500 pages and not even 1 mention on that poxy podcast.
*weeps into swan pasty
Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....
- Thread starter The Penalty Box Dancer
- Start date
500 pages and not even 1 mention on that poxy podcast.
*weeps into swan pasty
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
I can't even remember the last time I had a swan pasty. Absolutely delish!
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
LEAGUE CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW
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The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Sunderland vs Everton
29th August 2026
Sunderland were back in the big time after being relegated in 2017 and Jordan Pickford returned to play against his boyhood club for the first time since leaving. Everton were without Roony and Beto so Konate started up top and Tejon on the wing. Lucas Digne was back from injury and was named on the bench. Sunderland started with great energy, Beck was free on the overlap and took a shot from the left which Pickford done well to push wide. The corner came in which was cleared by Samardzic but the ball came back to Beck who curled it beautifully around Pickford and into the net, The Black Cats lead after 3 minutes! Everton got forward from the restart, Patterson couldn’t get to Tejon’s pass but Tejon got in to win it back and crossed into the box, Konate nodded it down and Moleiro went for the half volley which Bollard threw himself in the way of and deflected it behind. Moleiro took the corner, to Matsima at the front post and he nodded Everton level! Everton had a free-kick on 13 minutes, Cunha played it to Moleiro in space, he took a touch too many but still wrapped his foot around it and smashed it past Mastrantonio to put Everton in front! It was a great game for the neutral as Sunderland came down the right with the pace of Rowe, he was causing a few problems, the ball came in for Ba which was blocked by Branthwaite and eventually cleared. Onana played a great ball through for Konate to latch on to and finish but as the ball hit the net the flag went up,VAR took a look and confirmed the decision, Konate was a yard offside. Sunderland were pressing high and making Everton take chances, they played their way out of it and as it went back to Matsima he launched it forward, Konate let it bounce holding off his marker and Cunha took it in his stride but deflected behind by Bollard. Sunderland came out the blocks for the second half and 20 seconds in, they equalised through Salcedo who eas on the end of a pass forward from Beck and he levelled, was he offside? VAR checked it and it was ruled out. The game was lively and a minute later Moleiro played in Cunha, he slotted through the keeper’s arms but it was saved on the line by Lara, so close. Sunderland came down the other end and on 52 minutes, Semedo took it into the area but was nudged off the ball by Moleiro and the referee awarded Sunderland the penalty! Salcedo went for power and Pickford stayed big to push it away, great save! Shouts of England’s number one rang out from the upper tier. Everton made a change with just over 30 minutes to go and it was Nico Gonzalez on for Martin Tejon. Gonalez made an instant impact and when the ball came into the box from Alex Valle he leapt above Semedo and headed in the third! Powerful header! Lucas Digne came on for Everton replacing Alex Valle with just under 20 minutes to play. Moleiro was flagging out there and with 8 minutes to go he went off for James Garner and Everton moved to a three man midfield. Everton just had to see it out and Gonzalez came down the right winning Everton a free-kick after being kicked by Ekwah. The referee called the time and it was a hard fought away win for Everton! Sunderland put up a fight and really took the game to Everton and can cause teams a few problems with their attacking intent.
PLAYER RATINGS
West Ham United vs Everton
2nd September 2026
A very tough away trip to East London to take on West Ham in the early rounds of the League Cup. Ferguson went with a strong side but rotated at the back bringing in Digne, Godfrey, Zubeldia and Maffeo. Beto and Roony were still a few weeks away from returning to action and Carlos Alcaraz was cup-tied after featuring in for Southampton in Round One. Representatives from Villarreal were in contact with Everton for a loan move for Pablo Maffeo but Ferguson insisted the player had a point to prove here. Ben Godfrey was also close to joining Geneva but a loan move was cancelled at the eleventh hour. Two minutes in and Gordon’s cross was cleared by Godfrey but Samardzic could not get the ball under control and Joan Gonzalez took his chance and blasted it first time beating Pickford, he didn’t see that one coming, 1-0. Samardzic should have done better on the edge of his box. Everton struggled in possession and lost it a number of times to a pressing West Ham side, Ferguson urged his players to up the tempo after 35 minutes. Cunha played a great ball forward for Konate and he took it down well but had no support inside the area, he got it on to his favoured foot and went for goal but it looked to hit the arm of Diveev but the referee waved it away. Gordon played an easy ball forward for Gonzalez to poke home on 53 minutes making it 2-0 to West Ham, poor defending from Everton. It was time for changes and Everton went with three at the back and Digne and Maffeo operating as Wing Backs. Branthwaite came on for Tejon and Nico Gonzalez replaced Moleiro. Everton had a number of corners which were no problem for West Ham to deal with and the delivery was poor. Ward-Prowse showed Everton how it should be done when on 94 minutes his precise corner found the head of Diveev to nod in the third and conceal Everton to cup misery.
DF: I didn’t see anything positive tonight and it’s a weak attempt at trying to go for a trophy. We were in a bad state all over the field and offered nothing. It was appalling and I’ll be letting the players know that they can’t perform like that under any circumstances.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Newcastle United
6th September 2026
It was all to play for in the league and a home game against an unbeaten Newcastle was a chance to put the misery of West Ham out of their mind. Cunha was not at his best and it was evident to see, Ferguson stuck with him despite not playing very well with Konate also being given another chance in attack. Everton had a couple of early chances, Cunha drove at the Newcastle defence and saw his shot turned behind for a corner and Matsima header over from the resultant corner. Samardzic played the free-kick for Tejon on the edge of the box to strike, it deflected off Coates and went behind for a corner. Botman lost the ball in the Everton third and Everton broke away quickly, Onana nodding back to Branthwaite to send it to Tejon who played it into the middle for Cunha, he nudged it through for the run of Konate, was he onside yet he finished past the keeper, and the flag stayed down! The goal stood! No offside! Joelinton had a great chance to equalise and his one on one with Pickford saw him shoot wide. It could be Everton’s day. Konate was working hard and received applause when he tracked back to tackle Bruno Guimaraes. Everton made three changes on 55 minutes, Gonzalez came on for Tejon, Garner replaced Samardzic and Alacaraz came on for Cunha. Everton worked hard to keep the ball and limit Newcastle’s chances in the final third, a hard fough display this afternoon from The Toffees. Botman got the ball with 15 seconds of the additional time left and pushed everyone forward but the long ball went to Pickford who took it to his chest and went down. Pickford with a clean sheet over his rivals. Jordan Pickford put in a good performance and really turned up when Everton needed leadership. He led from the back and stayed in the ear of his back line throughout the game. Branthwaite and Matsima with a solid performance also.
Duncan, three wins from five, a good start to the season, are you pleased with what you’ve seen?
DF: It’s a big season for us, last season I felt we slacked off and missed out on Europe, we also had a great chance through winning the League Cup. I think we’ve got a good squad that can really push us even higher this time and three wins out of five is a great start.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
29th August 2026
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Sunderland were back in the big time after being relegated in 2017 and Jordan Pickford returned to play against his boyhood club for the first time since leaving. Everton were without Roony and Beto so Konate started up top and Tejon on the wing. Lucas Digne was back from injury and was named on the bench. Sunderland started with great energy, Beck was free on the overlap and took a shot from the left which Pickford done well to push wide. The corner came in which was cleared by Samardzic but the ball came back to Beck who curled it beautifully around Pickford and into the net, The Black Cats lead after 3 minutes! Everton got forward from the restart, Patterson couldn’t get to Tejon’s pass but Tejon got in to win it back and crossed into the box, Konate nodded it down and Moleiro went for the half volley which Bollard threw himself in the way of and deflected it behind. Moleiro took the corner, to Matsima at the front post and he nodded Everton level! Everton had a free-kick on 13 minutes, Cunha played it to Moleiro in space, he took a touch too many but still wrapped his foot around it and smashed it past Mastrantonio to put Everton in front! It was a great game for the neutral as Sunderland came down the right with the pace of Rowe, he was causing a few problems, the ball came in for Ba which was blocked by Branthwaite and eventually cleared. Onana played a great ball through for Konate to latch on to and finish but as the ball hit the net the flag went up,VAR took a look and confirmed the decision, Konate was a yard offside. Sunderland were pressing high and making Everton take chances, they played their way out of it and as it went back to Matsima he launched it forward, Konate let it bounce holding off his marker and Cunha took it in his stride but deflected behind by Bollard. Sunderland came out the blocks for the second half and 20 seconds in, they equalised through Salcedo who eas on the end of a pass forward from Beck and he levelled, was he offside? VAR checked it and it was ruled out. The game was lively and a minute later Moleiro played in Cunha, he slotted through the keeper’s arms but it was saved on the line by Lara, so close. Sunderland came down the other end and on 52 minutes, Semedo took it into the area but was nudged off the ball by Moleiro and the referee awarded Sunderland the penalty! Salcedo went for power and Pickford stayed big to push it away, great save! Shouts of England’s number one rang out from the upper tier. Everton made a change with just over 30 minutes to go and it was Nico Gonzalez on for Martin Tejon. Gonalez made an instant impact and when the ball came into the box from Alex Valle he leapt above Semedo and headed in the third! Powerful header! Lucas Digne came on for Everton replacing Alex Valle with just under 20 minutes to play. Moleiro was flagging out there and with 8 minutes to go he went off for James Garner and Everton moved to a three man midfield. Everton just had to see it out and Gonzalez came down the right winning Everton a free-kick after being kicked by Ekwah. The referee called the time and it was a hard fought away win for Everton! Sunderland put up a fight and really took the game to Everton and can cause teams a few problems with their attacking intent.
PLAYER RATINGS
West Ham United vs Everton
2nd September 2026
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A very tough away trip to East London to take on West Ham in the early rounds of the League Cup. Ferguson went with a strong side but rotated at the back bringing in Digne, Godfrey, Zubeldia and Maffeo. Beto and Roony were still a few weeks away from returning to action and Carlos Alcaraz was cup-tied after featuring in for Southampton in Round One. Representatives from Villarreal were in contact with Everton for a loan move for Pablo Maffeo but Ferguson insisted the player had a point to prove here. Ben Godfrey was also close to joining Geneva but a loan move was cancelled at the eleventh hour. Two minutes in and Gordon’s cross was cleared by Godfrey but Samardzic could not get the ball under control and Joan Gonzalez took his chance and blasted it first time beating Pickford, he didn’t see that one coming, 1-0. Samardzic should have done better on the edge of his box. Everton struggled in possession and lost it a number of times to a pressing West Ham side, Ferguson urged his players to up the tempo after 35 minutes. Cunha played a great ball forward for Konate and he took it down well but had no support inside the area, he got it on to his favoured foot and went for goal but it looked to hit the arm of Diveev but the referee waved it away. Gordon played an easy ball forward for Gonzalez to poke home on 53 minutes making it 2-0 to West Ham, poor defending from Everton. It was time for changes and Everton went with three at the back and Digne and Maffeo operating as Wing Backs. Branthwaite came on for Tejon and Nico Gonzalez replaced Moleiro. Everton had a number of corners which were no problem for West Ham to deal with and the delivery was poor. Ward-Prowse showed Everton how it should be done when on 94 minutes his precise corner found the head of Diveev to nod in the third and conceal Everton to cup misery.
DF: I didn’t see anything positive tonight and it’s a weak attempt at trying to go for a trophy. We were in a bad state all over the field and offered nothing. It was appalling and I’ll be letting the players know that they can’t perform like that under any circumstances.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Newcastle United
6th September 2026
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It was all to play for in the league and a home game against an unbeaten Newcastle was a chance to put the misery of West Ham out of their mind. Cunha was not at his best and it was evident to see, Ferguson stuck with him despite not playing very well with Konate also being given another chance in attack. Everton had a couple of early chances, Cunha drove at the Newcastle defence and saw his shot turned behind for a corner and Matsima header over from the resultant corner. Samardzic played the free-kick for Tejon on the edge of the box to strike, it deflected off Coates and went behind for a corner. Botman lost the ball in the Everton third and Everton broke away quickly, Onana nodding back to Branthwaite to send it to Tejon who played it into the middle for Cunha, he nudged it through for the run of Konate, was he onside yet he finished past the keeper, and the flag stayed down! The goal stood! No offside! Joelinton had a great chance to equalise and his one on one with Pickford saw him shoot wide. It could be Everton’s day. Konate was working hard and received applause when he tracked back to tackle Bruno Guimaraes. Everton made three changes on 55 minutes, Gonzalez came on for Tejon, Garner replaced Samardzic and Alacaraz came on for Cunha. Everton worked hard to keep the ball and limit Newcastle’s chances in the final third, a hard fough display this afternoon from The Toffees. Botman got the ball with 15 seconds of the additional time left and pushed everyone forward but the long ball went to Pickford who took it to his chest and went down. Pickford with a clean sheet over his rivals. Jordan Pickford put in a good performance and really turned up when Everton needed leadership. He led from the back and stayed in the ear of his back line throughout the game. Branthwaite and Matsima with a solid performance also.
Duncan, three wins from five, a good start to the season, are you pleased with what you’ve seen?
DF: It’s a big season for us, last season I felt we slacked off and missed out on Europe, we also had a great chance through winning the League Cup. I think we’ve got a good squad that can really push us even higher this time and three wins out of five is a great start.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
EVERTON U21'S IMPRESSIVE IN EUROPE
It was a great few weeks for Everton U21's as they thrashed Manchester United U21's at Haig Avenue, Danny Mead getting two goals and his sixth of the Premier League 2 campaign. Everton travelled over to Belgium for the Premier Division International Cup to take on Eupen U21's and Danny Mead scored all five in a fantastic 5-0 win, all goals before the half hour mark. 19 year old Nick Mackenzie was also outstanding providing some great crosses for Mead to finish from inside the box. Danny Mead has a true Striker's instinct and it might not be long before he gets a chance in the first team. "He's 16, he plays like a man who's been around for years. I've never seen confidence like it. He has the ability to back it up, left foot, right foot and his head. His off the ball movement causes defences so many problems and he is always getting on the end of crosses." Paul Haig had nothing but superlatives after the game in Belgium.
It was a great few weeks for Everton U21's as they thrashed Manchester United U21's at Haig Avenue, Danny Mead getting two goals and his sixth of the Premier League 2 campaign. Everton travelled over to Belgium for the Premier Division International Cup to take on Eupen U21's and Danny Mead scored all five in a fantastic 5-0 win, all goals before the half hour mark. 19 year old Nick Mackenzie was also outstanding providing some great crosses for Mead to finish from inside the box. Danny Mead has a true Striker's instinct and it might not be long before he gets a chance in the first team. "He's 16, he plays like a man who's been around for years. I've never seen confidence like it. He has the ability to back it up, left foot, right foot and his head. His off the ball movement causes defences so many problems and he is always getting on the end of crosses." Paul Haig had nothing but superlatives after the game in Belgium.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Crystal Palace vs Everton
12th September 2026
No changes were made to the side for the trip to Crystal Palace. Everton were still without Roony and Beto but were back in training. 30 seconds in and Mitchell took the leg of Tejon to stop him getting down the right side. No card given on this occasion but was worth a booking. Pickford was called into action a couple of times and made a good save from Eze and then again claiming the corner with ease during the first half. Everton were yet to really make an impact on the game as Palace were sitting deep. The second half started and Palace were on the front foot, the corner was taken short to De La Fuente and he went for the top corner but Pickford pulled off a great save tipping it on to the bar. Palace kept the pressure on and Bogle found Olise in the box who turned and shot to find the net making it 1-0 on 61 minutes. Ferguson made two changes, Tejon and Samardzic went off for Gonzalez and Garner. Palace had men over and Mitrovic played it to Olise who found the top right corner making it 2-0 on 63 minutes. Everton had a spell of attacking football but it came to nothing, Palace went down the other end and as the cross came in from Eze to Mitrovic, he was pushed by Konate and the referee gave Palace the penalty. Olise stepped up and went hard and low into the bottom left corner, Pickford went the same way but couldn’t stop it. It went from bad to worse for Everton, Digne came on for Valle and within minutes he went down after a challenge with Olise and had to leave the field. Zubelida came on for him. 82 minutes on the clock, Olise was causing Everton problems and his low ball into the box found Andersen at the far post to tap in, 4-0. A minute later Cunha dribbled forward and after a lucky deflection got into the box, he played it left to Branthwaite and he crossed from the line to find the head of Konate, 4-1. Eze and Olise were in control and pushed Palace forward, Olises used his tricks and skills to take Palace into the corner inside stoppage time. Nagelsmann’s side have been brilliant tonight and put in a tremendous footballing performance. Everton could not cope with Eze and Olise who really caused the full backs problems.
DF: Lucas [Digne] suffered a broken foot tonight and will be out for a while. It’s not gone right for him this season and we’re really having some bad luck with his injuries. He will go to a specialist and then we’ll know more on his recovery.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Nottingham Forest
19th September 2026
Everton were buoyed by the news of the return of Roony Bardghji after being out for a few weeks with injury. Karim Konate continued up top as Beto returned from injury and made the bench. Forest were off to a poor start but Everton had to be wary of the pace of Elanga and Hudson-Odoi. It didn’t take Roony long to get back into the swing of things when Valle crossed to the far post and Roony headed in low to beat the keeper on 12 minutes! Roony was lively throughout the first half and came close just before the end of the first half with a shot that the keeper tipped over from close range. Everton started the second half with the same energy and Patterson’s low ball into the box was missed by Niakhate and Konate reacted to tap it in, 2-0! Amadou Onana was on a booking so made way around 65 minutes for John Hepburn. Everton were in full control of this game and Roony was given a standing ovation when he went off with ten minutes to go. Nico Gonzalez came on. Cunha also went off for Alcaraz. Gonzalez had only been on a few minutes and had the ball in the net but replays showed he strayed offside and it was chalked off. Everton put in a great display and were defensively solid. A comfortable home win that keeps Everton in the top half of the table. Nottingham Forest remain winless in seven.
PLAYER RATINGS
Leeds United vs Everton
18th October 2026
Leeds started the day in 14th place in the league with three wins out of eight. The League Cup winners were also out of the cup after losing to QPR in the third round. Ange Postecoglou and Duncan Ferguson struck up a rivalry after Leeds beat Everton in last season’s cup final and a few words were exchanged between the manager’s at full-time. Postecoglou also rubbed salt in the wounds with condescending comments about Ferguson after the game and about his managerial ability which Ferguson brushed well under the carpet. The two sides met two months later in a match that Roony salvaged a point from after Gnonto gave Leeds an early lead. Roony was mising for this one as he came down with a minor injury in training. Nico Gonzalez started on the right side. Samardzic played it to Valle and he crossed from deep first time towards Gonzalez, he had the better of Davies in the air and headed past Meslier to put Everton in front on 20 minutes! Leeds threw everything at Everton after the goal and Pickford pulled off a flurry of great saves. They were also denied by the crossbar in some relentless attacking football. Elland Road were right behind Leeds. Valle got forward down the left and took the ball from Cunha, he played a one-two with Moleiro and then saw his shot tipped behind. Everton won the ball back on 62 minutes, a chance to counter, Cunha passed left to Moleiro but it was behind him. He took it down the left keeping Willock at bay, cut it back to Cunha who had a shot which was blocked and Konate was there to smash it in from inside the area! 2-0! Cunha went down in the Leeds area after being checked by Balde, the referee waved it away and Leeds came forward with quick passing, Gnonto got it inside the Everton half and played it forward for the run of Cho, he dinked it towards goal, Pickford got a hand to it but couldn’t stop it going in, 2-1. Everton made a double change with 14 minutes to go. Cunha went off for Alcaraz and Gonzalez went off for Cham. Balde took the throw on 80 minutes and Sinisterra went down after a challenge from Valle and the referee awarded the penalty! Leeds with a late chance to equalise. Orbelin Pineda put the ball down on the spot. He went to the bottom left and sent Pickford the wrong way making it 2-2. Leeds back in it. Leeds were going for the winner and Everton were starting to retreat. Onana won it back from Sinisterra and he knocked it to Valle but his long ball was straight back to Balde and Leeds came forward, Marmol on the left lifted it forward to Gnonto who headed it on inside the box, it dropped to Cho and he lifted it over Pickford to make it 3-2 on 91 minutes, Leeds have pulled off a fantastic comeback! Super sub Mohamed Ali-Cho! Everton had a late chance, Moleiro into the box for Alcaraz but Meslier turned it behind. Moleiro took the corner with seconds to go, it was headed back out to him and he played it to Samardzic on the edge of the box, he had a shot and struck the post, Alcaraz followed it in and Meslier saved, Cham with the finish…..3-3! He was at the right place at the right time, Everton salvage a point! Muhammed Cham for Everton! The match came to an end and will feel like a tough away day for Everton but both teams battled away and a draw would be a fair result. A fantastic game and both sides fought to the end.
DF: To go 3-2 down after leading 2-0 was such a tough pill to swallow. Leeds were really coming at us and I have to say they battered us. To get something in the last moments of the game was a relief, I’d rather leave with the point than none at all!
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
12th September 2026
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No changes were made to the side for the trip to Crystal Palace. Everton were still without Roony and Beto but were back in training. 30 seconds in and Mitchell took the leg of Tejon to stop him getting down the right side. No card given on this occasion but was worth a booking. Pickford was called into action a couple of times and made a good save from Eze and then again claiming the corner with ease during the first half. Everton were yet to really make an impact on the game as Palace were sitting deep. The second half started and Palace were on the front foot, the corner was taken short to De La Fuente and he went for the top corner but Pickford pulled off a great save tipping it on to the bar. Palace kept the pressure on and Bogle found Olise in the box who turned and shot to find the net making it 1-0 on 61 minutes. Ferguson made two changes, Tejon and Samardzic went off for Gonzalez and Garner. Palace had men over and Mitrovic played it to Olise who found the top right corner making it 2-0 on 63 minutes. Everton had a spell of attacking football but it came to nothing, Palace went down the other end and as the cross came in from Eze to Mitrovic, he was pushed by Konate and the referee gave Palace the penalty. Olise stepped up and went hard and low into the bottom left corner, Pickford went the same way but couldn’t stop it. It went from bad to worse for Everton, Digne came on for Valle and within minutes he went down after a challenge with Olise and had to leave the field. Zubelida came on for him. 82 minutes on the clock, Olise was causing Everton problems and his low ball into the box found Andersen at the far post to tap in, 4-0. A minute later Cunha dribbled forward and after a lucky deflection got into the box, he played it left to Branthwaite and he crossed from the line to find the head of Konate, 4-1. Eze and Olise were in control and pushed Palace forward, Olises used his tricks and skills to take Palace into the corner inside stoppage time. Nagelsmann’s side have been brilliant tonight and put in a tremendous footballing performance. Everton could not cope with Eze and Olise who really caused the full backs problems.
DF: Lucas [Digne] suffered a broken foot tonight and will be out for a while. It’s not gone right for him this season and we’re really having some bad luck with his injuries. He will go to a specialist and then we’ll know more on his recovery.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Nottingham Forest
19th September 2026
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Everton were buoyed by the news of the return of Roony Bardghji after being out for a few weeks with injury. Karim Konate continued up top as Beto returned from injury and made the bench. Forest were off to a poor start but Everton had to be wary of the pace of Elanga and Hudson-Odoi. It didn’t take Roony long to get back into the swing of things when Valle crossed to the far post and Roony headed in low to beat the keeper on 12 minutes! Roony was lively throughout the first half and came close just before the end of the first half with a shot that the keeper tipped over from close range. Everton started the second half with the same energy and Patterson’s low ball into the box was missed by Niakhate and Konate reacted to tap it in, 2-0! Amadou Onana was on a booking so made way around 65 minutes for John Hepburn. Everton were in full control of this game and Roony was given a standing ovation when he went off with ten minutes to go. Nico Gonzalez came on. Cunha also went off for Alcaraz. Gonzalez had only been on a few minutes and had the ball in the net but replays showed he strayed offside and it was chalked off. Everton put in a great display and were defensively solid. A comfortable home win that keeps Everton in the top half of the table. Nottingham Forest remain winless in seven.
PLAYER RATINGS
Leeds United vs Everton
18th October 2026
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Leeds started the day in 14th place in the league with three wins out of eight. The League Cup winners were also out of the cup after losing to QPR in the third round. Ange Postecoglou and Duncan Ferguson struck up a rivalry after Leeds beat Everton in last season’s cup final and a few words were exchanged between the manager’s at full-time. Postecoglou also rubbed salt in the wounds with condescending comments about Ferguson after the game and about his managerial ability which Ferguson brushed well under the carpet. The two sides met two months later in a match that Roony salvaged a point from after Gnonto gave Leeds an early lead. Roony was mising for this one as he came down with a minor injury in training. Nico Gonzalez started on the right side. Samardzic played it to Valle and he crossed from deep first time towards Gonzalez, he had the better of Davies in the air and headed past Meslier to put Everton in front on 20 minutes! Leeds threw everything at Everton after the goal and Pickford pulled off a flurry of great saves. They were also denied by the crossbar in some relentless attacking football. Elland Road were right behind Leeds. Valle got forward down the left and took the ball from Cunha, he played a one-two with Moleiro and then saw his shot tipped behind. Everton won the ball back on 62 minutes, a chance to counter, Cunha passed left to Moleiro but it was behind him. He took it down the left keeping Willock at bay, cut it back to Cunha who had a shot which was blocked and Konate was there to smash it in from inside the area! 2-0! Cunha went down in the Leeds area after being checked by Balde, the referee waved it away and Leeds came forward with quick passing, Gnonto got it inside the Everton half and played it forward for the run of Cho, he dinked it towards goal, Pickford got a hand to it but couldn’t stop it going in, 2-1. Everton made a double change with 14 minutes to go. Cunha went off for Alcaraz and Gonzalez went off for Cham. Balde took the throw on 80 minutes and Sinisterra went down after a challenge from Valle and the referee awarded the penalty! Leeds with a late chance to equalise. Orbelin Pineda put the ball down on the spot. He went to the bottom left and sent Pickford the wrong way making it 2-2. Leeds back in it. Leeds were going for the winner and Everton were starting to retreat. Onana won it back from Sinisterra and he knocked it to Valle but his long ball was straight back to Balde and Leeds came forward, Marmol on the left lifted it forward to Gnonto who headed it on inside the box, it dropped to Cho and he lifted it over Pickford to make it 3-2 on 91 minutes, Leeds have pulled off a fantastic comeback! Super sub Mohamed Ali-Cho! Everton had a late chance, Moleiro into the box for Alcaraz but Meslier turned it behind. Moleiro took the corner with seconds to go, it was headed back out to him and he played it to Samardzic on the edge of the box, he had a shot and struck the post, Alcaraz followed it in and Meslier saved, Cham with the finish…..3-3! He was at the right place at the right time, Everton salvage a point! Muhammed Cham for Everton! The match came to an end and will feel like a tough away day for Everton but both teams battled away and a draw would be a fair result. A fantastic game and both sides fought to the end.
DF: To go 3-2 down after leading 2-0 was such a tough pill to swallow. Leeds were really coming at us and I have to say they battered us. To get something in the last moments of the game was a relief, I’d rather leave with the point than none at all!
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Everton vs Burnley
24th October 2026
Burnley had returned to the Premier League after two seasons in The Championship. Eddie Howe won The Championship title but then took over as Brentford manager this season. Burnley signed the unknown young up and coming manager Will Still who had enjoyed success with Reims and could not reject an unbelievable offer to manage in the Premier League. At just 34 he is the youngest manager in the league. Ferguson went with a familiar side sticking with Gonzalez on the right with Roony on the bench. Konate kept his place up top whilst Beto remained on the bench after only one start this season. No arguments against the decision as Konate has six goals in eight. Amad Diallo was a good signing for Burnley and was already keeping Valle on his toes. Everton were under pressure throughout the first half as Burnley looked to get crosses into the box but so far Pickford made a couple of saves to keep it at 0-0. Everton’s best chance came on 54 minutes when Moleiro won the flick on and Cunha passed to Gonzalez who saw his shot blocked by James Justin. Burnley were really hard to break down and Will Still had them set up well. Ferguson made three like for like subs on 64 minutes, Gonzalez went off for Roony, Cunha was replaced by Alcaraz and Konate was replaced by Beto after a poor game. Alcararz with the nice back heel to Valle on the left who had space, he tried to cross but it was deflected to Moleiro who put it into the box, Alcaraz on the turn and his shot was turned behind by Trafford. Beto came deep for the ball and played it to Roony, he played it forward to Alcaraz and he hit the post from 12 yards out, Moleiro got to the ball and had the whole goal to aim for but he put it wide trying for the top corner. Terrible miss. Burnley came down the right on 89 minutes, Koleosho got past Maffeo and got the ball low into the box, Mavidid was on as a sub and he waited for the ball to come in to smash it past Pickford, Burnley with an old fashioned smash and grab. Pickford was out of his goal screaming for a VAR check as he believed he was offside, VAR took a look and it took a while for a decision. Simon Hooper went to the screen for a more conclusive check and there was joy in the stands when the goal was ruled out! Mavididi was just offside. It was a hard fought point for Burnley, the young manager making his way will be proud of that to come to Bramley Moore and take a point. Everton had chances and the one that fell to Moleiro should have been a goal.
PLAYER RATINGS
JARRAD BRANTHWAITE SIGNS FOUR YEAR DEAL!
It was never in question and Jarrad Branthwaite has been rewarded with his excellent performances since breaking into the first team with a four year contract taking him to June 2030.
“I love it here, this is where I want to be and signing a new contract reaffirms that. I’m delighted to be given this opportunity and I want to do all I can to take Everton in Europe and winning trophies. We have a great team and I feel we can do so much in the next few years. There was never any doubt in where I want to be and I’m absolutely loving my football here” Jarrad Branthwaite speaking to Sky Sports.
DF: As a club we are delighted Jarrad has put pen to paper and he has been rewarded with a new contract. He is integral to our plans as a club and is a huge part of our make up here. He has levelled up and we are delighted.
Middlesbrough vs Everton
2nd November 2026
Johan Lange was working to keep Middlesbrough in the Premier League for a second season and his big money transfer Tyler Adams started in midfield. Jean-Matteo Bahoya signed from Hertha Berlin for £6.25M and the 21 year old has a big future ahead of him. Everton’s Roony Bardghji started on the right and Nico Gonzalez dropped to the bench for the trip to the North East. Can Everton get something on a Monday night in Middlesbrough? Everton looked a bit shaky in the first few minutes, Roony lost the ball to Adams and Matsima headed back to the opposition under no pressure, the crowd were feeding off Everton’s anxiety and were looking to make it tough for the visitors. Cunha played a ball forward for Moleiro but it was picked up by Svensson, he was under pressure from Moleiro and he won it from him, squaring it for Karim Konate to knock in, 1-0! Everton took control of the game since the goal, Onana was having a good game being the wall in the back line for Everton. Onana played a good ball to Cunha and he had the vision to play a fantastic ball forward for Samardzic to run on to, he went with his left foot and the on rushing keeper kept it out, great stop. Everton were comfortable on the ball and knocked it around the back nicely. Branthwaite was composed as usual and was well in control of play. Cunha was having a good game and deserved a goal, he took the pass from Onana and lined up the shot from 20 yards and it just caught the top of the net. Ferguson made a few changes as we went into stoppage time, Onana got a standing ovation as did Branthwaite as they were replaced by Redondo and Zubeldia. Redondo had an instant impact when he played a ball into the box for Gonzalez to strike and it went in off the post! What a nice win away for Everton! A solid performance and a win that moves them up into 7th in the table!
DF: The rain was relentless but it didn’t stop us for putting in the hard work and getting two good goals. The attacking football was nice and direct which we like to see and we got the goals for it. Matsima was great today but so were five or six others, it was a good performance away from home and keeps us where we want to be in the league.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Fulham
7th November 2026
Fulham returned to the Premier League after relegation in 2024/25 winning The Championship under manager Wayne Rooney. Rooney didn’t waste time in the summer and brought in Leon Bailey from Aston Villa for £24.5M. Just three defeats so far for Fulham saw them comfortable in 12th. Tsygankov lingered in possession and Moleiro won it for Everton and came forward, he had Konate in support but decided to go alone going for goal but it was well blocked by Aiwu who saw it go behind. Palhina took the ball in the middle of the park on 19 minutes, he looked to come forward and Konate came in from behind completely taking him out, there was no need for that challenge and the look of disgust on Ferguson’s face said it all. Konate was shown a deserved red card and really left his side at a disadvantage. There is no place in football for challenges like that. Palhina stayed down and received medical treatment. Palhina was fine to carry on after some lengthy treatment. 12 minutes later Fuham found the opener when Tete received the pass on the overlap inside the area and buried it past Pickford. Cunha made a good run on 38 minutes, Branthwaite found him with an overhead ball, he found Moleiro and he passed to Samardzic on the edge of the box but his half volley went over the bar. Fulham played the ball around well and it lead to a beautifully worked goal when Harris played it to Bailey who turned nicely and calmly slotted into the bottom right corner under no pressure, 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. It was time for change if Everton are to get something from the game, Beto came on for Onana and Everton opted for Samardzic in the middle with support from Cunha. The long ball forward for Patterson from Matsima was nicely done and Patterson broke into the area, he played it across to Beto to put it away! 2-1! VAR took a look and it was deemed Patterson was fractionally offside when the ball was played. Moleiro played a long ball for Cunha, he won the flick on and Beto was goal side, he tried to knock it past Rajkovic and he got a fingertip to it, great save. Alcaraz was on for Cunha with just over 20 minutes to go. With 12 minutes to go, Garner was on for Samardzic and there was some confusion between Garner and Alcaraz which led to Everton losing the ball and Bailey finding Iwobi to fire past Pickford from the left making it 3-0. A few minutes later Everton’s all out attacking football saw them caught out and Arezo made it four with a goal from inside the box. Everton knocked the ball long but it was dealt with by the sturdy Fulham defensive back line. Rooney was all smiles at full-time but had nothing but respect for his managerial counter part at the whistle. A terrible day for Everton and losing their top goalscorer early on really affected them.
DF: Karim really let himself down with a devastating challenge. I don’t know what got into him and showed unprofessionalism in that moment. There was no reason for his tackle and I know him and Palhina had a little back and forth earlier in the game but I can’t defend what he done and we lost the game because of it. We have to be better when we go down a man, we go to Anfield after the International break and would love us to go there and be more competitive. We’ve been beat 5-1 there twice in our last two visits and that has to come to an end.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
24th October 2026
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Burnley had returned to the Premier League after two seasons in The Championship. Eddie Howe won The Championship title but then took over as Brentford manager this season. Burnley signed the unknown young up and coming manager Will Still who had enjoyed success with Reims and could not reject an unbelievable offer to manage in the Premier League. At just 34 he is the youngest manager in the league. Ferguson went with a familiar side sticking with Gonzalez on the right with Roony on the bench. Konate kept his place up top whilst Beto remained on the bench after only one start this season. No arguments against the decision as Konate has six goals in eight. Amad Diallo was a good signing for Burnley and was already keeping Valle on his toes. Everton were under pressure throughout the first half as Burnley looked to get crosses into the box but so far Pickford made a couple of saves to keep it at 0-0. Everton’s best chance came on 54 minutes when Moleiro won the flick on and Cunha passed to Gonzalez who saw his shot blocked by James Justin. Burnley were really hard to break down and Will Still had them set up well. Ferguson made three like for like subs on 64 minutes, Gonzalez went off for Roony, Cunha was replaced by Alcaraz and Konate was replaced by Beto after a poor game. Alcararz with the nice back heel to Valle on the left who had space, he tried to cross but it was deflected to Moleiro who put it into the box, Alcaraz on the turn and his shot was turned behind by Trafford. Beto came deep for the ball and played it to Roony, he played it forward to Alcaraz and he hit the post from 12 yards out, Moleiro got to the ball and had the whole goal to aim for but he put it wide trying for the top corner. Terrible miss. Burnley came down the right on 89 minutes, Koleosho got past Maffeo and got the ball low into the box, Mavidid was on as a sub and he waited for the ball to come in to smash it past Pickford, Burnley with an old fashioned smash and grab. Pickford was out of his goal screaming for a VAR check as he believed he was offside, VAR took a look and it took a while for a decision. Simon Hooper went to the screen for a more conclusive check and there was joy in the stands when the goal was ruled out! Mavididi was just offside. It was a hard fought point for Burnley, the young manager making his way will be proud of that to come to Bramley Moore and take a point. Everton had chances and the one that fell to Moleiro should have been a goal.
PLAYER RATINGS
JARRAD BRANTHWAITE SIGNS FOUR YEAR DEAL!
It was never in question and Jarrad Branthwaite has been rewarded with his excellent performances since breaking into the first team with a four year contract taking him to June 2030.
“I love it here, this is where I want to be and signing a new contract reaffirms that. I’m delighted to be given this opportunity and I want to do all I can to take Everton in Europe and winning trophies. We have a great team and I feel we can do so much in the next few years. There was never any doubt in where I want to be and I’m absolutely loving my football here” Jarrad Branthwaite speaking to Sky Sports.
DF: As a club we are delighted Jarrad has put pen to paper and he has been rewarded with a new contract. He is integral to our plans as a club and is a huge part of our make up here. He has levelled up and we are delighted.
Middlesbrough vs Everton
2nd November 2026
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Johan Lange was working to keep Middlesbrough in the Premier League for a second season and his big money transfer Tyler Adams started in midfield. Jean-Matteo Bahoya signed from Hertha Berlin for £6.25M and the 21 year old has a big future ahead of him. Everton’s Roony Bardghji started on the right and Nico Gonzalez dropped to the bench for the trip to the North East. Can Everton get something on a Monday night in Middlesbrough? Everton looked a bit shaky in the first few minutes, Roony lost the ball to Adams and Matsima headed back to the opposition under no pressure, the crowd were feeding off Everton’s anxiety and were looking to make it tough for the visitors. Cunha played a ball forward for Moleiro but it was picked up by Svensson, he was under pressure from Moleiro and he won it from him, squaring it for Karim Konate to knock in, 1-0! Everton took control of the game since the goal, Onana was having a good game being the wall in the back line for Everton. Onana played a good ball to Cunha and he had the vision to play a fantastic ball forward for Samardzic to run on to, he went with his left foot and the on rushing keeper kept it out, great stop. Everton were comfortable on the ball and knocked it around the back nicely. Branthwaite was composed as usual and was well in control of play. Cunha was having a good game and deserved a goal, he took the pass from Onana and lined up the shot from 20 yards and it just caught the top of the net. Ferguson made a few changes as we went into stoppage time, Onana got a standing ovation as did Branthwaite as they were replaced by Redondo and Zubeldia. Redondo had an instant impact when he played a ball into the box for Gonzalez to strike and it went in off the post! What a nice win away for Everton! A solid performance and a win that moves them up into 7th in the table!
DF: The rain was relentless but it didn’t stop us for putting in the hard work and getting two good goals. The attacking football was nice and direct which we like to see and we got the goals for it. Matsima was great today but so were five or six others, it was a good performance away from home and keeps us where we want to be in the league.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Fulham
7th November 2026
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Fulham returned to the Premier League after relegation in 2024/25 winning The Championship under manager Wayne Rooney. Rooney didn’t waste time in the summer and brought in Leon Bailey from Aston Villa for £24.5M. Just three defeats so far for Fulham saw them comfortable in 12th. Tsygankov lingered in possession and Moleiro won it for Everton and came forward, he had Konate in support but decided to go alone going for goal but it was well blocked by Aiwu who saw it go behind. Palhina took the ball in the middle of the park on 19 minutes, he looked to come forward and Konate came in from behind completely taking him out, there was no need for that challenge and the look of disgust on Ferguson’s face said it all. Konate was shown a deserved red card and really left his side at a disadvantage. There is no place in football for challenges like that. Palhina stayed down and received medical treatment. Palhina was fine to carry on after some lengthy treatment. 12 minutes later Fuham found the opener when Tete received the pass on the overlap inside the area and buried it past Pickford. Cunha made a good run on 38 minutes, Branthwaite found him with an overhead ball, he found Moleiro and he passed to Samardzic on the edge of the box but his half volley went over the bar. Fulham played the ball around well and it lead to a beautifully worked goal when Harris played it to Bailey who turned nicely and calmly slotted into the bottom right corner under no pressure, 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. It was time for change if Everton are to get something from the game, Beto came on for Onana and Everton opted for Samardzic in the middle with support from Cunha. The long ball forward for Patterson from Matsima was nicely done and Patterson broke into the area, he played it across to Beto to put it away! 2-1! VAR took a look and it was deemed Patterson was fractionally offside when the ball was played. Moleiro played a long ball for Cunha, he won the flick on and Beto was goal side, he tried to knock it past Rajkovic and he got a fingertip to it, great save. Alcaraz was on for Cunha with just over 20 minutes to go. With 12 minutes to go, Garner was on for Samardzic and there was some confusion between Garner and Alcaraz which led to Everton losing the ball and Bailey finding Iwobi to fire past Pickford from the left making it 3-0. A few minutes later Everton’s all out attacking football saw them caught out and Arezo made it four with a goal from inside the box. Everton knocked the ball long but it was dealt with by the sturdy Fulham defensive back line. Rooney was all smiles at full-time but had nothing but respect for his managerial counter part at the whistle. A terrible day for Everton and losing their top goalscorer early on really affected them.
DF: Karim really let himself down with a devastating challenge. I don’t know what got into him and showed unprofessionalism in that moment. There was no reason for his tackle and I know him and Palhina had a little back and forth earlier in the game but I can’t defend what he done and we lost the game because of it. We have to be better when we go down a man, we go to Anfield after the International break and would love us to go there and be more competitive. We’ve been beat 5-1 there twice in our last two visits and that has to come to an end.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
DUNCAN FERGUSON WINS NORTH WEST MANAGER OF THE SEASON!
DF: It's nice to be recognised, last season we done well as a football club getting to a final and finishing in the top ten. It's good progress for us and we want to keep building on that. It was nice to meet other players and managers from clubs throughout the North West and listen to their journeys and their aspirations. It's a great opportunity to provide guidance and advice to fellow professionals.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
EVERTON U21'S vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U21's
Duncan Ferguson was in attendance tonight at Haig Avenue, Southport to see the u21's in the Premier League 2. It wasn't the best start for the u21's as they sat around mid-table but it was an opportunity for Ferguson to see Haydn McElvenney and promising Striker Danny Mead. Mead got stuck in with a good tackle after 40 seconds and got the ball back to McElvenney for Everton take control of possession but after 70 seconds it was Spurs who took the lead when a great cross found Orji inside the box and he headed in past Ottley to make it 1-0. Nick Mackenzie was a promising left winger and he came forward using his trickery on 7 minutes, he played it to McElvenney who crossed from the byline but Kanda's header was over the bar. Dean was another player on the watchlist of Ferguson who had a lot of potential at just 16 years old. The packed stadium was waiting to see Danny Mead spring into action and the roar went up when he got the pass from Dean, he moved into the box and got it on to his left which saw his powerful shot turned away by Archer in goal. Mead came forward with the ball on 28 minutes and Muhammed couldn't keep up with him, he had about four players around him so went for goal in frustration from about 25 yards out which went over the bar. He held his arms up to his teammates begging for support. It wasn't a bad half and a good one for McElvenney who was impressive at winning the aerial balls and getting his side moving forward. Mackenzie crossed into the box on 45 minutes for the head of Mead but his marker done enough to put him off and he could head over. The ball was played wide to Mackenzie from Dennis, he played it forward first time to McElvenney and it was his chance to equalise but he put it wide. Danny Mead went over to take the Everton corner on 70 minutes, he put in a great ball to the six yard box and Kanda headed in low to equalise! Both sides began to tire as the match went into stoppage time, Mukatuka put the ball in but Mead couldn't get there, it came to Bacon on the right side and he put it back in and Nick Macxkenzie headed in the winner! Brilliant ball from Ross Bacon! It's a good win for Everton u21's under the watchful eye of first team manager Duncan Ferguson.
Duncan, you must be pleased to see a great comeback like that and for us to snatch it in the last few minutes?
DF: Absolutely! I thought they done well to pick themselves up after going a goal down so early and they took control of the game from then on. I was screaming instructions but then I had to remember it's not my job! The lads done so well and really put in a performance.
Danny Mead is a player you are constantly being told about, is he ready for the first team?
DF: It would be a fairytale if we could bring him up a level, he led the line very well tonight and we have to remember how young he is. The cross for the goal was very good and you could see that the Spurs players were out to get him but I thought he dealt with that very well.
Another name is Haydn McElvenney, he is also 16 and he was very good tonight too.
DF: He was and he's another player I'm keeping an eye on, he got on the ball well and came forward, he made some quality passes and really gave the Spurs back line a headache. Very pleasing to see.
PLAYER RATINGS
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Liverpool vs Everton
21st November 2026
The first Merseyside derby of the new season and Anfield is the venue for two sides that are only separated by three points at this early stage of the season. It was the first season after life of Mohamed Salah, who left for Saudi Arabia in the summer and the only two signings were Oliver Skipp and Juventus Striker Dusan Vlahovic. Everton were without Karim Konate who was serving a three match ban so Beto was in the lineup for this one. Nico Gonzalez started on the left and Pablo Maffeo came in at Right Back. Luis Diaz came close for Liverpool after five minutes but Pickford pulled off a fantastic save. It was all Liverpool in the first half and Everton supporters could only look on and hope for one break. Everton saw more of the ball in the second half as they attacked the Anfield Road End, Garner took the ball in space 30 yards out, he had a shot but it was easy for Alisson. Ferguson made three changes with 20 minutes to go, Patterson on for Maffeo, Moleiro on for Gonzalez and Samardzic came on for Garner. Cunha had a great chance on 72 minutes which saw Alisson tip the shot over the bar, great effort. Liverpool were playing it in the final third but Everton held firm at the back and saw out the play. Not long left to go. The board went up for four additional minutes and the pressure was on, Matsima headed behind to concede the corner and Liverpool brought players up for it. Alexander-Arnold crossed in and Matsima won the header, Konate got it down and passed to Alexander-Arnold, he found Elliott on the edge of the box and his shot was blocked and cleared by Matsima. Elliott got it back and brought it forward and won the corner again with seconds to go. Alexander-Arnold crossed again and Morato’s header was easy for Pickford. It was all over at Anfield and Liverpool dropped two points. Everton defended very well and fought hard for the point, Cunha’s chance was the closest they came but it’s a good point.
DF: Liverpool are a great side who have so much quality, we defended excellently and got a point. We deserved something. Not many teams can get that here.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
29th November 2026
He has trained with the first team for a few weeks and today the Everton supporters can feel encouraged as a new Kirkby born potential hero joins the fold. Just 16 years and 108 days old, Danny Mead has been named on the bench for Everton today. Mead could become Everton’s youngest ever player if he gets on the pitch this afternoon. He could also become the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer and still enough time to do so. Mead finished school in May2026 and has been a stand out performer this season for the club’s under 21s. Spurs were off to a poor start under Simon Davies and recruitment had not been great for a few seasons. Marcos Leonardo was a good signing and scored 18 goals last season and so far had 3 in 11. Ferguson was expecting Beto to turn up with Konate unavailable due to suspension and stated Cunha was due his first goal of the season. The Everton crowd were up for this and all it took was the inclusion of a 16 year old homegrown talent looking to make the step up. Everton started quickly and the tempo was quick whilst Spurs tried to adjust to the game. Samardzic had a go from the free-kick 25 yards out and Perri done well to get across goal to tip it over. Everton were looking good and Spurs were all over the place, Roony came down the right taking on three Spurs players, he chipped it forward for Beto but he lost out in possession. Moleiro crossed in from the byline and Cunha headed but Perri was right there to get a hand to it. The goal was coming. Son came down the left and cut inside, he played it to Toklomati in the box but his shot was charged down by Matsima and went behind for a corner. Son went across to take the corner and was greeted with jeers from the home end, the ball was headed up in the air and Ito went up with Samardzic, Pickford was blocked off and it went in the net, Spurs with a shock lead here at Bramley Moore. Everton came back and within a minute Beto played it to Cunha who got it on to his right foot and he smashed it low and hard into the bottom right corner! There it is! His first Everton goal! Roony dribbled down the right and put in a great cross, Moleiro met it with his head and it looked to be going in but Perri made the save, good stop. Roony was limping about around 30 minutes in and had to go off, Nico Gonzalez came on for him. Injuries are becoming more frequent for the youngster. Cunha came down the left and he had players all around him, he found Moleiro and he fed it into Beto inside the box and his first time shot rattled the crossbar. Garnacho came on for Spurs for the second half and always causes problems. Samardzic lofted the ball through for Cunha who took it down nicely inside the box and lifted it over the keeper but it hit the bar, another chance for Everton. The Everton supporters rose to their feet when Danny Mead came out for his second half warm up, he seemed eager to get on and kept looking towards the manager. Spurs came forward after Cunha lost possession, Garnacho and Son exchanged passes in the build up and Son’s ball into the box was put out for a corner by Branthwaite. Cunha cleared the corner and it was time for an Everton change with around 10 minutes to go, Cunha went off for Garner and Samardzic pushed forward, then the big moment came for Danny Mead as he made his dream debut for Everton coming on for Beto to a rapturous cheer. Onana took control of the ball on 84 minutes, he passed to Garner who played it to Mead, he looked to go past Ashley Phillips, took the shot on his right foot and Phillips deflected it behind. Corner to Everton. Samardzic put it into the box, it got caught amongst the feet of the players in the box, Gonzalez took a swing at it and Perri made another great save. The match came to an end and Everton will feel disappointed not to win this one. A point at home to Spurs is not a bad result but Everton were great in the final third. Lucas Perri had a great game in goal.
DF: If we play like that every week, we will win most games, simple as that. We really took the game to them and our football was nice to watch, we just needed that goal. We hit the bar twice and their keeper was fantastic.
Duncan, you gave 10 minutes to Danny Mead who took his opportunity.
DF: Danny done great today, he got on the ball and had a go at goal, that’s all I can ask for at this time. He is certainly an exciting player to watch and looks confident on the ball. He’s been begging me all week to play today, he scored some great goals in training so he earned it.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Brentford
5th December 2026
Brentford were off to a great start and came into this match in 5th. Eddie Howe was doing a fantastic job and early form had The Bees thinking of Europe. Everton stuck with the same side and Roony’s injury scare was only a minor knock and he was back in the team today. Danny Mead was on the bench once again whilst Beto led the line for Everton. It was a bad start for Everton and Janelt got the ball through to Toney who fought off Matsima and struck across Pickford to make it 1-0 after 42 seconds. Everton need to wake up. They did just that and Roony was instrumental down the right causing so many problems for the full back Rico Henry, he set up Samardzic for the shot and it was deflected behind for a corner. Samardzic sent it to the near post and Onana used his strength to win the header and smash it in past Raya! 1-1! Brentford replied instantly when they had a corner which Ajer converted from Moder’s ball in and it was a sort of anything you can do we can do better type of celebration. Brentford back in front after 15 minutes of football. Ferguson took Beto to one side and it looked like he was telling him to press the Centre Backs. Brentford were in their stride and it was almost too easy when Moder crossed into the box on 45 minutes and Toney headed in his second to make it 3-1. Moder was the difference in midfield today and was in there winning the ball back for Brentford. Toney sealed his hat trick on 57 minutes when he got the ball from Mbuemo, turned past Branthwaite and left Pickford rooted to the spot to slot and put Brentford well ahead. Everton supporters will be glad to see Toney go off on 64 minutes and be replaced by Marius Wolf. Toney had his best game of the season today. It was a double change for Everton and not much else Ferguson could do than put an extra Striker on, Cunha went to the left and Moleiro went off for Danny Mead who went up top with Beto. The ball came towards Norgaard and Mead came storming in from behind to win it back, great tackle and the crowd lifted, he tried the ball forward for Beto but it was cut out. Roony took the ball on the right and had a look up, Mead was screaming for it on the edge of the box, he received it and skipped past Collins and into the box, he went for goal, beat the keeper and hit the post, so unlucky. This is what Everton needed. Onana intercepted the Brentford pass and played it forward for Mead who took it in his own half and ran forward, he held off Collins as he got towards the box but Collins done very well to deflect his shot behind for a corner. Gonzalez replaced Cunha with 15 minutes to go. It was all Everton now, Samardzic played it forward to Beto, he played it into the box low for Mead, great save by Raya. It was too little too late for Everton and Brentford were clear winners at Bramley Moore. It pushed them into fourth place after 15 games which is incredible from Eddie Howe and Brentford who look to be a decent outfit this season. Everton, one win in their last five were struggling to get goals and it took a 16 year old to get them going in the last half hour today. Beto is yet to turn up this season however Konate was back from suspension and he could go straight in away at Leicester next week.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
21st November 2026
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The first Merseyside derby of the new season and Anfield is the venue for two sides that are only separated by three points at this early stage of the season. It was the first season after life of Mohamed Salah, who left for Saudi Arabia in the summer and the only two signings were Oliver Skipp and Juventus Striker Dusan Vlahovic. Everton were without Karim Konate who was serving a three match ban so Beto was in the lineup for this one. Nico Gonzalez started on the left and Pablo Maffeo came in at Right Back. Luis Diaz came close for Liverpool after five minutes but Pickford pulled off a fantastic save. It was all Liverpool in the first half and Everton supporters could only look on and hope for one break. Everton saw more of the ball in the second half as they attacked the Anfield Road End, Garner took the ball in space 30 yards out, he had a shot but it was easy for Alisson. Ferguson made three changes with 20 minutes to go, Patterson on for Maffeo, Moleiro on for Gonzalez and Samardzic came on for Garner. Cunha had a great chance on 72 minutes which saw Alisson tip the shot over the bar, great effort. Liverpool were playing it in the final third but Everton held firm at the back and saw out the play. Not long left to go. The board went up for four additional minutes and the pressure was on, Matsima headed behind to concede the corner and Liverpool brought players up for it. Alexander-Arnold crossed in and Matsima won the header, Konate got it down and passed to Alexander-Arnold, he found Elliott on the edge of the box and his shot was blocked and cleared by Matsima. Elliott got it back and brought it forward and won the corner again with seconds to go. Alexander-Arnold crossed again and Morato’s header was easy for Pickford. It was all over at Anfield and Liverpool dropped two points. Everton defended very well and fought hard for the point, Cunha’s chance was the closest they came but it’s a good point.
DF: Liverpool are a great side who have so much quality, we defended excellently and got a point. We deserved something. Not many teams can get that here.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
29th November 2026
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He has trained with the first team for a few weeks and today the Everton supporters can feel encouraged as a new Kirkby born potential hero joins the fold. Just 16 years and 108 days old, Danny Mead has been named on the bench for Everton today. Mead could become Everton’s youngest ever player if he gets on the pitch this afternoon. He could also become the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer and still enough time to do so. Mead finished school in May2026 and has been a stand out performer this season for the club’s under 21s. Spurs were off to a poor start under Simon Davies and recruitment had not been great for a few seasons. Marcos Leonardo was a good signing and scored 18 goals last season and so far had 3 in 11. Ferguson was expecting Beto to turn up with Konate unavailable due to suspension and stated Cunha was due his first goal of the season. The Everton crowd were up for this and all it took was the inclusion of a 16 year old homegrown talent looking to make the step up. Everton started quickly and the tempo was quick whilst Spurs tried to adjust to the game. Samardzic had a go from the free-kick 25 yards out and Perri done well to get across goal to tip it over. Everton were looking good and Spurs were all over the place, Roony came down the right taking on three Spurs players, he chipped it forward for Beto but he lost out in possession. Moleiro crossed in from the byline and Cunha headed but Perri was right there to get a hand to it. The goal was coming. Son came down the left and cut inside, he played it to Toklomati in the box but his shot was charged down by Matsima and went behind for a corner. Son went across to take the corner and was greeted with jeers from the home end, the ball was headed up in the air and Ito went up with Samardzic, Pickford was blocked off and it went in the net, Spurs with a shock lead here at Bramley Moore. Everton came back and within a minute Beto played it to Cunha who got it on to his right foot and he smashed it low and hard into the bottom right corner! There it is! His first Everton goal! Roony dribbled down the right and put in a great cross, Moleiro met it with his head and it looked to be going in but Perri made the save, good stop. Roony was limping about around 30 minutes in and had to go off, Nico Gonzalez came on for him. Injuries are becoming more frequent for the youngster. Cunha came down the left and he had players all around him, he found Moleiro and he fed it into Beto inside the box and his first time shot rattled the crossbar. Garnacho came on for Spurs for the second half and always causes problems. Samardzic lofted the ball through for Cunha who took it down nicely inside the box and lifted it over the keeper but it hit the bar, another chance for Everton. The Everton supporters rose to their feet when Danny Mead came out for his second half warm up, he seemed eager to get on and kept looking towards the manager. Spurs came forward after Cunha lost possession, Garnacho and Son exchanged passes in the build up and Son’s ball into the box was put out for a corner by Branthwaite. Cunha cleared the corner and it was time for an Everton change with around 10 minutes to go, Cunha went off for Garner and Samardzic pushed forward, then the big moment came for Danny Mead as he made his dream debut for Everton coming on for Beto to a rapturous cheer. Onana took control of the ball on 84 minutes, he passed to Garner who played it to Mead, he looked to go past Ashley Phillips, took the shot on his right foot and Phillips deflected it behind. Corner to Everton. Samardzic put it into the box, it got caught amongst the feet of the players in the box, Gonzalez took a swing at it and Perri made another great save. The match came to an end and Everton will feel disappointed not to win this one. A point at home to Spurs is not a bad result but Everton were great in the final third. Lucas Perri had a great game in goal.
DF: If we play like that every week, we will win most games, simple as that. We really took the game to them and our football was nice to watch, we just needed that goal. We hit the bar twice and their keeper was fantastic.
Duncan, you gave 10 minutes to Danny Mead who took his opportunity.
DF: Danny done great today, he got on the ball and had a go at goal, that’s all I can ask for at this time. He is certainly an exciting player to watch and looks confident on the ball. He’s been begging me all week to play today, he scored some great goals in training so he earned it.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Brentford
5th December 2026
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Brentford were off to a great start and came into this match in 5th. Eddie Howe was doing a fantastic job and early form had The Bees thinking of Europe. Everton stuck with the same side and Roony’s injury scare was only a minor knock and he was back in the team today. Danny Mead was on the bench once again whilst Beto led the line for Everton. It was a bad start for Everton and Janelt got the ball through to Toney who fought off Matsima and struck across Pickford to make it 1-0 after 42 seconds. Everton need to wake up. They did just that and Roony was instrumental down the right causing so many problems for the full back Rico Henry, he set up Samardzic for the shot and it was deflected behind for a corner. Samardzic sent it to the near post and Onana used his strength to win the header and smash it in past Raya! 1-1! Brentford replied instantly when they had a corner which Ajer converted from Moder’s ball in and it was a sort of anything you can do we can do better type of celebration. Brentford back in front after 15 minutes of football. Ferguson took Beto to one side and it looked like he was telling him to press the Centre Backs. Brentford were in their stride and it was almost too easy when Moder crossed into the box on 45 minutes and Toney headed in his second to make it 3-1. Moder was the difference in midfield today and was in there winning the ball back for Brentford. Toney sealed his hat trick on 57 minutes when he got the ball from Mbuemo, turned past Branthwaite and left Pickford rooted to the spot to slot and put Brentford well ahead. Everton supporters will be glad to see Toney go off on 64 minutes and be replaced by Marius Wolf. Toney had his best game of the season today. It was a double change for Everton and not much else Ferguson could do than put an extra Striker on, Cunha went to the left and Moleiro went off for Danny Mead who went up top with Beto. The ball came towards Norgaard and Mead came storming in from behind to win it back, great tackle and the crowd lifted, he tried the ball forward for Beto but it was cut out. Roony took the ball on the right and had a look up, Mead was screaming for it on the edge of the box, he received it and skipped past Collins and into the box, he went for goal, beat the keeper and hit the post, so unlucky. This is what Everton needed. Onana intercepted the Brentford pass and played it forward for Mead who took it in his own half and ran forward, he held off Collins as he got towards the box but Collins done very well to deflect his shot behind for a corner. Gonzalez replaced Cunha with 15 minutes to go. It was all Everton now, Samardzic played it forward to Beto, he played it into the box low for Mead, great save by Raya. It was too little too late for Everton and Brentford were clear winners at Bramley Moore. It pushed them into fourth place after 15 games which is incredible from Eddie Howe and Brentford who look to be a decent outfit this season. Everton, one win in their last five were struggling to get goals and it took a 16 year old to get them going in the last half hour today. Beto is yet to turn up this season however Konate was back from suspension and he could go straight in away at Leicester next week.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
F.A CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW
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