Everton got a penalty gift against Bournemouth but it turned sour with two poor goals given up before Jake O'Brien rather harshly saw red | OneFootball

Everton 1 - 2 Bournemouth

Everton got a penalty gift against Bournemouth at Hill Dickinson Stadium but it turned sour with two poor goals given up before Jake O'Brien rather harshly saw red as the last defender in this Tuesday night horror show.

David Moyes has given a first start for the Blues' newest signing, Tyrique George who is on loan from Chelsea for the remainder of the season with an option to join permanently in the summer.

Dwight McNeil again misses out on the matchday squad, eight days after his failed move to Crystal Palace. Seamus Coleman is also absent from the squad.

First Half

The visitors kicked things off but Everton made most of the early running without threatening their goal and it was Evanilson who had the first weak shot. Playing out was a mess, though and Christie's shot was blocked. A long throw-in saw Sensi go down but VAR cleared it before a Nournemouth corner that they worked around, then out behind.

Everton got forward, Ndiaye's cross headed away, but they kept up the pressure, but O'Brien's longthrow was headed behind. Dewsbury-Hall was fouled in midfield, playing it up to Ndiaye who eventually got a corner, Jiminez causing himself an issue.

Garmer swung it to the far post, Petrovic punching out to Gana, who returned it with interest, Ndiaye flicking it in at the near post but immediately flagged for offside: no goal... but Everton were playing forward and pressing high.

Ndiaye benefitted from a loose pass, only to give it straight back to the opposition. Everton worked to rebuild from the back but it broke down too easily. Mykolenko drew a foul to halt Jiminez.

The play became very flat, George unable to keep the ball in. Everton went back to Pickford but again George was blocked as they tried to build. Branthwaite was next with a terrible forward pass, allowing The Cherries to advance, Pickford gathering the cross.

George had some better possession across the back but Mykolenko was no match for Rayan Everton tried the high press but Gana got an elbow in the face and had to go off for treatment.

Finally, after a very poor spell, it looked like Dewsbury-Hall had played in Barry but he just showed no desire to win the ball. The Cherries responded, Mykolenko fouling his man. Toth humped it harmlessly to Pickford.

Dewsbury-Hall got forward and cut back a cross to Ndiaye, but it just bounced off him. George got a little space and Dewsbury-Hall was bundled down by Adli for a free-kick 35 yards out. Garner wacked it and the keeper fumbled it but Barry's attempt to make an easy conversion was horrible.

But Everton kept it up and a low cross was banged goalwards by Ndaiye but Petrovoc pushed it onto the post and away.  At the other end, a dangerous Bournemouth attack was repelled and George tried to play Mykolenko in behind but it was way off.

A physical tussle between George and Jiminez was called wrong by the referee, then Dewsbury-Hall and Gana ran into each other.  Dewsbury-Hall looked to break out but George was sandbagged by Jiminez and Evanilson might easily have scored but his shot was weak and deflected to Pickford.

Dewsbury-Hall got forward again but was fouled. Garner played it short and George tried some trickery but overdid it. However, Branthwaite in competition with Rayan was clipped inside the Bournemouth area and penalty was the immediate decision of the referee. Iliman Ndiaye slotted it inside the post, beyond Petrovic.

That changed the mood completely after some febrile moments as the crowd had wanted so much more. Some tremendous interceptions were required by Gana, the second at the expense of a corner in 3 minutes of added time, but it didn't beat Garner, the first defender.

Ndiaye and Truffert clashed as they fought for the cleared ball, and Everton went in at the break with the goal advantage.

Second Half

Garner restarted the contest. Ndiaye tried to play forward but Barry had gone yards offside.  Ndiaye anticipated a Petrovic gift, but Barry could not convert under close attention from Hill, who did well to deflect Dewsbury-Hall's effort over the bar.

The Everton corner was played around but didn't yield another chance, but the corner was clever, flicked on at the near post by George but cleared. The Cherries were penned in well until Ndiaye was deemed to have slid in on Christie.

Bournemouth got forward but offered no real threat. Ndiaye and Barry worked it forward well, Ndiaye crossing to Barry with surely an open goal! But somehow he hits Jiminez with his shot whoch is blocked away.

At the other ende Truffert drove a shot wide, perhaps off Tarkowski. Rayan then got past Mykolenko, who appeared to clip him but no penalty. A double change by Irola.

Bournemouth played it around with increasing confidence, Truffert beating Ndiaye before swinging over a great cross to Rayan who leapt to tower over Mykolenko and power a superb header past Pickford. A double change by Moyes.

From a free-kick, a dreadful defence, Pickford nowhere near it, Hill heading back across to Adli who made no mistake with his header. A massive inquest required.

Everton applied good pressure but the attack broke down and Jake O'Brien ran in to Adli. It was a long way from goal but O'Brien was the last man and it was an automatic red card. In the space of 5 minutes, the entire gameplan was in the toilet.

Everton tried to play in but Dewsbury-Hall could not see anyone moving and he was sandbagged, Bournemouth countering and Tarkowski having to stall them.

A good ball forward to Mykolenko resulted in a poor cross that evaded Beto, Ndiaye heading behind.

The 10 men of Everton kept playing it forward, but the cross to Ndiaye was just too high. Still, Everton won acorner but it was horrendous... cleared out to Garner who sliced his shot horribly high and wide.

Dewsbury-Hall tried to work it forward but it bounced back off Beto and Bournemouth cleared. The next attack saw an Armstrong pass too easily intercepted. Garner tried to make things happen, Dewsbury-Hall throwing himself down but never a penalty.

Ndiaye got a cross to Beto but his header lacked power and was easy for Petrovic. A good delivery from Garner was headed poorly by Branthwaite. Everton were pressing hard but it just wasn't working.

A Bournemouth counter looked dangerous but Unal made a mess of it and Everton recovered. Garner tried a looping ball upfield but it evaded Armstrong's control. Still Everton kept trying to push up, Gana with a snapshot that deflected behind.

The Everton corner was dropped into the mixer but headed out. Garner couldn't get a shot on the clearance. Mykolenko got a cross in that almost created a chance, Everton getting another corner with time running out, but it was well cleared.

Gana found Branthwaite whose shot was deflected behind as 5 minutes of added time were shown. Armstrong could not get enough power on a double header from the corner.

Bournemouth countered but were stopped in their tracks as each side made added-time changes. Garner swung in a cross but there was no header on goal. Everton kept trying but Bournemouth were determined not to yield.

A late late free-kick saw Pickford up but he could not control the ball in to him and the whistle blew on an absolute disaster of a home game.

Everton: Pickford; Mykolenko (90+3' Keane), Branthwaite, Tarkowski, O’Brien [R:69']; Garner, Gueye; George (60' Armstrong), Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Barry (60' Beto [Y:66']).

Reader Comments (212)

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John Collins 2 Posted 10/02/2026 at 18:31:11

Made up the kid is starting, I thought he would be on the bench.

The stage is yours, young man. Credit when due to Moyes.

Craig Walker 5 Posted 10/02/2026 at 18:40:06

About time we took one of these chances in a home game to push on.

Hope the crowd get up for it and the lads on the pitch step it up. We have to win games like this to build any sort of momentum.

Rob Hooton 6 Posted 10/02/2026 at 18:43:18

Probably the strongest team we can put out, with the caveat of the arguments in favour of Patterson and Armstrong.

Moyes has plenty of options on the bench, will we see some earlier changes at 60 minutes to freshen things up? Doubtful but you never know.

Win this and we could realistically chase in 5th if we have a lucky good run, which makes me fear the worst (we often seem to lose when such opportunities arise).

Still, I'm going 3-1 to the Blues with Barry, Ndiaye, and a set piece for us! COYBB!!

Tony Hughes 7 Posted 10/02/2026 at 18:45:47

Let's get after these early doors.

Our home record is really poor, 4 wins out 12 so we need to get a flyer and no early gifts. Let's pop our cherries!

Paul Clements 8 Posted 10/02/2026 at 18:59:40

Fairly obvious line-up, Moyes could have been a bit braver with dropping Gana for Rohl or Armstrong.

Glad to see George come in, excited to see what he offers from the start.

Paul Griffiths 10 Posted 10/02/2026 at 19:11:12

Agree Christy

Neil Cremin 11 Posted 10/02/2026 at 19:24:22

I would prefer to see Rohl again after his display against Villa instead of Gana.

I would consider Armstrong a bit too loose as a defensive midfielder.

Paul Kossoff 12 Posted 10/02/2026 at 20:03:20

How the fuck did that lemon miss that?

Nicolas Piñon 13 Posted 10/02/2026 at 20:08:09

Gana is a passenger.

Filipe Torres 14 Posted 10/02/2026 at 20:23:18

Ndiaye looks tired, George looks like he hasn't made pre-season, Dewsbury-Hall as well, very inconsistent physically. Thank god we are ahead, but the physical form is all over the place as a team.

I don't think the front trio has gelled, they lack understanding and cohesion.

Andrew Ellams 16 Posted 10/02/2026 at 20:56:09

Shit themselves at home again.

Filipe Torres 17 Posted 10/02/2026 at 20:57:28

Four years! Four years and Mykolenko, Tarkowski and Keane still don't know they have to go and head the ball.

Four years and they still wait to see where the ball goes... Four fucking years!! Amateurs!!

Lee Courtliff 18 Posted 10/02/2026 at 20:58:24

Jesus Fuckin Christ!!

Andrew Ellams 19 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:00:43

Absolute bottle merchants.

Joe McMahon 20 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:02:31

Well, he has to play Patterson now.

He should have started.

John Wignall 21 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:05:56

That's two poor goals conceded.

The team and tactics are just not good enough... bottlers.

Les Moorcroft 22 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:09:01

Do people not get it? Square pecks Square holes. It's not rocket science.

Did any think we were going to win tonight? They always score. That means we had to get 3 tonight to win. When was last time we scored 3?

David Moyes is a boring knob.

John Wignall 23 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:09:56

Said all season 2 full backs are not good enough for me its the stystem we play

John Davies 24 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:12:18

What will dithery David do now?

Les Moorcroft 25 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:24:33

John 38 get told by people for some reason he is a great manager. Fossil. That's why the borde will not give him money.

Michael Kenrick 26 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:34:04

Well, that turned into an absolute shot show, didn't it?

This bloody Premier League drives you mad, anyone can beat anyone, and nothing can be taken for granted.

Mal van Schaick 27 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:34:29

A shocking home defeat when we could be pressing for a European place.

Moyes has to take some blame for that shit show.

Craig Walker 28 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:35:36

We actually played better with a man fewer. We look better when we try and attack. Too often at home, we are too passive. Barry and Beto are not good enough and we let the window shut.

Tarkowski, Gueye and Mykolenko need releasing in the summer.

Kind of knew when it went to 1-1 how it would end.

Christy Ring 29 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:37:46

Should have been over at half-time, we will rue the Barry misses.

Two mistakes, 2 goals, shocking... and O'Brien sent off, with Tarkowski in no man's land.

So we didn't need a striker or full-back in the window? Bullshit.

Rob Hooton 30 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:40:20

Ah, bollocks.

Woulda, shoulda, coulda - a bit like Fulham against us, we should have been home and dry before they got back into it.

Andrew Bentley 31 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:41:26

Where do we start with that shit show. Poor in the first half (both teams), we get a penalty, and then think we will kick on... but in the second half it all unravels in 10 crazy minutes.

Barry misses a sodding sitter (not even mentioning the one in the first half), to potentially put us 2-0 up and game to bed. Then Mykolenko doesn't even challenge at the back post to let Rayan score and then what the hell were we doing on that free kick? Blame squarely with Pickford for that one as he is completely in no-man's land.

Then O'Brien off due to terrible defending and allowing Bournemouth to break through easily. Game over. Never looked like scoring.

Absolutely fuming. We were so so poor. Not one player tonight looked to have a good game.

Just when we have the opportunity to kick on, we do a textbook Everton move and throw it away. It's the hope that kills you!

Edward Rogers 32 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:42:30

Can anyone tell me what the difference was between Armstrong getting called offside when he never touched the ball, yet the Bournemouth guy is offside, tries to head it but misses?

Mike Price 33 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:44:24

Europe would be a disaster for this club, miles too soon. We still need a few more wins to be safe and it's a miracle we've got so many points with our terrible strikers and no full-backs.

Surely we've got to consider Iraola in the summer.

Annika Herbert 34 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:46:21

To be honest, Moyes can't really be blamed too much for that defeat. Terrible misses by Barry and some pretty awful defending.

But why does he persist with O'Brien at centre-back? It must be so easy to play against Everton because everyone knows exactly how Moyes will set us up.

Iraola saw his tactics weren't working and was proactive. Moyes is only ever reactive. Didn't some of our Moyes backers tell us how the so-called young, progressive managers were all below us in the table?

Well one of those progressive managers has just rolled us over. Six games without a home win is bloody disgraceful!

Sean Kearns 35 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:49:18

2.83 xG and 1 goal says it all. Thanks. Barry lad.

These two clowns up front are killing us!!!

Liam Mogan 36 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:49:35

As someone who goes to home games, the terrible home form is depressing.

Brand new stadium bounce has quickly turned into a soulless experience. The style of the team and the lack of intent doesn't get the crowd off their feet either.

It's different for those who attend away games, as they have experienced some joy. But for the 40-odd thousand who only get to Bramley-Moore Dock, it's becoming an unbearable chore.

Kieran Kinsella 37 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:57:05

Moyes refuses to trust anyone with a hint of creativity in central midfield. So we see Armstrong following in the long line of players including Osman and Arteta shoehorned into being wingers.

Moyes also believes only central defenders can be in defense and that it's preferable to have another defender playing in center-mid.

These issues -- plus his complete ability to improve any striker during his entire career -- are why we are stuck in this boring pattern of plucky wins and woeful defeats.

Andy Meighan 38 Posted 10/02/2026 at 21:59:00

Absolutely dreadful. That back 4, Branthwaite apart, is a disgrace. Tarkowski has been a decent servant but now is error-ridden.

O'Brien is never a right-back and never will be, Patterson done well when he played there but it's obvious Moyes doesn't fancy him; he's got no option but to play him now.

As for Mykolenko, a very weak limited footballer who looks like he's still making his way in the game. He's a seasoned pro now and should be a lot better than what he is, time for Aznou now but I won't hold my breath.

I'm not going to comment on the 2 strikers other than they are an embarrassment to Everton Football Club.

Sean O\'Hanlon 40 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:01:18

Moyes is turning Everton into a joke club. How long will it take this idiot manager to realise Barry and Beto cannot play football???

Good luck to those wanting to "get behind the manager". In all honesty, will it improve our football club, which Moyes is taking to mid-table mediocrity or lower?

That's 5 home defeats. Goodbye Everton.

Barry Williams 41 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:07:20

Villa Away - A balanced side - a balanced right side with Patterson and Dibling - get a win - changes it!?

Why?

Mike Price 42 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:09:43

We've got to get rid of Beto and Barry asap. Talk them up, take a loss if you have to.

Let Mykolenko go and do not even think about giving Coleman another contract.

Sell Dibling or loan out, sell McNeil and Patterson.

Rip it up and start again!

Bill Fairfield 43 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:11:28

Awful centre forward, when you think of the stick some of our players get on here.

Barry gets sympathy every week. He's garbage. He can't play football.

And he's cost us three points tonight. We have the worst centre-forwards in the Premier League. Forget any fanciful ideas about Europe.

Tony Hughes 44 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:11:46

We don't have enough goals in the team. Barry has a strike rate of nearly 1 in 6, nowhere near the return required. Beto is no better.

Dewsbury-Hall and Ndyiae have chipped in but there's nothing from the rest of the team, a smattering from the defence and I think Garner in his Everton career averages a goal every 33 games. Just not enough threat in the team.

James Fletcher 45 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:11:52

We really should be playing a right-backwhen they're both fit.

Also, how the fuck do we concede two headed goals when we have 3 centre-backs on the pitch?!!

James Fletcher 46 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:12:52

Gana and Ndiaye both looked absolutely shattered too

Tony Abrahams 47 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:13:39

A very hard watch. Boring, with a capital ‘B'. I feel sorry for the people who have got to travel far to witness that very abject football.

Barry should have put the game to bed, but our limitations are constantly being exposed at Bramley-Moore Dock, unfortunately.

Jim Bennings 48 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:13:39

Same shite... different home game.

You can't play another year with the lack of full-backs and the cross centre forwards we have, you can't expect progress if you do.

It's also time up for Gana I feel now, you can see more and more now the games are catching up with him quicker.

The new stadium, the whole match-going experience for fans must be horrendous now, terrible place to get away from, hard getting in and having to watch endless failures at the brand spanking home, this wasn't what it was supposed to be like.

Ian Wilkins 49 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:13:52

I think we have to be honest: Bournemouth, a small club by comparison, recruit on a different level to us (they just can't afford 11 of them).

They have to rebuild every Summer, having sold their best players. And they do, and they are well coached, play better football than us, and are better managed.

They were the better team tonight and we were a mess. Our forwards… Barry in particular tonight, I'm lost for words. Not alone, however; we were poor all over the pitch…

Josh Horne 50 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:16:53

Shit players, old players and shit old players make up half that team.

No wonder it's the same old shit.

Jim Bennings 51 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:19:40

We just have to accept we most likely won't be winning another home game this season.

Hopefully 8 more points at least away to consolidate mid-table.

Tony Abrahams 52 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:21:26

I have just come home from the game, switched on my iPad, and the first article I came to probably sums up David Moyes better than anything else.

He was saying he thought that the Premier League have been a little bit unfair on both Everton and Bournemouth, and felt that, with both teams having a free weekend because they are both out of the FA Cup, that maybe they could have given them an extra day's rest and played the game on Wednesday night instead.

Quite plausible, but when you're watching players running out of steam, then why doesn't he use more substitutions, considering what he has already alluded to when he was complaining???

Kunal Desai 53 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:23:07

I believe the last manager that had a decent home record of over 10 home wins was Marco Silva in 2019.

The home form isn't just down to moving to a new stadium. It's been like that for a number of seasons now.

We'll need to bring in players who can play on the front foot with intensity and pace.

John Reynolds 54 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:23:35

I'd like to commission a feasibility study on the possibility of swapping with the women and going back to Goodison….

Tony Hughes 55 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:24:52

The transfer window was crucial to address the gaps in the squad and we failed miserably.

George has replaced Grealish but McNeil won't play for us again after the Palace fuck-up, so we're in effect a player down before the window opened.

Shit show from TFG and the "recruitment team".

Ralph Basnett 56 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:34:30

I genuinely think we have to drop Barry and Beto and play Keane upfront, far more attacking threat.

John Collins 57 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:41:51

We have a manager in charge who prefers his team not to have the ball.

He's more comfortable when the opposition are in possession.A few do it, Dyche included.

Bill Fairfield 58 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:51:06

Just who scouts strikers for our club? We sign an awful player in Beto, then go and do it again with Barry.

In my 60 years, they are the worst I've ever seen, even worse than Bernie Wright.

Mark Murphy 59 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:52:01

Tony, I travelled a “long way” from the south coast in great anticipation of a home win and kicking on from two good away results (not performances). I wish I'd fucking stayed at home.

So fucking disappointing, it's beyond words. What is the fucking point of Everton now?

Ray Jacques 60 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:52:03

I'm still happy with the season after the past 5 years, but bitterly disappointed after that.

The mentality whenever there's a chance to kick on and acheive is missing something. Whenever there is expectation, they cannot deliver; I don't know why.

One up at home and in control, but over a season, the absolute lack of a proper centre-forward is going to cost you points. Tonight, 2 up and the game would be over.

Perhaps the lack of ambition to resolve the dire forward situation is related to the failure to deliver when expected as the malaise over mentality runs through the whole club.

I don't know what it is that brings success but we just don't have it.

Filipe Torres 61 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:53:04

Fools!! Fools! Fools! It's not the first time an Everton player (one of the idiots you know) is outjumped near the goal line, while in front of the opposition player.

I don't care if you ban me. It's been happening for years, and the muppets who coach and manage and earn millions still don't see it,.. shocking!! Sad! Disgusting!

I don't care if they perform, every now and then, but half the team has no quality to even stay in the Premier League: Tarkowski, Keane, Patterson, Mykolenko, Gana, Barry, Beto...

I don't understand why they always gave the ball to Ndiaye, they had George on the left, but always turn their heads to Iliman.

I saw it happening a lot of times this season, in the Wolves game at home, they always gave the ball to Grealish and forgot Dibling was on the pitch: same story, different characters, so something doesn't feel right.

Tony Abrahams 62 Posted 10/02/2026 at 22:56:00

I didn't see it like this, John, because surely a team that is set up to play without the ball shouldn't be leaving huge gaps all over the park?

I'm going to bed anyway before the return of service is given by the so-called Anti-Moyes brigade after reading so many posts from the Pro-Moyes group after Saturday's victory.

We could have been out of sight but we ended up looking a sorry sight... but at least we aren't looking over our shoulders.

Mark Boullé 63 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:00:15

Just wondering if the O'Brien red card could turn out to be another of those moments, common under Moyes Mk 1 and Dyche as well in fact, where the right team selection, seemingly staring everybody apart from the manager in the face, is forced upon him rather than chosen by him...

Patterson will now have to start and it's only Man Utd at home under the lights next, could be the making of him...

I would love to know what Rohl has done wrong since a promising first start too! Dibling and Aznou he will just never even try, even though the team is desperately crying out for pace and youthful fearless abandon!

Actually, Seamus will probably make one of his rare starts v Man Utd. Premier League experience you know...

Not a great time to be playing them as they surge into form under Carrick. But we have got to find a way to crack this home game malaise and very fast, pressure (and inability due to stupid selection, no pace and appalling excuses for "strikers") to get results at HDS already getting to the players big time, you can tell.

Tony Abrahams 64 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:03:14

I admire your dedication, Mark, and when I was having second thoughts about staying at home tonight, it was the people like you, who travel great distances for a home game, that actually made me put in the effort to leave my house at five to seven, and I was actually back home 3 hours later.

I understand the importance of winning but the money that people are paying for the complete lack of entertainment must be something that a lot of people must be beginning to question right now, mate?

Tom Bowers 65 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:05:10

No good over-reacting to this result.

At home again, they, as usual, stuttered in the first half an a hour and got lucky with the penalty but cannot shut up shop defensively.

However, the bottom line is always the same thing -- poor offense especially finishing.

Everton have not been defending well all season but sometimes they get lucky and one goal gets them out of jail but today they ran out of luck after the red card.

It seems Barry just isn't the answer, and Beto similarly, but Moyes is persisting with what he has and it's not good despite a few lucky results lately.

A perfect chance to get above RS for once and of course they blew it.

Next up: yet another home game against Man Utd and, unless they tame Fernandez, it will be a tough game to get a result from.

Mark Boullé 66 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:07:51

Still, at least Cole Palmer takes the headlines from Barry tonight for appalling misses...

He was virtually under the crossbar and managed not to score!

Mike Powell 67 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:07:52

We have the worst two strikers I have ever seen at this club, and we have had a good few bad ones.

The two chances Barry missed were dreadful. I don't want to see him or that other lump Beto again. We need to put Alcaraz or even Keane up front.

I'm fuming... fuck off, Everton, you have been letting us down for 30 years.

Oliver Molloy 68 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:08:09

Röhl, Iroegbunam, Dibling, Alcaraz on the bench...

Alcaraz should have been on in place of Barry up front at 60 minutes -- good feet, can shoot and head the fucking ball even Keane, try something different for fuck sake!Rohl or Iroegbunan in place of Gana, who is clearly looking off it, as is Ndiaye -- Afcon taking it's toll.

Yes, Barry missed again - great defending for his second chance.

Terrible defending from all our "giants" and both Mykolenko and Pickford could have done better with the first goal. Same shit different day with Moyes -- always reactionary, never proactive.

I bet our manager's message to the players is the same every week: "Don't lose it" -- and I bet Iraola message to his players is: "Go try and win it!"

Are these owners ruthless enough to show Evertonians they care? Have some fucking balls and let Moyes wander off, no matter what position we end up.

Iraola is available right now for free -- we would be the perfect club for him.

John Collins 69 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:09:59

There are only 3 teams in the Premier League with lower possession percentage, Tony.

My take on your point is he's not even getting that right.

Andy Mead 70 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:13:00

Same old Everton. It's been happening for over 30 years now. Every time we get an opportunity to push on, we shit the bed.

O'Brien at full-back when we have a full-back on the bench, Armstrong on the wing whilst we have 2 wingers on the bench.

Strikers haven't been addressed in the window. The owners are shysters. We have thrown away a great chance to get into Europe.

When the impetus is on us to create and attack, we are lost. Hence why the home form is shite and the away form is good. This season will just drift away and we'll all celebrate an 11th or 12th place finish.

Hooray!

Mark Murphy 71 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:14:48

Tony, I had a great trip. Some lovely Glaswegians on the train up.

I met my youngest son, who has exorcised his demons to grow to be a lovely young man, and then met some ToffeeWeb legends, and Rob Halligan as well, before the game.

Then a football match broke out and ruined my day.

I can accept that shite if we come away with a last-minute point or win on the road... but the team we have should be winning home games like this without breaking sweat.

This was absolute shite. No excuses.

Mark Murphy 72 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:17:08

In summary...

A great day out -- ruined by a game of football.

Colin Malone 73 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:18:24

Barry and Mykolenko are just not good enough.

Jimmy Chesney 74 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:19:28

The intensity we played with after going down to 10 men should be expected every home game. Are the players tired?

Also, I think one of our many midfield players should be playing up front for the remaining games. The chances missed by Barry and Beto this season are costly.

Andy Meighan 75 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:21:13

Mark.

I admire your dedication travelling up so far, especially on a foul night like that. I only live in Huyton and was home for 10:30, so I don't envy your journey home after that shambles, unless you're staying over.

I knew once they equalised, they'd go on and win it, because our so-called senior pros are a gang of cowards. I won't name them but you all know who they are.

We are so awful in possession, it's quite embarrassing. No pace, no cohesion, no fluency... in fact, we actually create very little, maybe 2 or 3 chances a game, especially at home.

Ndiaye and Gueye have looked out of sorts since Afcon finished and have offered next to nothing. Yes, Ndiaye -- who I love, by the way -- has his moments... but he's offered next to nothing.

I know who I'd like to see line up against Man Utd but Stubborn Davie won't change a thing. I'm seriously thinking of giving that game a swerve because I think this ground move has been a curse already, and I'm actually sick of the place, even this early on.

Andrew Bentley 76 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:25:45

Drop Dewsbury-Hall back to play alongside Garner as, since Gueye has been back, Garner's performances have dropped off massively.

Then you can either play Alcaraz in front of them or keep Dewsbury-Hall in the 10 and play one of Rohl or Armstrong alongside Garner. They proved at Villa they are good enough.

Then keep the faith with Tyrique George on the left and let's hope the 13 days before our next match is enough to revitalise Ndiaye as he is nowhere near the levels he was at when he went to Afcon.

You may as well blood in Armstrong, Rohl or Alcaraz now as the season has gone for us, and get more minutes for George and Dibling to get us ready for next season. We can't rely on Gueye for next season (again!!)

David West 77 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:29:45

Seems like the players feel the pressure big time from the home crowd. This ground needs a game of intensity, it's all too pedestrian from Everton. The crowd are trying, the team is just uninspiring at home!

I couldn't tell what the plan was today, other than pass it back to Pickford to belt it forward, for Barry to fail to flick it to no one, because no one's near him.

Bournemouth weren't good, didn't create loads but punished us with only their two decent efforts.

As some have posted, now might be a time where needs mean the right team falls into place through suspensions, and the manager sees Jake O'Brien should not play right-back. I'd play Garner every week first as we have loads of central midfield options.

I thought they couldn't waste another great opportunity to stamp our claims for Europe, but why would we hope? It's Everton after all.

Les Callan 78 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:30:12

Anyone else think that Garner will play right-back next match?

Rob Dolby 79 Posted 10/02/2026 at 23:32:49

Another hard watch tonight. Both Bournemouth full-backs and their reserve full-backs are better than what we have.

We have 2 strikers who are the worst in the Premier League so it shouldn't surprise us when they miss chances game after game.

A mad 10 minutes turned the game on its head. Do we ever score goals like we conceded tonight?

Their young Brazilian winger looks a player and gave Mykolenko a torrid time.

We have the makings of a half-decent team but then we have some right donkeys alongside them.

I wouldn't bother playing either striker again, I have had enough of both of them.

Play Ndiaye as a Number 10 and pack the midfield.

John Pickles 83 Posted 10/02/2026 at 00:12:22

Bournemouth were the worst Premier League team I have seen here so far this season, so it was a tough ask to lose the match tonight, but credit where credits due, they found a way.

I have been to most of the home matches this season, and I have yet to see a team worse at passing a football to a colleague than Everton. Short and medium passing is shocking, the opposition seem to manage it no problem, so why can't we?

Also marking, every Everton player has an opposition player breathing down their neck as soon as the ball is passed to them. As usual, Bournemouth players had the freedom of Hill Dickinson Stadium when the ball was played to them.

Despite only having to defend on a few occasions tonight, Captain Hindsight and his merry band of losers managed to royally cock it up. If only he was as good at organizing his defense when a threat emerges, as he is as shouting at all and sundry afterwards. Both goals were a gift-wrapped disgrace.

I can put up with Barry receiving the ball, resembling what happens when someone throws a ball to a newborn giraffe, when he is at least, lethal in front of goal, but not when he misses 3 sitters. We had at least 6 good chances tonight, none converted, another disgrace.

Mark Murphy 84 Posted 11/02/2026 at 00:14:09

Andy, cheers but I'm snug as a bug in a rug in the Atlantic Hotel. Having declined the anticipated celebratory dinner.Whether you're local or not, match-goer or not, that was a painful watch and to me brought some home truths painfully to the fore.

Our much vaunted central defence is really not all that. Both their goals were amateurishly defended.

Our promising attack isn't really all that promising. It's shite. A few goals in La Liga doesn't make a striker the next Lukaku (or even Niasse). Barry is an awful footballer, full stop.

Mykolenko isn't good enough, nor is O'Brien (neither at right-back nor centre-back). Tarkowski is past it and we need to clone Gana Gueye, cos without him we're fucked!

Watching Keane thrown up front at the end was embarrassing. Chasing a goal at the end with the attacking talent we still had on the pitch and they hadn't a clue.

Mark Wynne 85 Posted 11/02/2026 at 00:34:05

I know some don't like knocking Moyes because of where we are in the table, but my main issue is his brand of football.

Nights like tonight are unbearably bad, but even when we win, it feels like you're having your teeth pulled. I don't think I have smiled during a game since Carlo and we know Moyes well enough to know what will happen even if he's here another 10 years.

No pushing too hard for Europe; no “over-exposing” of young players, substitutes at the death, and in some cases designed to preserve a loss, and consistent dampening of expectations.

I want to be entertained once in a while. Now and again, I would like to see us have more of the ball than our opponents. I would like to see evidence of a Plan B or C and less of an over-reliance on some players because of a fear of trying someone different.

I'd like to go into a derby with a manager with a have-a-go attitude rather than a “Well, they're better than us, let's not try to lose by too many” approach. Moyes is a dinosaur and it shows.

Chris Davies 86 Posted 11/02/2026 at 00:52:36

The tactics(?) were interesting when we went to 10. Jimmy Garner at right-back stepped into midfield like TAA or John Stones have, Gana seemed to drop in, and it felt like we weren't a man short. To my eyes, anyway??

Tbf though, it always feels like we're one short with Jake O'Brien at right-back -- not to mention whichever lump is up top, thus feeling like we're two short..

Jay Lewis 87 Posted 11/02/2026 at 00:53:05

Has to be put down to Moyes's stubbornness or ignorance. Patterson should have been the right-back -- not O'Brien.

I think Keane should've played instead of Tarkowski or maybe given Jake and Jarrad a go to see how they would get on.

Tyrique George did okay, he was exciting on the ball and didn't deserve to be taken off.

I said the other day that Gana Gueye looks tired and I don't think he should've come straight back in for Rohl. It seems Moyes just selects his favourites.

It was good to see Mykolenko get a few crosses in but Armstrong just isn't a winger and it was a bad decision to put him out on the left.

I wish people would chill out over Barry, he's a young player who couldn't even speak English at the start of the season. I'm hoping he will come good but agree we should have got a proven striker in. But Beto is the one who should be legged, he's absolutely wank.

I went down for a pint at half-time and it was great to look at the table and see us above the redshite for all of 20 minutes. If Moyes had just picked the right players, we could have been above them for a little bit longer, so I blame Moyes on this one.

Phillip Warrington 88 Posted 11/02/2026 at 00:58:09

Once again, a decent striker and we would be praising the lads on another win. But we must have the most toothless set of centre-forwards ever to put on a blue shirt.

If the owners are serious about this club, then they will search worldwide for a half-decent striker. I know people are going to blame Moyes but, let's face it, had we had a decent striker, we would have been 3-up, then, all of a sudden, the pressure is taken off the defense and confidence grows.

It must be hard for our outfield players when they're working their butts off only to see centre-forwards who miss sitters and can't keep the ball.

People will say "tactics" but it wasn't the tactics that lost us the game. It was forwards who missed sitters and two defensive errors that cost us.

Phil Lewis 89 Posted 11/02/2026 at 01:02:50

Its a disgrace that Michael Keane was dropped against Bournemouth. He's been one our most consistent performer all season.

Personally I'm actually relieved that O'Brien is facing a ban, as Moyes will surely be now forced to play Patterson at right-back, where he should've justifiably been all along.

Every manager in the Premier League except Moyes knows that playing O'Brien at full back is our weak link, with Mykolenko a similar proposition at left-back. Teams continually target our flanks and we are subsequently punished.

Their teams continually exploit O'Brien's weaknesses. He's been well sussed out. Branthwaite must play left-back for the time being as Mykolenko is a liability. Tarkowski should not be exempt from being benched just because he's club captain.

But for the time being, I'd go with Patterson, Tarkowski, Keane, Branthwaite, as my back four. Garner, Gueye, Dewsbury-Hall and Armstrong across the middle and push Ndiye and George up as my strike force. Good old-fashioned 4-4-2.

Because time has run out for both Beto and Barry now. Only a fool could possibly believe that there is still a footballer in either of those pathetic big galloots!

Keith Harrison 90 Posted 11/02/2026 at 01:11:41

Just got home. Sick of seeing us beaten at home again, apart from Mansfield.

Moyes Out for me, his tactics are as baffling as apparently Sorensen's were: square pegs, round holes etc.

He needs to take McNeil, Mykolenko, Beto, Barry, Tarkowski and Gana with him. Sorry mark M (84), but Gana has been replaced in my eyes by any of Garner, Rohl or Armstrong, but I agree with all the other parts of your post.

Next game: Patterson, Keane, Branthwaite and Aznou our back 4.Rohl, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall midfieldDibling, George and Ndiaye up front.

Never happen in a million years with our manager unfortunately.

Nicolas Piñon 91 Posted 11/02/2026 at 01:14:22

I'll bet all my earnings we'll lose our next home game... and at least I'll win something!

Pathetic.

Sean Kearns 92 Posted 11/02/2026 at 01:23:04

If Everton and Roma both qualify for the same European competition, then the Friedkins have a problem akin to Crystal Palace last season where only one team can enter the competition.

Why does it feel like Roma are the fucking priority here!!! They don't want us getting into Europe, they just want to make money and finish around 10th place with hefty gate receipts and increase in player values.

Sean Kearns 93 Posted 11/02/2026 at 01:39:35

Nice to see Donyell Marlan getting a nice brace for Roma... and we're stuck with fucking Barry!!!!

Us and Roma both occupy league positions near the Europa Conference League places. The Friedkins are making Moyes play Barry and Beto to keep their values up.

Moyes is famous for playing a false 9 when his forward options are shite. He used to play Cahill up top, and Bowen at West Ham etc.

I can't believe that, with how ruthless he is, he wouldn't drop Barry and Beto for a midfielder. I'm sure he's being told to play Barry by the big dogs upstairs.

Don Alexander 94 Posted 11/02/2026 at 02:50:34

Moyes since being re-appointed has long chosen to go on record to state he is the one to consent to signings.

That being the case (or is it the true case? - because this is Everton after all, appealing to acquisitive owners for decades on account of an evidently somewhat malleable fan-base, to put it mildly, I'm sorry to say, despite me and many other fans recognising the cancer within us for decades) and a self-serving acquiescent manager when it comes to avowing ownership and boardroom credibility.

Just who decided to sign Beto, Barry and Dibling for nigh on £100M? Other clubs of no comparative football history having consistently spent way less for way more?

I have no hope this season of anything more than a corrupt bung from the self-aggrandising Premier League shysters on account of whatever league position we end up in and, infuriatingly, I don't think that, without way more savvy signings, we'll be any different next season.

Alan J Thompson 95 Posted 11/02/2026 at 03:59:46

I've only just finished watching the game and haven't read any comments but to say I'm disappointed would be an understatement.

In the first half hour, both teams pushed the ball around... Bournemouth slightly more confidently, but the only troubling of any keeper in that time was a save by Pickford.

Moyes definitely doesn't get any blame for this as what can you do when your preferred striker misses a couple of sitters? I can't even bring myself to think that he was at least there to miss them.

As for their goals, the first looked like Pickford's ball all night and given how Mykolenko half pulled out and Pickford's lack of his usual reaction, he thought so as well, does anyone know if Pickford actually called for it?

As for the second, the offside rule has to be sorted out. If an attacker deliberately stands in an offside position from a free kick, should it matter if he actually plays the ball if it passes near to him? If not, then it won't be long before all defenders line up on the goal line. And again, there is a case for Pickford claiming this one as well.

Starting to get a bit like your holidays, Bournemouth or Europe?

Bob Parrington 96 Posted 11/02/2026 at 04:18:06

I agree with those on here mentioning that Gana and Ndiaye look tired.

They should have been rested after Afcon!!!!

Steve Brown 97 Posted 11/02/2026 at 04:26:29

Alan @ 95, agree the current offside rule applied to set-pieces is hard to understand.

We benefited at Brighton when they had a goal disallowed from a set piece -- I didn't know why it was ruled out -- and I thought Bournemouth's second last night should have been ruled out. When a rule is too difficult for pundits and supporters to understand, it needs to change.

Three other observations on another terrible home performance:

1) No-one in their right mind can still think it was a good decision to allow two transfer windows to pass without signing full-backs.

2) We have the worst strikers in the Premier League with Legs Akimbo I and II.

3) As admirers of both, I do not understand how James Tarkowski and Idrissa Gana Gueye continue to be picked based on current form.

Derek Knox 98 Posted 11/02/2026 at 04:59:13

Some very honest assessments and observations, Mark W @85 and Jay L @ 87, share my feelings exactly and I couldn't have put it better.

There is no curse on Hill Dickinson Stadium, by the way: it is the way Moyes selects his teams and their inferior attitude in comparison with the opposition.

I have always said of Bournemouth, their attitude is spot on with their 'never say die' nature, and they keep going till the final whistle.

Iraola's contract is apparently due for renewal in the summer. Moyes (allegedly) said he was only here for 18 months, coincidentally. I would love to know if TFG are even considering him as a Moyes replacement? I sincerely hope so!

Si Cooper 99 Posted 11/02/2026 at 06:10:41

It seems I'm seeing a lot of our games markedly differently to others.

I thought that was a terrible result but not actually a terrible performance overall.

The Man of the Match (deservedly) was one of their defenders.

A for effort but F for finishing led to us not getting anything from one of the few games this season we clearly deserved more from.

Again, the calls for Patterson without any details of exactly what he would have brought to the game that we definitely lacked. Pointing out the results of other games is meaningless; that isn't how things work with ever-changing opponents bringing different challenges with each game.

Small margins just tipped against us today. Barry just concentrating on a solid finish, not anticipating the last millisecond recovery of the defender and countering it by aiming at the inside of right hand side post; a perfect, inviting cross from a full back who had otherwise done practically nothing offensively; an extremely subjective red card for a foul out wide and a long way out.

People saying they just saw the same old negative approach are simply ignoring facts. We had a majority of possession and created enough good quality openings (two things that typically haven't been true this season) to have deservedly won this game.

They had a purple patch of a maximum of 10 minutes in the second half and scored 2 goals. That was a huge set-back but we didn't give up or stop looking to score at any point, even after having a player sent off.

Yes, the bottom line is the result... but that shouldn't be allowed to obliterate all that was positive, any more than an undeserved victory should be rapturously received.

Jim Bennings 100 Posted 11/02/2026 at 06:17:12

Derek

I can't see Iraola coming to Everton to be honest.

Unless TFG can promise to back him with immense money and play a blinder when interviewing him.

There will likely be at least four top jobs available this summer that will look more appealing to him than us. I hate to think the likes of Spurs are but I think the London thing swings it for them.

Derek Knox 101 Posted 11/02/2026 at 06:45:51

Jim @ 100, I think any savvy manager must regard the Tottenham post as a poisoned chalice.

Many decent managers have been appointed and failed, or sacked before given time to turn things around!

Jim Bennings 102 Posted 11/02/2026 at 06:54:44

Possibly, Derek, but you can say the same about our job in many ways.

As every year passes, Everton fans are growing more expectant and more demanding -- and that's to be expected, by the way: 32 years without a trophy, millions spent on not getting a good side.

It's as hard a job as any here now.

Ian Bennett 103 Posted 11/02/2026 at 06:55:16

We should have been 4-nil up. But instead got done like Fulham with piss-poor defending.

Decent cross, but Mykolenko loses his man way too easily, and then the 2nd is poor with Pickford in no-man's land. They took their chances; Barry & Ndiaye didn't.

O'Brien looked poor in possession and went for a deserved red. Whether he was right-back or centre-back, he's got to be better in that situation rather just bringing his man down. The lad was still a long way from goal to dribble with the ball, and he could've used his pace in that situation, I'd have thought.

Disappointing result at home once again.

Laurie Hartley 104 Posted 11/02/2026 at 07:05:02

What a disappointment!

Another opportunity down the swanny.

Sean O\'Hanlon 105 Posted 11/02/2026 at 07:32:29

Si Cooper @99. Were you watching the same game?

Of course it was a terrible performance! 2 players worked their socks off for Everton: Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall... forget the rest. We were playing at home, for fuck's sake!

Barry is useless. Absolutely no football brain -- like his manager. What'll be Moyes's strategy for the next game?

"I'll shuffle it round a bit so supporters think I'm a real manager. Hmm, yes, I'll start with Beto, then sub him late on and bring on Barry. That should do the trick! Alcaraz? Who's he?"

Paul Murray 106 Posted 11/02/2026 at 07:40:46

Poor finishing and a mad 10 minutes stopped us from a win.

I actually thought Bournemouth were poor but fair play to them -- they took their chances and kept at it. I really don't see the clamour for Iraola... he's a decent manager, done a good job at Bournemouth, but is he really any better than what we've got?

He got sacked in the Cypriot league too I remember. I'm not a big fan of Moyes but he's doing a steady job and we have definitely improved under him. Although I admit going to home games is painful and definitely not entertaining.

But, hey-ho, at least we are not down the bottom for a change. If we do decide to change managers, I'd rather have Fabregas than Iraola.

Tony Abrahams 107 Posted 11/02/2026 at 07:45:59

Mark @71, you have just given me the justification, if any was needed, not to beat myself up if I stay in the house in a couple of weeks!

The day out, or two if you stay over, is brilliant; it's actually what we live for (or used to in my case) but the football is often shite. I've lost count of the number of times I've been out of away grounds and back on the ale within the hour, but you carry on going because it's a lot more fun on the road (especially if you're on the train) and you meet some wonderful people.

John @69, that makes a lot more sense because we are such a poorly set-up team at Bramley-Moore Dock. One of the major things that stuck with me last night was when we were attacking towards the Bournemouth goal, passing for passing's sake, in a similar position to where Mykolenko sold Harrison short just before O'Brien got sent off, and I heard about 1,000 voices, all shouting out the same word, coming from the south stand.

Football is all about movement, so when you hear a thousand voices shouting “Move!” -- all at the same time (not "Fuckin Move!" -- which is what I was saying to myself under my breath), then I knew it was time to get moving myself, because I didn't want to get stuck in traffic after watching such a mundane performance.

Christy Ring 108 Posted 11/02/2026 at 07:53:25

Why can't he pick a team and put players in their proper position? He's ruining Armstrong now playing him on the wing.

I mentioned yesterday, he shouldn't play Gueye, two games in 3 days. Garner and Dewsbury-Hall at 8 and Armstrong at 10 was the perfect option, but Moyes is too static and rigid and won't give an opportunity to certain players...

Can he not see also how poor Tarkowski has been, and the amount of mistakes he's made this season?

Paul Griffiths 109 Posted 11/02/2026 at 07:59:12

Only just watched the game on replay, drinking more wine than I planned. I notice that Kevin Molloy has not shown up to defend the indefensible home record.

Thoughts...

I thought that Harrison Armstrong looked good when he came on, even though he was out wide and drifting inside.

Early doors, but I saw very little in George to get excited about.

Barry was appalling. My sympathy for "that is what it is" has one or two drops left. That glorious first-half chance was tragic and comical. He didn't even hit it to the right towards the goal but to his left... pitifully, sadly, out of play.

That said, it was so sad to see Barry head in hands and shirt for so long after he was subbed and, on the multiple times the camera was on him, not a single one of the team-mates offered him any sort of consolation.

Beto's 100th game for us. How? Does anyone get a stream of excitement when he comes on to replace Barry? But like Barry, he tries. Bless.

Will Moyes ever dare to play a false 9? Ndiaye could do that. George has played there too. Could it be any less worse if we were to see Garner, Armstrong, Dibling, George, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye?

For fuck's sake, play Patterson at right-back, not just because Jake got a red but he is the better option.

Mykolenko had two good games in a row.

Keane & Branthwaite rather than Tarkowski & Branthwaite?

This game showed again just how negligent that last window was. TFG, for the second window in a row, failed to redress critical issues and left us in a tricky situation. But don't worry, our company megaphone tells us that we will have a bumper dynamite summer and it's all part of a big plan. Boss.

In Saint Daniel the Absent we trust.

Another depressing home performance, no matter what Si (99) said, but good for you for posting that. ISDTAWT.

John Collins 110 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:01:51

Christy,

He is making the players fit the 4-2-3-1 system he likes.Most managers go with a system that suits the players; I don't think we have played really well this season using his system... We've been over-ran and out-numbered in midfield on many occasions this season.

Is he too stuck in his ways to adapt the system?

John Collins 111 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:05:04

Tony,

I agree, we are the most pedestrian team in the Premier League.

The lack of options for the man in possession is shocking and has been for some time.

Ray Jacques 112 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:05:04

I'll just cut to the chase.

If our centre-forward was anything better than utterly useless, then we win the game easily.

Ian Bennett 113 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:07:26

The game was incrediblly congested in the first half, and I saw nothing in that Bournemouth side to suggest Iraola will be anything more than a Thomas Frank.

They look dangerous on the break, but so does any team that has a bit of pace.

The first cross in was decent but the performance was more poor play from Everton than a tactical genuis on their side. Certainly how they had such little ball and chances in the 2nd half, which could have seen them squander 2 points gifted.

I was surprised by the subs. Armstrong to the left and an early change by Beto weren't what I expected. But Jimmy Garner played very well in a right-back and centre-midfield mesh. I thought we'd lose something in midfield, but he just worked a double shift.

Absolutely furious over those 2 goals and the red card. Really poor play.

Question marks over full-backs, Gana and centre-forward continue to be raised again. O'Brien banned against the Mancs. Will it be Patterson, Garner or another random at right-back?

Mike Powell 114 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:12:03

Still fuming this morning after yet another defeat at home... we should of been out of sight.

Don't get me started on Barry, him and Beto should not play for us again, the pair are useless. Mykolenko and Tarkowski have both been awful for most of the season. Why does Tarkowski keep his place?

I'm sick of this club, but it's a love-hate thing -- I can't stay away.

We love you, Everton, we do. Or do we...???

Ian Bennett 115 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:17:08

If Branthwaite plays left-back, they don't score that goal.

If Patterson played right-back, he probably doesn't get sent off.

An argument to play centre-backs at full back, but like Morecombe & Wise said, not necessarily in that order.

Whenever the expectation rises, we crumble. Everton all over.

Paul Griffiths 116 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:39:45

Was anyone else sad, dejected, disgusted, by the number of empties all over the ground?

The answer is not only corporate shite and tourists.

John Collins 117 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:43:01

I've given it a miss a few times this season, Paul.

The football we play is depressing.

Darren Hind 118 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:44:41

Christy.

You have been screaming on a weekly basis for Keane (our best defender all all season) to be dropped. Not once have you called for Tarkowski to be ditched.

You and many others got their wish last night.... This is what it looks like - Although I'm still half expecting a couple of posts blaming Keane for the Bournemouth goals.

Now is the time to look to the future. The penny really has to drop at some stage. Even for those who defend Tarkowski religiously.

He has been finished for some time now. He will continue to struggle No matter who he partners.

Mike Corcoran 119 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:44:58

Nothing controversial to add... Moyes as pissed off as us in the presser.

Both strikers added together don't even make one Stracqualursi. Time for false 9 type shenanigans with one of our 'wingers' going in there.

Patterson is not the answer but he is more of a sticking plaster than Jake O'Brien.

Paul Griffiths 120 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:45:04

And the shite weather, John, down there on the river...

And the wind, mate.

Mike Corcoran 121 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:49:14

The dad and girl next to me fecked off at 66 minutes. The atmosphere in the four times I've been has been sad and desperate.

No wonder... like going to see a band you love who turn up pissed, out of tune, and bereft of rhythm.

John Collins 122 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:54:45

Tarkowski is finished? Possibly.

Keane never got started imo.

Are you saying we would not have conceded the goals last night if Keane was playing?

Paul Griffiths 123 Posted 11/02/2026 at 08:57:21

Not one but nearly all of my mates who go the match talk about BMD as depressing. I've only been to one from 3000 miles away and that was grim. I hated the concrete concourses and the commercial daylight robbery plaza and the soulless walk up the Dock Road.

Ah, Goodison Road and the people!

Remember that Arsenal had a tough first season in their brand new stadium. But we have been fucking abject at home.

Anthony Dove 125 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:06:12

29 goals for; 30 against. Our games must be the hottest ticket in town.

I can't imagine the thought of Moyes being here next season.

Darren Hind 127 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:18:48

"We'll play a higher line" you said -- but there was 10 men in and around our box for the first and 11 deep inside our box for the second.

"Keane to blame for all the mistakes", you said - Good luck with that accusation today.

"Keane never got started", you said, Yet it is pretty much universally accepted that he has been our best defender this season... pretty much. You always need to make allowances for those who keep exonerating Tarkowski's howlers.

Like I say, you got your wish. Now you know what it looks like.

John Keating 128 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:19:00

Shocking surrender, both front and back.

Surely now Barry has had enough chances and is only used on the bench - at best

No doubt the experts will have an answer but still not sure the difference between O'Brien's disallowed goal against Villa and last night's second?

Paul Griffiths 129 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:22:35

John, 128, I'm on your side mate.

But 'Surely now Barry has had enough chances and only used on the bench'.

Who replaces him?

John Collins 130 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:25:42

I didn't say "Keane to blame for all the mistakes" -- another fabrication from yourself to add to a growing list.

I would play Branthwaite and Tarkowski next game without hesitation. I already know what it looks like when Keane plays.

John Collins 131 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:35:49

"We'll play a higher line" You said - but there was 10 men in and around our box for the first and 11 deep inside our box for the second.

Their second goal was from a free kick well into our half, their centre halves up for the free kick.

How would you have liked to see us defend that free kick if you are not happy with 11 defending the free kick?

Paul Hewitt 132 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:39:53

Anyone else think the new ground might be too big for us?

Steve Brown 133 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:40:26

Nope.

Brent Stephens 134 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:42:18

Nope.

Allan Board 135 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:46:17

If Barry is a striker, then I'm bloody Frank Sinatra! (I do a bit of singing...)

However, in the real world, I ain't no Sinatra, but I am nearer to him than Barry is to a footballer. Beto is just as bad.

Sorry, you shouldn't laugh at Barry, but he is comic genius. We were playing a game one Saturday afternoon, and a fresh new player had turned up, with much praise coming from our manager:- "This kid is the dog's, he's brilliant, just what we need" et al.

After 20 minutes, it was very obvious that, whilst he had some ability to run, his football nous was somewhat missing -- incapable of doing it easy, never moved, didn't help out, didn't read it, lost possession everytime, refusal to pass it to our strikers and took players on instead and lost it.

After much cajoling, from a number of the team, me included, to just play simple and easy, he just wouldn't listen. Eventually our striker, who, if you put the ball in front of him, would score, just waited for a break in play and called the ref over.

Ref:- "Yes, player, what's the problem?" Striker:- "Ref, you wouldn't happen to have a revolver on you, would you?" Ref:- "What? A revolver? Are you taking the piss, player?"Striker:-"No, Ref, I'm not, but if you do have one, shoot that twat over there please cause that's the only way anyone is ever gonna remember him from playing footie." Ref:- [Trying not to piss himself laughing] "Okay, player, let's just get on with the game, shall we?"

Cue laughter amongst both sets of players.

Matey bloke never turned up again, we put a young lad in there who just listened, and he turned into a great player for us. Hard world, isn't it?

Yep, we are shit at home, but new stadiums do that to you. Just thought a bit of a laugh might help, that's all!!

Oh, and get a couple of lads who just stick it in the net... or it's gonna get worse, I promise you. I'm up for a stadium tour on 22 February and to see my bro's slab in the Walkway outside. I'll bring some "Whitchcraft" with me (that's a Sinatra "in" joke) and try to rid "the curse" for all of us!!

Frustrating isn't it? Ah well, it's only footy!

Darren Hind 136 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:49:15

"Another fabrication" You claimed that the other day until I silenced you by putting up four examples of your posts which proved you were trying to lie your way out of the nonsense you had been spouting.

You say you know what it looks like when Keane is playing. Yet you must be the only Evertonian alive who hasn't spotted the one common denominator in all those horrific home defeats we have suffered for the past two seasons.

Of course you'd pick Tarkowski for the next game. He might treat you to the sight of a shot hitting him on the goal line and then shake his fist.... just for you.

John Collins 137 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:55:09

There's another one to add to the evergrowing list.Silenced, me? Hahaha!

And your advice as to how to defend a free kick, from well in to your own half, is...????

Dave Abrahams 138 Posted 11/02/2026 at 09:59:48

I was sad watching that planless performance... even sadder when I read Liam( 36) and Mark (59), both travelling from distance along with many other fans from North Wales and other places to see such boring, gormless, pathetic and useless performances.

We played better with 10 men, some fans said. I thought the reason we did was because Bournemouth for some reason mostly shut up shop and defended their lead when the opposite was the best option. We were fucked and open to concede more goals.

Not going to blame anyone although there were many to blame on and off the field... But — yes there is a big 'but' — there were a few players on the bench that were left there: Rohl and Alcaraz for two who might have done better. They couldn't have done worse, let's be honest.

And there is a young lad who has been on the bench, with no chance of coming on, one Braiden Graham. No guarantees but I doubt he would have missed the chances galore missed consistently by players we all know are going to bleedin' do that — miss them!

Do we play with a plan? News to me if we do. Off-the-cuff football usually meant the team and players knew each other's game off by heart and played smoothly together. This bleedin' lot look like they have been put together by an off-the-cuff tailor with a few fingers missing.

Through all the non-movement and consistently poor passing, both long and short — which have been there for a very long time, I made James Garner my MotM again.

Last bit —- I watched Alcaraz's face when Moyes made his first two subs. It was a picture. I don't think he will be lingering around at Everton when the season ends — I hope you know who isn't allowed to.

Darren Hind 139 Posted 11/02/2026 at 10:04:24

Yeah, but no, but yeah, but no.

Have a nice day Jethrine

John Collins 140 Posted 11/02/2026 at 10:10:36

Legs it again when asked a specific question.

I was looking forward to reading on your defensive plan to defend the free kick we chatted about.

What's that? You don't have one?

Never mind. :-)

Neil Cremin 141 Posted 11/02/2026 at 10:11:40

Depressing morning. Couldn't post earlier as I'm still mourning our inability to put a couple of good results together. As is often said, two steps forward, one step back when least expected.

Performance-wise, Moyes must sort out why we are so bad at home. This has gone on too long where even our victories at home were somewhat fortunate. He has done a great job away from home but enough is enough.

I'm not a "Moyes Out" person; he is our manager for the moment and screaming for him to go is generally the prerogative of those who never wanted him and every bad result gives them their justification.

It is a manager's job to get the best out of the players at his disposal. Moyes has done that last season and away from home this season but has failed miserably at BMD.

I leave it to those who think they know their football to figure that out but here is a summary of my assessment of the team.

Firstly, we have limited players who have no pace or speed of thought with the exception of maybe Garner and Dewsbury-Hall. Ndiaye is tired and for me was a major reason that cross came in for the first goal which, as pointed out above, should have been Pickford's ball all day long... as with the second. Good and all as Garner and Dewsbury-Hall are, there is no defence-splitting pass in their locker.

Our forward is woeful. I did argue against wholesale changes to bring on the younger players because it was too early but, if we lose against Man Utd, then we need to start seeing where are the strengths of Rohl, Dibling, Iroegbunam, George, Aznou and Alcaraz and whether they can be moulded into a faster-paced team.

We were better by far last night, even with 10 men, but Bournemouth were quicker moving the ball and also recognised the same weakness in our defence that others have, namely the ball between our defenders and goalkeeper.

Calls for Iraola to replace Moyes is fantasy football for me. Bournemouth looked way worse than we did but they took their chances; there was no master switch to change the game.

We don't want another Frank where the stepping up to a bigger club is a whole lot different. I don't know who we should look to next but, unless we sort out our home games, we need to think of our next move now so he is up and ready for the Summer.

Just saw the news that Frank has been sacked by Spurs.

Bill Fairfield 142 Posted 11/02/2026 at 10:22:57

The season's over, we've survived again, hooray.

Just the usual boring run-in left.

Martin Berry 144 Posted 11/02/2026 at 10:44:56

Barry was distraught last night, head hidden in his shirt every time the camera panned over to the bench after his substitution. I really felt sorry for him as you could see how much those misses meant and how he cared. Hopefully he learns, moves on from it and gets a goal against Man Utd.

We must not just blame the lack of striking prowess, several headers from defenders went over the bar, we had sixteen goal attempts but if the defense can't deal with crosses yet again, ie, Tottenham, Brentford all over again, then what chance do we have???

I think the 10 men of Everton showed great commitment and heart and deserved something on that alone.

As for the squad's shortcomings, they were well documented and we will see what transpires in the summer.

Brian Harrison 145 Posted 11/02/2026 at 10:45:44

That was desperately disappointing last night; we had a great chance to really kick on for a European place.

This was the complete opposite of our last game at Fulham where they had chances to put the game to bed before we scored and we all know what happened. Last night, it was us who should have been out of sight before Bournemouth scored.

Barry is like Bambi on Ice and sadly Beto isn't much better. The reason we didn't win last night was down to Barry and Pickford.

Their first goal a cross to the far post and, not for the first time, Pickford didn't punch or catch it. Had that been Southall, he would have flattened their attacker and cleared the danger.

The second was another error by Pickford, he started to come for the cross and then stopped, leaving himself stranded and left an empty net for their attacker to head into.

I thought Garner and Dewsbury-Hall were our best performers. i also thought Armstrong did well when he came on.

For those suggesting that Rohl and Alcaraz should have come on, it's goal scorers this team lack and neither of those have that in their locker.

Surely we may as well give Braiden Graham from the Under-21s a game... he can't be any worse than Barry or Beto. Just shows how bad our summer signings were -- nobody obviously calling for Dibling to start.

While O'Brien has done a decent job at right-back, that along with a decent striker, has to be our top priority in the summer.

As good a footballer as Ndiaye is, he has to up his goal tally... and that can be said of all of our front 6, apart from Dewsbury-Hall.

Les Callan 146 Posted 11/02/2026 at 10:54:09

Paul @ 132.

TFG, we have a problem. Loads of empty seats again last night.

When the novelty of the new stadium has worn off, the place will be half empty if we continue with this abject rubbish.

Mark Wynne 147 Posted 11/02/2026 at 10:56:15

I would take Frank over this dross.

Darren Hind 148 Posted 11/02/2026 at 11:04:34

I think Moyes and his captain gifted the points to Bournemouth, Neil. They tried to hold on to what they had.

Seeing 10 men drop back to our own box to defend what was essentially the first serious Bournemouth attack, was just blind panic, but it was a sign of things to come. The writing, I'm afraid, was on the wall.

Then, when I saw 11 blue shirts drop right back to our own penalty area to mark 6 Bournemouth players for a free kick just inside our half. I feared the worst.

It may have suited Tarkowski, Moyes and apparently some of our fans, but most observers would have seen it as a combination of cowardice and abject stupidity. Talk about too many cooks. Even if we had cleared the ball, it could only have come out to a Bournemouth player and invited more pressure.

Watching our skipper run back facing his own goal after, once again, misjudging the flight of the ball was like watching one of those films that come on the BBC every Chrimbo. We've all seen it so many times.

This was not a corner. It was a free kick from a generally central area. By leaving 2 players higher up the pitch, we would not have seen the confusion caused by an overcrowded penalty area and every Everton player would have known exactly what his job was.

We could also have prevented Bournemouth from attacking with the certain knowledge that we could pose no counter threat.

Clueless. Cowardly and Cringeworthy. We got exactly what we deserved.

Dave Lynch 149 Posted 11/02/2026 at 11:06:58

Les @146...

Without a doubt it will be half empty, the football is woeful and does not even represent half entertaining.

As for Frank, I'd get him now... Spurs are a toxic club, it can't be the fault of all the managers they've sacked.

Neil Cremin 150 Posted 11/02/2026 at 11:09:59

Why, Mark?

He looked like a rabbit in headlights for any game I saw. Responsibility of managing a bigger club.

I can't see what he would bring to us considering he has a better squad and support in transfer market and yet his team has 8 points less than us. Sounds like an "anybody but Moyes" comment.

Danny Baily 151 Posted 11/02/2026 at 11:15:57

The season was over when we went out of the FA Cup. This could be viewed positively; over the last few years, our continued interest in the Premier League was not for a positive reason.

There's an outside chance of Europe, so enough to keep everyone honest. But, on the balance of probability, it's over. Add a derby win and I'd chalk this off as a good enough season by recent standards.

Neil Cremin 152 Posted 11/02/2026 at 11:16:08

Darren,

I respect your comments and your belief that Tarkowski should be dropped.

But, for me, Ndiaye, Pickford and Mykolenko were also culpable for the first goal.

Dave Lynch 153 Posted 11/02/2026 at 11:21:10

Neil... as I posted, Spurs are a toxic club.

Speak to any Spurs fan and they'll tell you the same, the culture at the club is poisonous with certain players refusing to play the system the manager sets out.

I can't remember the name of the player who was sent off for them at the weekend (Pedro?) but apparently he's running the dressing room (I've been told).

He put one on the Man Utd player and walked straight down the tunnel, did you see Frank's face? It was a look of resignation, he knew his days were numbered.

Mark Wynne 154 Posted 11/02/2026 at 11:34:49

Neil,

Moyes has been with us long enough to know what we're getting and if that's good enough for you then all power to you. It's not good enough for me.

I liked Frank before he went to Spurs and he is a great upcoming coach. Spurs are a basket case. They could make Pep look like Mike Walker.

John Charles 155 Posted 11/02/2026 at 11:48:26

What a poor night.

Ndiaye was very poor.Gueye worked hard but offered very little.Pickford's distribution awful and even if it hit the player nonsensical as no one could do anything with it.Tarkowski is a shambles -- he is getting worse by the game.O'Brien was only beaten in the shit race by BarryBarry was truly abject. Moyes - cowardly. Playing O'Brien and Tarkowski is a profound problem. And I have defended Moyes on these pages.

And to round the night off, how is it that, when designing and building a new stadium, we can't get a bloody roof to keep the rain off? I sit on Row 14, not right at the pitch side, and got soaked. Poor around.

Here's hoping that O'Brien's ban forces a change. Small mercies.

I would take Frank in a heartbeat.

Les Callan 156 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:05:35

John.

I sit in Row 56, and could swear I got wet last night.

Surely not?

Brian Harrison 157 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:09:29

I can't believe I am reading some on ToffeeWeb saying they would like Frank to take over. Now maybe Iraola would be an option... but never Frank.

I think for most of the game we were the better side but, when you make fundamental mistakes, like Pickford did, and with our non strikers, we were playing with 10 men anyway. When we did go down to 10, we still dominated possession and still created some opportunities.

I have said for months Tarkowski is a liability and, the sooner he is gone, the better we will be. I thought young George did well considering he hadn't played a competitive game since December before his cameo at Fulham.

Harrison Armstrong looks the real deal. This kid will end up an England regular, he has everything. The more he plays, the better he will get. So last night was an awful result but overall we were by far the better side.

Jason Hewly 158 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:10:21

Big Ange was at the same toxic club as Frank. How did he do when he got out of there and went to Forest?

The fact is, we've had years of fighting relegation, years of having to sack managers, and years of instability. We're having a dip that typically comes when a club moves stadiums, but we're not far off European qualification because Moyes has vastly improved our away form.

We've got a patched-up squad that was assembled by half-a-dozen different managers. Moyes has had one full transfer window to address the problems under PSR pressures. These problems need longer to fix.

Lastly, the reason why Frank lost the dressing room was because his methods were questionable, his man management was failing, and team set-up and selection was at odds with the players available to him.

Mark Wynne 159 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:16:01

Why not Frank, Brian? Are you basing that on the Spurs experience?

Based on Iraola's time at Larnaca, where he didn't win a game in his 2 months, presumably you wouldn't touch him with a barge pole?

You can't just rule Frank out because of how he got on at Spurs. Seriously, the situation at Spurs is as mad as a box of frogs.

Les Callan 160 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:16:23

Jason.

Another satisfied customer?

Tony Hughes 161 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:27:35

Moyes had had two full transfer windows but I think the issue with transfers lies beyond him and more with the recruitment team and owners.

We've had three transfer windows under TFG. We all pretty much know where the issues with the squad are but these haven't been addressed.

Grealish on loan worked until his unfortunate injury and Dewsbury-Hall has been a success but the rest of the deals have been poor. Whoever scouted Barry must have been off their heads and it makes you think: Did they actually see him play in the flesh???

I don't think Dibling or Rohl were Moyes signings as he rarely picks them. Hopefully George works out as he has the pace we've been desperate for.

If we don't get the fullbacks, at least one striker, and a big imposing pacy midfielder through the middle this summer, then things will continue as is.

Raymond Fox 162 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:30:47

That's life as they say: shit happens. We are still 8th at the moment, probably not for much longer though.

It's small margins, we made more chances than they created, they put the ball in net when they had a chance; we didn't.

We should know by now that we are nothing special, we just don't score enough goals -- that's why we are never a good thing to beat anyone, even Wolves.

When we get two good full-backs, another one or two top class midfielders, and a couple of top-class strikers, then we can start getting optimistic. To be a top team, you need top players.

I'm more for than against Moyes, but if we do change the manager I would opt for the Brighton manager Hurzeler.

Steve Brown 163 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:44:29

“Frank lost the dressing room because his methods were questionable, his man management was failing, and team set-up and selection was at odds with the players available to him.”

Now that sounds strangely familiar. It reminds me of someone I know but I can't quite remember who it is...

Christy Ring 164 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:47:19

Darren#18 I love you're total exaggeration that I've been ' screaming every week for Keane to be dropped '? My point at the time, was that when Keane was out, we won both games with O'Brien at centreback, that changed when Keabe came back in, try and stick to the facts, and to say 'he's our best defender all season' another exaggeration.

Si Cooper 165 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:48:26

Sean (105), it would be helpful if you countered the specifics of my post. There aren't many, but there are a few who apparently generally saw the same as I did.

For as long as I've been watching sport, I've noticed a range of views on exactly the same games, with emotion often seeming to affect what people see.

I've not claimed things couldn't be better, and I'm certainly not a Moyes advocate, but I still reckon I've seen worse performances this season that didn't generate as much approbation because we actually got something from the game.

I actually think a lot of Evertonians are still ‘sensitive' about games against Bournemouth due to the "3 points lost in 10 minutes debacle last season.

Human beings are great at conjuring up patterns that don't exist, it's where superstition comes from, and it seems the ‘Curse of BMD' is already a ‘reality' for many of our match-goers.

Do you suppose that the players will automatically be immune to the negative muttering and shrieks of anguish arising from the jittery nerves so obvious in the spectators? That can be like a debilitating disease all by itself and I don't see the point in actively ramping up the negativity.

I didn't see any player not trying in that game. I saw a few momentary lapses but no-one being awful throughout. For instance, I actually thought Gana Gueye showed two games in such a short time aren't automatically out of his capability yet, which I had very much feared.

I would like to see much more of Alcaraz, especially when we have to chase a game.

Barry is literally hit and miss; that hasn't changed much at all unfortunately. I don't know if he just doesn't have it in him or whether nerves or the weight of expectation are seriously affecting his co-ordination.

I thought the first of his chances was a little trickier due to the pace, height and angle it came at him, but some goal poachers would have taken it in their stride. The second one he ideally needs to anticipate a potential block from his blindside automatically and place it where no lunge could have gotten to it, but it was still brilliant defensive play.

It was largely for his defensive work their centre-back got his MotM award, but it did also take into account his exceptional contribution to their second goal. Their players came across as mainly relieved in the after-match interviews rather than smug in their supposed overwhelming superiority.

Sometimes we win or lose because we deserve it, other times the opposites happen. I believe I've often seen supporters over-celebrating dodgy victories, or too depressed by marginal losses (it may feel worse to lose a close game because hope is dashed rather than not having really featured).

I'm wary of the ‘twin imposters'. I try to judge things in the grand scheme of things rather than hyper-focussing and making assumptions... like players should automatically feel advantaged simply because they are playing at home.

Steve Brown 166 Posted 11/02/2026 at 12:55:36

Here is a list of managers who will definitely be available in the summer:

Maresca, Marco Silva, Franks, Iraola, Glasner, Tuchel, Ancelotti, Deschamps, Low, Pochettino, Xabi Alonso, Edin Turzic, Zinedine Zidane, De Zerbi; perhaps also Eddie Howe.

Stick or twist?

John Collins 167 Posted 11/02/2026 at 13:04:43

😂😂 😂

Rinus Michels you ain't.

Paul Hewitt 168 Posted 11/02/2026 at 13:38:34

Steve @166.

The question is: Would any of them want the job?

Paul Hewitt 169 Posted 11/02/2026 at 13:39:45

But I'd take De Zerbi or Turzic.

John Collins 170 Posted 11/02/2026 at 13:40:59

Paul,

At £100k per week, the current manager's wages, there would be a long queue, mate.

Neil Cremin 171 Posted 11/02/2026 at 13:42:50

Mark @154,

Please read my post properly before you make a statement that “if that's good enough for you, more power to you, but it's not good enough for me.”

Here is what I said:

“Calls for Iraola to replace Moyes is fantasy football for me. Bournemouth looked way worse than we did but they took their chances, there was no master switch to change the game. We don't want another Frank where the stepping up to a bigger club is a whole lot different.

"I don't know who we should look to next but, unless we sort out our home games, we need to think of our next move now so he is up and ready for the Summer.”

Moyes needs to sort out why we are getting results away but not at home. If he can't, then it is time to replace him.

If we are talking about up-and-coming managers, why not Keith Andrews (the only one who has more points than us) -- isn't he doing better than Frank even after losing key players in the summer?

I can imagine the reaction to that proposal.

Dale Self 172 Posted 11/02/2026 at 13:45:30

No to De Zerbi for me.

His demeanour suggested a small tyrant at Brighton.

Neil Cremin 173 Posted 11/02/2026 at 13:56:43

A bit of Fantasy Football Managers there, Steve, and you forgot a few...

Amorim, Rodgers, Potter -- to name but a few.

John Keating 174 Posted 11/02/2026 at 14:19:21

Paul @129,

You ask who would replace Barry. Well, to be honest, at this time, I would suggest, anyone!

As I mentioned @128 he has had numerous chances and to all intents and purposes, in my opinion, improved not a jot! A complete waste of space. Bringing his mate Beto on appears to make no difference.

Play Keane up front, play one of the young Under-21s up front, play anyone! Could they be any worse than Barry or Beto?

I appreciate they may not be getting the service from other players; however, look at the chances they miss, look at their hold-up play, their first touches, bringing others in to play.

Barry may well come good in the future but at present he's doing nothing for us and for himself, he is just losing confidence.

With our defence losing concentration and being made to pay for it, we need someone to put it in the net. Barry and Beto are, at this time, not the answer.

Raymond Fox 175 Posted 11/02/2026 at 14:37:32

It's better players we need. Let's see, how many managers have we tried with zero effect... in fact, we are doing better this season than many gone before.

Why do all the big clubs buy as many top players as they can afford? Until we can do the same, we will continue to be making up the numbers.

Sean Kearns 176 Posted 11/02/2026 at 14:41:36

Anyone calling for Thomas Frank is nuts!

He bombed at Spurs and he was also holding back Brentford as it transpires!! Brentford have been better since he left!!!

Ian Wilkins 177 Posted 11/02/2026 at 14:45:13

I'm not a Moyes fan. He was a great stabiliser, he was right for a point in time, but beyond that, he has a ceiling contrived by negativity.

That said, and we can name all the managers we would like, none will deliver unless we put a good recruitment team in place, and we back the manager financially. Otherwise, it's more of the same.

Iraola isn't doing the recruiting, he was forced to sell Semenyo and his recruitment team identify Rayan,19, at less than half the price. He'll be sold in a season or two at a huge profit.

I'm not advocating the buy-sell model, last thing I want; I just want a management team that can identify proper footballers with the right attitude and a manager that can blend them into a football-playing team.

I can blame Moyes for square pegs round holes, for tactical set-up, for poor substitutions... but I can't blame him for what he's given to work with, until we can identify and add quality then we're mid-table at best.

There are huge frustrations in our fan base, also plenty of allowance given for where we've been in recent years, new owners rebuilding etc, but I would suggest the period of grace ends this Summer if the recruitment is not substantially better.

Steve Brown 178 Posted 11/02/2026 at 14:45:44

Neil @173, I am simply stating facts. Nothing fantasy about it -- they will be available for hire.

Of course, I am sure some might try to say that “there is no way any of them would come to us.” I think that our new owners, a new stadium, financial backing for transfers and our amazing fans would prove attractive to a number of them.

The list of potential managerial talent should excite you, unless you think what we have is the best we can expect (and we should be grateful for it)?

Nicholas Ryan 179 Posted 11/02/2026 at 15:02:26

I am neither a huge fan nor a detractor of David Moyes. But how on earth, or indeed any other planet, can that horror show last night possibly be said to be the manager's fault?!

Defensive players, paid staggering amounts of money to concentrate, simply couldn't. At 60 minutes, we were ahead and cruising; but only when the wheels later come off, does it suddenly become the manager's responsibility.

Neil Cremin 180 Posted 11/02/2026 at 15:04:24

Steve,

Read my post @141. No, I'm not happy with what we have. We have very few pacy quality players, most of our play is pedestrian because they either don't see a pass or there is no movement in front of them.

We have made progress in the last year but I also would have thought Moyes's tenure would end in the Summer unless he did achieve European football qualification. That will only happen now if he sorts out the home performances. If not, he must go.

My comment relates to the long list of Who's Who of Football Managers and the decision on who it should be -- which should be very carefully thought through.

As I said, in a few posts, many of the so-called dream managers often mentioned here in the past: Frank, Postecogleul, Potter before Moyes took over, all found that managing bigger clubs was a much more onerous task.

What makes us think that appointing Iraola, Glasner or any other flavour of the month will solve everything? Just look down the road at Man Utd, which is a similar graveyard for up-and-coming managers. Even there, Ferguson was there a few years before he won anything and was nearly out the door. What a mistake that would have been for them.

It's easy to speculate on line-ups, managers etc but, in the end of the day, it's a results business and where we end up at the end of the season will be how everybody will be judged. Faith is a different matter and some of that was lost last night.

George Cumiskey 181 Posted 11/02/2026 at 16:22:16

Why can't Moyes give Alcaraz a go at centre-forward? He's got pace and skill and he's gotta be a better choice than the two clowns he's using at the moment.

But then that's what good management is -- trying something different, I suppose.

Darren Hind 182 Posted 11/02/2026 at 16:22:43

Christy,

I am sticking to the facts. You have been coming on here with monotonous regularity calling for Tarkowski and O'Brien to be paired in the centre. Not once did you call for Tarkowski to be dropped. It was always Keane you left out. That's fair enough if it's your opinion, but at least have the courage of your convictions.

It's a little bit rich that you come on criticising Moyes for not noticing "How poor he (Tarkowski) has been, or the amount of mistakes he has made this season" -- especially when you yourself have repeatedly advocated that he plays.

I really don't like to hear people defend Moyes at every turn, but to damn him if he does and damn him if he doesn't makes a total mockery of the whole debating process.

BTW; Me saying Keane has been our best defender this season isn't an "exaggeration" -- it's a considered opinion. One which I know may not be shared by others, but I would love somebody to cheer me up by telling me which one out of Curly, Larry and Mo has had a better season???

John Collins 183 Posted 11/02/2026 at 16:34:49

In Moyes's first stint as manager, Everton's top scorer got 10 goals per season.

It's the player's fault, though... Then and now.

Joe McMahon 185 Posted 11/02/2026 at 17:04:59

We can look and pick and dissect.

Yes, Barry was woeful (he is), but I also think Pickford was poor (for both goals). As usual, he was immobile for anything resembling a cross.

He gets the plaudits for shot stopping but still costs us with crosses (we all remember Spurs at BMD).

Ian Bennett 186 Posted 11/02/2026 at 17:25:19

John, it is the player's fault when they gift goals, get themselves sent off, and don't take opportunities. Too many are happy to criticise the manager but let players off, including the favourites.

There were more than enough chances to put the game to bed and defend properly. If they can't, then they can forget ever winning trophies or being competitive in Europe.

Those who failed last night are usually the same weak players who fail regularly. Those player ratings are all too common for some.

John Collins 187 Posted 11/02/2026 at 17:42:45

Of course the players have to hold their hands up after a poor personal performance Ian.

Who is at fault for the tactics and set-up that has seen us score at a rate of just slightly over one goal per game during the two Moyes management eras?

Jay Harris 189 Posted 11/02/2026 at 18:32:26

I flew over from Florida for my first visit to our new ground.

Wow... what a stadium, and very well served with knowledgeable stewards.

The team was announced and I was pleased to see Branthwaite and George starting and pretty ambivalent whether O'Brien or Patterson played right-back.

I thought the two teams were pretty even up to us getting a deserved penalty. Cue 3 points until we went into Barry miss mode. If only we had a goalscorer who could even hold the ball up -- let alone convert clear-cut chances.

Second half, normal service resumed and we gave simple goals away -- although I believe their second was blatantly offside as he went for the ball -- much like the Ndiaye goal which was disallowed.

Out into the rain with disappointment still prevailing and realizing that, until we get full-backs and goalscorers worthy of the shirt, we will not be back at the top table anytime soon.

David West 190 Posted 11/02/2026 at 18:32:29

I too believe players need to take responsibility. No tactics are suddenly going to make Barry put in the 2 golden opportunities, are they?

Moyes can set up how he wants, if players go asleep and let someone drift in at the back post, is that the manager's fault?

I posted yesterday after getting home and was angry and frustrated at Moyes, moreso about how we are trying to play. But, after watching it back, there were opportunities to win this, shut up shop and just take away a home win for once.

The whole back 4 were awful for both their goals. Ndiaye should have done better for the first too.

Your striker bags the 2 chances, your defence stays switched on, and this is a comfortable win. I don't think we can put that on Moyes.

The players should hold up their hands: Barry, Tarkowski, O'Brien, Ndiaye and Mykolenko, if they show concentration and intensity, desire to stop crosses, to not lose your man... we win!

Dale Self 191 Posted 11/02/2026 at 18:37:11

Nicholas @179, it is the manager's responsibility to make selections and set tactics to see out the match, which lasts at least 90 minutes by the way.

I will go for one to your question though: Moyes selected O'Brien at right-back. This is not the first time the manager has failed to adjust when the opponents have picked up tempo.

Moyes is often caught in a position to need performance from players who have not had adequate match time in the same position to perform well.

More shifting the blame until Moyes can get a result, and then it is all due to him (yes, that is a gross simplification).

Annika Herbert 192 Posted 11/02/2026 at 19:18:48

Jason @158, your final paragraph is exactly how I see things going with Moyes.

Especially team set-up and selection.

Ian Bennett 193 Posted 11/02/2026 at 20:34:29

John, the tactics had created enough chances to score and limit the opponent to fuck all.

Weak from Mykolenko, and beaten near post. That ain't good enough.

They scored a second with a player clearly offside competiting for the ball, with Pickford a country mile from the cross. If that's for England, he's getting hammered for another failure on crosses.

I'll agree with some why the need to be so deep was ridiculous, but again, that's players organising it, not Moyes with a bloody tape measure.

And we missed a boat load either side of O'Brien making yet another error.

Hair pulls, face slaps, hand balls, rugby tackles. These are on the players. Any manager would be tearing their hair out over such stupidity.

Ndiaye up against the angle, but if he roofs it, it's unstoppable.

Rob Dolby 194 Posted 11/02/2026 at 20:57:42

I have said it before, the 2 strikers will get Moyes the sack.

If Barry scores the 2 good chances he had, there wouldn't be much chatter on here about the manager.

I thought we started the 2nd half on the front foot and looked the most likely. The game changed when Barry missed the sweety... The next 10 mins couldn't have gone worse.

Weirdly enough, the movement people had been shouting for happened once we went down to 10 men. Garner, Armstrong, Ndiaye, even Mykolenko showed greater movement.

Moyes doesn't rate Alcaraz but he must be in contention for an attacking role.

I would be trying any formation possible that didn't include those 2 oafs, it's like playing with 10 men week on week.

Darren Hind 195 Posted 11/02/2026 at 21:19:21

Rob.

Moyes agreed Barry was worth £30M and rubber-stamped the deal.

If that costs him his job, he will always at least be able to say he had final say on who comes and who goes.

Rob Dolby 196 Posted 11/02/2026 at 21:27:34

Darren,

Moyes had full control of recruitment first time around so it's hard to think he hasn't been involved with Barry, Dibling and Rohl. The jury is out with all 3.

It's hard to see why we paid £30M for Barry. He isn't quick, isn't strong, can't hold the ball up and looks ungainly when in front of goal.

Moyes's brother isn't Barry's agent, is he?

Laurie Hartley 197 Posted 11/02/2026 at 21:29:23

George # 181 - “Why not Alcaraz” is a very good question because unfortunately for both us and the players themselves, Barry and Beto are not up to it and never will be.

Which of them would have scored this goal?

Alcaraz vs Newcastle

We have survived the last few years and the ship has been steadied. It is time to move on.

In my opinion, to do that, we need about 4 new players and a new manager. A daunting prospect but not impossible.

Rob Dolby 198 Posted 11/02/2026 at 21:45:02

Laurie, Hard to disagree, but I think the problem is much deeper.

Teams like Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford still compete regardless of who the manager is. Which must point to the way players are recruited and ethos at those clubs.

Bournemouth sell Semenyo and bring in Rayan who looked class last night. We brought in George and Dibling and, without writing our 2 youngsters off, the lad Bournemouth brought in looks top drawer.

We need an identity and strategy that we can get behind.

Ian Horan 199 Posted 11/02/2026 at 22:37:41

I haven't posted for about 18 months as my passion for Premier League football is dying. However, I feel we need to address the issues at hand.

Yes, Barry missed a sitter first half. The second-half chance was a fantastic bit of defending by the Bournemouth player.

Finally Seshko at Man Utd has 5 goals all season; Gyökeres at Arsenel has 6 or 7 with 2 penalties... both of these strikers cost over £70M.

Barry has 5 goals, no penalties, and cost circa £27M yet on here people believe he should be scoring every chance he gets.

Newsflash: If Barry was that deadl,y he would not be at Everton and he would have cost triple what we paid.

Oh, I see an unmarked Cole Palmer at Chelsea missed from 2 yards out. Just saying... let's have a reality check.

Brendan McLaughlin 200 Posted 11/02/2026 at 23:08:31

Ian #199,

Post more often!

Brent Stephens 201 Posted 11/02/2026 at 23:30:36

As Brendan #200 says.

Stu Gre 202 Posted 11/02/2026 at 23:34:49

Everton are boring and predictable under Moyes, not just the way he plays but the results.

I think it was Sean in another thread that predicted this kind of result. It's boringly obvious to the point of being switch-off football. We don't win with style and we lose in the same way.

But for an unambitious, or perhaps cautious owner - Moyes is a dream, particularly for a club that has struggled in recent years. He's generally going to get you around 8th, safety and some nice income for already rich men.

As a fan though, you'll have a lot more fun supporting the teams Rob @198 mentioned.

Laurie Hartley 203 Posted 11/02/2026 at 23:58:25

Rob # 198 - yes, I have to agree: “the problem is much deeper”; recruitment is another major issue. Before the Bournemouth game, I posted as much @260 on the post Fulham thread:-LinkSo add the recruitment team to my list.

Ian # 199 - Arsenal and Utd paid too much for them just like we did for Beto and Barry. Nevertheless I have to ask the question do they bring their team mates into the game because I don't think our two do very often.

Isaak has also failed at Mordor which really surprised me but comparing those three, and what was paid for them, with our two, only deflects from our problem. We need a goal scorer.

I forget who it was said it and where on here but a fan of 60 years said our two were the worst strikers he had ever seen play for us.

I don't like bagging players and I have never booed one or the team but we have to face our reality.

Playing either of those two handicaps us from the start so it's worse than pointless. Moyes needs to do something different.

To conclude my rant. The last player I really bagged was Steven Naismith (Schneiderlin was another) but the lad went and did this a couple of weeks later:-

https://youtu.be/1yP0Whs9R_M?si=Ny0osWxl4L74C0CW

So I came on here and ate humble pie.

Steve Brown 204 Posted 12/02/2026 at 05:23:38

Neil @ 180, so overall you are not happy where we are, see the performances as pedestrian, but suggest we don't anything about it?

The list I posted is not a “long list of Who's Who of Football Managers” -- whatever that means. It is a list of managers who will definitely be available for hire this summer. Not dream managers, not fantasy football managers, people who will consider a job offer if one is presented.

I am guessing the inference in your post is that we shouldn't assume any of the managers listed could do better than Moyes. I have heard that argument before a number of times in relation to this particular manager over a period of years.

But given the list includes managers who have won World Cups, Champions Leagues, League titles, domestic cups, I am guessing there might be a hidden gem among them who can match Moyesie's managerial stature.

Alan J Thompson 205 Posted 12/02/2026 at 05:41:58

Darren (#195) and Rob (#196);

Perhaps you are overlooking the fact that our owners also have a company in their group that provides statistics on player performance which might see pressure on the new owner-appointed management team, aka the Transfer Committee. Do TFG also have entertainment interests which might reinforce that now popular expression, "Show me the money"?

Mind you, given one of their other interests, Cannes FC, have taken an Everton junior on loan and another, Roma, loaned and then sold an English striker to a Turkish club who immediately onsold him to an Premier League side for a £7M profit makes me wonder if anybody oversees the group's entire sporting enterprises or if there is a pecking order.

Now, where have we seen this type of management before, the Boys Pen?

Ian Wilkins 206 Posted 12/02/2026 at 13:48:49

Alan205,

I would like to think that someone senior at TFG is asking those responsible for recruitment how they assess the additions made last Summer.

What has worked well, what hasn’t and what the plan is for those that haven’t, plus the learnings from those poorer decisions.

We have to have a big ( there are another half dozen out of contract in a relatively small squad) recruitment plan this Summer.

This is supposedly the big 2nd stage of the rebuild.

It will be a very big Summer for us, we have to have the right people making the right recruiting decisions. It is so important.. Our better players will only stay if they can see ambition and good players joining.

If not they will leave for clubs playing in Europe chasing honours.

Christy Ring 207 Posted 12/02/2026 at 14:20:22

Darren #182 You are not sticking to the facts, my argument was that in the matches that O’Brien played centreback instead of Keane we won, that’s why I thought he should stay there, I agree I didn’t mention Tarkowski, but he has been poor, and I have said my favourite pairing is Branthwaite and O’Brien, but Moyes is too set in his ways to play them together.

Dale Self 208 Posted 12/02/2026 at 15:32:35

Ian 206, (disclosure: I am meh-Moyes) Do you think we need a football theoretician type as manager to attract better players?

I see Moyes as a Dyche 2.0, better man-management and more effective in possession. Other than that, not a lot of difference.

Someone like Glasner and Iraola are my initial interests but others may have deeper lists. These two strike me as football theory managers who can continually inspire solid performances from players wanting to prove themselves.

With Frank falling out at Spurs, it isn't a sure thing hiring the brainy types. However, those two seem capable of coming here and building something durable as opposed to direable.

Dave Lynch 209 Posted 12/02/2026 at 16:06:30

Moyes has a default setting which revolves around 'don't get relegated'.

He surrenders the cup completions for this mindset and it annoys the shit out of me.

Ian Wilkins 210 Posted 12/02/2026 at 16:13:37

Dale, I think Moyes methods and tactics are a little outdated. Add to that he’s stubborn, slow to react to changes on the pitch, and difficult to move from favourites ( even playing out of position).

I don’t think we need an out and out football theorist as a manager, just a modern day manager, developing players and teams who are comfortable with the ball and play as a unit.

It is noticeable we are better behind the ball, than with the ball, making the game. Hence the home/ away form difference.

We have a few quality players, we need to keep, and add to. Is Moyes a manager that attracts players, the jury is out on that one. Grealish and KDH joined, plenty of others turn us down it seems.

Plenty of forwards would decline the opportunity to be isolated and have long balls thumped at them. Plenty of wingers want to spend more time in the opposition half than their own. Petrified of taking a player on and losing the ball.

A better style of play would attract better footballers imo.

The manager is very important but every managers success is defined by what he has to work with and the quality of recruitment.

Quality of recruitment is also dependant on footballing philosophy and joining an ambitious club.

I guess I’m saying that style of play, winning mentality, quality of recruitment are all interwoven.

Dale Self 211 Posted 12/02/2026 at 19:06:55

Keep posting Ian!

Eric Myles 212 Posted 13/02/2026 at 06:46:06

Ian #10, so do you think not having European football doesn't matter to players?

And do you think that those better players attracted by European football would improve the style of play and winning mentality?

Eric Myles 213 Posted 13/02/2026 at 06:55:53

Christy #217,

I remember that movie Moneyball seeming to be about a bunch of less than stellar players being put into positions where they would contribute to the winning of games irrepective of their ability.

With Keane as centre-back, we have logged 27 of the 37 points we have, with Keane contributing 5 of those points with his goals.

With O'Brien as centre-back I think it's 12 points? No goals?

So going back to Moneyball, which player is contributing more, the 27 pointer or the 12 pointer?

Ian Wilkins 214 Posted 13/02/2026 at 12:58:27

Eric, I think it’s fairly safe to say that the best players want to play on the biggest stages and be seen by the biggest audiences.

So European football is an attraction for the best, albeit there has to be a big difference between Champions League elite and Europa Conference.

Yes I think European standard footballers would improve us, do they all have hunger, winning mentality? I think that’s where your recruitment due diligence comes in.

I can also understand why our better players would want to play on the biggest stages and why they will seek to do so if they can’t see a club with the ambition to take them there.

Eric Myles 215 Posted 13/02/2026 at 13:00:22

For those advocating Frank here's what I posted on another thread.

A couple of quotes from Frank on joining Spurs:

"He explained that the offensive flair should not necessarily come at the cost of defensive solidity, pointing out that it is important to defend well to win titles."

"if you want to achieve something big and consistently over the years, you also need to be pretty good at defending. I haven't seen one team achieve something fantastic without being good at defending."

Comment on the Spurs - Newcastle game: "All of what we saw, including the abject performance, the inability to create chances, and the constant jeers from the crowd, have been regular occurrences at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season."

The Athletic headline: Managers can't change their style

"There was next to no entertainment across his miserable 38 games in charge, especially at home in front of an expectant crowd.

Too often, he seemed more focused on nullifying the opponents' threats rather than focusing on his own side's attacking strengths – and it wound supporters up no end.

Regularly, there seemed a lack of idea over how to break teams down from open play.

Tactical switches confused players. But soon it became too much, too often… and frequently at the last minute, as well."

You don't like Moyes? Fine. But why replace him with this guy who has all the attributes ypu dislike about Moyes?

Eric Myles 216 Posted 13/02/2026 at 13:34:19

So Ian #214, it's not just the manager then that puts players off joining a club, but also the prospect of no European competition.

Something our manager lamented during the summer window when he said some targets weren't interested 'cos they'd get no more money from additional competition in Europe.

Raymond Fox 217 Posted 13/02/2026 at 13:37:29

If we do change the manager at some point, I would go for the Brighton manager Hurzeler.

Brightons owner is no mug and he plumped for Hurzeler, he seems a bright young guy.

Changing the manager without improving the overall quality of the team wont get us anywhere though, its the players that have to do the business on the field after all.

Looking at our fixtures to the end of the season is a bit scary, I don't see many wins to come.

David West 218 Posted 13/02/2026 at 20:53:18

Dale 208.

I see a big difference in Moyes to dyche

9 league places and 20 points from where he took over just over 12 months ago.

People calling for frank, even hurzeler need to get a grip.

Frank has a squad way better than ours, Newcastle too, all below us, with our tiny squad, our minimal spending over the last few years.

Alan J Thompson 219 Posted 14/02/2026 at 05:54:35

Further to my #205; BBC Gossip column are reporting that Man City are interested in a right back at Roma, Wesley Franca., for 50M Euros. Isn't he the Brazilian that was reportedly signed by Everton and loaned to Roma without ever seeing Finch Farm never mind the super-duper new stadium, or is it just the ghost of Chairman past.

Eric Myles 220 Posted 14/02/2026 at 06:08:26

Alan J, no, he never signed for us.

I think it was suggested that Roma loan him to us though, but TFG seem to have priorities other than our squad shortages.

Alan J Thompson 221 Posted 14/02/2026 at 06:20:26

Cheers, Eric.

I thought it was reported that Roma had some temporary money problems which may have been some reporting problem.