Brighton & Hove Albion 1 - 1 Everton

Everton stole a point from Brighton & Hove Albion at the American Express Stadium on Saturday with almost the last kick of the game after the defence finally yielded.

In the very last minute, a quick ball out to Garner who swng in a cross that was deflected to O'Brien. His snapshot was bundled out by Verbruggen but hammered into the net by Beto, and Everton deliriously happy with the point.

Moyes went with 4 centre-backs, assuming the returning Michael Keane is not paired up as a striker with Thierno Barry. Neither Vitalii Mykolenko nor Adam Aznou are included in today's squad.

Harrison Armstrong retains his place, having proven to Moyes, "he does not look out of place in the Premier League..." but will this be his last game for Everton before returning to Preston?

First Half

The home side got the game underway, the centre-backs doing a bit of good early covering. They almost scored in the next attack, a ricochet going just wide, out for a corner.

The corner was long but Mitoma clipped a beautiful cross right back into the mixer, Pickford grasping Welbeck's header before Van Hecke rudely barged him and drew the ire of James Tarkowski.

Barry failed to control a ball played up to him, scooting away for a goal-kick and Brighton began to rebuild but ran offside. Everton worked forward with a lot of passes... and then worked it back to Pickford for a hoof, Armstrong wrongly called for a foul on Mitoma.

Ndiaye skipped into a packed Brighton area but his cross was easily neutralised. A Brighton attack saw Rutter volley a difficult cross first time, sliced wide. A decent Brighton move down the middle almost paid off with Van Hecke driving forward.

A great cross in was well headed behind off Rutter's head by Branthwaite, at the expense of a corner that Welbeck thankfully headed wide. xG = 0.74? O'Brien then did well to stall Mitoma down the Brighton left.

Another very threatening Brighton move saw Mitoma fire across goal when it looked easier to score... xG = 0.87!!! Brighton: 7 attempts off 72% possession inthe first 20 minutes.

A long ball down the Everton right was brilliantly kept in by O'Brien, crossed first time to Ndiaye but then worked all the way back. But Everton built a quicker attack and Ndiaye should have done better but Kadioglu was all over him.

Pickford hoofed another bomb upfield, Ndiaye forcing Van Hecke to head it out for a throw... but again they went back to Pickford. Ndiaye was pegged back by Van Hecke. Everton were having some better possession now but not getting very far forward, Barry heading in back for Brighton to pick up.

Dewsbury-Hall did well to set Ndiaye off and running but he was thwarted again. Eventually, Garner curled a ball forward for Barry but it was far too close to Verbruggen. After 30 minutes, still no attempts on goal from Everton.

A terrible giveaway from Ndiaye saw Rtter scamper forward and win a corner off Branthwaite. This onne looped to the back post where Welbeck again headed it behind. Some spicey exchanges on the Everton 18-yard line ended when Garner was fouled.

Gana rescued a deep forward ball and put in a great cross that was just too high for Barry. Ndiaye had to come back and support the defence to block Van Hecke.

Armstrong showed superb skill and timing to slide-tackle Mitoma perfectly at full pace. Remarkable!

Everton got a bit stretched when Brighton turned the ball over and again it was up to the centre-back to provide the big black wall. Another very dangerous Brighton attack and Branthwaite's superb intervention denied Welbeck a glorious chance, and another corner, Pickford blocked and fouled.

Everton were forward quickly and Garner swung a quick ball to the far post where Barry might have leapt for it but went with his foot instead. He just seems to lack critical desire and intensity to throw himself at the ball.

A long throw from O'Brien bounced through harmlessly to Verbruggen... does that count as a shot on target? xG = 0.02 -- no, the real xG for the entire first half was 0.00 for Everton, 1.07 for Brighton.

The four centre-backs had done their various tasks admirably in the first half to keep the score level and Everton still in for a point.

Second Half

The All-Blacks resumed, back to Pickford, hoofed forward so far it evaded Barry for a Brighton goal-kick. Armstrong showing a bit of fight to win the ball up high, but fouling his man.

Numerous Pickford hoofs were returned without Everton getting beyond the half-way line. Finally a drive down the left got beyond O'Brien but not Tarkowski.

Gross looked to have a chance on a long Brighton ball but Garner was across him smartly to move the ball away. Everton drove down the middle, Dewsbury-Hall firing inches past the post. xG = 0.35

Gross cut through Armstrong, yellow card. Dewsbury-Hall wasted the dangerous free-kick wide right, impossible for Branthwaite to reach.

Everton were almost playing front-foot at this point, such was the attacking pressure, a lovely cross in from O'Brien glanced on by Branthwaite, who then slid dangerously under Ayari and he too saw yellow... looked a lot worse than it was, but mainly for the landing.

Everton drove forward again and the cutback almost reached a black shirt. Brighton drove back at them well winning a corner, but Van Hecke again fouled Pickford and the vistors went up the other end to win a corner themselves. Good delivery from Garner but Dunk was in the sweet spot to head clear.

Barry got forward and was gifted the ball, played it back to Dewsbury-Hall, a sitter surely for him to hammer into the roof of the net but Verbruggen anticipated and save his rather lame pass barely above the ground and saved it. xG = 0.98!!! That really got the Evertonians going though, behind he goal.

From an O'Brien long throw, it looked promising but would not fall to a boot. From the corner, somehow Tarkowski's effort was kept out -- it bounced away off O'Brien with Verbruggen on is back.

Up the other end and Brighton really threatened but the Everton defence seemed to do its job. But suddenly a clever dummy by Kadioglu on a cross from Ayari and a big chance opened up for Pascal Gross and he made no mistake. xG = 1.00

Everton were a little shell-shocked while Brighton were visibly enthused, and Moyes moved to make three changes in a desperate effort to regain his lost point.

Garner was forced to concede a clumsy free-kick with his challenge on Gross. Mitoma finished the move off but it was disallowed for offside... although it didn't look offside. A strange one.

The impetus and greater energy remained with Brighton, who were forcing Everton to defend when they needed to be attacking, with less than 5 minutes left. A grner free-kick was easily turned over and Everton were defending again as Moyes dithered over two more changes.

Alcaraz had a chance to drive forward but the ball wouldn't stick, with those changes finally coming in the 89th minute. Paatterson's first contribution was a nice ball in for Keane to strike goalwards but an easy save for Verbruggen.

Into 6 minutes of added time and Beto was deemed to have fouled Van Hecke.

Patterson tried another ball in and it spun off Dunk up in the air but Verbrugen could collect. Good work by Dibling got the ball to Patterson but his cross was glanced away from Beto. Head tennis in the Brighton area but it was not falling for the All-Blacks.

It seemed to be all just huff and puff from Everton at the end but a move finally paid off in the very last minute, a quick ball out to Garner who swng in a cross that was defelected to O'Brien. His snapshot was bundled out by Verbruggen but hammered into the net by Beto. Tarkowski was technically offside but had not done enough to interfer and the goal stood. 1-1 final score!!!

Brighton & Hove Albion: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van HeckO'Brien e, Rutter (60' Minteh), Baleba, Welbeck (68' Kostoulas), Mitoma, Kadioglu, Ayari, De Cuyper (70' Veltman), Gross [Y:53'] (Milner).

Subs: Steele, Julio, Gruda, Boscagli, Howell.

Everton: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Branthwaite (89' Patterson), Gana (80' Iroegbunam), Garner, Armstrong (80' Dibling), Dewsbury-Hall (80' Alcaraz), Ndiaye, Barry (89' Beto).

John Keating 3 Posted 31/01/2026 at 13:51:38

Wow!

Never saw that coming: Giants at the back...

Branthwaite left back!

Kevin Molloy 6 Posted 31/01/2026 at 13:56:25

wow, one winger and no fullbacks. That is a drainpipe of a selection.

Kevin Molloy 7 Posted 31/01/2026 at 13:57:28

let's hope Brighton haven't got any decent wingers...

Christy Ring 8 Posted 31/01/2026 at 13:57:55

So we're playing 4 centrebacks, and 2 out of position, Mykolenko must be injured. I would have played McNeill at left back, with Branthwaite in the middle, he made a huge difference against Leeds, will miss his pace in the centre.

Jake Mcdonough 9 Posted 31/01/2026 at 13:58:01

Interesting lineup. Aznou not even on the bench, I assume he's gone off on loan then

Philip Devlin 10 Posted 31/01/2026 at 13:58:14

Yeesh. Mitoma will be licking his lips.

Mike Corcoran 11 Posted 31/01/2026 at 13:58:24

Live Forum link https://www.ToffeeWeb.com/comment/live/

Michael Kenrick 12 Posted 31/01/2026 at 13:59:27

I don't usually go negative before a game but I can see the carnage now if these four lumbering giants of Premier League defending contrive to let in a goal from a corner this afternoon!!

Please say it ain't gonna happen!!!!

Mike Dolan 13 Posted 31/01/2026 at 13:59:52

Will this be yet another example of being held back by team selection or is it just a case of Moyes needing to cover for are inadequate full backs by playing only centre-backs across the back line???

Playing for a point here, are we?

Ajay Gopal 14 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:02:16

Moyes sending a message to TFG? “Where are my f**king full backs!”

Len Hawkins 15 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:04:17

I never wanted the dour dithering dolt back and I hope this is his parting shot he won NOWT first time and he is cracking up second time.

Ian Wilkins 16 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:06:28

Brighton have fast tricky wingers…

Not sure I’d play two centre backs against them. Especially one just returning from long lay off. Easing him back… ?

Kevin Molloy 17 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:07:12

the plan seems to be smash and grab. the one thing we must not do is concede. Cos then all bets are off. there's no way that team is carrying the fight to anyone.

Mick O\'Malley 18 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:07:43

Ajay, he's left one on the bench who's done as well.as anyone over the last few weeks, I can see Pickford now screaming for them to get the fuck outta 6 yard box, Keane should be sitting on the bench after the sending off, Patterson has done ok but typically becomes the fall guy so Moyes can get his faves back in

Allan Board 19 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:08:43

He should be sacked just for playing a Rolls Royce of a CB at bloody left back. See his mate Keane is in too. This had better work-Moyes. We are safe,so play the younger up coming players!! Just hired to get to 40 points I see. Negative sod isn't he?

Rob Dolby 20 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:09:31

Iam having flashbacks from the Walter Smith days.

Mykolenko is either injured or being sold.

This could be a master stroke from Moyes. Talk about inviting pressure.

As much as I think Patterson is average he deserved to stay in the team, he has done nothing wrong to get dropped.

Moyes had an opportunity today to play 5 at the back with 2 wingbacks and chose to go ultra defensive. We all knew Jake was going to play right back today.

Let's see how this game pans out.

Anthony Hawkins 23 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:13:14

Four centre backs in the same starting XI.

Jim Bennings 24 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:13:15

Moyes was one of the first in the league to really introduce the attacking fullbacks in Baines and Coleman so to see that starting defence today suggests to me he's extremely pissed with his options or something else.

We never got told anything about Mykolenko being injured, maybe he's ill who knows, maybe he's been flogged but I doubt it.

Patterson clearly will never be fancied by any Everton manager.

Peter Mitchell 26 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:15:16

Lots of comments on here about the negativity of our manager - have a look in the mirror will you? The negativity on here in advance of a ball being kicked is off the scale! Get behind the team and stop whingeing - you never know!

Andrew McLawrence 27 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:15:41

I'm sure we could have found more centre halves if we looked harder. Inspiring, not.

Raymond Fox 28 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:18:50

They do keep suprising us though!

Kevin Molloy 29 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:19:04

now I've gotten over the shock, we still have a midfield of Gana Garner KDH Armstrong and Ndiaye, so you'd fancy us to provide some threat in this game. The big question is how will Jarrad do at left back. Must have been tempting to put Garner back there, but maybe he's shown this week in training he can hack it. As much as O' Brian at right back anyway. It is a bit weird though we have our first choice centre backs at full back and our second choice centre backs in pride of place.

Am also a little surprised he hasn't gone with McNeil, it may be the case this is his last game, and possibly Iroegbunam.

Christy Ring 30 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:25:30

Mykolenko took a knock in training, O'Brien going to have a tough afternoon with Mitoma on the wing.

Dale Self 31 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:25:46

Peter 26, please!

Defend this shit, don't attack us

Kevin Molloy 32 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:31:38

Yes, he should have put Garner left back, and not picked Keane. Had Rohl/Iregbuenam in the middle.

I wonder why he's gone this way? Maybe Garner really didn't want to go to full-back.

Si Cooper 33 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:32:07

Personally I don't think there is any real difference between Patterson and O'Brien defensively at right-back but it does seem retrograde for attacking intent.

I also think left-back in a back four is a role with different expectations than the left centre-back. I'm not sure we will find Branthwaite any more likely to overlap or cross regularly than Mykolenko, so that choice seems strange unless Mykolenko and Aznou are both unavailable.

I think calling all of the chosen back four ‘lumbering' is too harsh but Moyes definitely seems to be trying to win the game by doughtily defending corners and set-pieces and hoping that overwhelming height and strength at the opposite end will gain sufficient reward.

Not really watched much of Brighton this season so I don't know if they remain nifty and nimble or whether some of that attacking verve has become dulled by the passage of time.

All games seem in the balance this season. We can definitely win this. Come on, you immense Blues!

Alan J Thompson 34 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:32:32

It'll be long hoofs from Pickford to try and get their keeper to give us a corner then 4 big centre halves and Barry to hope the corner gets passed the front post but not the back unless Tarkowski has taken up position there.

Look on the bright side, we've got 2 right backs on the bench (one of the keepers must also have the mystery injury that is going around) and three if you think Rohl has played there but neither of our two left backs or any juniors.

Mr Moyes has certainly sprung one here.

Dale Self 35 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:34:08

You are a decent Everton man, Kevin... sometimes.

Peter Mitchell 36 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:34:49

Dale @31 -- I wasn't attacking anyone!

I don't have the first clue about this formation, but I am always half-full, rather than half-empty in my views on our prospects, especially before the match has even started.

Like everyone else, I whinge and moan if/when it isn't working out or we make stupid mistakes. COYB!

Paul Murray 37 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:34:54

A really strange line-up with 4 centre-backs.

I feel for Patterson, he's not the future but he's been steady in the last couple of games and, in a 3, he is a decent wing back.

Jarrad Branthwaite at left-back is strange... but he's quick, got a good left foot, and maybe with coming back from a long time out, there's a bit less physicality at left-back?

But I always say, where there's a negative, you can find a positive: No Mykolenko, finally... brilliant result! He is the worst left back in the Premier League.

Good midfield though and Harrison Armstrong will benefit hugely playing alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. I still fancy a result here for us.

Michael Kenrick 38 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:35:10

Oh dear, Kevin, your unbreakable faith in the Moyessiah is starting to waver, I fear.

Haven't you written before, telling us with unchallengable perspicacity that "Moyes sees them every day of the week" -- and therefore his selection cannot be questioned?

Welcome to the world the rest of us occupy...

Rob Hooton 39 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:40:09

I didn’t see that starting line up in any of my ‘what’s Moyes going to do’ thoughts!

Fingers crossed it somehow works and we win, we had a good run of wins with 4CB’s under Ancellotti so you never know. Will watch with interest, hope we aren’t all cursing a strange selection after the game (too early to whinge now, surely?).

Andrew Clare 40 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:40:13

Looking at that line up suggests that their wide men are going to have a field day.

Get ready for a backs to the wall, low possession approach from our boys.In other words like most of our away performances.

Good to see Branthwaite and KDH playing again.

This will be tough as Brighton are playing well.

Kevin Molloy 42 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:42:36

is this line up a message to the owners 'I've got no fullbacks!'? if so it's very effective but could rebound on him if we get stuffed. he knows by doing this the cry will go up 'buy a fullback, NOW!'

Frank Fearns 43 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:44:40

Kevin “surprised he hasn’t gone with McNeil - the blokes been getting absolutely slaughtered for his performances - perhaps Moyes has been listening?

Danny O\'Neill 44 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:49:53

In we go we the 3,000 travelling blues.

This was always going ton be a tricky one, but we can bring the 3 points home.

Come on blue boys.

Kevin Molloy 45 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:50:29

he always seems to play well in this fixture Frank, I'd have put him in his favoured position on the left, and put Ndiaye right. That way the team has natural width. as it is, we are lopsided.

I'm not averse to questioning his calls Michael, I just object to the overwhelming levels of cryarsing levelled at him, when we've had 6-9 players out, and are still in touching distance of the euro spots. Particularly after the last decade, and the state of the squad in the summer. As every week passes it seems the players we bought havent' immediately tanked Tosun Walcott style., we picked up the best loan, the best player, an excellent forward, and two exciting youth players. Nobody now mentions that of course...

Liam Mogan 46 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:50:52

He may play KDH aa an inside left

Dale Self 47 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:51:04

Get in Danny!

Michael Kenrick 48 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:52:04

Rob @39,

I didn’t see that starting line-up in any of my ‘what’s Moyes going to do’ thoughts!

I see the much-maligned Anjishnu failed to post his usual pre-match piece that includes the predicted line-up. I wonder if this means something anything?

Maybe he had this one predicted and thought "Nah, no one is gonna believe four centre-backs!"

Raymond Fox 49 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:53:13

Stangely our win odds have shortened and Brightons have got bigger since the teams were announced. Maybe they have a more weakened team than we have.

Clive Rogers 50 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:56:24

I was hoping he’d stick to three at the back but wasn’t expecting four. I don’t think any of those four plus Patterson deserve to be left out on form, but picking four at the back is a surprise. It may hamper our attacking play if the fullbacks don’t get forward. We’ll soon know.

Peter Mitchell 51 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:56:53

Dale@42 - I guess my big issue is not that people don't like a particular formation or team selection, it is just that it pretty much always starts with a pop at the manager and his alleged negativity.

In respect to this particular selection, I don't know what he has in mind, but it is different (which is one of the criticisms often made of him - never changes anything) and he is not playing a few players (for whatever reason) who are frequently criticised on this site for not being good enough, including McNeil, Patterson and Mykolenko.

Philip Devlin 52 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:56:57

They’ve won once at home since November and that was against Burnley. First goal wins this game.

Jason Hewly 53 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:58:12

George RR Martin sums up this thread in Game of Thrones better than I ever could so...

Alliser Thorne: Do you know what leadership means, Lord Snow? It means that the person in charge gets second-guessed by every clever little tw*t with a mouth. (or keyboard)

We've been absolutely shite for the last few years, looking over our shoulder, watching the results of other teams as much as our own.

We're 5 points off the Champions League in the last week of January. Not one of us thinks relegation is a possibility. That's a massive step in the right direction. We're probably going to Europe next season regardless. Which one of you wouldn't have bitten someone's arm off for that last season. Give some bloody credit where it's due.

Dale Self 54 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:05:16

Yeah, not good Jason. Moyes deserves criticism that was heaped at Dyche for moves like this. Again, that is on the ad hominem side of a discussion or critique.

Annika Herbert 55 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:08:35

Jason @ 53, so we should all be happy clappers then, regardless of performance and results?

Getting spanked at home on numerous occasions is progress is it? We are doing a lot better than last season agreed. But it doesn't make everything in the garden rosy

Jason Hewly 56 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:16:46

Dale, 54.

Dyche didn't get us 5 points off the CL after half the season was done.

Steve Brown 57 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:17:16

Amazing, we have 4 CBs plus Barry and Armstrong back for corners and still lose headers.

Jason Hewly 58 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:18:45

Annika, 55.

Yes, "doing a lot better than last season" is progress. In fact, it's the very definition of progress.

You don't have to be a happy clapper, nor does anyone have to be a moaning sod before the game has even kicked off.

Annika Herbert 59 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:28:58

Jason @ 58, everyone is entitled to there opinion, whether it's supportive or not.

But that doesn't mean people who express different views to you should be criticized. At the end of the day we all want our team to do well and win as often as possible.

But that line up today isn't exactly a confidence filler

Dale Self 60 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:30:59

Jason, statistical fallacy. The top of the league is weak this year. Moyes isn't Ancelotti

Jason Hewly 61 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:40:24

Dale, 60, I didn't indulge in statistical fallacy, just the reality that we're in touching distance of the CL going into February, rather than the cock-eyed fantasy that we're doing no better than the previous season when we came close to relegation and were staring down the barrel of a gun at this stage of the season.

Steve Brown 62 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:48:32

First half for Everton, shots on targets = 0, shots off target =0, xG = 0, corners = 0, one-one-one attempts = 0.

At least we've been consistent.

John Wignall 63 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:52:17

Another Moyes masterclass... god help us.

Alan J Thompson 64 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:57:37

What an awful first half from us. Brighton have created a couple of decent chances but we are playing as though nobody knows where anyone else is supposed to be.

Get Gana off as he doesn't get forward in support enough and stop playing Armstrong in support of Barry and maybe put Alcaraz in that role

That is one off, one on. And maybe consider Ndiaye on the right but I'll bet Armstrong is the one off and Dibling will come on on the right. Garner and Dewsbury-Hall need somebody else to help out in midfield.

John Collins 65 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:58:31

Steve @62,

I know someone who will be delighted with that.

Dave Abrahams 66 Posted 31/01/2026 at 15:58:51

Steve (62),

We won here last season playing that puerile football — we had one shot on target throughout the game, the penalty taken by Ndiaye, maybe we can do the same today?

What a dreadful way to play football though, no wonder fans are continuing to be sickened by it.

Edward Rogers 67 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:00:36

Steve Brown 68 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:05:37

Dave, it was absolute dross that first half.

John Wignall 69 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:11:46

What is it with Everton centre-backs playing back to Pickford???

It does my head in!!!

Nick Page 70 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:17:31

This football club doesn’t deserve nice things. Playing 4 fucking centre backs. If we’re so short GO OUT AND BUY SOME FUCKING FULLBACKS. Just fuck off

Sean Kearns 71 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:34:04

Rohl does more than Gana… we must be the only team to ever start a back 4 with all four center backs. Who the fuck even does that?

Sean Kearns 72 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:34:55

Aznou and Patterson should have played with Jarrad and Tarks center backs…

Mick O\'Malley 73 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:38:31

4 centre halveswith Gana and Garner in front of it, ffs

Andrew McLawrence 74 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:43:53

Get what you deserve. Who would want to join this shit show?

John Wignall 75 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:45:37

Disallowed 2 nd for brighton not sure what for

John Wignall 76 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:50:34

Need a goal might as.well throw beto up with barry no not davy

Mal van Schaick 77 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:51:21

Losing the ball all game long with sloppy passes. Coby.

Paul Kossoff 78 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:55:19

Goooooal

Mal van Schaick 79 Posted 31/01/2026 at 16:58:13

Get in. We did not deserve to lose.

John Collins 80 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:00:31

Made up with a point.

A khasi set up from the manager first half.

Simon Dalzell 81 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:01:15

Should have been a goal or two up, but still far too negative, with 4 centre-backs.

This manager holds us back. Especially the more creative and younger players.

Filipe Torres 82 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:03:10

I'm pretty sure there will be loads of theories here, but we tied due to a moment of brilliance from a Brighton player and the foot of another; good result under the circumstances.

Tyler has to face his marker, either he does how to know that or not will determine if he is very good winger or not... The boy has to grow some balls!!

George Cumiskey 83 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:03:29

Terrible first half, good second half. We had a go and deserved the point.

What a difference when we decided to attack.

John Collins 84 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:04:18

Simon,

A lot will accept the dire first half performance because we got a point.

It is dour, boring, "don't take a risk" football and a lot of us accept it as we are not fighting relegation.

Kevin Molloy 85 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:07:20

they don't know they're beat this team. despite the setbacks they keep plugging away. He's built up a strong mentality with the squad. would have been a terrific assist if KDH had scored for Barry. lovely little ball to lay it all on a plate. Shame, great save from the goalie. We surely would have won it if that had gone in.

well done chaps.

Sean O\'Hanlon 86 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:09:46

Crap. Moyes has go.

Alan J Thompson 87 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:11:32

It might sound daft but the only reason we got a point was that we scored the same amount as they did. Mind you, it might have been a completely different result had Dewsbury-Hall put his sitter away, has he not been watching Barry finish?

Great start to the second half, our keeper wellies it out for a goal kick and their keeper kicks that out for a throw-in. And then I think it was Keane who looked to move with their scorer but then changed his mind and I didn't see a lot wrong with their disallowed goal but good to see a Linesman not waiting to be told.

I hope we practice more at passing and moving through the week and a little less with the swords or whatever is causing all these mystery injuries.

Michael Kenrick 88 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:11:45

It is clear from the last two games that we do have enough to beat these opponents... but not if the only thing we do during the first half is defend, for fuck's sake

But that is fucking Moyes all over. So typical, so negative. Start with a point, and 'winning' it back with a late late goal that the fans will love will keep the Moyes lovers loving him.

Well, I fucken hate him. I can't even watch or listen to him any more...

Mark Wynne 89 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:11:55

I guess that means we get to see Beto lollop around achieving nothing for 80 minutes against Fulham.

Ajay Gopal 90 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:20:07

How the hell did VAR not find a way to disallow our goal? They tried hard though…;-)

Not a great game of football, but Moyes actually used all 5 of his allowed substitutions and it paid off.

Good strike by O'Brien and great follow-up by Beto. Our centre-forwards are actually doing all the scoring -- time for the likes of Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Alcaraz, Gueye etc to step up and contribute.

Patterson had a good cameo, he caused Brighton a lot of problems although the equalising goal came from a Garner cross. Iroegbunam looked rusty and got lucky that his giveaways did not result in a goal.

Well done, Moyes and the boys for showing resilience. A point away is not to be sneezed at.

Terry Farrell 91 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:20:56

Sorry but Davey wants to give his head a wobble for that.

Playing 4 centre-backs? Ridiculous. Patterson earned the right. O'Brien earned the right to stay centre-back.

Stick with players playing well. Brighton are good but they were there for the taking.

Dale Self 92 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:22:53

I'll be slashed and damned. I walked away and missed it. Fuckin Moyes.

Christy Ring 93 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:23:05

Michael #88 A bit harsh in my opinion Mike, we deserved a draw with our 2nd half performance, even the pundits agreed.

Kevin Molloy 94 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:24:39

Ajay yes, the timing of the substitutions was key.

Darren Hind 95 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:30:31

Even when we raised our game a touch, I never really thought it wasn't going to go in for us today,

I'm more than happy to take that point. Although I'm not sure I'd have been quite so easily pleased if I'd gone all the way down there to witness that.

Philip Devlin 96 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:31:32

Level with City on recent overall form, sixth best away record so far this season. Moyes, that.

Tony Hughes 97 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:32:54

For Moyes safety first plan a point gained.

For some of us who want to go out to win the game then its two points lost against a team with one win in eleven matches

Tony Abrahams 98 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:33:34

It was the timing of the subs, funny that Kevin, haha👍

Raymond Fox 99 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:34:18

Its a joy to read the posts on here - I don't think. We get an away point and are now in 8th place and you would think we got hammered.

Dave Abrahams 100 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:35:32

Happy with the point as usual but that anti football first half still rankles and will continue to do so although it does define the way this manager thinks and to see him walk on the field full,of smiles and handshakes as though he had done something remarkable, when in reality that first half will,earn us no neutral friends and disappoint loads of us Everton fans.

Keep serving that up Moyes — happy with a point no matter how we contrive to get it except to prove to most football that you are a less than average manager.

Strange that the players lots of fans don’t like or want have earned us the points in the last few games.

Philip Devlin 101 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:41:10

Kavanagh just couldn’t help himself- booking Moyes for celebrating. Snide little prick.

Tony Abrahams 102 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:44:52

It’s a squad game Dave, so it was nice to see the manager use all the subs available. We deserved a draw, probably even more for that second half performance, although I suppose we got lucky with that offside goal?

Merle Urquart 103 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:47:10

@Tony 97

As another poster highlighted, its a poor league this season and on that basis with a less negative approach we could be in with a chance of something special...its there and its within touching distance and its going to bypass us because we're too scared to reach out because we have a point before a ball is kicked, an opportunity like this might not repeat itself for another 10yrs

John Collins 104 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:50:32

Behave yer self Merle, don't you understand it's a successful season, we are not fighting relegation.

We could even qualify for The Best Of The Rest final.

Merle Urquart 105 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:59:13

John

I rest my case...lets know our place and not try

Derek Knox 106 Posted 31/01/2026 at 17:59:30

We are too safe and absolutely boring to watch, winnable games are being sacrificed by poor team selection, and lack of performance management.

Please Fuck Off now Moyes.

Tony Hughes 107 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:00:24

100% Merle, we should be going out to win every game. At the start of the season our target should be try to win every competition we enter. Set a low bar and acheving that is deemed successful because we haven't been relegated. I'm hoping these new owners can change the whole pysche at the club. Moyes achieved his remit last season and should have been thanked and then replaced so the new era could begin.

So far TFG haven't displayed what I thought they would be.

John Collins 108 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:00:52

Merle,

Irony mate 👍

Dave Abrahams 109 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:05:38

Tony (102) Yes of course it is a squad game Tony and it’s also a ninety minute game, doesn’t the first half count?

As for using all the subs I don’t think he used one until we went a goal down, we’ve all seen that before it’s one of his traits along with keep,that point we started with at all,costs.

One of the subs got that valuable goal and we might have had two— imagine the screams if Barry had missed the sitter he set up for KDH— we’d be up to over 150 posts by now!

Tony Abrahams 110 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:09:08

The arguments rage, distorted, full of half truths, and then you begin to realise why those bastards across the park, rub their hands, snigger with joy and then sing a song about thirty fucking years.

Philip Devlin 111 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:11:08

Who would be your choice to replace Moyes, Merle?

Nick Page 112 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:11:49

I’d give Moyes another season, based solely on the fact we need to work a transition through. We need about 5 players to have any kind of squad ….. and I’ve said it a million times, just go and buy some players, get the numbers up. Some will work out. But it also creates competition for places. Nobody should be guaranteed a start. But what I would be doing if was running this place is working towards a transition now based on what we have, and what we need. Moyes is Mr Safety first, always has been and he’s the ultimate glass ceiling manager when he could actually be so much more. Fortune, as they say, favours the brave.

John Collins 113 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:14:44

A minge bag of a manager.

Sick of watching this turkish delight.

A hide behind the couch man ooooor Davy.

Mick O\'Malley 114 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:15:28

Dave spot on, barely a mention about the sitter KDH missed, it was awful. And I know certain blues hate or won't even give Patterson any credit whatsoever but we looked a better team when he came on

Nick Page 115 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:16:42

Exactly what Merle says (103). And what I’ve been harping on about. Roll the fucking dice now and we might be surprised cos the league is so tight. Fucking Villa who were below us not a couple of seasons ago have done exactly that. And Forest challenged for Champions league places. And still would be if their owner wasn’t such a twat. Wait until the summer and it’s rinse and repeat. Spend all summer speculating who we need, drawn out transfers, end up with half of what we wanted.

Meanwhile everyone else also moves forward and we’re static. It’s been the same for 30 years now. We’re bored to fucking tears of it Everton. Do something

Jay Harris 116 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:19:02

I think a a lot of the negativity and criticism comes from the frustration of 30 years of shite which for a club with our history is a disgrace.

I am more concerned with the hierarchy than I am with Moyes.

Where are the full backs and goalscorers that have obviously been needed for years.

I know Moyes team selections can be quite questionable but let’s give the man a bit of support and belief.

It was interesting that our fantastic away support was singing his name today before the equalizer went in.

Tony Abrahams 117 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:21:16

But it was the timing of those subs, that helped us get that very valuable point at the end Dave!

Credit to Nathan Patterson, he’s been derided, with some posters constantly saying he’s very poor, but he came onto the pitch very, very late in the game, with the perfect attitude, so hopefully he stays fit and gets his reward in the summer, representing his country in the World Cup.

Who was missing today, besides Grealish and Mykolenko? A squad without depth but still people are happy with TSF.

Merle Urquart 118 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:23:01

@111 Philip

Good question! I like Ariola but he seems to be having a blip this season at Bournemouth...and after seeing what Brentford did to us at the HDS, Keith Andrews...l would also take a punt on Xabi Alonso, whoever it is needs to fundamentally change our football philosophy...l could not take another manager who plays one up front...is it too much to ask for high tempo fast attacking football?

Peter Mills 119 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:23:27

Just a short update on one of our out-on-loan players, as I travel home on the coach from a cracking day at Tamworth - goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley has just helped Marine to the last 8 of the FA Trophy with 2 saves in a penalty shootout.

Mick O\'Malley 120 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:25:46

Nick Page spot on, thank fuck I'm 56 and seen the 80s, we really have been served up a dog shit sandwich for 30 plus years

John Collins 121 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:28:02

And queued up in the tens of thousands to eat it Mick.

One particular shithouse and his right hand man convinced us 7th place equalled success

Jimmy Carr 122 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:28:03

Was disappointed with that line-up but a point at Brighton is ok.

I think Patterson needs to be given a start at right back. O'Brien is probably a better defender but Patterson is definitely a better footballing right back.

The constant whingeing from some on here gets boring. It says more about the moaning poster than it does about Everton though.

Derek Knox 123 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:28:37

Tony @ 117, I believe you are right with Patterson there mate, and a few others share that feeling, so why does Moyes constantly ignore him, and others, in favour of his boringly safety first selections ?

I bet he hates that Board game - Risk !

Liam Mogan 124 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:28:52

Harry Wilson of Fulham signing before Monday deadline day

Tony Hughes 125 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:29:32

Frustration is the key word.

New staduim, new owners, new, fresh ambition? new old manager.

TFG have been very underwhelming so far, I don't want to start another cycle of projects with the promise of this time next season it"ll be better. Frustrated.

Mick O\'Malley 126 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:29:39

Tony @112 agreed about Patteron, the lad has always come in and given it his all, never let his head drop, I'd be delighted if he went to the world cup

Nick Page 127 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:30:45

When was the last time Everton were 2-0 up at half time at fucking Chelsea? Everton Football Club - not the fans - turn up at that shithole and are beaten before they get on the pitch, against a club (forget the idea team) who’d spent more seasons in the lower leagues than the top division…..until the Russian was “allowed” to throw money at it. We haven’t won there since Nov-94. This is the rotten mentality that pervades Everton Football Club.

Tony Abrahams 128 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:32:00

Nick@112. That is definitely a post that I could have written myself mate.

Can David, keep enough good players happy, and integrate them into a tight competitive squad?

If he can, he could as you say, be so much more, and although I’m aware he needs those extra players. I often wonder if he’s got the personality to keep a much bigger squad of quality players happy.

For this to happen, then first we have got to spend some money.

Derek Knox 129 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:32:26

Liam @ 124, where did hear that? Hope you are right !

Frank Fearns 130 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:33:01

Just watching West Ham taking apart Chelsea. Hammers players so quick and Chelsea look lost.

Just picking up points made about Braidon Graham this morning being lightweight and he’d get kicked off the park in the Premier League. Summerville West Ham is 5’8 a 9st 9 when he’s wet and Chelsea can’t sniff him. Scored another great goal. Get the Braidon in the squad.

Jimmy Carr 131 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:36:35

Nick (112) Moyes did not turn up to just not lose. Myko injured so he selected Branthwaite. He preferred O'Brien at right back, and we've won plenty with him playing there. He's safety first and cagey, yeah, and has one of the best away records in the league this year. Get over it.

David West 132 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:37:42

I too thought Pattersons cameo showed he needs to play !!

The lads confidence must be shot, he's our only fit RB and doesn't start.

Offers way more with the ball the O'brien, he's not made any massive mistakes, (O'brien at fault today, losing his man for the goal) if that was Patterson he'd be getting slaughtered.

Some people won't have Moyes no matter what, so he's not going to win them over anyway, whatever selections or subs he makes, even if forced to make some strange ones.

How many said Grealish won't be missed ???

Ray Jacques 133 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:38:09

Moyes is doing a good job.

Think back 12 months, 24 months, 36 months we are annual survivors.

This is progress, steady ship, new ground. Leave Moyes alone. When its the right time then you can all have the young, foreign, dynamic manager certain posters crave.

Sean Kearns 134 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:39:38

Tarkowsi was deffo offside and interfering with the goalies sight, if that was given against us I would be well pisses off but I’ll take the point!!!… we are still cooking. I wish Gana’s shot would have went in against Leeds and KDH scored the sitter today. Fine margins.

Nick Page 135 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:41:06

Jimmy, sorry mate but no team ever should be playing 4 centre backs across the back. If you’re happy with then fine. I’m not. This is Everton Football Club.

Bill Fairfield 136 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:51:54

Another good point away from home against difficult opponents. We move on.

Bill Fairfield 137 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:52:20

Nick Page 138 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:55:55

Bottom 3 in the form league, Bill and terrible at home.

Paul Griffiths 139 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:57:39

Can this Harry Wilson play right-back, left-back, or centre-forward? Surely he can't be another midfielder.

This did make me smile - Jason Hewly: 53: 'We're probably going to Europe next season regardless'. WAG outing shopping in Milan?

Tony Hughes 140 Posted 31/01/2026 at 18:58:31

Two points dropped for me against an average team with 1 win in 11

Liam Mogan 141 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:01:18

That first half was shameful in its lack of intent and anti-football approach

Mike Gaynes 142 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:05:26

Frank #130, if West Ham go down (and as I write this they have already blown the lead at Chelsea), Summerville would be my first choice of a player to pursue from the relegated clubs. He is electric.