Brighton & Hove Albion 1 - 1 Everton | OneFootball

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

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

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

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

First Half

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Second Half

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subs not Used: Steele, Julio, Gruda, Boscagli, Howell.

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

Subs not Used: Travers, McNeil, Coleman, Röhl.

Reader Comments (305)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yeesh. Mitoma will be licking his lips.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Playing for a point here, are we?

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

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

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

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

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

Brighton have fast tricky wingers…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iam having flashbacks from the Walter Smith days.

Mykolenko is either injured or being sold.

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

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

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

Let's see how this game pans out.

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

Four centre backs in the same starting XI.

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

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

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

Patterson clearly will never be fancied by any Everton manager.

Christy Ring 25 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:14:09

Patterson unlucky to be dropped, but Moyes definitely picking his favourites, with Keane back.

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

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

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

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

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

They do keep suprising us though!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peter 26, please!

Defend this shit, don't attack us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr Moyes has certainly sprung one here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good to see Branthwaite and KDH playing again.

This will be tough as Brighton are playing well.

Dale Self 41 Posted 31/01/2026 at 14:40:38

Peter 36, alright. I think it is fair game when a lineup like this is produced to have a go. We all, well most, want the three points when the kickoff happens.

I just prefer to see the argument countered rather than commenting on the mood or tendencies of posters on the thread.

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

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

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

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

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

In we go we the 3,000 travelling blues.

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

Come on blue boys.

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

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

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

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

He may play KDH aa an inside left

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

Get in Danny!

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

Rob @39,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suck it and see!

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

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

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

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

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

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

We're 5 points off the Champions League in the last week of January. Not one of us thinks relegation is a possibility. That's a massive step in the right direction.

We're probably going to Europe next season regardless. Which one of you wouldn't have bitten someone's arm off for that last season?

Give some bloody credit where it's due.

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

Yeah, not good, Jason. Moyes deserves criticism that was heaped at Dyche for moves like this.

Again, that is on the ad hominem side of a discussion or critique.

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

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

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

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

Dale, 54.

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

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

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

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

Annika, 55.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jason, statistical fallacy.

The top of the league is weak this year. Moyes isn't Ancelotti

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

Dale, 60, I didn't indulge in statistical fallacy, just the reality that we're in touching distance of the Champions League going into February.

Rather than the cock-eyed fantasy that we're doing no better than the previous season when we came close to relegation and were staring down the barrel of a gun at this stage of the season.

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

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

At least we've been consistent.

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

Another Moyes masterclass... god help us.

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

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

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

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

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

Steve @62,

I know someone who will be delighted with that.

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

Steve (62),

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

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

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

Dave, it was absolute dross that first half.

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

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

It does my head in!!!

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

This football club doesn't deserve nice things. Playing 4 fucking centre-backs...

If we're so short, go out and buy some fucking full-backs!!!

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

Rohl does more than Gana… we must be the only team to ever start a back 4 with all four centre-backs.

Who the fuck even does that?

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

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

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

We have 4 centre-backs with Gana and Garner in front of them, for fuck's sake!

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

Get what you deserve.

Who would want to join this shit show?

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

Disallowed 2nd goal for Brighton...

Not sure what for?

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

Need a goal... might as well throw Beto up with Barry?

No, not Davey.

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

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

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

Goooooal

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

Get in. We did not deserve to lose.

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

Made up with a point.

A khasi set up from the manager first half.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What a difference when we decided to attack.

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

Simon,

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

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

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

They don't know they're beat, this team. Despite the setbacks, they keep plugging away.

He's built up a strong mentality with the squad. It would have been a terrific assist if Dewsbury-Hall had scored from Barry's lovely little ball to lay it all on a plate. Shame, great save from the goalie. We surely would have won it if that had gone in.

Well done, chaps.

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

Crap. Moyes has go.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'll be slashed and damned.

I walked away and missed it. Fuckin Moyes.

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

Michael #88,

A bit harsh in my opinion.

We deserved a draw with our 2nd half performance, even the pundits agreed.

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

Ajay yes, the timing of the substitutions was key.

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

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

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

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

Level with Man City on recent overall form, 6th best away record so far this season.

Moyes, that.

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

For Moyes's safety-first plan, 1 point gained.

For some of us who want to go out to win the game, then it's 2 points lost against a team with 1 win in 11 matches.

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

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

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

It's a joy to read the posts on here -- I don't think.

We get an away point and are now in 8th place and you would think we got hammered.

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

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

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

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

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

Kavanagh just couldn't help himself -- booking Moyes for celebrating.

Snide little prick.

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

It's a squad game, Dave, so it was nice to see the manager use all the subs available.

We deserved a draw, probably even more for that second half performance, although I suppose we got lucky with that offside goal.

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

@Tony 97

As another poster highlighted, its a poor Premier League this season and, on that basis, with a less negative approach, we could be in with a chance of something special.

It's there and it's within touching distance and it's going to bypass us because we're too scared to reach out because we have a point before a ball is kicked. An opportunity like this might not repeat itself for another 10 years...

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

Behave yerself, Merle, don't you understand it's a successful season -- we are not fighting relegation?

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

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

John,

I rest my case.

Let's know our place and not try.

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

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

Please Fuck Off now, Moyes.

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

100% Merle, we should be going out to win every game. At the start of the season, our target should be try to win every competition we enter.

Set a low bar and acheving that is deemed successful because we haven't been relegated. I'm hoping these new owners can change the whole pysche at the club.

Moyes achieved his remit last season and should have been thanked and then replaced so the new era could begin.>So far, TFG haven't displayed what I thought they would be.

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

Merle,

Irony mate 👍

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

Tony (102),

Yes, of course it is a squad game, and it's also a 90-minute game... doesn't the first half count?

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

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

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

The arguments rage, distorted, full of half truths...

And then you begin to realise why those bastards across the park rub their hands, snigger with joy, and then sing a song about thirty fucking years.

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

Who would be your choice to replace Moyes, Merle?

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

I'd give Moyes another season, based solely on the fact we need to work a transition through. We need about 5 players to have any kind of squad.

And I've said it a million times, just go and buy some players, get the numbers up. Some will work out, but it also creates competition for places. Nobody should be guaranteed a start.

But what I would be doing if was running this place is working towards a transition now based on what we have, and what we need.

Moyes is Mr Safety First, always has been, and he's the ultimate glass ceiling manager when he could actually be so much more. Fortune, as they say, favours the brave.

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

A minge bag of a manager.

Sick of watching this Turkish Delight.

A hide behind the couch man, our Davey.

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

Dave, spot on, barely a mention about the sitter Dewsbury-Hall missed, it was awful.

And I know certain Blues hate or won't even give Patterson any credit whatsoever but we looked a better team when he came on.

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

Exactly what Merle says (103). And what I've been harping on about.

Roll the fucking dice now and we might be surprised cos the Premier League is so tight. Fucking Villa, who were below us not a couple of seasons ago, have done exactly that. And Forest challenged for Champions League places. And still would be if their owner wasn't such a twat.

Wait until the summer and it's rinse and repeat. Spend all summer speculating who we need, drawn out transfers, end up with half of what we wanted.

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

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

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

I am more concerned with the hierarchy than I am with Moyes. Where are the full-backs and goalscorers that have obviously been needed for years?

I know Moyes's team selections can be quite questionable but let's give the man a bit of support and belief. It was interesting that our fantastic away support was singing his name today before the equalizer went in.

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

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

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

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

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

Philip @111,

Good question! I like Ariola but he seems to be having a blip this season at Bournemouth... and after seeing what Brentford did to us at the HDS, Keith Andrews.

l would also take a punt on Xabi Alonso. Whoever it is needs to fundamentally change our football philosophy... l could not take another manager who plays one up front. Is it too much to ask for high tempo fast attacking football?

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

Just a short update on one of our out-on-loan players, as I travel home on the coach from a cracking day at Tamworth.

Goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley has just helped Marine to the last 8 of the FA Trophy with 2 saves in a penalty shootout.

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

Nick Page, spot on.

Thank fuck I'm 56 and seen the 80s, we really have been served up a dog shit sandwich for 30-plus years.

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

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

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

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

I was disappointed with that line-up but a point at Brighton is okay.

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

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

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

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

I bet he hates that Board game -- Risk!

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

Harry Wilson of Fulham signing before Monday deadline day...

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

Frustration is the key word. New staduim, new owners, new, fresh ambition? New old manager.

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

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

Tony @112, agreed about Patterson, the lad has always come in and given it his all, never let his head drop.

I'd be delighted if he went to the World Cup.

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

When was the last time Everton were 2-0 up at half time at fucking Chelsea?

Everton Football Club -- not the fans -- turn up at that shithole and are beaten before they get on the pitch, against a club (forget the idea team) who'd spent more seasons in the lower leagues than the top division.

That was until the Russian was “allowed” to throw money at it. We haven't won there since November 1994. This is the rotten mentality that pervades Everton Football Club.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liam @124, where did you hear that?

Hope you are right!

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

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

Just picking up points made about Braiden Graham this morning being lightweight and he'd get kicked off the park in the Premier League...

Summerville of West Ham is 5'-8", a 9st 9lb when he's wet, and Chelsea can't sniff him. Scored another great goal. Get the Braiden in the squad.

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

Nick (112),

Moyes did not turn up to just not lose. Mykolenko was injured so he selected Branthwaite. He preferred O'Brien at right back, and we've won plenty with him playing there.

He's safety first and cagey, yeah, and has one of the best away records in the Premier League this year. Get over it.

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

I too thought Patterson's cameo showed he needs to play!!The lad's confidence must be shot, he's our only fit right-back and doesn't start.

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

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

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

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

Moyes is doing a good job.

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

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

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

Tarkowski was deffo offside and interfering with the goalie's sight. If that was given against us, I would be well pissed off.... but I'll take the point!!!

We are still cooking. I wish Gana's shot would have went in against Leeds and Dewsbury-Hall scored the sitter today. Fine margins.

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

Jimmy, sorry mate but no team ever should be playing 4 centre-backs across the back.

If you're happy with that, then fine. I'm not. This is Everton Football Club.

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

Another good point away from home against difficult opponents.

We move on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frank #130,

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

Nick Page 143 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:07:08

I like Moyes. I think he's “steadied the ship”. I also wouldn't drop him now.

But if you gave him 40 points and a fully fit squad at the start of the season and no injuries, he'd finish 10th. That's Moyes.

Prove me wrong...

Philip Devlin 144 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:10:06

Good luck with attracting Xabi Alonso to come to Everton, Merle.

That would be funny as fuck, to be fair.

Mick O\'Malley 145 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:12:17

It's a good point way from home, but I think what everyone is saying is that, if we'd have shown a bit more attacking intent in the first half, we'd have probably got 3. I mean Brighton have won 1 in11 and we've been good away from home.

Just show some courage, for fuck's sake, and try and win the game instead of waiting for something to happen. We had to go a goal behind before we showed any intent, I think that's what pisses fans off.

Liam Mogan 146 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:18:43

Summerville has done well at West Ham.

It's really surprised me that he settled in London as I always thought he was a Smalltown Boy.

John Collins 147 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:20:02

Jimmy Summerville would get a game at full back for us.

Dave Abrahams 148 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:23:47

Tony (@117), You forgot to put LOL after your first line.

Timings of those subs — two bleedin' minutes to go? Desperation time did you mean — mind you I wanted Patterson on from the start.

Peter (@119), I was thinking about you when I saw the Marine score come up on the TV — did our goalie save a couple of penalties in the last round for Marine?

I wouldn't mind betting, Peter, that you get a lot more enjoyment watching Marine this season than watching Everton — pure honest endeavour from one team and some very poor performances from the millionaire professionals.

Brian Denton 149 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:23:54

Liam (146), Good one!

Probably passed over younger heads though.

Rob Dolby 150 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:26:50

It was nil nil at half time. We are away from home. Not sure if people want us to turn into Brazil with the fantastic players we have.

I agree, Patterson deserved to keep the shirt but O'Brien didn't let us down. Mitoma was kept quiet for most of the game.

Moyes was slow with the subs as usual. Putting Paterson on was due to Branthwaite being goosed and not some master stroke.

No idea what's wrong with Mykolenko but, let's face it, he wasn't missed. Aznou not even on the bench, so left-back options very limited.

Some great posts on here tonight. I particularly like the one "We only got the draw as we scored the same amount of goals"...

The "Alonso next manager" shout was also great.

Someone claiming Tarkowski was offside. You would swear people are happier grumbling.

A boring game but a last-minute goal is a thing of beauty, as close to a win as it comes.

Tough to pick a MotM, Garner for his all-around effort.

Merle Urquart 151 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:30:54

Philip @144,

Yes, slightly unrealistic and slightly tongue-in-cheek but Keith Andrews l definitely would take a punt on.

Who would you go for? Or would you rather be out of both cups in January and bored to sobs watching archaic tactics but safe again every season?

Tony Abrahams 152 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:38:24

Go back to my post @98, for laughter, Dave!

I forgot to reply to Peter M, who sounds like he has had a brilliant day away from the razzmatazz of the Premier League….

Singing "We Shall Not Be Moved", Peter?

John Collins 153 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:39:22

I'm just waiting for the "be careful what you wish for" shouts...

Ian Bennett 154 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:39:44

Dave - -10 minutes of play left.

Keith Andews, why the fuck are we punting? We need stability and a rebuild, not a double fucking 6.

Derek Taylor 156 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:42:41

Far better to have exciting football and a good relegation scrap than boring. boring 8th -- eh, Merle?

Dave Abrahams 157 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:51:13

Ian (154),

There were 2 minutes of normal time when he came on = desperation time. Two of the other subs, Tim Iroegbunam and Tyler Dibling, added nothing to the performance.

Charly Alcaraz made some difference in the few minutes he was given. He will most probably play on the wing next week... if he's here!

Jonathan Oppenheimer 158 Posted 31/01/2026 at 19:55:18

First half was certainly a hard watch, and agreed that Patterson deserved the start. The problem was that Branthwaite had to move out to the left if Mykolenko was injured, which means Keane should've remained on the bench after his suspension.

Also, I would've liked to have seen Dibling start on the right with Armstrong, as good as he is, playing in the middle and Gana remaining on the bench. I know Dibling hasn't shown much, but we needed true wingers on the pitch.

Certainly I would've liked to have seen the subs 10 minutes earlier and Rohl instead of Iroebugnam.

I'm souring a bit on Moyes, but still think he should get another season for stability's sake. We've seen what happens when you chop and change the manager too quickly.

Sign good players in the summer, keep the manager, see what happens next year. It's not always pretty right now, but I'll maintain it's still far better than the past few seasons, which is good enough for me.

Merle Urquart 159 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:03:03

Jeepers...

l can't quite fathom why we have so many fans who enjoy being spoonfed joyless shite and never winning a trophy for over a generation -- and we're to be grateful for it, to boot!

John Collins 160 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:05:32

Brainwashed by the previous chairman and his right-hand man, Merle.

7th is the new 1st.

Anthony Dove 161 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:08:05

There's nothing more to add on Moyes. It was all said in the last years of his first spell.

That's what makes it all so depressing.

Kevin Molloy 162 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:10:34

A week ago, we beat the prospective champions on their own pitch. We've just scored an injury time equaliser against our rivals for a Euro spot, again away, and you reckon, Merle, we should now sack Moyes and put in Keith Andrews cos you're sick of watching joyless shite?

And this is whilst we've gone in a year from relegation contenders to having the best away record in the league?

I'm not sure people are loving watching the first half, but when you've just lost your best player, and have two just back from Afcon, and another two just returning from long term injury, there is a thing called 'making allowances and seeing the bigger picture.

Like the fact we are now starting to recruit well, but that it can't all be done at once. But that, after another Summer window, we may well have the makings of a decent squad, if we get in the full-backs we need.

Philip Devlin 163 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:11:01

I don't know who I'd want to replace Moyes, Merle, because I'm not clamouring for him to go. Quite simple, really.

I can have my concerns and frustrations about his selection but I can also be happy with a 97th-minute equaliser because of his changes and be 9th in the table.

How high in the table do you expect us to be at this stage of the season?

John Collins 164 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:17:14

I would rather finish 12th and watch a decent game of attacking football than scrape into 8th watching frightened football.

Darren Hind 165 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:33:54

Who said it had to be either or?

Andy Meighan 166 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:35:32

Merle,

I asked you in the Live Forum to name me a manager who could replace Moyes. You never replied, so I'm asking you again: name me a manager that realistically we could attract who'd do as good a job as Moyes has done in 12 months?

I've got news for you: there isn't one. Yes, the football has been dire at times but we've ground results out. I will say this, though, on a different note: Patterson did not deserve to be dropped today and if Moyes thinks O'Brien is a better right-back, then he's mistaken.

If Branthwaite plays in his normal position today we win that game because he would have anticipated the cross.

Merle Urquart 167 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:36:21

Philip @163,

Well, let's see... we spunked points against Wolves at home due to selection, stubborness and tactics; we spunked points at home against Leeds due to selection, stubborness and tactics; and we spunked points today against a struggling Brighton side today due to selection, stubborness and tactics...

6 points + 34 = 40 -- that would put us 5th in theory

We'll ignore the changing of the side after the terrific Forest away win for the home game against Brentford to shoehorn Keane back in the side and the dropping of Rohl who'd had his best game (l like Keane btw).

To sum up, we have a decent set of players (forwards apart) who should be at least where they are in the table but they're being held back. Again, it's about having the gumption to reach out and grab what's on offer -- and we're not.

So again please enjoy the joyless shite that dithering dour Dave forces us to choke on.

Edward Rogers 168 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:37:23

Various posters,

Who would do a better job with this current squad? Glasner? Irola? Potter? All this or recent years flavour of the month?

We all want to be playing attractive winning football but a lot of us realise our limitations and the fact that it will take time. I hated watching us in the 1st half today but I see improvement in the overall wider picture.

Philip Devlin 169 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:38:25

Myra Hindley’s just put one in against the RS.

Merle Urquart 170 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:43:32

Andy @166,

Sorry, Andy, l came off the Live Forum soon after the whistle but l've already said on this thread that l like the football Keith Andrew's Brentford play.

But l will tell you now Moyes outstayed his welcome by 5 years prior to him shitting all over us to gush all over Sir Alex Ferguson and l never wanted him back.

Football has moved on and l don't like him or his football teams.

Philip Devlin 171 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:48:18

Thanks for that, Merle. You're right about the games you mention but guess what? Moyes's selections can fuck everyone off but, on the last six games form, we're level with Man City.

What other Premier League team do you think we should be playing in the style of right now, (a year after flirting with relegation) and how high should we be in the table now for you to be happy?

Darren Hind 172 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:50:01

Reading this thread, it would appear expectation has been successfully managed again.

The less they pay to watch the shite Moyes serves up every week, the more they apologise for it.

Tony Hughes 173 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:52:35

Kevin,

You keep parroting that we have the best away record in the Premier League.

We don't.

Merle Urquart 174 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:54:25

Can l just add that Newcastle, Villa and Forest flirted with relegation at the same time as us but moved on (Forest currently the exception but they have had other things going viz the chairman).

It's not outrageous to suggest we can't make a splash at the right end of the table for once!

Tony Hughes 175 Posted 31/01/2026 at 20:58:30

"Like the fact that we're now starting to recruit well."

Have I missed something this month? Who? What? Where? When?

Philip Devlin 176 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:06:14

Merle -Newcastle didn’t crash the top six the first season after becoming the richest club in the world, Forest had one good season and are now struggling, but credit to Villa for landing an excellent manager who took them to the next level.

Moyes still went there and beat them the other week, though. And we’re a point behind Newcastle.

Tony Abrahams 177 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:14:56

It’s incredible to think we would have been in a very similar position to Liverpool, and above Newcastle, if we had got those extra points Merle, because I’ve just watched the last twenty minutes of the first half at Anfield, and both of those teams are playing the type of energetic football, that we can currently only dream of watching.

The more money I pay Darren, the less I want to watch us. I’m aware that football is a results business, but I’d love to see a little bit of innovation, a lot more drive, and just a little bit of speed of thought, to give me a feeling that makes me really want to go the game.

Kevin Molloy 178 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:20:16

Are you splitting hairs over the fact Arsenal overtook us just two hours ago Tony?

Merle Urquart 179 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:21:37

Philip, each of those sides went from being relegation threatened to Europe the following season

Darren Hind 180 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:22:09

You and 52000 others Tony.

Anthony Dove 181 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:24:31

Tony@177 I always enjoy your posts but I think you(and me) are pining

for the sort of football which money has killed forever. Once in a while

there’s game that reminds you what the game should be. In most

games now you can tell six passes away that the ball will be passed

back to the goalkeeper.

Tony Hughes 182 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:25:19

Kevin we're behind Arsenal, Villa, Spurs, Chelsea and Man City in that particular claim

Kevin Molloy 183 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:27:07

Since Moyes took over up until this evening we had the highest no of away wins in the division Tony

Peter Mills 184 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:29:40

Messrs Abrahams, Father and Son.

I have to be careful, there are some who dislike my going off on a tangent, away from Everton. But I felt the fact that an Everton player made such a huge contribution with saves for Marine (as in previous rounds, Dave) justified my post.

I went on the coach with my son, and his sons aged 9 and 11, so all day I was thinking about being on coaches to FA Cup ties at a similar age following the Blues in the second half of the 1960s, with all the joy and torment that went with those journeys. “We shall not be moved” was never far away from my thoughts, Tony.

At the end of the game, before the penalties, a boy in front of me became very agitated as he found out Beto had scored, of course I enjoyed the moment too.

What I did witness at the game at Tamworth was a magnificent effort from Marine’s players. They have been ravaged by injuries, players being pulled back from loans (including the excellent Idon Samuels-Smith from Everton), part-timers against full-timers, the wounded and the exhausted seeing out the draw.

I’m not sure millionaires would have done it.

Tony Hughes 185 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:31:28

It this season that matters Kevin.

Philip Devlin 186 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:31:33

Tony is that the same Newcastle and Liverpool who’ve collectively pumped hundreds of millions more than we have over multiple seasons to where they are ?

Sorry we can’t go from battling it out with Ipswich to playing like PSG within one season. Who should we have got in instead of Moyes to be competing to your desired level Tony?

Kevin Molloy 187 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:35:43

haha, you'd rather extrapolate over six months than a year Tony?

ok

Liam Mogan 188 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:36:26

The thing with Moyes is this is all he csn do. There will be no change, no different style, no tactical masterstrokes. It'll just be the same old blues, win one, lose one, draw a couple - all with the same safety first, defensive shape obsessed masterplan.

I would be surprised if most fans weren't pragmatic enough to realise that it could go either way if we replaced him. But for me its so hard not to be be fatigued by Moyes and his approach. It might not be as bad as Dycheball, but its still feckin boring.

Tony Hughes 189 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:42:14

Yes Kevin, why not. Its about this season or shall we take teams records back 2,3,4 seasons to manipulate stats? Like I said it's about the now.

Enlighten me with this improved, good recruitent we're doing, who are these players and when did we sign them?

Jimmy Carr 190 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:47:43

Ok, that Keith Andrews shout has given me the biggest chuckle/grimace since the Graham Potter shout, a name pushed by more than a few on here. But Keith Andrews? A set piece coach with half a season in management? That's the guy to take us forward? Yeah, good one.

It doesn't matter quoting facts to the anti-Moyes brigade. If we qualify for Europe it won't matter either. They'll still be here, frothing at the mouth, mumbling something about happy clappers, first to post when Moyes doesn't pick their preferred eleven. Led on (with pitchforks at the ready) by the ever redoubtable Michael Kenrick.

ToffeeWeb that.

Kevin Molloy 191 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:48:20

well that's got to be a first Tony, wanting to judge someone's output over a shorter period.

players?

Jack Grealish. best loan we've ever had?

KDH signing of the summer window?

Rohl. finding his feet

Barry. a one in two goal return if you count his unfairly disallowed goals

Aznou. we can all see the potential.

Dibling. ditto

plus being responsible for a major upturn in form in Garner, Keane O'Brien

Raymond Fox 192 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:49:49

Remind me are we 8th or 20th, because reading most of the depressing posts you would swear we were 20th.

The top clubs don't spend fortunes signing the very best players they can find for nothing.

If you expect us to play like Arsenal you need Arsenal players.

When we can field a team of top class players to match the top few teams, then you can expect us to play good open football.

At the start of the reason the squad was in a right old mess, theres some very short memories on here.

Tony Abrahams 193 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:51:20

I don’t know Philip, but that one season made me shake my head though mate.

I’ve witnessed loads of seasons of Moyes teams before, and that’s why Peter Mills, earlier post resonated with me.

I knew “we shall not be moved” wouldn’t have been far from Peter’s thoughts because he’s a genuine Evertonian, who was brought up on cup football.

What’s cup football, asked David? Fuck that, I’m here to bring stability, not entertain the people, and anyone who knows anything about football, shouldn’t expect me to play exciting football anyway, because I’ve never had the money, thank god.

I don’t expect miracles, but having a desired level of just expecting to watch players who really want to play, isn’t too much to ask Philip?

Tony Hughes 194 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:54:16

Barry 1 in 2 if you count his disallowed goals? Is that a serious statement, you're funny Kev..

As for Aznou, Rohl and Dibling your man Moyesy doesn't see the potential does he? how often do they get picked?

Andy Meighan 195 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:55:26

Thanks for the reply Merle and your totally right about the game moving on, it's all about opinions and you're right in saying the football isn't great.

I'd agree in as much we need a young vibrant coach who's going to get us on the front foot from the first whistle, the trouble is who would our board go for.

Brighton don't seem to have too much trouble or Brentford or Bournemouth but id say at this time we are better than the 3 of them.

Moyes has done a great job in just under a year and look at West ham without him.

Is he the future long term most definitely not but let's not get too down on him because in the short term hes done a remarkable job.

Philip Devlin 196 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:55:42

Tony 189 “ Enlighten me with this improved, good recruitent we're doing”

Level with City on last six form, 8th in the table. Where the fuck do you expect us to be?

Kevin Molloy 197 Posted 31/01/2026 at 21:57:05

that's why it's called potential Tony, it's not ready now?

the referee in each of his disallowed goals said it was a goal, so yes for my purposes I am saying we have signed a player averaging a goal every two games. I think you can make that case. Everyone hates VAR. how many of Lineker's goals would have been disallowed back in the day? or Rooney's.

Tony Abrahams 198 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:02:38

Kevin, you’re absolutely hilarious mate!

We can all see the potential in Aznou, fuckin brilliant that one.

Ditto Dibling? The kid looks like he’s waiting for the jury to return.

Grealish was a better loan player than Lukaku. Seriously?

KDH, is the signing of the summer? I know he cost a lot more money but the kid, who scored two for Liverpool tonight, has looked the best player in the league, when I’ve watched him.

Barry’s disallowed goals? I shouldn’t laugh at goals that have been taken away from our centre forward, but it hasn’t stopped me smiling though.🙈

I’ve had a hard week Kevin, so thanks for that very positive list. Laughter is definitely the best medicine 👍

Kevin Molloy 199 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:08:55

I'm starting to see now Tony why you're gloomy.

Yes, I think Aznou is going to be a good player. he's had an excellent pedigree, showed good signs against Sunderland in the cup. What, are you convinced he's a dud just cos he's not got past Myko?

and yes, Grealish is a much better player than Rom, the flat track bully. Who'd score a boatload against Bournemouth and then disappear for a month.

Before his injury yes I think KDH was looking a better signing pound for pound than any Liverpool player.

Why is it so funny to say Barry is a one in two striker if the referee on the day was happy with the goal? it obviously won't count towards his official total, but is evidence of his quality. It shows that according to the rules of five years ago or whenever he'd have been given the goal. it shows what he's capable of, and what we have on our hands.

Mike Powell 200 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:09:10

A point away at Brighton is a good result, well done Moyes, get behind the boys and stop whingeing,COYB

Tony Abrahams 201 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:22:59

You honestly don’t know why I’m gloomy Kevin, but if you carry on with those observations, it’s possible you could end up in a psychiatric ward, alongside my mate, who has just given me a very hard week mate.

It’s all subjective, each to their own, but like I said the other week, reading some of your latest stuff, gives me a real feeling of sensationalism Kevin.

Tony Abrahams 202 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:29:39

Liverpool have won one game in six, and have two less points than Everton, in the form league.

If City win tomorrow, they will have twelve points from their last six games, which will be three more than Everton.

Nobody is setting the world alight, that very welcome last minute equaliser today, probably moved Everton up about three places, and if we had taken maximum points from are last two home games against teams in the bottom six, we probably would have been sitting comfortably in sixth place.

Philip Devlin 203 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:34:58

Three close goal chances, 97th minute goal by Beto, away fans going mad, 8th in the table,”dour” Davie Moyes getting a yellow for being happy about it.

ToffeeWeb miserablists? Nah. Can’t bring themselves to celebrate a decent result.

Darren Hind 204 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:36:42

Barry scored 5 in 26 games.

Hasnt improved enough to be a 1 in 5 man yet. Moyes more to blame for those shocking figures than the player,

Annika Herbert 205 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:39:44

Delighted with a point, especially after that shit show of a first half and yet another masterclass team selection from the genius that is Moyes.

Having read through all the posts so far, I am now under the impression we have the first manager in the land. Who has worked miracles with the players he has available and the canny signings made last summer.

Totally ignoring some of the dire football currently being served up by said genius. Numerous beatings at home by the powerhouses that are Spurs, Newcastle and Brentford. Not to mention the stunning efforts made to secure magnificent draws with Wolves and Leeds.

This, apparently, is excusable tho, due to the loss of our star player through injury and 2 further players being absent at AFCON. Not to mention the ridiculously small squad our genius is forced to deal with.

Not many managers would use 4 CB's across there entire backline it has to be said. But we should all be extremely grateful as we currently sit 9th in the table and are comfortably avoiding another relegation dogfight.

This, of course, excuses the totally shite, dull, football being regularly served up by our genius.

But who could replace Moyes and do a better job? Apparently no one according to our vociferous Moyes supporters.

So, once our genius has improved the squad next summer, we can expect a further improvement and a big push for a European spot, according to some. Allowing us to bore the pants off of supporters across Europe with our stunning defensive performances.

If people want to praise Moyes regardless of result, or performance, good on you. Just as it's reasonable for some people to expect at least a modicum of attacking intent and be critical of piss poor performances. Even if those performances only last for 45 minutes.

But according to some, we should only ever be gushing in our praise of the Moyesiah

Kevin Molloy 206 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:41:58

are you counting his five minute appearances as sub, Darren? I'm just going with starts.

Kevin Molloy 207 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:49:07

I wonder what ToffeeWeb would have been like after the dour goalless draw with Coventry all those years ago.

'get him out! put Harvey in! this is utter shit!'

I remember Howard getting interviewed after we won the title on the pitch, he said, 'this hasn't happened overnight you know. it took four years to build this'.

And most of those four years were filled with frustrating nearly games and hard watches. But we knew back then that you don't just judge someone after six months or a year, you give them time to build something

Danny Baily 208 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:52:08

Moyes is objectively doing a good job. The only path to better results than those we've gotten so far is better players. Last summer's investment was promising (KDH in particular). Keep doing that year on year and we'll be in a position to compete.

Tony Abrahams 209 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:52:57

Miserablists? Taken in isolation, that is a phrase that makes me feel quite miserable Philip, but then I start to remember that I have read a few of your recent posts, and it does appear that you like to rub people up the wrong way mate!

I celebrated the equaliser, it’s funny I have a twelve year old daughter, who starts doing handstands because she thinks that her 15 second handstands actually bring Everton, some luck, and If I’m being honest, I often get more enjoyment watching her determination to walk on her hands for Everton, because she believes it brings us a goal.

I’ll happily take the point, but I do worry about being called miserable, even though a lot of Everton’s latest performances have bored the life out of me.

Philip Devlin 210 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:55:34

Darren “hasn’t improved enough to be a 1 in 5 man yet”.

Apart from the fact that he’s just scored 4 in 5 games. Right after a very lean period. Pretty much the definition of an “improved” performance. Try harder.

Bill Gall 211 Posted 31/01/2026 at 22:59:42

i don't dislike D.Moyes as I do not know him.I believe he is doing a better job at avoiding relegation and stabilizing the club into a better position than previous managers. Will he improve, I doubt it. he is too set in his style of play, but why do we have to go behind, for him to make changes. This was a good point earned today but like the Leeds game I think we threw away the other 2pts,

Darren Hind 212 Posted 31/01/2026 at 23:04:59

"Hasnt improved ENOUGH to be better than 1 in 5 striker"

Not my opinion. An irrefutable fact

Official records eh ? they have this terrible habit of ramming apologism right back down the throats of those who spout it

Philip Devlin 213 Posted 31/01/2026 at 23:10:23

I’m not sure I rub people up the wrong way in the same way as, say, comparing other posters you disagree with to your friends who have been committed to a psychiatric ward, Tony. Bit crass, that.

But, guess what? I’m a happy Evertonian tonight - just like the 3000 away fans who were going mad celebrating with Beto earlier.

Philip Devlin 214 Posted 31/01/2026 at 23:40:02

Clearly my advice about anger management isn’t getting through to you Darren. Recent form is important in football. 4 goals in 5 games suggests a player in form. Which renders your stats meaningless. I’m sorry you don’t understand that.

I prefer to support Everton in a way that encourages their players to better themselves. Maybe one day you’ll find enlightenment. That or fuck off, I don’t really care tbh.

Kieran Kinsella 215 Posted 31/01/2026 at 23:55:09

Philip

Darren’s upset his boy DCL fluffed his lines with his usual dreadful finishing against us last week when he was all excited to tell us how he was the best thing since sliced bread.

John Williams 216 Posted 31/01/2026 at 23:58:50

Annika 205,

The problem Everton have, is we are a bog standard team with bogstandard players. Apart from Pickford, how many of our players would get a game in the Top 4 or 5 clubs.

Some would say Branthwaite, but he has been a sick note in the last two seasons.

I think Pickford is a very good keeper, but no other club, that we know of, has ever been interested.

You cannot make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

Everton need a better class of player, to compete, at the top table.

Derek Thomas 217 Posted 01/02/2026 at 01:06:30

Philip,Devlin @ 203;

..."ToffeeWeb miserablists? Nah. Can’t bring themselves to celebrate a decent result."

Sometimes it ain't what you do - it's the way you do it.

This is The Moyes Paradox writ large - the whole difference between the Moyesistas and the Moyes out Brigade.

You get 1 Pt. for a draw, 3 Pts. for a win...and then there's GD - which can be worth a point.

But you don't get any points for 'Artistic Impression' or entertainment* - for which I'm sure Moyes is eternally grateful.

* Back in the day, for both the fans AND the players, there used to be rewards for Artistic Impression / Entertainment...They called it 'Crowd Bonus.'

The more 'entertaining' the team was, the more people would turn up to be 'entertained' and the more money the players would get...and the happier the fans would be.

Cause and effect - 'better' football / more happier fans

But with sell out crowds, waiting lists, and all the players overdosed on millions, no one seems to give a fuck any more.

Not even in the Squad? - who cares, the money still goes in the bank.

But with sell out crowds, waiting lists, with all the players...and the Managers...overdosing on millions, whats a few extra quid for entertaining the crowd?

...'who cares about how the game looks to the great unwashed, the 'sans culottes' on the sidelines...the 12th man my arse, they're all ungrateful twats anyway, whinging about 'Poor football' - wtf do they know.?

I know a crap 1st half when I see one...just like the one on Monday...and others!

I know Jammy last minute escape when I see one too.

Philip Devlin 218 Posted 01/02/2026 at 01:28:25

Derek - I’m clinking your glass in agreement. Whatever that is.

Eric Myles 219 Posted 31/01/2026 at 01:56:38

Struggling Brighton Merle #167, they were 2 points behind us and 2 places behind us in 12th going into the game, and 12 points clear of the bottom three.

If that's struggling then what were we doing under Dyche? Drowning and about to go under for the third time?

Eric Myles 220 Posted 01/02/2026 at 02:00:51

Phillip #163, "How high in the table do you expect us to be at this stage of the season?"

Well we couda, wouda, shoulda, been higher, or lower considering results that have gone for / against us.

Denver Daniels 221 Posted 01/02/2026 at 02:06:40

I can't believe we're this high up the table watching this level of shiteness week in week out. Once again we have to go behind before we show anything in attack and most of that was long balls out the back from Pickford and co. The Beto/Patto subs were so late they can't be anything other than out of desperation, not some genius tactical move.

Eric Myles 222 Posted 01/02/2026 at 02:07:46

Derek #156, I don't remember anyone on here calling the Dycheball relegation scraps exciting?

Philip Devlin 223 Posted 01/02/2026 at 02:09:36

Thanks Eric. I now know where to go to for expert Everton advice. I’ll make sure to pass it on to the Friedkins.

Annika Herbert 224 Posted 01/02/2026 at 02:52:53

Philip @ 233, what it like being so perfect and so right all the time?

Just wondering because you don't debate, you criticize anyone's opinion you don't agree with. Followed, generally, by a little abuse

Steve Brown 225 Posted 01/02/2026 at 03:08:08

“Dour Dithering Davie’s Defensive Dross Deserves Defeat” would have been a fair headline at half time.

The second half was a better but from a very low baseline, and it made me wonder what holds Moyes back? This is his last big job and I have always thought the best managers gamble when there is a game to be won.

Playing 4 centre backs in a low block and parking 2 defensive midfielders in front against a team below us in the league is utterly negative. Particularly, since Brighton have not won a home game sinve November.

When Moyes changed tactics yesterday, as in the Leeds game, we looked a team who came match for most teams. It’s your last big gig Moysey, take chances and be more progressive.

By the way, how crap must Dibling and McNeil be in training that the manager selected young Harrison to play on the right>

Mike Gaynes 226 Posted 01/02/2026 at 03:15:47

DT #217...

"Sometimes it ain't what you do - it's the way you do it."

Yup.

And sometimes all that matters is getting it done.

I agree with John #216. At this point, this team is as average as it gets. Talent, pace, depth... adequate at best. Good enough to stay well clear of relegation danger for the first time in five seasons. Not nearly good enough to play entertaining, stylish-looking football.

I will be thrilled to see us play that kind of football again after all these years of grinding. But it won't be this season. Or next, in my opinion. There is still a lot of rebuilding still to be completed. And a lot more grinding ahead of us.

Steve Brown 227 Posted 01/02/2026 at 03:30:07

Finally, it is always funny to read the usual Comical Allis on here trying to justify the really awful football served up.

Or the defenders of the world class analytics and industry-leading of the dividend divers TFG. It doesn’t matter that we are playing centre backs at full back, look at how many Toyotas they have sold in the States.

That 97th minute equalisers was brilliant, but took away the opportunity of reading why everything was just awesome and we must not deviate from the genius “long-term plan”.

Sure we will hear more about it next week.

Steve Brown 228 Posted 01/02/2026 at 03:30:40

Haha, and as if by magic…

Mike Gaynes 229 Posted 01/02/2026 at 04:47:48

Steve, we have a GD of -1. That's about as average as you can get. Do you think we have better players than that?

And I would remind you that it's not the Toyota guys' responsibility to find good players, just to provide the funds for them. Finding and signing 'em is up to Moyes/Kinnear/Smith et al. And where they play on the pitch is entirely up to Moyes.

Paul Griffiths 230 Posted 01/02/2026 at 05:11:52

Liam 146 - 'Smalltown Boy' was on everywhere on the soundtrack for the Watford final mate. It was released the same month and in the car there and going home it was on the radio all the time, and in the alehouses around Covent Garden and Cambridge Circus. I love the song for its own merits but the memories it brings.

Top post Dave A - 148. Brilliant news Pete - 119. Made up for you and the Mariners. Has. the QF draw been made mate?

Paul Griffiths 231 Posted 01/02/2026 at 05:24:45

Kevin Molloy 199 - and yes, Grealish is a much better player than Rom, the flat track bully.

Enough is enough. Reality has to sink in at some point surely.

Lukaku's impact on us was 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 times - take your pick - higher than Grealish. I do like Jack but Kevin's Holy Moyes of Lourdes yawn now colours his view of our players. Given our needs in August, I would have taken Romelu on loan ahead of Jack in a heartbeat.

Paul Griffiths 232 Posted 01/02/2026 at 05:34:37

Kevin Molloy 207 - But we knew back then that you don't just judge someone after six months or a year, you give them time to build something

Don't rewrite history Mr. Molloy to suit your Teresa Moyes of Lourdes agenda. I was at that match. Everyone wanted Moyes sacked. The Winslow post-match was seething. It was awkward. We loved HK but he was doing shite.

'But we knew back then', look at the attendance FFS.

Were you there Kevin? Did you seek opinions? Your post is a travesty of reality. And then the league cup. No one expected it lad, though we hoped. And then Stoke A. Were you there Kevin? If not, don't comment on a period and pretend to speak for us.

Paul Griffiths 233 Posted 01/02/2026 at 06:08:01

232 LOL, sorry Kevin, 'Moyes sacked'. So, perhaps you're going back to New Years Eve 1983 with Teresa Ignatius of Antioch Moyes and me with David Moyes! Kendal in his prime 1984-87 was ten times the manager Moyes has ever been.

Alan J Thompson 234 Posted 01/02/2026 at 06:19:43

Rob Dolby(#150); If you are going to quote somebody else then use the whole quote. You must have a brain so read it again in context or did AI type this for you and has anyone explained to you that we weren't the team in blue and white yesterday? Great!

I get tired of those celebrating that we are not in a relegation fight and see it as the mediocrity that has haunted our club for so long, Kenwright used to budget for an 11th place finish and guess who almost always got that for him although it has to be said that Moyes, this time around, has done better than most of his predecessors albeit only one was any good and he got out just over halfway through before moving on to one of the world's great clubs and then arguably one of if not the best national team of all time.

As for who the next manager will be, nearly every club in the Premier League has changed managers in the last two or three years and who named Carrick at United or the bloke at Villa, they are out there.

As for the "Tarkowski offside", please let us know what differences you saw (you did watch?) between his position and the one that saw the blue and white teams disallowed goal.

Andrew Clare 235 Posted 01/02/2026 at 07:12:06

It’s a money game now. A few years ago a £15 million player would have been an average player, now a £30 million player is an average type of player. This is the price range we are shopping in. Sometimes you get lucky and get a class player for less but generally you do not. Top players now are £60 million and upwards and that’s the problem, only a few clubs can afford to pay that kind of money.

Anyway that’s just an aside- Moyes is a negative manager doing well with limited resources but playing ugly football.

As an Evertonian that grew up watching Harry Catterick’s teams today’s Everton pale in comparison.

Paul Griffiths 236 Posted 01/02/2026 at 07:26:19

Pete Mills, mate, did you see this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsEYvksoMLE

Derek Thomas 237 Posted 01/02/2026 at 07:32:38

Mike @ 226; if we're not yet 'ready' and won't be for 18months or more OK, well fair enough.

1st Half; Moyes picks a starting 11 with an Ancelotti style 'Wall of 4' plus 2 dedicated minders sat in front, gives them the team talk winds them up and sends them out - which results in No shots - not one, fuck all.

2nd Half; Moyes picks a starting 11 with an Ancelotti style 'Wall of 4' with maybe not so many minders sat in front, gives them the team talk winds them up and sends them out - which results in...to quote the BBC..

"However, Everton's response in the second half was impressive.They had seven shots after the break, four of them on target, and Brighton's opener came firmly against the run of play."

This wasn't a starting 11 rebuilt 18mths hence - this was exactly the same shite 11 that played in the 1st half...only they weren't so shite.

The Differnce Moyes, HE and He alone sent them out in the 1st half with the Handbrake (parking brake to you?) on...just like he did Vs Leeds and other teams.

Just like he did in his first Incarnation

Just like, he ALWAYS does

This is The Moyes Conundrum, Increasingly now in his later years, He Can - but most times he chooses not to.

So please explain why he is NOT part of the solution, but part of the Same 11 two different halves problem.

In the first half apparently It isn't what you do, but the way that you do it.

Yet in the 2nd half...with the same 1, when results differ, it appears IT IS

Paul Griffiths 238 Posted 01/02/2026 at 07:32:48

Love it! Marine away ah ah ah ah I like it!!!

I need to move back to Crosby in the next 5 years.

Paul Griffiths 239 Posted 01/02/2026 at 07:44:03

Did you see this, Pete:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsEYvksoMLE

Ian Bennett 240 Posted 01/02/2026 at 08:01:24

I am still amazed that any criticism on the performances is on the manager. The players get away Scot-free time and again.

They're world beaters when they win. Worth a fortune when someone comes sniffing... but when they don't perform, it is 100% on the manager.

In no other walk of life would employees get away with the blame game on the manager vs the players. "Nurse, yeah, I let the patients die because the doctor wasn't around." "Yep, didn't lay a brick this afternoon, because the foreman was in a planning meeting all day."

These are professional athletes for god sakes, not Under-5s.

Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Garner, Armstrong are the darlings when it is going right, but nothing said about their first-half performances. Does Man City only play 2nd half because Pep tells them too? Does he fairy cakes.

All are good enough to play a lot better than that. And all can play for more than 45 minutes. The team turned it around 2nd half vs Brighton, bar some poor defending for their goal, as they did vs Leeds.

The players and the manager both need to put in a full game display.

Darren Hind 241 Posted 31/01/2026 at 08:15:04

Every Evertonian was ecstatic with the equaliser because they support and love Everton. That didn't stop the anger spilling over when they saw his team sheet and having to witness that shit show. I laughed very hard when I saw the reaction of a certain Kevin Molloy when he heard the team selection.

The 50-odd thousand who celebrated the equaliser against Leeds did so because they love their team and their club, but no amount of apologies will erase the fact that (not for the first time) they had sent Moyes down the tunnel at half-time with a crescendo of boos ringing in his ears.

These are genuine matchgoing fans. Those who pay to watch our games. The lifeblood of the club. They were sending a message that they will no longer accept this souless zombie anti-football.

I'm just glad those who don't go near a match and spend most of their days apologising for this shite on forums like this are not heard. Because, while those who want something in return for years of patience and loyalty are making it clear that this anti-football is unacceptable, this merry little band of happy clappers are sending sycophantic messages to their idol that it is!

Maybe Michael Kenrick should put up two match reports. They don't have to be different. They just need to have different titles so that people can differentiate between the two threads and choose which one they want to post on.

One could be for people who support Everton and want to post their honest opinion about where we should be looking to improve.

The other could be for the handful of posters who worship Moyes instead and want to spend most of their time happy clapping this souless, zombie-like anti-football on their iPads.

Sean O\'Hanlon 242 Posted 01/02/2026 at 08:26:07

Michael @88 totally agree. Moyes is a phoney -- and the last 2 games are examples of his shit-shows, with lucky draws.

Don't understand why he brings in Keane. His lack of urgency clearly contributed to the first goal. Play a right-back at right-back and don't use a centre-back!

I would play O'Brien ahead of Keane all day!

Not one shot in the first 30 minutes, or was it in the first half? Moyes has no managerial skills. I can't bear to listen to him, and watching Everton has become so depressing I have to switch off.

If you're reading this, Moyes, walk away and take your nice fat pay-off -- before you turn the School of Science in the College of Calamity. SoC not CoC!

Tony Abrahams 243 Posted 01/02/2026 at 08:30:54

Explain why it was crass, Philip?

I often have conversations with Kevin, I've never met him but through these pages I often think we think and speak in a very similar way.

This differs when it comes to David Moyes because, although I can see what he offers, I think Kevin goes slightly overboard in his defence of our manager. I thought some of his observations were a little bit ridiculous and, when I told him this, he said he could see why I was being a bit gloomy.

Black humour is crass? But not where I come from, Philip.

Ian Bennett 244 Posted 01/02/2026 at 08:42:10

Moyes is a phoney.

Yeah, 12 months in, and he s got us joint 7th after years of struggle. What a fraud.

Dave Abrahams 245 Posted 01/02/2026 at 09:00:48

Peter (184),

Lovely reading that post, I bet that coach you were on going to see Marine was a happy one going to the game and a much happier one coming home. I hope you and your family and friends get a few more trips like that this season.

You can't beat seeing honest-to-goodness performances from players who love playing, whether it is for plenty of money or a lot less — even for nothing — and seeing them giving their all.... that is missing from a lot of professional football these days and is seen too often at our club.

Everton will always be your club, Peter, but I can see you watching a lot more of Marine in the future. Best wishes as always.

Tony Abrahams 246 Posted 01/02/2026 at 09:04:31

I don't see that much difference to the last two seasons football wise, and although I would love to see us push higher up the table, the reality is that I don't think we have enough quality.

We have struggled to beat teams at home in the Bottom 6 when it mattered and it could have really helped us push on. It would be nice to see us try and qualify for Europe but it would genuinely be a lot nicer to witness a little bit of excitement.

Do us a favour, Philip, when you pass on that expert advice to TFG. Don't forget to tell them that football is also supposed to be about entertaining people. Let them know how us Evertonians react when we are inside the ground, watching our team playing on the front foot.

Paul Griffiths 247 Posted 01/02/2026 at 09:04:59

We are not 'joint 7th'.

Peter Mills 248 Posted 01/02/2026 at 09:11:22

Paul #236, thanks for that.

The draw is at 3:15 pm, Monday.

Philip Devlin 249 Posted 01/02/2026 at 09:24:08

Yeah, don't worry, Tony, I'll pass that on. And I'll make sure to have tasers ready to stun actual match-going Evertonians in future if they dare to celebrate like they did at the 97th-minute equaliser yesterday.

How dare they be happy. They should've sat arms crossed, piss-faced and miserable because they don't like David Moyes from years ago and they especially don't like his away record this season because they're not playing like Brazil 1970 and winning every single game.

In the meantime I'll rewatch the highlights this morning, including the three or four opportunities we had to win the game in the second half of a closely fought contest, and then enjoy the rest of my day.

Good day to you, sir.

John Collins 250 Posted 01/02/2026 at 09:36:50

Ian 244,

If that's an answer to my post, I was referring to the man, not the manager.

John Collins 251 Posted 01/02/2026 at 09:38:48

Phillip,

Fast-forward through the first half or you won't enjoy your breakfast.

Paul Griffiths 252 Posted 01/02/2026 at 09:50:28

We did not have, Devlin, 'three or four opportunities ... to win the game in the second half'.

Do you understand that? Your Theresa Saint Ignatius Loyola, Moyes is wearing thin, lad.

Tony took care of you.

Tony Abrahams 253 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:00:08

So you're actually going to be taking tasers into Bromley Moore, Philip?

John Collins 254 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:06:46

"This is an incredibly well-run club. Sometimes you just got to remember where your place is."

Moyes in a report in today's press.

John Williams 255 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:07:39

There is always a discussion about Dibling. Last season, Southampton were one of the worst teams seen in the Premier League.

This lad wasn't always playing and yet someone (and we don t know who) thought it wise to pay a fairly large fee for him. He does not deserve a place in a fairly average team like Everton.

I have not watched our U21s or U18s but if we don't have young players who are better than Dibling coming through, then we are in a bad place.

Philip Devlin 256 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:23:24

Oh look, it's Professor Trump @ 252. I know you're busy having tantrums to deflect from the Epstein files, but Dewsbury-Hall had two clear chances, Tarkowski had one cleared off the line and Beto scored: three or four opportunities. Try watching games instead of threatening Iran. Or maybe actually proffer an opinion on football for once.

Tony - I don't know where Bromley Moore is, so no.

John - yep, thin gruel in the first half, you're right. No arguments there. Wish Moyes had set up a more progressive line-up, but I'll take a 97th-minute away equaliser at Brighton.

We're 8th and still within a shout of Europe.

Tony Abrahams 257 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:24:57

I think he was talking about yesterday's opponents, Brighton, John.

I have just looked at the highlights of yesterday's game and we could have had three. Dewsbury-Hall should have done better and we were unlucky when Tarkowski headed one corner that hit O'Brien just before it reached the goal. (I think Brighton scored within a couple of minutes?)

We obviously scored and Dewsbury-Hall had another shot go not far wide. On another day, we would have definitely been two goals down because I couldn't and still can't understand why Brighton's other goal was disallowed.

Against Villa, I saw a well-drilled Everton playing with what I thought was a very good system; but, since then, I haven't seen us playing as anything like a collective team.

Dave Lynch 258 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:34:44

This team can play football, this squad has some talented players, it's how you use them that matters.

The abject shite that was served up first half yesterday and against Leeds and Brentford is simply put garbage of the highest level in a professional sport.

"Sometimes you have to remember where your place is" is defeatist and an insult to the fans and club. I'd get rid of him now for that statement alone.

I was sick of him first time round, as the last 5 clubs he's managed have been.

John Collins 259 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:35:06

He was ,Tony, I should have mentioned that.

It's his undoubted mentality with our club as well though for me mate.

John Collins 260 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:40:23

Phillip.

I would have been happy before the game with a point, it's just the submissive football that proceeded it that I don't like.

Some may say "I'm not arsed how we play, we are in 8th!" Each to their own... It's not for me.

Philip Devlin 261 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:47:17

No arguments with that, John. But there is a cold hard logic to it.

You just knew from the off it was keep it tight first half and hit them in the second. Nearly worked, too.

Ian Bennett 262 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:49:38

Why are we not joint 7th, Paul? We are level on points with Fulham and 1 goal different with 14 games to go.

Tony, I think the football has changed.

We don't score a shed-load, and won't with a lot of these players. Collectively, the team is capable of 50 odd goals a season, but little more.

But they look more resolute in defending, do have a better style, and can come back from losing positions vs previous seasons. A low bar, I know, but we were never going to be Brazil 1970 in a season. When they score first, they invariably win.

I don't mind this group of players. I think they're giving everything they've got, and look better for the small amount of starust we have. The home form isn't good enough. But away from home, they look capable of picking up 1 point or 3. That's a decent base to work from.

I can see us gaining a European spot this season, which would be success as a first milestone under Moyes and TFG. It might not be a cup or a league trophy, but that's where this club is. Add in another 3 or 4 players of the bracket good enough to want to play European football, and we will be moving along nearer to what fans want to see.

Brian Harrison 263 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:49:40

There is no way anyone can see any good in that performance... it was abysmal, and we were lucky to get away with a point. I have no idea why Moyes played 4 centre-backs -- it was obviously going to stifle any attacking intention.

This was the 2nd game in a row we have come out and played so lethargically in the first half but put in a much better performance in the second.

I don't think Dewsbury-Hall is match fit yet and I do wonder how much the Afcon took out of Gana and Ndiaye... Ndiaye especially contributed very little in the second half -- a repeat of his 2nd half performance against Leeds.

I also think Garner having to carry the midfield in the absence of Gana and Dewsbury-Hall may be taking its toll on him.

Seeing Moyes changed a lethargic Everton after 45 minutes against Leeds, I couldn't understand why he didn't apply the same thinking to yesterday. Maybe he thought he couldn't risk Patterson defensively against Mitoma and, with Mykolenko being out, he was only left with Branthwaite who is left-footed to play there.

For those talking about Aznou, despite the 10-minute cameo against Sunderland in the FA Cup, he has hardly played, so it would be a big ask to throw him into this game from the start.

But despite the criticism of Moyes, which yesterday he deserved, we are 8th in the Premier League and, if Fulham lose by 2 goals today, we will be 7th. A position all of our recent managers would have died for. Except for Ancelotti -- who got us in the Top 2 by Xmas, yet some on here criticised.

So, for those who are critical of a manager who, despite the crazy recruitment team, has managed to get this team into a Top 10 spot, I think he deserves a little credit.

I see there are reports we are after another untried youngster from Chelsea, I guess another who might come good in 2027.

Dave Abrahams 264 Posted 01/02/2026 at 10:57:21

John (255),

There is a lad on loan at Accrington Stanley, Isaac Heath, plays on the right wing, who would me a lot more useful than Dibling is at the moment.

The lad has a bit of pace, works hard along with some skill, he has a few assists and a couple of goals with Accrington where he will be getting knocked from pilar to post while learning the game.

Dibling might turn his apparent potential into a good consistent player but Heath would have provided a lot more now.

There are some coming through now, if we can keep them, who should provide some excitement, skill, goals and assists in the near future while waiting for Dibling to start showing his worth.

John Collins 265 Posted 01/02/2026 at 11:18:44

Ian,

If the season stopped now when we are 8th,and the European places went down to 7th, would they let us into the competition as 'joint 7th'?

Rob Dolby 266 Posted 01/02/2026 at 11:27:59

Alan @234,

I try to read all the posts before deciding to post myself.

You did post "It might sound daft but we only got a draw as we scored the same amount of goals." Well. it does sound daft: I agree with you.

Do you agree that we are on the shitty end of the stick for most decisions this season? Keane's hair pull, Gana slap, O'Brien's phantom 2 disallowed goals, Tarkowski's handball v Leeds, and more.

We get an equaliser with a player not interfering with play in an offside position for our 96th-minute equaliser.

I would take any goal scored, no matter how it's scored, legal or not. I am fed up of being the fall guys for the referees.

A last-minute equaliser is a thing of beauty and shouldn't be begrudging against your own team no matter how badly we played.

I don't remember too many articles in the Echo about Kevin Brocks backpass to enable us to get a draw after stinking the house out under Howard Kendall Mk 1.

As for your AI comment or suggestion I don't watch the games... Don't be daft.

John Collins 267 Posted 01/02/2026 at 11:44:31

Dave,

Young Isaac and ALL our youth are too young to be considered to play in the Prem by some

Meanwhile the Arsenal kid,Dowman, who made his Prem debut aged 15 is making good progress.

As does Nwaneri,they gave him his Prem debut at 15 as well.

Merle Urquart 268 Posted 01/02/2026 at 11:45:51

@266 Rob

We are and have been for years the perfect guinea pigs for the interpretation of rules...big enough to get noticed but irrelevant enough not to matter...l even seem to remember Derby Co fielding an ineligible player against us (visa issue) who promptly scored the winner at Pride Park before being deported but the result stood...even Sunday league you would forfeit the points for playing a ringer...it wont change until we matter.

Ian Bennett 269 Posted 01/02/2026 at 11:49:31

But the season doesnt stop now, does it john.

Fulham play united in a couple of hours, so it will soon change. Probably a united win, given the turnaround under Carrick. Then its Fulham away.

John Collins 270 Posted 01/02/2026 at 11:53:41

It doest Ian but that's not what I asked you

Ian Bennett 271 Posted 01/02/2026 at 12:07:02

Well that's what I am answering mucka, but you have a chat with uefa about ending the season before 2pm if you want to be right.

I'll be a bit more realistic, points and goals difference will change before the end of the session. You can quote me on that.

Steve Brown 272 Posted 01/02/2026 at 12:21:44

John @ 265, I think joint 7th is the same as pre 6th, as opposed to 8th which is what we are.

Although you could say we are post 12th since 1 points divides us from Bournemouth in that position.

John Collins 273 Posted 01/02/2026 at 13:44:06

Thanks for your reply Ian.

It confirmed my thoughts.

Steve,precisely :-)

Darren Hind 274 Posted 01/02/2026 at 14:18:58

A hugely entertaining thread.

162 "The best away record in the league" - But only if you ignore the FACT that the likes of Arsenal,Villa, Chelsea and Spurs have better.

214. "Barry has scored 4 in 5" - But only if you ignore the the 21 games he didnt score, because Moyes's tactics meant he wasnt getting a sniff.

244 "Moyes has got us Joint 7th" - But only if you ignore the FACT that we are eighth.

Powerful, powerful arguments put forward by the fan boy three.

Kevin Molloy 275 Posted 01/02/2026 at 15:10:16

you sound like one of our previous managers Darren, with your 'phacts'!

Eric Myles 276 Posted 01/02/2026 at 15:27:26

Philip #223, you're welcome mate.

You appear to be new to this website but after 20+ (?) Years on here (correct me if I'm wrong MK) you get all the same comments.

We coulda won if Moyes had done X.

We shoulda won if Moyes had done Y.

We woulda won if Moyes had done Z.

And when we win?

Well that was despite Moyes.

Jimmy Carr 277 Posted 01/02/2026 at 15:34:37

I was waiting for someone to say 'happy clappers'. Darren obliged. Thing is, I don't see many happy clappers. I'm behind Moyes but generally accept that he's a safety first manager who is unlikely to change and has significant limitations. He can be unbelievably frustrating but he also gets results. Better results than any manager we've had for a good while. Therefore he's the right manager for us for now, and probably next season as well. After that. who knows? Maybe the managerial legend that is Keith Andrews will think us worthy of consideration.

It's the furious anti-Moyesists who can't help going completely over the top, inventing conspiracy theories, winding themselves up, chucking negative comments around and forgetting that they're actually meant to be Everton supporters! They're like Tories scrambling around for the evidence to try and sell Brexit as a good idea.

Philip Devlin and everyone else, well done for meeting them head-on. Certainly more entertaining than yesterday's first half.

Talking of conspiracy theories, I wonder whether a deal for Patterson has already been finalised for the summer, Moyes is therefore minimising his minutes on the pitch for fear he'll crock himself again. I've got no evidence for this, but that doesn't really matter, does it?

Alan J Thompson 278 Posted 01/02/2026 at 15:38:20

Rob Dolby(#266); Thanks for at last using the full quote but you still don't seem to understand it, it's meant more as a comment on our performance and even between halves.

I do agree that there have been some dubious decisions which have little to do with yesterday's game and there seems to be little consistency in interpretation of the rules from game to game even with VAR. I've seen plenty of examples worse than Tarkowski v.Leeds but what do you expect when using a term like natural position when the position depends on intent and the play at the time and it might well be that anything hitting an arm in the penalty area should be given as a penalty which may result in greater consistency, and maybe lower crosses (those last 4 words are meant as humorous, Rob).

As for the matter of offsides in this game, my question was what difference did you see between the decisions for our goal and their disallowed goal, and not every decision in every other game.

Si Cooper 279 Posted 01/02/2026 at 15:41:26

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and familiarity breeds contempt.

Nathan Patterson has done okay recently but I don’t think he’s ripped up any trees. He’s had pretty limited opportunities but he has also played poorly in too many games to be clamoured for.

Jake O’Brien offers an actual goalscoring threat that Patterson never has done.

O’Brien was unlucky to be struck Tarkowski’s misdirected header but it might not have been going in anyway.

Their ‘offside’ looked like payback for the decision that went against Harrison Armstrong; a player starting in an offside position and then merging enough with the attacking wave to be judged (erroneously) to be impeding defender(s) to enough to cause a goal to be scored that otherwise wouldn’t. Tarkowski was well out of the action in the move where he had been offside so not actually interfering at all.

Mike Gaynes 280 Posted 01/02/2026 at 15:56:51

Brian #263, very observant comments, and I agree.

Worth noting also that Ndiaye missed time during AFCON with a rolled ankle, and we all know how long that can take to heal, so fatigue may not be the only thing affecting his fitness.

Kieran Kinsella 281 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:05:12

Jimmy

Fair comment. I can see the logic of Phillip and Kevin but I disagree with them. For an analogy it’s like that kid who wanted to make rockets and his Dad said “No, uncle Bobby Martinez tried something more adventurous, it didn’t end well, stay here come and work in the mine with the rest of the family, job for life. Grass isn’t greener.” That kid in real life ran off and became a top NASA engineer while his Dad died prematurely working in the coal mine.

There is a logic to safety and predictability and security. But if you remove hope from the equation and accept mediocrity is as good as it gets then what’s the point? Why go to games year after year knowing Moyes has a self imposed glass ceiling he will never seek to break?

Steve Brown 282 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:06:00

Jimmy @ 277, you always trot out that line that you are “generally behind Moyes, but he is safety first and he frustrates the hell out of me blah, blah, blah.”

Yet you are always first out the blocks getting aggressive with any poster who mildly questions the manager, throwing in trite cliches like “anti-Moyesists” and demonstrating all the traits and behaviours that you accuse others of. You sound furious, you are winding yourself up, and you sound paranoid.

The psychological term is projection Jimmy, but it is treatable.

John Collins 283 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:06:25

Jimmy 277

What conspiracy theories?

Steve Brown 284 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:09:55

John @ 283, the ones Jimmy just invented.

And by the way we are now third seventh, otherwise know as nineth.

Mick O\'Malley 285 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:10:26

Patterson offers us balance, Jake offers us passbacks and keep ball between the back 4, also Patterson has played as well as anyone in that back 4 over the last few weeks, he also hasn't got in to fights on the pitch with team mates, or been sent off for pulling someone's hair, but the lad is the whipping boy, Keane should have been on the bench yesterday with Jake Centre half and Patterson at full back, But Moyes has a soft spot for Keane by the looks of it and Tarkowski can stink the gaff out and misplace passes but hes another undroppable, I hate players playing out of position,

John Collins 286 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:15:25

Steve,

I prefer to take the glass half full scenario.

We are 9th but joint 8th

Jimmy Carr 287 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:28:43

Ha Ha Steve, good try mate, but nah :)

Anyone who reads my posts will know that i'm generally even handed as this is just a forum about football, there are far more important things in the world to be worried or aggressive about. Don't you think?

I find the amateur dramatics on here definitely more amusing than annoying, and the last thing I am is furious. But one thing, calling someone 'anti-Moyesist' is not aggressive, it's a description, an accurate one. Did I touch a nerve?

But if you think I'm 'furious' Steve, crack on mate. Good for you.

John (283) there's a conspiracy theory for you, Steve's post.

Kevin Molloy 288 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:32:25

Kieran, for the last time.

We didn't go to the moon.

John Collins 289 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:46:37

Jimmy,

What are you putting the blame on for your conspiracy theories?

Covid jab or 5G?

Joe McMahon 290 Posted 01/02/2026 at 16:49:47

Mick@285, agree with every word. It would also be a shame if Patterson misses out on a world cup place for lack of game time.

Philip Devlin 291 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:02:52

I love the fact that our striker scoring four in five games winds you up, Darren. You’re always capable of finding an outlet for your anger, no matter how positive anyone tries to be. Quite a feat.

Colin Malone 292 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:05:10

It's time to give the left footed Dibling a go on the left and put Ndiaye back on the right. Dibling and McNeil will be able to shield the ball on the left. Give it a go Moyesee.

Oliver Molloy 293 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:07:59

I think these owners will know ( like most Evertonains do ) that with Moyes the club will be steady if you get what I mean.

We have been at the wrong end of the table for too long so in this respect Moyes has made progress - but the football will rarely be easy on the eye with this manager.

He is without doubt a "point is better than none" guy and has shown in every job he's had - he will never change.

Basically, it is down to the owners to show if they have the ambition to move on and hire a manager / coach that will produce better football and players on the pitch.

Their plan ? - probably to let Moyes steady the club and then change so he probably has a few more windows to the end of his contract ( although you can bet your life at some point this year Moyes will be looking to extend beyond 2027 ).

Is Dan Freidkin ruthless enough to go get Iraola - a young manager who isn't intimated by the opposition and wants to win games playing good football home and away and who also encourages and offers young players chances.

How often does a top coach become available for nothing - the perfect guy for me.

Everton would be a big step up for him in club stature and with a lot to prove - this could be the perfect match.

Iraolo ( 43 ) overall win percentage is currently 39.9% for Bournemouth and around about the same in 307 games with three clubs.

Moyes ( 62 ) overall win percentage in 1180 games is 38.6%

If we are to progress we need to find a manager young enough to instill a new culture of football at the club - that means giving him time and backing him with money to change things.

Nothing ever guaranteed, but Iraola could be that very man!

Brendan McLaughlin 294 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:09:53

To be fair Kevin #288

We nearly did... but just at the last minute "Phenomenal 1" (as the rocket was known) had to pass sideways to avoid a loss of propulsion or was it possession?

Dave Lynch 295 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:13:50

Conspiracy theories...ffs ive heard it all now.

Ah yes...the VAR officials sit on a grassy knoll waiting to shoot us down at every opportunity and Huawei have hacked the dressing room, passing info onto the opposition.

Philip Devlin 296 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:22:12

Steve 282 you do know it’s your post that is textbook anger projection, don’t you? Hope you didn’t damage anything when Beto scored yesterday.

Another poster who needs breathing exercises.

Kevin Molloy 297 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:27:34

that's brought back a host of bad memories Brendan. holding onto the ball for ten minutes and doing precisely nothing with it. And all for a lower mid table finish. The bad old days that led to the really bad old days.

thank heavens we have AT LAST a competent manager.

Bobby Mallon 298 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:35:49

I agree, Kevin.

Jimmy Carr 299 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:40:01

John (289), was just recovering from a double dose of breathing exercises and some quality time on the yoga mat to calm down from my apoplectic fury before I responded to you.

It's neither the Covid jab nor 5G that's to blame this time, John. It's exactly what Nigel 'man of the people' Farage pinpointed last week. It's all because of those damned Turkish barber shops on the high street! If we could only get them shut down then not just Everton but the entire country would take a turn for the better.

We might even qualify for Europe again. Though apparently Nige doesn't like Europe.

Darren Hind 300 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:44:23

Oh I would think anyone reading my posts would see ridicule rather than anger.

I love the idiotic attempt to apologise for Moyes's fuck-witted tactic of leaving a young striker isolated for half a season by pretending he has played 20 games less than he actually has.

I'm pissing myself laughing at attempts to portray Moyes in a better light with ridiculous claims that are simply not true. Perhaps the record keepers should be contacted. They're bound to listen, surely?

I wonder if everyone else is enjoying the wisdom of TW's new village idiot as much as I am?

Ged Simpson 301 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:49:30

To continue the analogy, loving the new (ish) Holy Trinity of Darren, Paul and Philip.

Be a good midfield?

Bobby Mallon 302 Posted 01/02/2026 at 17:50:53

Derek 237.

The difference is he made subs that he was never going to do in the first half, that's it, simple.

Jimmy Carr 304 Posted 01/02/2026 at 18:04:07

Kieran (281), also fair comment.

My point is that I think Moyes has been a good appointment for the here and now. It was Moshiri, not Martinez, who nearly took us down and into administration. So a bit of 'steady as she goes' from the owners and the coach in response has not felt like the end of the world to me.

But I would like to see us appoint a manager who plays a more attacking game when Moyes's contract expires.

Philip Devlin 305 Posted 01/02/2026 at 18:08:50

Maybe you should take up boxing, Darren, that's a good way to release all that pent-up fury.

I was sparring with a guy a couple of years ago, a bit like you -- he'd try to come swinging at me but miss every time, his wife had left him and he was an angry, lonely alcoholic, but somehow me repeatedly smacking him round the head twice a week made him feel better.

You should definitely give it a go.

Mike Gaynes 306 Posted 01/02/2026 at 18:34:30

Some real news to chew on: The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano both report Everton and Chelsea have reached agreement on Tyrique George, loan-to-buy for 20 million. Physical tomorrow.

19-year-old winger. Scouting report cites great speed and skills, ability to shoot from distance. Lost in the crowd at Chelsea, hasn't played since a sub appearance against Barca last November. Reportedly Benfica were in for him also, so it'll make Moyes feel good to beat out Mou.

And El Bobble reports that Everton have told Preston that Armstrong won't return to them. Needed here after Grealish injury.

Philip Devlin 307 Posted 01/02/2026 at 18:44:25

That is good news. I thought he’d want to stay in London. From what I’ve seen of him he’s going to give us badly needed pace, Barry’s going to relish that.

David West 308 Posted 01/02/2026 at 18:49:15

Yes Mike G.

Looks like done deal, medical tomorrow.

Shows you though the level we bought Dibbling at was sky high.

Not saying he won't turn in to a top player, obviously potential there, but 20m for George seems better value to me.

Only thing I point out is that's 2 players George & Rohl that will be bought out of next year's transfer kitty both loan with obligation to buy.

Are we looking at a player leaving if we want spare funds in the summer ?

Mike Gaynes 309 Posted 01/02/2026 at 18:53:43

David, I read one bit of online speculation about McNeil to Forest. This deal would theoretically clear the runway for his departure.

And yes, it seems clear we want to do all our actual cash outlay in the summer window. Suspect we will have more room then under PSR/SCR restrictions.

Philip #307, when did you see George play?

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.

© ToffeeWeb