Fantastic comeback ends Palace's unbeaten run | OneFootball

Everton 2 - 1 Crystal Palace

It was Super Sunday in the end for Everton, but only after Crystal Palace had totally dominated the first half at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on the back of a remarkable 19-game unbeaten run by the visitors. But the Blues fought back doggedly in a scrappy second half, winning this difficult game in the end with first a penalty taken superbly by Ndiaye, and then Jack Grealish banging in a blocked Beto header. What a win!

The great reveal, with David Moyes making what could be a crucial choice of who will replace the suspended Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as he looked to inspire an increasingly moribund attacking force to some greater achievements in terms of creating chances and scoring goals.

At long last, Tyler Dibling is given his first Premier League start in an Everton shirt. And Moyes goes with the ineffectual Barry up front but he can't fight his inner pragmatism with the inexplicable nonsense of naming two goalkeepers on the bench.

First Half

With Palace kicking off, the line-up behind Barry was Grealish left, Ndiaye central, and Dibling right. But Everton could not prevent an early corner after a midfield throw-in from Richards. Pickford had to dive low to clear an early shot from Pino. That was followed by a weaker shot from Mitchell.

There was little by way of a high press as Everton allowed Palace to run at them Gueye very fortunate not to be called for what looked like a trip. But the Palace free-kick tally was ticking up quickly, although they preferred playing it backwards, and when it did come up field, some fine work from Michael Keane to clear the ball.

Everton got forward, Mykolenko winning a long throw that looked momentarily dangerous. Garner and Gueye tried to build on the left without involving Grealish and soon lost the ball. Ndiaye forced a turnover and fed Grealish who shot too close to Henderson.

Palace looked threatening and were quickly up the other end, Barry losing a cleared ball. Head tennis from a Palace throw saw Kamada's shot blocked. O'Brien fouled wide right, a deep free-kick ending in a Palace corner that was desperately defended until Everton somehow got a free-kick off Guehi.

Ndiaye tried to dribble through three players and won a throw-in but A turnover saw Palace forward again before their move broke down. But Everton were slow in trying to break clear of pressing players. But Mykolenko tried a shot from long distance, flying over, a bit of a waste.

Sarr could not get past Keane on the Everton left but it gave Richards another opportunity for a fantastic long throw, a deflected shot from close range pawed away smartly by Pickford, Blues just about hanging on!

Everton were really struggling to get Grealish involved, although he was passing the ball off quicker when he did get it. O'Brien found Mykolenko with a deep cross but he was immediately blocked from crossing it in low.

Pino released Mitchell in acres of space and his shot clipped off the angle. Mykolenko lost the ball cheaply in the return and Palace were right through, a great chance for Mateta, hit hard and low, saved brilliantly by Pickford, who should probably be up 3-0 at this point, Everton were being so outclassed.

Dibling and Grealish connected but the play slowed up and any space was gone. Barry was in strongly on Wharton but no foul, Everton then given the free kick. Grealish was forced to play back by Munoz.

Grealish got another chance to advance but again came back and played it square. It eventually got to Dibling who cut in and shot but low and weak, easily saved. Everton's defending looked better but a loose ball gave Palace another corner, defended clear for another Richards throw that looked to cause havoc, Tarkowski prodding it away.

Grealish fed the ball back to Garner who put in a fantastic ball to Barry at the far post but he completely missed the ball under pressure from Guehi. It got a bit competitive in midfield, Garner and Guehi.

Both Grealish and Dibling had to drop deep to help out but, as Everton pushed forward, they lost the ball and it was suddenly three against two, Sarr feeding Munoz on his right on full overload with acres to himself, firing low under Pickford. Remarkable that it had taken 37 minutes!

With Palace pushing for a second through some excellent intensity, there was a brief moment where Ndiaye conjured a break but it exposed Barry's incompetence more than anything, him unable to beat his man or play Ndiaye back in.

Everton got forward and looked to create something, Mykolenko battling valiantly, but it was shockingly poor in comparison, Ndiaye getting the ball but then he was double-teamed with no one bothering to show themselves and help him out.

And so the half ended, Everton comprehensively outplayed all over the field and very fortunate to be only a goal down.

Second Half

The Masterful Moyes saw the writing on the wall, Alcaraz and Beto on for Dibling and Barry, Alcaraz playing centrally with Ndiaye on the right. Alcaraz produced a great play through to Ndiaye but for some astounding reason, he failed to shoot, crossing instead to a defender.

But Everton had a much better spell of pressure, Garner picking out O'Brien at the far post but no power in his header. Palace rocking a little, although problems still with Everton's final ball not producing enough. Grealish played Beto in down the left but his cross was impossible for Ndiaye to get to.

The Blues were at least making a game of it now, but Grealish fouled Wharton as Keane needed attention. Beto showed some great determination to retain possession, albeit in Everton''s half.

But the early intensity after half-time flagged a little and Palace put togther a great move, only stopped by Tarkowski with some tremendous defensive work. But the ball was lost by a tackle form behind on Gana and Palace drove forward, shooting wide.

Everton tried to play forward again but it wouldn't roll for them and Palace were able to steal it back. Mykolenko and _____ got in a mix-up and allowed Mateta to break free and drove forward, certain to score, but O'Brien got behind Pickford and headed the chipped shot clear.

Everton from a throw saw two snapshots from Keane, the first blocked, the second going wide.

But Palace got away, a brillant pass to Sarr, Pickford out to stop him but the ball falling to Mateta who needed t role inside the post but he rolled it wide. Iroegbunam replaced Keane, Garner moving to right-back.

Alacara zgit forwad and lashed a great shot at goal but Henderson got has hand up to claw it away. Everton took the corner quickly but

Pino stopped Garner from taking a quick free-kick, Garner tried to push him away, both players booked, followed by David Moyes, everyone was now a bit riled. Everton won a free-kick but Graner's ball to the far post beat everyone.

A string of contentious decisions broke the game up but a ball in past Beto saw Iroegbunam running inside and Lacroix could only bring him down for a clear penalty. Iliman Ndiaye sent Henderson the wrong way, to a tremendous roar from the South Stand and the rest of the Hill Dickinson stadium -- a massive moment.

Beto did remarkably well to force a corner, Garner delivering it well but Sarr went down with a head injury after Beto had won the ball. The restart was a drop-ball near the corner flag and it looked to be cleared but Grealish got forward -- his shot needed to be a lot more intelligent though. No good firing straight at Henderson.

Palcw looked to regain control, moving the ball well enough, nut Everton had got the crowd behind them and looked to make the most of the final few minutes. It was end to end with Grealish trying to break through but Mykolenko couldn't beat his marker.

A long throw from O'Brien, but not enough power for Beto to threaten. Grealish halted Munoz who wanted the Everton player booked, but he got the card instead. Late changes by Glasner broke up any lasting momentum.

Grealish won another throw-in but Everton could not fashion a shot.

Beto got a ball to drop back for Alcaraz who skied his effort. Wharton strode forward and redied to shoot but Garner was across brilliantly with a block.

The ball got forward for Grealish again but it was only a throw-in. But Everton kept pushing forward, and a tremendous roar greeted the end of an excellent move Alcaraz, playing forward to Ndiaye, Beto attacking his cross with a huge leap and powerful header that was blocked 2 yards out and Jack Grealish was there to smash it into the roof of the Crystal Palace net.

The last few minutes of added time -- 8 minutes stretched somehow to 13 as Palace got forward again and got another long throw before referee Salisbury finally blew his whistle on a fantastic comeback victory for The Blues.

Everton:  Pickford, O’Brien, Mykolenko, Tarkowski, Keane (65' Iroegbunam) Gueye, Garner [Y:68'], Dibling (46' Alcaraz), Grealish, Ndiaye [Y:90+5'] (90+10' Coleman), Barry (46' Beto).

Crystal Palace: Hender son, Munoz [Y:87], Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Kamada (82' Lerma), Wharton [Y:82'], Pino [Y:68'] (88' Devenny), Mateta (70' Nketiah), Sarr (89' Uche).

Reader Comments (169)

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Andrew Merrick 3 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:23:21

A predictable team, but is Dibling right or centre, is Jack left or centre, is Illy left, right or centre?

Or will they mix it up in game? No, don't be daft, Davey's never trying that one .

Neil Lawson 4 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:30:44

I reckon Ndiaye left, Dibling right and Grealish wherever the fancy takes him.

Does it really matter so long as Barry scores!!

Stu Gre 5 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:40:20

I like this team.

Paul Kossoff 6 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:41:23

I'm a bit worried Crystal Palace will control midfield and go right through the middle of us. Why? Will those attacking players do the donkey work when not in possession?

Hope they do. Attack them, take the chance when it comes, but do the hard work when we have lost the ball. Coyb.

Kevin Molloy 7 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:48:28

Paul

Yes, I think you're right. Dibling and Grealish will not be nearly as effective as Harrison and Doucoure when we don't have the ball. To the extent that I think we will play more of a patient possession game so that we reduce the risk.

Doucoure and Harrison were not pretty to watch, but for the system we were playing last season they were very effective. But with Grealish and Dibling, we effectively now do not have a press. Especially when you factor in we are playing with a low block cos no Jarrad.

Joe McMahon 8 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:49:13

I suspect Palace will target the right side with pace. Jake O'Brien is not a right-back as Nuno sussed.

If Nathan Patterson can't get in the team now, he never will do. I feel for the lad.

Kevin Molloy 10 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:01:09

You've only written a few words there, Michael, but my word what a lot of nonsense. 'At long last' Tyler gets his start? Who would you have dropped to bring him in? Grealish? Ndiaye?

And your reference to 'the ineffectual Barry'. He's had one start in the Premier League. And in that game, he played his part in both the goals we scored.

John Wignall 11 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:29:48

Playing with 9 men.

Barry and Dibling can't get into the game.

Ernie Baywood 12 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:39:28

We'll they've definitely deserved that.

Again, we look ineffectual against good opposition.

A chain is as strong as its weakest link. On the ball, we just have so many of them.

John Wignall 13 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:42:39

Barry should have scored.

Palace go down the pitch and score.

Palace look miles better

Sean Kearns 14 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:43:36

The Premier League scripted this by booking Dewsbury-Hall 5 times. He's our most effective player and the Premier League knows it….

Play Ndiaye up front and fuck Barry off for good. Badly hope we get Gabriel Jesus in January… Wouldn't mind Doucoure's goal threat right now. Gana, Barry, Beto offer nothing going forward.

Jake is not a right-back who gets up and supplies crosses, so why do we play a target man forward? Our team is so imbalanced and blunt for an elite Premier League team in the biggest sports league in the entire world. It's a borderline piss take…

Barry makes Victor Anichebe look like Pele…. Get Barry off and put Ndiaye up front. This is a fucking joke!! The lad is beyond shit… Get Beto on for the second half, at least he creates opportunities by his own hard work.

Palace have got Eddie Nketiah on the bench, for fuck's sake… I need to know who specifically is in charge of scouting and signing our players. And he/she needs sacking asap. Not even joking…

We call for managers' and players' heads all the time but this goes deeper. Who is signing forwards like Beto and Barry? Ellis Simms was better than both of them.

Andy Mead 15 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:46:56

We can't keep the ball and Barry's first touch is awful. The most basic of skills. Who scouts these players? He is rubbish!

If we don't change something here, we will get embarrassed.

Michael Kenrick 16 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:51:33

Kevin @10,

Asked and answered by the utterly useless Barry.

Next question?

Grant Rorrison 17 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:57:39

At least we know why Turdo Barry and his mate Dibling aren't getting more game time.

Ernie Baywood 18 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:57:48

I remember the Blue Room had a correspondent from Villarreal on after we signed Barry and he expressed a bit of surprise at the signing and the fee.

Sadly, I think he was on the money. I'm not sure how you find a player in there from what we've seen.

Mind you, the other expensive young fella looks petrified too and I've at least seen him play with confidence before.

It's going to take some time to right the wrongs of many years. But the lack of quality on the ball sticks out as soon as we play a decent side.

There was an attack in that half where O'Brien received the ball; played safe to Gana, who goes safe to Keane, who goes safe to Mykolenko. Kind of sums up where we're at. They're all fill-in players at this level.

Playing Barry seems just as damaging to his confidence as dragging him off, so we might as well take him off for the good of this game. If we had an option, then I'd do the same to Dibling. He needs to figure out whether even he thinks he can hack it at this level before we find out.

But I suspect we'll see Beto and just hope things change.

Christine Foster 19 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:58:10

Half time and we were totally outplayed by a better team. If not for Pickford we could have been 3 down.

But my oh my, Barry... should have buried it.

Hard to see where to make changes that will make a difference but they have the run of the middle of the park, by-passing Gana with ease; that has to stop, we are letting them play. We are a yard behind them in mind and body.

Peter Gorman 20 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:59:43

I think it's fair to say that Moyes's ludicrous failure of a result away to Wolves in the cup has torpedoed any momentum we had started to generate.

A typical, avoidable but totally predictable blunder from the man.

Tom Bowers 21 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:59:59

Moyes is ready for the push although we don't have the squad that can trouble any team at the best of times.

Palace tired from their long European trip... so what the hell excuse do Everton have?

Poor so far but surely has to be better in the second half.

David Wall 22 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:00:16

Control, pass, move!!!! It's very simple. Palace putting on a masterclass at the basics of football.

The only player we have that can do this is Grealish... occasionally Ndiaye.

Alan J Thompson 23 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:01:07

Palace are certainly the better team whereas we look half-paced and half-arsed.

Barry looks woeful albeit he'd had nothing to work with for 30 minutes but he should have put us one up just before they scored.

And for that goal, where were our central defenders? Tarkowski nowhere to be found, Keane watching his man, so Mykolenko had to leave his man to stop Sarr(?) just walking through.

If not for Pickford, this would have been all over for a game.

Anyone think we'll see some Moyes half time magic or will the players have to yet again tell him it has to change.

Sean Kearns 25 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:03:51

Beto and Charly on…. I hope Moyes seen here that Beto is the lesser of the Evils and has to be our starting forward full time.

Barry is fucking wank… I hope Beto plays every game and stays fit for the love of god. He's all we have up top.

John Wignall 26 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:05:55

Correct subs.

Come on, you Blues!

Paul Kossoff 27 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:26:05

Barry is 23, he's no youngster. Learning his trade is a bullshit excuse used these days to give a reason a player is not good enough.

The fault lies not with the player, who didn't ask to be paid £50,000 a week on a 4-year contract, and costing £27M, but the highly paid idiot' who sign them.

When we have big defenders in the team, you don't need a 6'-5" striker, especially one who can't head the ball. I called for a 4-3-3 formation with a front three swapping positions to confuse the defence.

I hope Beto plays well today and I'll take a draw against a very good Palace side, but I ain't holding my breath. We should be three-down but, while it's one-nil, we are still in it.

Grant Rorrison 29 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:40:51

Alcaraz has to start games.

He's a far better option than Dewsbury-Hall.

Kieran Kinsella 31 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:02:14

How do you get 8 minutes injury time off 45 minutes but then 5 minutes more injury time off 8 added minutes???!?!

Paul Kossoff 32 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:03:19

Don't know how we won that one, but we did.

Crap first half, great second half. The two Bs not the answer.

Thank fuck we won, what with Man City next, we needed that one.👮👮👮

Joe McMahon 33 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:03:40

Alcaraz changed it.

Relief!

Ernie Baywood 34 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:04:01

Don't really know what to say about that.

Let's go with the positives. Alcaraz's effort and intent changed the game... and we've just beaten a very good side.

Other than that, we were dreadful!

Christine Foster 35 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:04:46

Wow, how did that happen?

Alcaraz, brilliant, we got at them and what a difference, stopped them playing... brilliant second-half display from all.

Happy face in the moonlight here, well done, Blues!

Kevin Molloy 36 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:08:09

It's a black day for whingers and whiners. How to explain away a last-minute win against the form team of the league?

Let me think... 'He was forced into the changes, and got lucky.' How about that?

Grant Rorrison 37 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:08:13

We are 5 points off the top after an absolute balls-up of a summer of recruitment.

Doing alright.

Ernie Baywood 38 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:10:11

Kevin, did you watch?

Kevin Molloy 39 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:10:26

Ernie, yes.

Alan J Thompson 40 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:13:20

What a difference pace and intent make, the penalty coming about by putting the effort into attacking football.

I don't know what happened to Palace as they seemed to drop off but that was probably due to our extra effort of the second half. To be honest, I didn't think we had any chance of winning that after such a poor first half.

For those who don't like Beto, he did far more than Barry in the first half... but Beto did have Alcaraz playing off him and more happening all around him.

Dibling, it's harder to say as not much came his way.

Will Mr Moyes take heed and we see more attacking effort and possibly that second-half line-up starting next game or will it be, "Defend -- it's Man City" and we get a plucky loss.

Ernie Baywood 41 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:14:15

Kevin, then I think you'd realise that there was plenty of justification for whining at that first half display and wanting change.

Lee Courtliff 42 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:15:31

Harsh on Palace but a brilliant end to the game for us. Beto and Alcaraz really made a difference and Jack is clearly our talisman.

Never fall in love with a loan player... too late!

Mike Price 43 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:16:14

We've got to get rid of Barry asap, maybe put out he can't settle in the area and try to recoup a bit of our outlay. The more he's played, the more his value will plummet.

Dibling is a worry too, the fact he's 19 gives him a bit of leeway but I thought he had some pace and he doesn't!

Unbelievable result after a very poor display and a vital 3 points. What a great weekend before the international break!

David Hallwood 44 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:16:54

Phew!

MotM: Alcaraz. Totally changed the game, a nice little cameo from Tim Iroegbunam.

Moyes is going to have to be more Iraola and think first 16 -- not first 11 and subs when needed.

Jake Lucas 45 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:16:57

Grant @37, Can I just tap into your thought process? Not here to say anyone is wrong, just interested to see the thought process.

What about our summer recruitment is that bad? It was clear we wanted a right-back. But there weren't any available after Tete decided to stay.

We have limited funds (due to PSR), so we needed to be sensible with signings. We could have spent up to £40M on a right-back but that would have impacted all other targets.

I don't know... I kind of feel we know there's an issue but circumstances stopped us. Give it 2 more windows and I think we'll be buzzing.

That's just my opinion and thoughts, pal.

Ernie Baywood 46 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:17:03

Alan, we also know what we'll see. Beto starts (and will be shit again) and Dewsbury-Hall comes back in.

There are a few things on the right path but we're still a way away.

Personally, I'd be playing Alcaraz up front, as I said in the pre-match thread. He can link up play, puts in the work, and he's got a knack of making things happen.

Michael Kenrick 47 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:17:42

I think Palace will be livid that they lost that game and with it their fantastic unbeaten run.

We were hardly ever at the races but somehow, a nice rarely given penalty in our favour, and a great move that looked to have failed with a missed Beto header from 2 yards out...

But there was Jack -- whose shots had been poor at best, and who never looked like scoring -- in the thick of it to swing his boot at the critical moment and smash the ball into the roof of the net to win what had looked to be an unwinnable game.

Nothing short of fantastic!

Mike Oates 48 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:18:42

I live close to Southampton and saw Dibling quite a few times. He needs an early ball, preferably on the break, with space around him. Then watch him go and create.

Not sure at all he is going to fit in to our much slower build-up play. He gets the ball already tightly marked with no space to use. Pity... as lad is a real talent when he's on fire.

Kevin Molloy 49 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:19:06

The whine on here has been almost constant for the last three weeks, Ernie. No patience:

Moyes is an idiot, the signings are all shit, he hasn't got a clue.

But then we beat the form team, and they have to pipe down a bit. Until the next defeat...

Tony Hughes 50 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:21:37

Kevin, great result -- but there's lots of issues to be resolved. Moyes will keep us at a level but will never move us forward.

We're desperate for two full-backs, a central midfielder, and a striker.

Set your bar higher.

David Hallwood 51 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:21:48

I remember when Drogba first came to the Premier League and he was all over the place and Mateta looked like he'd been signed from the Dog & Duck or French equivalent. All I'm saying is give Barry a chance to settle.

It's a pity that they discontinued the old Central League, it was perfect to get new players up to speed, as well as not having to send players like Harrison Armstrong out on loan.

Ashley Krotosky 52 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:22:27

For most of that match, you'd have thought it was us that had returned from a hard match in Poland on Thursday night.

Even at the end, we had the players going down with cramp.Is there a fitness issue here?

Thankfully Palace also started to blow a bit by the end, and -- with no small amount of fortune -- we toughed it out.

Obviously as everyone will say about Palace, if you don't take your chances...

(And I think I deserve an assist for taking Grealish out of my fantasy team!)

Ron Sear 53 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:28:54

Interesting comment from Jack Grealish on the BBC:

Link

Steve Brown 54 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:30:43

Moyes deserves credit today for being decisive in his substitutions. When they came on, Beto put himself about a lot more and Alcaraz changed the game.

Moyes did what many fans have asked for, playing Ndiaye at Number 10, but the balance of the team requires a midfielder there. Alcaraz deserves to keep his place for the next game with Dewsbury-Hall slotting in at Number 8.

Dibling and Barry are simply not ready to be first-team starters. That doesn't mean they won't become good players for us.

Alan McGuffog 55 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:36:14

I was a real whinger at half time, I admit it. But was proud of that second half.

Alcaraz had his best game for us and made their defence sweat. We rode our luck against a very good side. Coyb

Jimmy Carr 56 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:42:02

Kevin (49) totally agree, the whining on here from the 'fans' is both depressing and laughable. Nothing new though.

Moyes was forced to make changes at half-time today and he came up trumps. I thought Alcaraz was great and Beto made a difference with his physical presence and effort. We rode our luck though.

I would like to see Moyes make more proactive and positive substitutions when games are in the balance rather than waiting too long. He has some options, as today proved.

Three points however and we've regained some momentum. Always an added bonus when Liverpool lose during the same round of games!

Mike Powell 57 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:42:08

Pickford or Keane MotM...

Although Alcaraz played well when he came on.

Dave Lynch 58 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:42:31

That first half was piss poor, much better 2nd half.

Ref was a wanker with the extras at the end.

Nicolas Piñon 59 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:43:10

Thanks, Alcaraz, for being Argentine.

Moyes finally noting change is the name of the game?

Sweet rewards, huh.

Jerome Shields 60 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:43:11

Moving the play central with the substitutions released Grealish.

Moyes got it right. Someone got to the chip in Moyes's brain. Barry and Dibling showed a lot of promise. Suddenly, the path forward looks different.

Shane Pamplin 61 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:53:21

Why complain? 3 points in the bag...

Well done, boys. COYB

Si Cooper 62 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:54:24

Ron (53), very interesting insights and spot-on analysis.

A great battling performance. Alcaraz showed why it was good we secured his services, and why he should be getting more minutes.

I thought Gana was incredible in the latter stages.

Oliver Molloy 63 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:58:06

I have said this before, Barry just doesn't look happy. The only time I have seen him with a smile was when he first signed -- I know at times body language can be misleading but Barry's just does not express one of contentment.

He's getting a lot of stick, I would say the bulk of Evertonians are doubting him right now, and the expectations of us supporters are weighing heavily on him.

Same with all strikers that have signed for us -- it is probably the most scrutinised position in the team.

I would love him to score, to see his reaction and above all give him a boost.COYB

Nick Jones 64 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:59:11

Dithering Dave managed to get us win, just.

I'll take that. NSNO

Phil Roberts 65 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:01:43

Interesting point from Oliver.

Memories of Moise Kean??

What is it about young strikers and Everton?

Robert Tressell 66 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:04:17

Kevin @49 and Jimmy @56, totally agree too. Reading thread after thread recently, you'd get the impression Moyes was failing to get a tune out of Real Madrid.

He's made mistakes, of course he has. But we're a work in progress with all sorts of flaws in the squad and a lot of new players bedding in. The season will be very up and down.

Brilliant to get the win today -- with some of the unfashionable players (and the consistently brilliant Pickford) putting in a good contribution.

7th in the table.

Ian Wilkins 67 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:06:03

Beto isn't great but he has a nuisance presence that Barry has none of.

It's a big 3 points for us today, fortuitous against a better side that tired after a Thursday European game. Alcaraz made a difference when he came on.

Sorry for Keane, he was having another good game. Right back is a big worry. First half awful, same predictable pattern. Second-half changes gave us fresh momentum. We got the breaks.

Steve Cotton 68 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:06:36

They played triangle passes to perfection and made us chase shadows...

Get that into our training routine, Moyesie!

Sean Kearns 69 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:08:46

First and foremost, our new stadium. It is everything we could have ever hoped for after leaving Goodison. The crowd got the team back into it today and the South Stand sucked the ball into the net just as the Gwladys used to do!

The 50,000 toffees in attendance today did us proud. Alcaraz was brilliant and having been playing football with South American guys for decades, I know exactly what kind of passion he plays with. He was chasing all the balls out of play, helping opposing players with cramp and really hurried the game up in our favour; none of this goes unnoticed.

Beto was a usual nuisance and must be our main striker. Big team effort and we stood up to adversity. That was a good Palace team today, unbeaten in 19 games. The stadium is making a difference in our favour, I have no doubt.

Sean Kearns 70 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:21:28

Also Jordan Pickford was MotM imo…

There's a love-in with Grealish, I get it. But Jordan made a couple of huge saves that are basically goals.

Kieran Kinsella 71 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:23:59

Alcaraz is interesting cause he made a huge impact which has prompted lots of “Why didn't he start?' debates. But since the start of pre-season he has been awful.

Misplaced passes, wayward shooting etc. So there was a good reason he didn't start. But second half, he showed the form we saw from his last season.

Hopefully he maintains it. But it's a good reminder of the difference between a decent player and a great player: consistency.

Ndiaye and Alcaraz look top class on their day but their day isn't every week. That's why we need more depth so hopefully, when they're out of form, it coincides with McNeil's occasional burst of form, and so on.

Christy Ring 72 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:25:43

Grealish said it was the worst first half performance this season, we were rubbish, Palace missed a few sitters, and Mateta looked worse than Barry!

The subs made a massive difference in the 2nd half, Alcaraz was immense and has to start in the Number 10 role after the International break.

Beto also put in a good shift, probably should have buried the header, but a big improvement on his previous performances.

Delighted with the 3 points and hopefully Branthwaite and Röhl will be available after the break, but you have to give credit to Moyes for the changes in the 2nd half.

Jeff Armstrong 73 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:29:36

Credit to Moyes, great use of his squad, decisive subs at exactly the right time.

Although Tim was because of Keane's injury, he was the right player though. He could've brought a right-back on but mixed it up in midfield and it worked a treat.

I'm often critical of Moyes but today he was very good.

Steve Brown 74 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:34:24

Robert, when Moyes makes a positive impact on a game, he gets praise. When his decisions and indecisions lead to defeat, he gets criticism.

That's the job, as it is for every profession. All this ‘whining' nonsense that Kevin peddles is just that, nonsense.

The first half was terrible, but I was pleased that Moyes was finally decisive in making substitutions that changed the game. I want more of that version of the manager, if he is capable of it.

Scott Hamilton 75 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:35:12

Sean (69) - Interesting comments about the South Stand.

I was in the North Stand and the atmosphere was good but I did get frustrated on a number of occasions when those around me did the classic ‘mumble and chew finger nails' rather than giving the players a lift. Old habits die hard I guess?

Kevin Molloy 76 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:40:11

You aren't aware of the whining in the same way that a goldfish is unaware of water, Steve.

Sam Hoare 77 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:41:03

A bit of luck (both in Palace's misses and the fact that they had a long trip away in midweek which saw them visibly drop intensity in the second half) but a good 3 points against the in-form team in the Premier League.

Credit to Moyes for the subs. Alcaraz, Beto and Iroegbunam are all high-energy players who will feed off games with a little bit of chaos in them which is what happened in the second half when we had little to lose.

I'm not sure that means they should necessarily be starting matches but clearly they helped swing the momentum on this occasion.

The first half was worrying and showed a superior tactician at work in my opinion, but Moyes is a fighter and his teams will usually keep themselves in the contest, which means you always have a chance.

I'm not sure the performances leave me hugely optimistic for the future but 8th after 7 matches is a very decent start.

Colin Glassar 78 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:51:15

I followed the game on the Live Forum, at least till half-time. It sounded like we're awful.

So to my joyful surprise when I checked the final score, we actually turned things around.

I'll take a win, however it is achieved. Well done, Everton.

Rob Jones 79 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:52:43

The Masterful Moyes?

You just can't help yourself, can you, Kenrick?

Write the report and save the biased editorial, please.

Jack Convery 80 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:54:16

The Moyesiah got it right at half-time and, thanks to Pickford, it was only one-nil.

Alcaraz was very good in his natural position -- go figure. I was frustrated that Garner was moved to right-back when we have two right-backs on the bench: What for?

However, on this occasion, it worked out as Tim Iroegbunam got the important penalty, that Ndiaye scored with aplomb.

8th as it stands and momentum to go forward but alas another international break. AArgghhh.

Jake FitzGerald 81 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:56:05

Delighted and relieved to see Alcaraz coming off the bench and doing what he was doing best last season. We need that South American gritty attitude from him when heads start dropping.

Brave starting XI by Moyes, and brave and decisive changes at half-time. Now we don't have to suffer a fortnight of endless catastrophising about him.

Ian Bennett 82 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:00:03

Tough game. Make no mistake, they're a good resilient team that is hard to beat. Playing them after Europe did us a huge favour.

The referee was dreadful, and we huffed and puffed for large spells, and offered very little. But we hung in and got some luck that we missed vs Aston Villa and West Ham.

Subs made a difference. Beto, Alcaraz, Iroegbunam all made a difference. There were some around me moaning that Garner went to right-back over Patterson.

For me it was 100% the right call. Garner gave us another player into the midfield when he stepped forward. With the close control of Iroegbunam and Alcaraz looking as lively as I've seen him in a while, the tide turned.

A good 3 points at our new stadium. Great atmosphere and celebrations.

Never felt more like singin' the blues. UTFT.

Rob Jones 83 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:01:56

Usual refrain applies here, by the way: if we'd lost this, there'd be three times the comments by now, telling us all how shit Moyes is and what a disgrace the players are to the shirt.

Anthony Flack 84 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:05:55

Imagine if we had a striker and a couple of full backs.

Good comeback but outclassed in the first half and ponderous moving forward.

I thought Gueye got his second wind from about 75 minutes and O'Brien is a good central defender.

Dave Abrahams 85 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:08:11

"Never in a million years were we going to win that game" was the thought that was in the minds, I'd suggest, of most fans in the ground.

The team were booed off by plenty at half-time and then Moyes made the two moves that I'd suggest again were the moves most fans had decided were the ones they'd make.

The team stunk the place out, with no energy or movement all over the field by Everton. Alcaraz and to a certain extent Beto brought that energy to the team and revitalised the Blues to a certain extent — but Palace should have wrapped the game up with two golden opportunities.

Then we got a penalty that no referee on the field or in the studio could deny and Ndiaye, cool as a cucumber, slotted the ball home. This got the crowd really going and another very good move produced the winner, which Beto should have buried before the ball was slammed against Grealish by a Palace defender to fly into the net.

The realists in the crowd who whined and moaned in the first half also roared the team on in the second half and celebrated that victory with the same enthusiasm as those who thought that we should have accepted that putrid, pathetic first half performance...

A great result and comeback doesn't wipe out that performance but it certainly was very welcome.

What happens next in the coming fixtures will be very interesting: will the decent start to the season that was altered by Moyes's stupid team selection at Wolves be revived by today's second-half improved performance?

Or will Moyes prove he is just an average manager that a lot of us think he is?

Jack Convery 86 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:09:34

Just seen the Glasner interview after the match. The guy is very impressive, as is his team.

We've done very well to beat them, make no mistake.

Grant Rorrison 87 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:18:02

Jake @45. "Can I just tap into your thought process? Not here to say anyone is wrong, just interested to see the thought process. What about our summer recruitment is that bad?"

About half the money was spent on two players that were bollocks once again. We're resorting to bringing players on that were first teamers last season and looked better for doing so.

Apart from that, nothing.

Brian Dagnall 88 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:43:15

I also felt Alcaraz was the key change which created the increased energy in the second half. Beto for Barry was also a pretty good switch (but jeez, he should have buried that header).

Now I know Gana Gueye has many fans on this site but I have never been impressed. I have seen him play some good games, but heavens above, he loses the ball so easily and he just can't make a telling pass. We need a midfield rejig with Gueye on the bench.

I also agree with the guys who say "give Barry and Dibling some time".

Peter Mills 89 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:53:49

Sean#14, interesting that you mention Ellis Simms. I heard someone at half-time suggest he would be an improvement on Barry... his mate said that Sylvia Syms would be!

I'm not sure how we managed to win that game. I was very impressed with Palace: Munoz showed what we are lacking at right-wing back, Pino was excellent, Wharton is a good player. But, as we have seen so often, you have to take your chances.

Alcaraz played very well when he came on. It looks like he may be a Latino “passion player”, not so great conforming to a system but revelling when something a bit extra is required.

Fair play, we battled hard for the victory. I had a chat with a Palace fan after the game, told him I thought we were fortunate to win, he shrugged his shoulders and said it had been a good game which either team could have won.

A bit generous, perhaps, after an awful first half from us.

Merle Urquart 90 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:06:37

Get in blues... not a great performance but it's great being jammy!

Big shout out to Charly.

Kieran Kinsella 91 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:11:52

Dave Abrahams,

It's amazing how luck impacts things. I'm sure you recall the Brighton win was very similar in terms of them having ample opportunity to seal the win.

A year ago, Gary O'Neill got sacked by Wolves after PGMOL admitted his team had been affected by incorrect referee decisions more than any other team, and it was generally accepted they were playing well but incredibly unlucky at either end of the field.

That said, we've always had a raw deal when it comes to luck, so a few lucky wins are well overdue. But I don't think anyone is fooled into thinking Moyes is more than average.

I know the Bournemouth coach gets a lot of praise but personally I rate Glasner much higher as he's spent much less and won a trophy.

Credit to Palace for giving him a shot versus our managerial hiring process which has been:

A) Turn back the clock — Harvey, HK II, HK III, Royle, Moyes II — and hope the Evertonian spirit triumphs.

B) Blow money on a big name: Koeman, Carlo.

C) Firefighter to stay above water — Allardyce, Dyche. Or...

D) Flavour of the month: Walker, Lampard.

In my lifetime, the only manager we've ever appointed seemingly based upon doing due diligence and seeing if he has good ideas, solid track record, and the potential to do more, is Marco Silva.

(I think Gordon Lee was similar but I was only 2 when he got sacked, so I'm excluding him.) And ironically he was hired by Moshiri -- the biggest culprit in making poor decisions.

Obviously he didn't work out and I'm not among those romanticizing his era thinking “What if...” He failed... but he's the type of manager we should be going after, eg, in the Glasner, Frank, De Zerbi mold.

If they don't work out, they're not as expensive as Koeman or Carlo to fire. They offer an upside where Allardyce, Dyche and Moyes don't.

So, massive upside... little downside. But here we are again with another pragmatic, reverse time, bleary eyed Bill type managerial appointment again.

Colin Glassar 92 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:19:22

Was Friedkin at the game?

I heard rumours he was going to be.

Liam Mogan 93 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:21:35

Ndiaye is not a midfielder and I dread to think what would happen if he played this false 9 that a lot of people are shouting for.

Alcaraz changed the game by occupying the space that Ndiaye left criminally empty in the first half. Wharton had a field day. Wasn't helped by Gana running around like a headless chicken. At times, it was like we had no midfield.

Just by having midfielders in the midfield, we got a foot in the game. You simply can't leave that much space in the middle of the park.

John Williams 94 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:30:07

I hope Barry and Dibling can improve, but I have my doubts.

I had never heard of Barry prior to the transfer, but I had seen Dibling, but only on TV, and I was not impressed.

I also think we paid well over the odds for him and should have concentrated on buying a player for one of the other positions.

I think it will be some time, before we see the above players starting another game for Everton.

Dave Abrahams 95 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:35:11

Kieran (91)

I think Gordon Lee came close to winning a title with a team that played good attacking football, was robbed of a cup final game through a Welsh referee's terrible decision, and lost a cup final after three games.

Billy Bingham was another who could have claimed a league title with a less than exciting style and wasn't adventurous enough.

They were both better managers than Moyes but never lasted anywhere near the 11½ years that he was entrusted with and nowhere near the vast wages he received whilst at Everton.

But some like him and think he is a very good manager — mind you, he must think a lot of himself if he thought he was good enough to go to Man Utd. He's got a great ego to think that!

Shaun Parker 96 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:40:14

I have not read all the threads on here but have read some that are throwing Dibling to the dogs already!

Christ, he's had one half of football, how can anybody in any team be judged after one half of football where his team where totally out-played -- and he saw very very little of the ball, I just don't get it.

I do agree with the sentiment about Barry, however; he just seems to be another Moise Keen in the waiting.

Tony Abrahams 97 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:43:34

The first half was above anything else such a very boring experience for anyone who had come to see Everton play.

We could analyse it to death and come up with so many different things that were contributing to such an awful lacklustre display but when words like lacklustre are used, then I think it's usually fair to say it means that the team lacked desire, enthusiasm and energy.

I like Alcaraz and thought his energy made a difference, just like I thought Beto's energy also gave us a better foothold in the game. But the biggest change came about because our best player got injured and had to go off.

Keane has been playing very well but I was actually glad that he had to go off because it meant that Jake O'Brien, who has been struggling badly, was relieved from playing at full-back.

It's obviously easy saying this after the game but I don't think Moyes would have taken off O'Brien and he would have been mad to replace Michael Keane.

Tim Iroegbunam got us the penalty which got us level, and Garner gave us a much better balance without really doing anything effective at full-back except giving us a balance that is sometimes vital; suddenly, Everton began to look like a much more energetic team.

It was great for the fans inside the stadium, and coming from behind sometimes also helps to galvanise everyone.

I couldn't meet Andy Crooks but I'm glad he helped bring us “The Luck of the Irish” on his first visit to Bramley-Moore Dock, and the stadium looked fantastic watching the happy Evertonians celebrating an unlikely victory with everyone pulling together at the end.

Mick O'Malley 98 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:44:57

Someone above mentioned that Barry doesn't look happy. I thought the same about Dibling, he looks so miserable. I'm not writing both of them off by any means but the pair of them just don't look happy.

I'm not one for conspiracy theories and I don't believe anyone has it in for us but where did the ref get the extra 5 minutes from? 13 minutes added on at the end of the game yet, in the derby, it was 3 minutes exactly.

Some fans saying about other fans moaning about the first half when we were dreadful -- it wasn't just the first half, we've played like that since the derby. There's too many good sides in the Premier League now so we can't afford to go on runs of 5 games without a win.

Great to see Alcaraz change the game with his introduction at half-time, playing in his proper Number 10 position and not shoved on the right wing where he is ineffective and doesn't see enough of the ball.

He played himself into the team today, as far as I'm concerned. Great to stay unbeaten in our new ground.

Jeff Armstrong 99 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:48:25

Billy Bingham, Gordon Lee, David Moyes -- all much of a muchness really.

None of them could deliver a trophy, they all bottled it when they got close. I wouldn't rate any over the other personally.

Dave Abrahams 100 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:49:12

Liam (93),

I think Palace cut through Everton's midfield with plenty of ease in the second half as well and only poor finishing and good saves by Pickford stopped them going home with the points.

Alcaraz coming on gave us the energy and movement to at least make us look like a team that could engineer a goal or two, along with making Palace, until they tired, work harder to win the ball in midfield... and I think Beto deserves praise for having a hand in that.

Kieran Kinsella 101 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:49:42

Tony,

I think O'Brien has done alright at right-back as a solid defender... but that's also because none of our opponents seemed to try and run at him and see how agile the big lad is.

Unfortunately, West Ham decided to do that, so that cat is out of the bag and he's an obvious weak link going forward. To be honest, I'm surprised he lasted so long before anyone put him to the test.

Raymond Fox 102 Posted 05/10/2025 at 19:50:13

That win was written in the stars... I said yesterday, get your money on at 6/4.

They were 19 games without defeat -- so they were due a loss. Add to that we are also one of their bogey teams. It's amazing how events happen which fit a pattern and defy logic.

I have to admit, I got cold feet earlier today and said that it would probably finish a draw. I should have stayed with my gut feeling and how coincidences seem to occur.

Tony Abrahams 103 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:00:17

O'Brien, kept us in the game when he cleared one off the line, Kieran, and he has proven himself to be a solid defender.

But I thought it was painful watching him and Mykolenko from an attacking perspective, especially when you could see how fluid Crystal Palace looked with the width and the balance that their full-backs gave them.

Robert Tressell 104 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:00:23

I wonder if, like Nuno last season, Glasner and Iraola will completely bottle it and fail to break through the glass ceiling.

With Man Utd, Newcastle Utd and Aston Villa all struggling again, the Champions League places are there for the taking for these two managers but we'll obviously have to see whether they have the acumen. They'll certainly never have a better chance.

Brendan McLaughlin 105 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:00:45

Jeff #99,

Bingham's career as a top-level manager was very short-lived... Lee had a longer tenure but ran out of road pretty early.

Moyes has held his own mostly in the top flight for a generation or more.

There is no comparison.

George Cumiskey 106 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:01:05

I heard someone say, coming out of the match today, that we were the last team to beat Palace before today...

Is it true?

Jay Harris 107 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:01:56

Liam,

The problem was Palace had 4 in midfield and Grealish and Dibling were hugging the touch line.

Second half, the whole team were much more on the front foot and playing further up the pitch as we played narrower and through the middle rather than down the flanks.

Charly and Beto were a major improvement on the players they replaced.

Kieran Kinsella 108 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:02:11

George,

No, their last defeat was 5-0 v Newcastle.

Bill Gall 109 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:02:32

This game showed that Moyes is good at putting a fire out, but the problem is he starts it.

The second half was a good comeback and showed that there is a good team -- it just needs managing better; whether it is Moyes is up for debate.

This game was a good example of his positive and negative managing.

Kieran Kinsella 110 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:08:33

Tony,

Agreed on both fullbacks.

Robert,

I'd argue Glasner broke the glass ceiling when he won the FA Cup. I'm assuming you're referring to the Champions League spot but a trophy is a trophy.

We are now conditioned to expect the Sky 6 or really just Man City and Chelsea winning every cup that most teams don't even try. But he did and he won.

Iraola, on the other hand, you could argue is a latter day Alan Curbishley. Curbs got Charlton into the Premier League and kept them in it for years as a safe mid-table-ish team but never got into Europe, never won a trophy and eventually fans got tired and drove him out.

Different style but similar story to Pulis at Stoke. If Iraola maintains the sort of “almost got into Europe” thing for long enough, people will likely turn on him too, push him out, then live to regret it when Bournemouth go the way of Charlton and Stoke.

Bill Fairfield 111 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:09:26

Charly played like a winner. His overwhelming desire and fight got us over the line.

What an example he was to his team mates.

Winston Williamson 112 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:35:19

That first half was poor, really poor. No balance to the team, no urgency, no ideas.

O'Brien has been solid, but he's being targeted now. He gets caught up field and has limited pace (against quick wingers) to recover.

We looked so much more balanced once Garner moved to right-back, and O'Brien looked solid in the middle.

Charly Alcaraz does something our other midfielders do not do -- he turns and runs with the ball forward! Towards their goalkeeper! Shock, it gets the fans going and opens up space!

He then makes Beto work harder, as he plays balls into his feet or close for him to run on to… changes our dynamic completely!

Moyes has to find a way of incorporating Charly and Dewsbury-Hall in the same team!

Just before the penalty, you could feel we were going to get something out of this. After the penalty, you could feel a win coming!

Last mention, but Keane has been brilliant so far this season. He looks confident and assured -- I cannot believe I've just typed that!

Jeff Armstrong 113 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:42:00

Brendan 105,

Bingham managed for 23 years, he managed the Greek national team as well as Northern Ireland whom he took to two World Cups, and he managed both AEK & PAOK Athens.

Lee also managed for 23 years, including Newcastle, Blackburn and Leicester City. I'd say they more than hold their own alongside Moyes, although he has won a trophy!

Jeff Armstrong 114 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:46:17

Anyone else on here prepared to give Michael Keane praise for an excellent run in the team?

He's been very good all season, but I would have been happy if he'd have moved on in the summer, but credit where credit is due, well done, Michael Keane.

Stuart Sharp 115 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:49:45

Well said, Jeff. He's been great.

I was very worried when he went off, which says a lot.

Brendan McLaughlin 116 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:51:56

Jeff #113,

Not saying they didn't have very good careers but it was at a much lower level.

Andrew Merrick 117 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:53:36

I'm still reflecting on today's game with incredulity... logic doesn't fit the outcome.

It's a bloody funny old game... West Ham under the lights should have been done at half-time, the same applied today.

But we had a point from last Monday and all three today, a decent home record and some reason to be cheerful... I will sleep well on that tonight and save further comment until the next time!

Andy Crooks 118 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:57:33

Si @ 62 and Oliver @ 63, really good points.

I was lucky enough to be at the game today. When I walked up the steps and saw the pitch, I just thought... wow!! Fucking wow!!

We will get a team fit for this stadium and today was another small step.

Ken Kneale 119 Posted 05/10/2025 at 20:58:19

Brendan -- not sure what you mean by "lower level".

Bingham and Lee could hold their own against the current incumbent who would never have lasted 11½ years at Everton in the era they both served the club.

George Cumiskey 120 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:00:03

Winston @ 112 spot on mate.

Bill Fairfield 121 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:00:35

Michael Keane has been excellent this season.

Along with Jordan Pickford, who has been our most consistent player.

Kunal Desai 122 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:07:38

Fantastic win. Rode our luck at times as Palace had chances to increase their lead but we were due a bit of luck.

For me, Charly Alcaraz is the game changer. If Moyes gave him 30 minutes or the second half against West Ham, we win that as well. He is a busy player always looking to drive forward.

Alcaraz had assisted a number of opportunities for Beto last season so perhaps having him in the side at the expense of Dewsbury-Hall would again provide the linkup play with Beto and bring about further chances for him again this season.

Brendan McLaughlin 123 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:12:02

Ken #119

When I say "lower level"... I mean not the top division.

Moyes is/has been there for 20 plus years?

Bingham? Lee?

Ken Kneale 125 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:21:48

Brenden -- as I say, Moyes would never have lasted 11½ years in an earlier Everton era.

He survived the first period so long and is enjoying his comeback because our circumstances since the Bingham and Lee era have sadly changed for the worse.

Jeff Armstrong 126 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:28:24

Brendan, keep digging that hole.

So 2 World Cups is lower-level management in your world?

Brendan McLaughlin 127 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:35:40

Yes, Ken #125,

But he kept his job because, unlike Bingham and Lee... he was moving the club forward.

Brendan McLaughlin 128 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:38:53

Jeff #126,

Who won two World Cups?

Jeff Armstrong 129 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:48:27

Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Germany, Uruguay and France.

Billy Bingham managed at 2 World Cups.

Tony Abrahams 130 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:49:37

Moving the club forward!

I shook my head and smiled, Brendan, until I read it again, mate.

By the way, thanks for recommending the Irish version of The City Is Ours -- Liverpool version to me, Brendan.

It's rare for me to agree with you, Brendan, but I have to agree with you about Kin, because I found it so much better, like you had stated.

A little bit to much killing, but I suppose that's life for people who make certain career choices, and I was wondering how they got rid of a few of the bodies, until I read what Jeff posted @126! Goodnight!

Terry Farrell 131 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:55:17

Kunai, I agree completely. The debate is over: Alcaraz has to be in the starting 11.

Jordan Pickford once again was top drawer today, we could have been 4 down but for him!

Tommy Carter 132 Posted 05/10/2025 at 21:55:38

@103 Tony

It doesn t matter how fluent they looked. A game of football lasts 90 minutes and, although we were abject for the first 45, we capitalised against a team that were winning in Ukraine on Thursday night whilst all of our players had their feet up with their families.

So, the longer the game went on, the less fluent they looked. Because their good players got tired. And us with a home advantage and a bit of quality, took advantage and won the game.

Barry once again was a 1/10. A truly dreadful performance.

Brendan McLaughlin 133 Posted 05/10/2025 at 22:00:29

Yes, Jeff #129,

For what it's worth, perhaps Billy found his niche with Northern Ireland... it doesn't really resonate with me, nor does it a top manager make, but well done, Billy.

Doesn't mean he could cut it in the cut and thrust of the old First Division... in fact, he floundered. As did many... so no disrespect there.

Ed Fitzgerald 134 Posted 05/10/2025 at 22:02:54

Brendan

It’s all rather academic, I guess but there is little to no chance Moyes would have retained his job back in the 1970s. In his second full season he finished 17th and there is no way the Everton hierarchy of the past would have tolerated that, Kenwright for good or ill was blindly loyal to Moyes.

To be fair to the much maligned Bingham and Lee they both produced sides in 74-75 and 77-78 that were credible contenders for the title something Moyes has never has done anywhere.

In 74-75, Everton’s ability to draw too many games cost us, and we ended up three points behind the champions Derby and lost fewer games than anyone else that season.

In 77-78 we lost three games more than the champions Forest, and recorded the highest home and away wins of the season, and we were a great team to watch., finishing third.

In Moyes best season 2004-05 when we secured fourth place, we had eleven fewer wins than the champions Man U, and that is with fewer games played than in the 70’s.

I don’t think he is a bad manager but he isn’t a messiah either, his biggest impact has been to systematically adjust Evertonians expectations to accept our place as plucky little Everton, punching above their weight.

Derek Thomas 135 Posted 05/10/2025 at 22:04:06

After a busy physical day, I was feeling the pace by 11 pm, the 1st half was dire, it's only a matter of time was my opinion.0-1 time for bed.

We've had way too many poor starts, so I'm not in the mood to praise Moyes for fixing his own fuck-ups -- glad we did though.

He's not a long-term option.

Peter Mills 136 Posted 05/10/2025 at 22:04:13

Andy, I was just reflecting on the day when I saw your post #118 -- I'm made up you got over here.

I was going to surrender my ticket to one of my grandsons, but he was unable to attend as he wanted to play. I've been struggling a bit with the new stadium -- on the one hand, I love it and am staggered that we have come out of the last decade in possession of such a magnificent home.

On the other hand, it has no emotional attachment (of course). The only answer is to develop new memories. The Brighton game did that, it was a great occasion. But, in a footballing sense, perhaps today's added-time winner was a crucial first.

Brendan McLaughlin 137 Posted 05/10/2025 at 22:10:56

Ed #134

Bingham & Lee...

Peters & Lee were more credible contenders.

Bobby Mallon 138 Posted 05/10/2025 at 22:22:26

The referee was the one man who got the crowd going when he booked two players and then Moyes.

That really got us going. That's what changed the game.

Ed Fitzgerald 139 Posted 05/10/2025 at 22:23:10

Hi Brendan,

Lovely nostalgic reference there, Peters and Lee! Perhaps like me you are of an age where your memory fails you???

On 4 April 1975, we were top of the league, with four games to play.

On 25 April 1978, we were 2nd with one game to play.

These statistics would indicate to me that Everton were involved as credible challengers for the title in those seasons???

Colin Glassar 140 Posted 05/10/2025 at 22:24:08

Where's Branthwaite and Röhl?

This is worrying now.

Brendan McLaughlin 141 Posted 05/10/2025 at 22:37:15

Ed #139,

I am possibly of your vintage but my memory is pretty sound and as for stats... not for me mate.

We were always going to be thrown the bouquet in those seasons.

Brian Denton 142 Posted 05/10/2025 at 23:14:07

Brendan,

Agree re 78-79. Although we went top in January, Shite had about 4 games in hand on us, and were always going to win it.

74-75 though we had every chance (as did Shite, and Stoke as well as Derby who won it) It was a very odd season. We got beaten home and away by the team who finished bottom, despite being 2-0 up at Goodison. Everton, that.

Kevin Molloy 143 Posted 05/10/2025 at 23:17:58

just watched that Barry chance again, actually that was quite an awkward ball, bounced right in front of him, and he must have thought the defender was favourite to clear it. of course the best strikers gamble they won't, but that was not the sitter I thought it was at first sight.

also the winner, fantastic work from Ndiaye, and actually Beto did nearly everything right. He was there to take the chance (not sure Barry would have been). he headed it on target, and down, and the keeper makes the save.

Don Alexander 144 Posted 05/10/2025 at 23:21:18

Talk of Bingham and Lee makes me reflect on how I felt when they were with us, and that's disappointed.

Why? Well, at a time when Derby County twice won the league when newly promoted with a host of so-called non-entity players, and when them across the park started to win the European Cup repeatedly until newly promoted Notts Forrest with a host of so-called non-entity players emulated them we, the School of Science, bought a plethora of genuine non-entity losers who won diddly squat. Further, when Howie was first appointed our squad was dross, so let's put a bit of perspective on Bingham and Lee eh?

Moyes under Kenwright was either the leech that drank the other's blood whilst winning diddly squat for eleven years, or was acquiescent to being the blood from which the mega-leech drank as he destroyed OUR club until he found a moron buyer to fabulously enrich him whilst we sunk ever deeper into the mire.

So, I've little faith in Moyes second time around.

Paul Kossoff 145 Posted 05/10/2025 at 00:00:09

Kevin 143. "Beto did nearly everything right." Actually Beto did everything wrong. He went for power, ( from two yards!) instead of placement. His header was straight at the keeper and we got lucky with Grealish trying to block the clearance. Again, how we won that one I don't know. Same as the Brighton game,we rode our luck. I wish Everton would stop this shite of only trying in one half.

Rob Hooton 146 Posted 06/10/2025 at 00:06:59

Paul, I’d say somewhere in between - very rare for a keeper to make the save when it’s headed down at that pace, a cracking header and a great save.

Didn’t expect to win today so over the moon, the second half performance was fantastic (apart from the chances conceded, but at least we were going for it).

How can Moyes drop Alcaraz, for the impressive KDH? Can’t see how we can accommodate both without losing a winger, but Grealish and Ndiaye are our best outlets. With Grealish ineligible against City, will we sacrifice a winger for more in the middle?

Can see this team improving as the season goes on, if we are lucky with injuries. Worried about Keane going off, he’s been such a strong asset this season so far and proved many of his naysayers wrong.

Si Cooper 147 Posted 06/10/2025 at 01:49:38

Paul (145),

It's ridiculous to say Beto did everything wrong with his header. The only thing wrong with it was the placement but the goalie still had to have his wits about him to keep it out.

How did we get ‘lucky' when Grealish did a good job on following up and getting his block in? There must have been literally thousands of goals scored that way at the top level. It's good play and gets rewarded on occasion.

I acknowledge Michael Keane's current form but he is still essentially the same player he always was (often got too much criticism) and so I was not too bothered when he went off, and I am not worried about the centre-back pairing if he's out with injury for a while.

Jake O'Brien is as competent as any other we have barring Branthwaite. They all have the odd mistake in them.The biggest issue if neither Keane nor Branthwaite are available is who plays right-back.

Steve Brown 148 Posted 06/10/2025 at 05:57:51

I think David Moyes created his own luck in the second half, as much as we rode ours in the first. He has rightfully received criticism, including from me, so well done to him.

He chose a team many of us would have selected, but it did not work first half. Barry lacked any confidence, Dibling was starved of the ball and looked tense when he got it. He made the right changes at half-time.

It also reinforced for me that the current squad quality means we require a midfielder playing Number 10 and not a forward. Ndiaye did his best, but we need someone comfortable to drop into midfield and add numbers. Dewsbury-Hall or Alcaraz going forward should get selected there.

Also, on Beto. He played with aggression and energy when he came on and fixed the centre-backs in position. I wish he could recognise the physical power he has compared to many centre-backs.

Tony A hit the nail on the head when he said Garner gave the team a lot more balance when he moved to right-back. He can take a ball from the centre-backs and link up with midfield, even if he doesn't push on aggressively. He can also cross the ball into the box, which Mykolenko struggles with.

It may be a sacrifice, but I would consider playing him right-back for a period. O'Brien has done his absolute best there, but I think teams are now targeting him as a weak point and doubling up on him.

Andrew Clare 149 Posted 06/10/2025 at 07:29:47

For me, Alcaraz has got to be in the team. He was a major factor in our revival when Moyes took over last season. He carries the ball forward making defenders uneasy.

Bar one or two positions we have a very talented squad. Our main problem is Moyes. He is hit and miss with his tactics resulting in losing games we should have won.

The ‘78 team should have been Champions. Great to watch and full of quality.

Tony Abrahams 150 Posted 06/10/2025 at 07:34:10

I know what you're saying, Tommy@132, but because I was at the game, I think there was a lot more to it than that, mate.

Dave Abrahams 151 Posted 06/10/2025 at 09:35:57

Andy (118), Great that you made it to Brambly Moor and seen it in all it’s glory— brought us that Irish luck as well Andy— we’ve never lost when you’ve made your first visit to one of grounds!

Sorry I couldn’t make it to see you, Tony wanted to see you as well but I hold him back getting me to the ground although it’s not too bad getting there it’s walking back up that bleedin’ sloping Boundary St. that slows me down.

Hope you are well Andy but I can imagine you when we scored that winning goal and coming out of the ground on a ‘high’ I bet you could have flown home without a plane! Beat wishes and good health as always Andy.

Dave Abrahams 152 Posted 06/10/2025 at 09:52:17

Jeff (99) I think Gordon Lee was a better manager than Moyes and he was definitely more handsome than him!

Danny O'Neill 153 Posted 06/10/2025 at 10:14:10

Probably me, but I'm trying to submit an article from yestrda, but can't find the link I used to use. Can anyone help?

Bob Parrington 154 Posted 06/10/2025 at 10:18:12

Thank you Everton for winning this match, regardless of how you achieved it. I watched the game on Stan this morning with my younger brother in Victor Harbour here in south Australia, both wearing our Everton shirts. He is 15 years younger than me (I'm 77) and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 3 weeks ago. He's been given 3 to 6 weeks EOL. The win, from a potential maybe 5 - 0 loss, really made us both happy.So, Thank You Everton!!!!

Jeff Armstrong 155 Posted 06/10/2025 at 10:22:00

I don’t disagree Dave 153, not sure about the looks department though, I think both of them did well out of Halloween 👻

The whole Bingham, Lee, Moyes debate carried on cos Brendan thought there was “no comparison “ that Moyes was the better of the three, I tend to think they are all much of a muchness, there certainly is a comparison imo.

Dave Abrahams 156 Posted 06/10/2025 at 11:40:43

Jeff (155) Brendan was correct in the fact that were was no comparison, there wasn’t, Bingham and Lee were proper managers with no ego, Gordon even let it be known that he didn’t like McKenzie and his antics, the fans didn’t like that did they and it put in a bad spot from the start, not with me to be honest.

Kevin Molloy 157 Posted 06/10/2025 at 11:52:55

Actually Michael I think you answered your own question.

You queried why Moyes was delaying the introduction of a teenager into our team, and then in the same breath labelled another new starter ineffectual when he'd had one start to his name.

With such a rush to judgment, is it any wonder Moyes thinks long and hard about how he's going to introduce young players to this bear pit?

Brian Denton 158 Posted 06/10/2025 at 12:38:53

Dave Abrahams 156:

I remember back in 1977 meeting a fellow-Evertonian who didn't rate Duncan McKenzie. I couldn't believe it.

My reaction was similar to Brian Labone's [reportedly] when he was told that Kanchelskis was finding it difficult to decide between Everton and Middlesbrough -- a sort of goldfish-like open-mouthed astonishment.

Ditto the way a more recent Duncan arouses mixed emotions among Evertonians. I guess it's all about opinions, Saint.

Edward Rogers 159 Posted 06/10/2025 at 12:39:37

'Endured' the 1st half, then 'enjoyed' the 2nd!!

Obviously the introduction of Alcaraz was a game changer, but I thought that Grealish was a lot more direct yesterday, cut inside at pace a lot more which seemed to baffle his marker(s).

Whilst still not perfect by a long way, it's a much better watch than previous seasons in my opinion. Small steps and all that.

James Hughes 160 Posted 06/10/2025 at 13:09:04

Bob P, send my love to your brother

Raymond Fox 161 Posted 06/10/2025 at 13:18:31

Andrew @ 149, how can you say Moyes is our main problem.He did well when he took over from Dyche last season. We are sitting in 8th at the moment with most of the teams above us you would expect to be there. I think we are overachieving as a team this season.

Some fans critisising individual players and the teams performance don't seem to take into account who they are playing against, especially as we are playing with a reduced and patched up squad at the moment.

Michael Kenrick 162 Posted 06/10/2025 at 13:33:15

Kevin, yes, it can be unfair to judge players when we have only seen them a few times... but I think the bloke to whom you allude has actually appeared inevery single game under Masterful Moyes. And for my sins, I've watched them all, thanks to the miracle of television.

You may disagree but some of us I suspect have been able to make an all too clear and accurate assessment of what this bloke can do for the team. And sadly it doesn't amount to much.

With almost a quarter of the season gone already, I would offer that such a "rush to judgment" is anything but.

Mike Gaynes 163 Posted 06/10/2025 at 13:40:35

Andrew #149, I think anyone thinking we have a "very talented squad" is wearing rose-colored glasses the size of manhole covers. For all our improvement we are still one of the slowest teams in the Prem and lack scoring ability. And as Raymond points out, your Moyes comment is... off target to say the least.

As for Alcaraz having to be in the team, my question is simple: In place of who? Grealish, KDH or Ndiaye?

Jake FitzGerald 164 Posted 06/10/2025 at 13:45:39

Bob # 154. Sorry to hear about your brother. That’s a really tough one for a family to bear.

Ian Jones 165 Posted 06/10/2025 at 14:03:49

Hi Bob, that's really horrible news for your family. Puts football into perspective.

With apologies for adding a football comment on this post in light of the above there's just under a fifth of the season gone so far, not almost a quarter. Michael, perhaps when we've reached a quarter, you'll be able to make your judgement on firmer ground. :)

Andrew Clare 166 Posted 06/10/2025 at 14:04:52

Raymond,

I am speaking from a tactical point of view.No doubt he has done very well since he has arrived.

Yesterday he got it right in the second half with his substitutions.

In the first half yesterday he got it completely wrong and we could have been 0-3 down by half time.

In other games- our neighbours and West Ham he got it wrong.

Yesterday by accident I think he found a very effective formation by having more midfielders on the pitch.

Control midfield and you control the game.

I believe we have quality players who can be very effective in the right formation. It’s the manager’s job to get that right.

Raymond Fox 167 Posted 06/10/2025 at 15:45:54

Andrew I agree about your comments on the midfield.

The opposition are not passive though, they have their own plans to be successful. As I said before it depends a great deal on how good the opponents are, one or two very good opposing players can make all the difference to the result.

I think we need another three class players before we can seriously challenge the top six teams.

Derek Taylor 168 Posted 06/10/2025 at 16:28:29

On admittedly limited evidence, we have at least six members of the first team squad who, for various reasons, are not up to Premier League standard.

Most were signed by the recently expanded recruitment team - a flop if I ever saw one! Patterson, Aznou, Röhl, Beto, Barry and Dibling all unlikely to contribute much for a very considerable outlay!

Brian Harrison 169 Posted 06/10/2025 at 17:15:04

I thought Adam Wharton was immense in midfield for Palace and to think Tuchel prefers Jordan Henderson unbelievable, mind he doesn't think Bellingham warrants a place in the England team. For 70 minutes Palace dominated and the game should have been out of sight, but as the old adage goes if you don't put away your chances when on top then don't moan if it comes back to bite you.I have to admit I would have picked the same starting line up and many of us before the game were suggesting Ndaiye play in the 10 role. But Moyes realised the players starting the game were way off the pace, and fair play to him for making the changes at half time, the boo boys couldn't criticize you for leaving the substitutions too late. Alcaraz who had to be subbed at half time against Wolves in the Cup, produced his best display in a blue shirt. He chased and harried and forced Palace into mistakes. He also had the confidence to carry the game to Palace. I think most of us thought we were a bit lucky to pick up all 3 points, but in the last 20 minutes that's probably as good as we have played all season.Also how nice for Michael Keane that he got a standing ovation when he sadly had to come off, what a great piece of work extending his contract was. Will be interesting given Alacarazs 2nd half performance to see our line up in 2 weeks against City. I would just say I felt a little sorry for Dibling as apart from one cross nothing seemed to click for him, and young Barry who has played a few games looks way off the pace, if we had signed him for 10/15m I would suggest we sent him out on loan but at £27m it would leave egg on somebody's face if we did that. Finally delighted Grealish got his goal, yes a bit fortunate but he was in the right place to block the clearance.

Dave Abrahams 170 Posted 06/10/2025 at 17:43:38

Brian (158) I think different fans want players to play in a different way, McKenzie was a player who entertained the crowd, for me, at the expense of the team, he played for himself not the team— so if I wanted to be entertained I’d have gone to The Empire or The Philarmonic Hall, he was famous or the match against Stoke at Goodison is often recalled when he held onto the ball beating four or five players, taking the piss really, and he did that while going ‘ across the field sideways and he’d moved the team up the pitch by a yard, sorry I exaggerate, a foot!

Duncan Ferguson was an idol when we had no one else to cling onto—I liked him a few times when we played Liverpool or Man.Unt. when he was up for it —plenty of other games he wasn’t and did next to nothing, as his goals record for Everton might prove. A few times he wasn’t sent off at his leisure, an idol has to be consistently good in my opinion and definitely has to be a team player.

Rob Dolby 171 Posted 06/10/2025 at 18:07:48

Mike 163,

Alcaraz could play instead of Gana Gueye and let kdh play centre mid next to Garner.

Moyes has competition across the midfield for the first time in a while.

He has no competition for places up front or at the back.

Alcaraz is the nearest thing we have to a Cahill. He actually wants to impact games and not just pass sideways.

Brian Harrison 172 Posted 06/10/2025 at 18:49:21

Dave, absolutely agree about both players, as Joe Royle said of Ferguson he was a legend before he was a player, and as you say picked his games to shine in. McKenzie a show boater who produced very little and was far from being a team player. Dave you and I are very lucky we have seen some truly great players for the Blues were the younger generation have been starved of great players hence why Ferguson and McKenzie were idolised by some.