player who could be in the Everton first team in a few years.
Sean Roughan got his first cap for the Republic of Ireland in a 2-1 win over Czech Republic. Roughan who is out on loan at Preston this season will be looking to fight for his first team place at Everton next season.
17 year old Adam McConville has been working hard at Livingston up in Scotland and the first team football has been a benefit to the Central Defenders development.
One to certainly watch is 15 year old Danny Mead, born in Kirkby, Liverpool, he has progressed through the Everton academy and at 15 is now knocking on the door of the u21's. He featured in a behind the doors friendly recently for the Everton first team and scored a second half hattrick. The Striker slotted in at Midfield for the game and was really bright and energetic.
DF: I've been hearing his name around the club so I thought why not give the boy a go, he didn't disappoint and was the man of the match. I put him behind another youngster Haydn McElvenney and he got three good goals, both footed and always wants to be involved. I'll be keeping an eye on him for the u21's and you never know, we could really have a player on our hands.
Everton vs Leeds United
6th April 2026
It was back to action after the International break and a rematch between the League Cup finalists. Leeds were on a great run the last time these sides met but Postecoglou's side was winless in their last five. Knonate started up top for Everton with Beto only just returning to training from a recent injury. Gonzalez made the bench after picking up a slight groin injury on international duty with Argentina so Alberto Moleiro started on the left. James Rodriguez also got a start after coming off the bench in the last couple of games. Both sides were looking to get forward, Everton applied the press to win the ball back in the final thiurd but Leeds held firm and dealt with the attack, it was at the other end on 26 minutes when Sinisterra had the pace to beat Patterson and get it low into the box for Gnonto to slot past Pickford. It all started with a great ball from Adam Wharton which found Sinisterra on the left side. James Rodriguez was pivotal to creating chances and him being on the pitch brought Everton forward, he laid it off for Samardzic to try an ambitious shot from 30 yards but it went just wide of the left post. Everton made two changes with around 25 minutes to go, Beto replaced a non-existent Konate and Gonzalez came on for Moleiro. Everton came forward and with 10 minutes to go, Rodriguez done what he does best and played in Roony who was goal side and dinked it over Meslier to level! With minutes to go Everton pumped balls into the box looking for a flick on or a deflection, Beto was crowded out and couldn't get his head to it, Patterson took the ball down and ran into the area but his cross was intercepted by Meslier. Gonzalez came down the left, beating Willock, again the cross was cleared and Leeds came forward, Samardzic won it back and played it to Patterson, Patterson got the ball into the box towards Beto but Copete beat him to it and headed behind, Everton corner. Ther corner was cleared but Everton kept men forward, Branthwaite played it into the box for Gonzalez but he was offside when he struck it. The match came to an end it was a point for both sides. Everton with a thirds consecutive draw could not find a winner against a tough Leeds side.
DF: You can see where we need that little bit extra. More energy and intensity in that final third, that final ball has to be perfect, he thumped it into the box but were up against two good Centre Backs. Konate struggled and Beto didn't do much better, we really had to find another way to get into their box and balls from midfield seemed to be the best way but Leeds made it tough for us and we have to accept a point today.
PLAYER RATINGS
Arsenal vs Everton
11th April 2026
It's a huge game for Arsenal as they look to go top of the league with six games to go. Everton were undefeated in their last four and the only change from the Leeds game was Gonzalez in for Moleiro. It only took 12 minutes for the opening goal and it came for the home side with Partey getting the ball in between Matsima and Partey and Trossard continued his run to take it and slot past Pickford. Arsenal were on top and ten minutes later got their second as Vieira and Partey plasyed through the Everton defence and Partey doubled the lead from close range. It was all Arsenal and they could have been well ahead but Everton had to defend and keep Arsenal out, Pickford went long with the kick and Gonzalez won the second ball on 34 minutes, he got down the left and crossed in for Beto who headed and hit the outside of the post, unlucky. The second half started and Vieira set off down the right but Valle caught up to him and there was some hands between the two players, it looked like Valle was pulling him back and he got a yellow card. Arsenal put the gae beyond doubt on 60 minutes when Jorginho fed it into Trossard and he got his second goal making it 3-0. Everton made three changes, Beto was replaced by Konate, Garner came on for Samardzic and Guler replaced Rodriguez. Patterson played the ball into Roony who took it into the box and waited for the gap but his shot was just wide. 93 minutes and Matsima tried a long ball forward which worked and Konate was one on one with Ramsdale, he calmly finished and pulled a goal back for Everton inside stoppage time. It's an easy win for Arsenal who look like a side ready to take the title race to the wire. Everton stay in 10th but need to get some results on the board if they are to secure a top 10 finish this season.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
15th March 2026
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Beto got the start away to Newcastle as Karim Konate picked up a minor calf injury in training. Gonzalez, Guler and Roony all started behind him in a familiar attack. Newcastle were off the pace slightly in 12th but were still going strong in the Europa Conference League. As we entered the last 9 games of the season, at this point Everton were trying to finish as high as possible with Europe looking very unlikely. Everton were off to a good start and had a decdent number of chances, Samardzic went for goal from the 30 yard free-kick and the keeper tipped it over, a flurry of corners followed but were cleared away. On 25 minutes Trippier put the corner into the box and Coates had an easy header into the Gallowgate End to make it 1-0. Branthwaite was beaten to the ball. Valle done well to win ther ball back from Joelinton, he passed to Onana who played in Beto but his shot was charged down by Botman. Guler played a good ball over the defence for Beto, he took it on his left foot but his shot was saved by Mamardashvili. Patterson put in a great lofted pass into the box for Guler and he slotted nicely with his left foot to make it 1-1 on 48 minutes! Samardzic was having a good game but he suffered a knock with 30 minutes to go, he went off and was replaced by Garner. Everton were getting the ball down the flanks and the crosses were coming in, Patterson aimed for the far post and Gonzalez was denied by Hall who cleared off the line. Gonzalez lost the ball to Tonali and Newcastle hit Everton on the break, he passed to Miley and a great ball was played through to Stephenson, who beat Branthwaite and slotted past Pickford to put Newcastle back in the lead. Rodriguez came on for Guler, Moleiro replaced Gonzalez and Mykolenko was on for Valle to try to grab an equaliser. Everton were being pressed by Newcastle but a great lobbed ball forward from Onana to Roony saw him break into the box and put it into the six yard box for Beto to toe poke home, the equaliser on 91 minutes! The match ended after six additional minutes and a point seemed like a fair result. Everton had better possession but Newcastle hit them on the break and made them pay.
DF: It was a game in which we had chances but were denied a few times by a decent goalkeeper. We had to watch the press and the counter attack plus they were good in the air so we tried to get our crosses in to feet and it worked better for us.
PLAYER RATINGS
EVERTON YOUTH UPDATE
There was some shining moments for the youth of Everton on the international break. 18 year old Midfielder continued his development earning his first cap for Scotland in a 2-0 defeat against Poland. Hepburn earnt the cap with some inspiring displays at his loan club Portsmouth in League One this season. John has the making of an excellent midfielder for Everton.
Alex Lombard-Corrigan scored for England U18's in a 5-09 win over Portugal. The 17 year old Defender was learning his trade at Stevenage this season in League One and is no doubt a player who could be in the Everton first team in a few years.
Sean Roughan got his first cap for the Republic of Ireland in a 2-1 win over Czech Republic. Roughan who is out on loan at Preston this season will be looking to fight for his first team place at Everton next season.
17 year old Adam McConville has been working hard at Livingston up in Scotland and the first team football has been a benefit to the Central Defenders development.
One to certainly watch is 15 year old Danny Mead, born in Kirkby, Liverpool, he has progressed through the Everton academy and at 15 is now knocking on the door of the u21's. He featured in a behind the doors friendly recently for the Everton first team and scored a second half hattrick. The Striker slotted in at Midfield for the game and was really bright and energetic.
DF: I've been hearing his name around the club so I thought why not give the boy a go, he didn't disappoint and was the man of the match. I put him behind another youngster Haydn McElvenney and he got three good goals, both footed and always wants to be involved. I'll be keeping an eye on him for the u21's and you never know, we could really have a player on our hands.
Everton vs Leeds United
6th April 2026
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It was back to action after the International break and a rematch between the League Cup finalists. Leeds were on a great run the last time these sides met but Postecoglou's side was winless in their last five. Knonate started up top for Everton with Beto only just returning to training from a recent injury. Gonzalez made the bench after picking up a slight groin injury on international duty with Argentina so Alberto Moleiro started on the left. James Rodriguez also got a start after coming off the bench in the last couple of games. Both sides were looking to get forward, Everton applied the press to win the ball back in the final thiurd but Leeds held firm and dealt with the attack, it was at the other end on 26 minutes when Sinisterra had the pace to beat Patterson and get it low into the box for Gnonto to slot past Pickford. It all started with a great ball from Adam Wharton which found Sinisterra on the left side. James Rodriguez was pivotal to creating chances and him being on the pitch brought Everton forward, he laid it off for Samardzic to try an ambitious shot from 30 yards but it went just wide of the left post. Everton made two changes with around 25 minutes to go, Beto replaced a non-existent Konate and Gonzalez came on for Moleiro. Everton came forward and with 10 minutes to go, Rodriguez done what he does best and played in Roony who was goal side and dinked it over Meslier to level! With minutes to go Everton pumped balls into the box looking for a flick on or a deflection, Beto was crowded out and couldn't get his head to it, Patterson took the ball down and ran into the area but his cross was intercepted by Meslier. Gonzalez came down the left, beating Willock, again the cross was cleared and Leeds came forward, Samardzic won it back and played it to Patterson, Patterson got the ball into the box towards Beto but Copete beat him to it and headed behind, Everton corner. Ther corner was cleared but Everton kept men forward, Branthwaite played it into the box for Gonzalez but he was offside when he struck it. The match came to an end it was a point for both sides. Everton with a thirds consecutive draw could not find a winner against a tough Leeds side.
DF: You can see where we need that little bit extra. More energy and intensity in that final third, that final ball has to be perfect, he thumped it into the box but were up against two good Centre Backs. Konate struggled and Beto didn't do much better, we really had to find another way to get into their box and balls from midfield seemed to be the best way but Leeds made it tough for us and we have to accept a point today.
PLAYER RATINGS
Arsenal vs Everton
11th April 2026
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It's a huge game for Arsenal as they look to go top of the league with six games to go. Everton were undefeated in their last four and the only change from the Leeds game was Gonzalez in for Moleiro. It only took 12 minutes for the opening goal and it came for the home side with Partey getting the ball in between Matsima and Partey and Trossard continued his run to take it and slot past Pickford. Arsenal were on top and ten minutes later got their second as Vieira and Partey plasyed through the Everton defence and Partey doubled the lead from close range. It was all Arsenal and they could have been well ahead but Everton had to defend and keep Arsenal out, Pickford went long with the kick and Gonzalez won the second ball on 34 minutes, he got down the left and crossed in for Beto who headed and hit the outside of the post, unlucky. The second half started and Vieira set off down the right but Valle caught up to him and there was some hands between the two players, it looked like Valle was pulling him back and he got a yellow card. Arsenal put the gae beyond doubt on 60 minutes when Jorginho fed it into Trossard and he got his second goal making it 3-0. Everton made three changes, Beto was replaced by Konate, Garner came on for Samardzic and Guler replaced Rodriguez. Patterson played the ball into Roony who took it into the box and waited for the gap but his shot was just wide. 93 minutes and Matsima tried a long ball forward which worked and Konate was one on one with Ramsdale, he calmly finished and pulled a goal back for Everton inside stoppage time. It's an easy win for Arsenal who look like a side ready to take the title race to the wire. Everton stay in 10th but need to get some results on the board if they are to secure a top 10 finish this season.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
mmmmsnouts
Player Valuation: £40m
That is a stonking title race though, six teams still with a real chance to win
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
Should be 7 but that cone layer in charge has scuppered our chances. Now I am the least fickle fan in the world, but we might need someone with more nous in charge.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Everton vs Manchester City
19th April 2026
Beto was still struggling with a recent Hernia issue so was on the bench with Konate starting against title contenders Manchester City. James Rodriguez pulled his hamstring the day before in training so Arda Guler got the start. Guler was settling in well to the English style of play but it seemed Carlo Ancelotti was keen to bring him back to Madrid for the 2026/27 season. Abdoulaye Doucoure came into the midfield alongside Lazar Samardzic and Zubeldia replaced Branthwaite at the back. Manchester City were 8 points off leaders Chelsea so a win for Antonio Conte’s side at Bramley Moore was vital. Conte opted for a strange selection with no Haaland in the team and Foden playing as the sole Striker. Tammy Abraham and Raphina were on the bench. Everton got the first shot on target after Patterson came down the right, played it inside to Roony who cut it back to Samardzic and his shot was tipped over by Ederson. Everton were on top in the first half but it changed when Bernardo sent in the corner, Antonio Silva headed on and Cancelo beat Patterson at the post to flick the header into the net, 1-0 after 35 minutes. A few minutes later Doucoure provided a great assist with a ball through the middle which Konate killed dead and buried past Ederson, was he onside? The flag stayed down! Thuram came on for De Bruyne in the second half and Foden moved to the left, it worked 5 minutes into the second half when Foden chased the ball down the left beating Patterson for pace and finding Bernardo Silva at the far post for the header. Everton fought back and 8 minutes later Patterson came down the right and got the cross into the box for Konate to tap in his second, 2-2! We’re seeing the real Karim Konate now! Everton made two changes with around 15 minutes to go, Doucoure went off after a solid display replaced by Onana and Gonzalez was replaced by Moleiro. Samardzic won the ball back on 84 minutes and played it right to Roony who ran forward, he is so energetic and the ball sticks to his feet, he cut inside and found Onana who played it forward to Guler, he got it onto his left and hit the post. A minute later Guler played in Moleiro on the left and he tried the shot but it went wide. Everton dominant! Ferguson brought on Garner and Mykolenko inside stoppage time to slow the game down and Everton earn a very good point.
DF: It was hard working and a battle out there and to come back twice was really pleasing. I thought everyone really worked hard and we made some really good chances. Konate was brilliant in front of goal and reminded me of a prime Romelu Lukaku!
PLAYER RATINGS
Brighton and Hove Albion vs Everton
26th April 2026
Five games to go and Brighton just four points off the bottom three sitting in 17th. Form declined around Christmas and Brighton find themselves in a precarious position. A win is vital if they are to open up the gap with the hope that Wolves lose. Everton come into this after coming back twice against Manchester City. A win today could push them into the top 8. Everton pushed forward and played a high line, Brighton struggled to get out their own half. On 28 minutes Roony came inside for the pass from Doucoure and he played it forward for Konate to run on to and he shot across Verbruggen to put Everton in front! Everton frustrated Brighton who struggled to get past the defence. As the game progessed into the second half, Samardzic went up for the ball with Nodombele but he was adjudged to have used his elbow. Ndombole went down in a heap with the players all crowding around Samardzic. As the tension cooled, referee Darren Bond came over and showed Samardzic the red card! Everton down to ten men with half an hour to go. The replay shows he did use his arm but did Ndombele overreact? Ferguson made a change bringing off Guler and bringing on Garner. Everton tried to hang on, Gonzalez lost the ball and Brighton launched a counter attack, Iglesias came down the left and crossed into the box but brilliant defending from Zubeldia forced the ball out for a corner. Moleiro and Onana came on with 15 minutes to go for Gonzalez and Doucoure. Onana got involved and played it left to Valle, he knocked it down the left for Moleiro and he cut inside launching a shot on his right foot beating the keeper, what a goal! Ten men of Everton go 2-0 up! Moleiro with an impact! Iglesias beat Patterson for pace on the left side, cut it back to Fekir and he hit the bar from inside the area on 83 minutes. Two minutes later Patterson was done again, this time by Mitoma, he cut into the area and Matsima came over to take the ball which he did but the referee awarded Brighton the penalty! It was a good challenge but did Matsima take out the man? Pedro with the penalty and he sent Pickford the wrong way slotting bottom left. Brighton back in with a chance. Mitoma was causing problems on the left and Everton done nothing ti change it, he got it on the left and played it into the box and Fekir levelled in the 90th minute, 2-2! Beto and Maffeo came on for Konate and Patterson. 93 minutes and Zubeldia played it forward to Onana, he noticed Brighton players out of position and played in Beto who had to beat Eric Dier, Dier with a great block. Brighton rescued a late point with Mitoma coming into the game late on. 2-0 up and to suddenly lose like that will knock Everton a bit but they move up to 9th in the table.
Duncan, two points dropped and a chance to move into 8th. What happened?
DF: The first one wasn’t a penalty. What was the referee even thinking? But it felt like he couldn’t wait to award it. It’s been a long time since we’ve been involved in something controversial but Matsima took the ball and he took it clean. The second goal was our mistake and we allowed Mitoma to do what he does best and he was given that space on his favoured foot. One to learn from, the players done well without Lazar but Brighton were always going to come at us strong.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Crystal Palace
2nd May 2026
As we move into May Everton looked for their 11th win of the league season. The last time Everton won 11 games in a season was 2021/22 when they were kept up by Frank Lampard. Ferguson has taken the club away from relegation battles and looks to solidify their first top ten finish since 2020/21. Samardzic was serving a three match ban after his sending off against Brighton so James Garner came into midfield next to Amadou Onana. Igor Zubeldia kept his place in the side with Jarrad Branthwaite on the bench. Ferguson stating that he was just given the youngster a well earned rest. Both sides had a couple of chances in the opening 20 minutes, Gibbs-White had the best chance when his long range shot clipped the outside of the post. Onana picked up the ball in the middle on 42 minutes, he ran into space towards the left and continued unchallenged, he crossed deep into the box and it was brought down delightfully by Roony who then turned and tucked it past Henderson from a tight angle, 1-0! Palace came back on the stroke of the first half whistle when Mitchell was allowed to run down the left and put it low into the box for Gibbs-White to tap in, 1-1. Another poor goal conceded by Everton. Everton came out fast in the second half and Konate came deep to win it back, he played it forward for Moleiro who dribbled down the left, Konate kept up and took the return on the outside of the box, he passed to Garner who knocked it on for Roony at the far post and he tucked it in for his second! The Evertonians chant his name, Roony! Roony! Roony! 53 minutes on the clock and Everton with a corner, Guler put in a great ball and Matsima rose high to power in the header right in the corner, what a goal! 3-1 to Everton! Matsima with his first Everton goal! Everton made a few changes as the match was coming to an end, Roony got a standing ovation as he was replaced by Okoronkwo and Garner went off for Cham. Cham turned up and on 90 minutes he took the pass from Moleiro and the goal opened up for him from 25 yards out as he smashed a swerving shot through the defence and into the net, 4-1! Onana received the ball from Mykolenko and the whistle was blown! Amadou Onana with a great performance really drove his team forward and equally done his defensive duties to keep Palace out, a very good performance. Everton move back up to 9th!
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
19th April 2026
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Beto was still struggling with a recent Hernia issue so was on the bench with Konate starting against title contenders Manchester City. James Rodriguez pulled his hamstring the day before in training so Arda Guler got the start. Guler was settling in well to the English style of play but it seemed Carlo Ancelotti was keen to bring him back to Madrid for the 2026/27 season. Abdoulaye Doucoure came into the midfield alongside Lazar Samardzic and Zubeldia replaced Branthwaite at the back. Manchester City were 8 points off leaders Chelsea so a win for Antonio Conte’s side at Bramley Moore was vital. Conte opted for a strange selection with no Haaland in the team and Foden playing as the sole Striker. Tammy Abraham and Raphina were on the bench. Everton got the first shot on target after Patterson came down the right, played it inside to Roony who cut it back to Samardzic and his shot was tipped over by Ederson. Everton were on top in the first half but it changed when Bernardo sent in the corner, Antonio Silva headed on and Cancelo beat Patterson at the post to flick the header into the net, 1-0 after 35 minutes. A few minutes later Doucoure provided a great assist with a ball through the middle which Konate killed dead and buried past Ederson, was he onside? The flag stayed down! Thuram came on for De Bruyne in the second half and Foden moved to the left, it worked 5 minutes into the second half when Foden chased the ball down the left beating Patterson for pace and finding Bernardo Silva at the far post for the header. Everton fought back and 8 minutes later Patterson came down the right and got the cross into the box for Konate to tap in his second, 2-2! We’re seeing the real Karim Konate now! Everton made two changes with around 15 minutes to go, Doucoure went off after a solid display replaced by Onana and Gonzalez was replaced by Moleiro. Samardzic won the ball back on 84 minutes and played it right to Roony who ran forward, he is so energetic and the ball sticks to his feet, he cut inside and found Onana who played it forward to Guler, he got it onto his left and hit the post. A minute later Guler played in Moleiro on the left and he tried the shot but it went wide. Everton dominant! Ferguson brought on Garner and Mykolenko inside stoppage time to slow the game down and Everton earn a very good point.
DF: It was hard working and a battle out there and to come back twice was really pleasing. I thought everyone really worked hard and we made some really good chances. Konate was brilliant in front of goal and reminded me of a prime Romelu Lukaku!
PLAYER RATINGS
Brighton and Hove Albion vs Everton
26th April 2026
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Five games to go and Brighton just four points off the bottom three sitting in 17th. Form declined around Christmas and Brighton find themselves in a precarious position. A win is vital if they are to open up the gap with the hope that Wolves lose. Everton come into this after coming back twice against Manchester City. A win today could push them into the top 8. Everton pushed forward and played a high line, Brighton struggled to get out their own half. On 28 minutes Roony came inside for the pass from Doucoure and he played it forward for Konate to run on to and he shot across Verbruggen to put Everton in front! Everton frustrated Brighton who struggled to get past the defence. As the game progessed into the second half, Samardzic went up for the ball with Nodombele but he was adjudged to have used his elbow. Ndombole went down in a heap with the players all crowding around Samardzic. As the tension cooled, referee Darren Bond came over and showed Samardzic the red card! Everton down to ten men with half an hour to go. The replay shows he did use his arm but did Ndombele overreact? Ferguson made a change bringing off Guler and bringing on Garner. Everton tried to hang on, Gonzalez lost the ball and Brighton launched a counter attack, Iglesias came down the left and crossed into the box but brilliant defending from Zubeldia forced the ball out for a corner. Moleiro and Onana came on with 15 minutes to go for Gonzalez and Doucoure. Onana got involved and played it left to Valle, he knocked it down the left for Moleiro and he cut inside launching a shot on his right foot beating the keeper, what a goal! Ten men of Everton go 2-0 up! Moleiro with an impact! Iglesias beat Patterson for pace on the left side, cut it back to Fekir and he hit the bar from inside the area on 83 minutes. Two minutes later Patterson was done again, this time by Mitoma, he cut into the area and Matsima came over to take the ball which he did but the referee awarded Brighton the penalty! It was a good challenge but did Matsima take out the man? Pedro with the penalty and he sent Pickford the wrong way slotting bottom left. Brighton back in with a chance. Mitoma was causing problems on the left and Everton done nothing ti change it, he got it on the left and played it into the box and Fekir levelled in the 90th minute, 2-2! Beto and Maffeo came on for Konate and Patterson. 93 minutes and Zubeldia played it forward to Onana, he noticed Brighton players out of position and played in Beto who had to beat Eric Dier, Dier with a great block. Brighton rescued a late point with Mitoma coming into the game late on. 2-0 up and to suddenly lose like that will knock Everton a bit but they move up to 9th in the table.
Duncan, two points dropped and a chance to move into 8th. What happened?
DF: The first one wasn’t a penalty. What was the referee even thinking? But it felt like he couldn’t wait to award it. It’s been a long time since we’ve been involved in something controversial but Matsima took the ball and he took it clean. The second goal was our mistake and we allowed Mitoma to do what he does best and he was given that space on his favoured foot. One to learn from, the players done well without Lazar but Brighton were always going to come at us strong.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Crystal Palace
2nd May 2026
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As we move into May Everton looked for their 11th win of the league season. The last time Everton won 11 games in a season was 2021/22 when they were kept up by Frank Lampard. Ferguson has taken the club away from relegation battles and looks to solidify their first top ten finish since 2020/21. Samardzic was serving a three match ban after his sending off against Brighton so James Garner came into midfield next to Amadou Onana. Igor Zubeldia kept his place in the side with Jarrad Branthwaite on the bench. Ferguson stating that he was just given the youngster a well earned rest. Both sides had a couple of chances in the opening 20 minutes, Gibbs-White had the best chance when his long range shot clipped the outside of the post. Onana picked up the ball in the middle on 42 minutes, he ran into space towards the left and continued unchallenged, he crossed deep into the box and it was brought down delightfully by Roony who then turned and tucked it past Henderson from a tight angle, 1-0! Palace came back on the stroke of the first half whistle when Mitchell was allowed to run down the left and put it low into the box for Gibbs-White to tap in, 1-1. Another poor goal conceded by Everton. Everton came out fast in the second half and Konate came deep to win it back, he played it forward for Moleiro who dribbled down the left, Konate kept up and took the return on the outside of the box, he passed to Garner who knocked it on for Roony at the far post and he tucked it in for his second! The Evertonians chant his name, Roony! Roony! Roony! 53 minutes on the clock and Everton with a corner, Guler put in a great ball and Matsima rose high to power in the header right in the corner, what a goal! 3-1 to Everton! Matsima with his first Everton goal! Everton made a few changes as the match was coming to an end, Roony got a standing ovation as he was replaced by Okoronkwo and Garner went off for Cham. Cham turned up and on 90 minutes he took the pass from Moleiro and the goal opened up for him from 25 yards out as he smashed a swerving shot through the defence and into the net, 4-1! Onana received the ball from Mykolenko and the whistle was blown! Amadou Onana with a great performance really drove his team forward and equally done his defensive duties to keep Palace out, a very good performance. Everton move back up to 9th!
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
TITLE RACE HEATS UP
One of the closest title races in years and two tough games coming up for leaders Chelsea. First they face a tough trip to Anfield to take on the Champions and a few days later host Man Utd at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea finish the season with a home game against Everton who could sway the title to one of their rivals.
Dying out for a title race like this IRL.
I enjoy this thread. You should still be sacked though.
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