Everton FC - Transfer news, results, fixtures, video and audio (original) (raw)
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter Image source, Getty Images Everton are already in a strange place. Then again, they have been in a variety of strange places over the past few seasons. On the face of it they are plummeting out of control after losing their first four league games while shipping 13 goals. On the other hand, one loss against Brighton was mostly down to having 10 men, and they were 2-0l up against both Bournemouth at home and Aston Villa away, before capitulating. They aren't as bad as the results suggest and Sean Dyche hasn't suddenly lost the ability to set up a team, but the waters are getting choppy. There is also something lurking below the surface that could sink them if they are not careful. Losing a two-goal lead could be considered unlucky, losing another careless. If it happens again then it is a habit edging towards a self-fulfilling prophecy. Right now, the team is in danger of actually starting to lose confidence when they go ahead, instead of gaining belief from scoring. A run of defeats is one thing, but snatching those defeats from the jaws of victory can destroy a team. Everton need a win, even if they play terribly and sneak it with a deflected own goal, but it needs to happen fairly fast. Sign up to read more from Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter here
Everton sit bottom of the Premier League, conceding three or more goals in all four of their top-flight matches. A convincing victory over Doncaster in the Carabao Cup provided some promise, but Tuesday's third-round defeat by fellow strugglers Southampton ended hopes of a run in that competition. But what is the one thing nobody is talking about but should be - good or bad? Tell us here, external
Mike Hughes BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Image source, PA Media Just when Everton supporters were thinking things could not get any worse, their team is knocked out of the Carabao Cup at Goodison Park in a penalty shootout for the second year in a row. A home tie against Southampton offered a glimpse of potential and possibilities further down the line, but once again that prospect was forced to wither on the vine in cruel circumstances. It is difficult to find a shaft of light amid the gloom that surrounds Everton right now. That does not mean it does not exist - it is just harder to locate. Once again, glorious goalscoring opportunities were spurned. Jesper Lindstrom alone missed two fantastic chances when racing clear of the Saints' backline. Finding the required sharpness in front of goal needs not only hours in training, but also confidence from deep within to make the most of the good things that come your way. Creating chances has never been particularly problematic for this Everton team. Converting them has been and continues to be a cause for concern. What has allowed the Blues to prosper under Sean Dyche is a defence almost as watertight as it is possible to be for a side battling to avoid relegation. However, that solidity has gone AWOL this season, at least in the Premier League. And if you look for the reasons, they are really not that hard to find. Their best defender is yet to kick a ball and they have had a full-blown full-backs crisis that looks difficult to solve without recourse to bringing in an out-of-contract defender. It means Everton are often vulnerable in wide areas, and also having to do without the pace and defensive acumen of Jarrad Branthwaite. Not many teams would cope with these sorts of difficulties all at once. Because the team has become more exposed at the back, more defensive diligence is needed in midfield. Tim Iroegbunam has shown some really good signs, but Dyche is possibly yet to find the right combination in the middle of the park to bring the best out of him. There were indications against Southampton that Orel Mangala could be that man. Dyche will hope Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Garner and Vitaliy Mykolenko all recover from illness in time for Saturday’s crucial encounter at Leicester. Whatever the starting XI is, they have to find the right balance of structure that allows them to continue to create but also regain the dogged defensive determination that served them so well in recent seasons. Listen toTotal Sport Merseysidefrom 18:00 on weeknights andfind details here of live Everton match commentarieson BBC Radio Merseyside Explore Everton content on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty Images Everton's deadline-day signing Orel Mangala has said the team has "a positive mentality" and aim to take that into Saturday's game at Leicester. The Belgian midfielder made his full debut for the club on Tuesday as the Blues exited the Carabao Cup, losing 6-5 to Southampton on penalties at Goodison Park. Speaking to the club's official website, external after his second appearance for Everton, Mangala said: “We fought very hard. We've been unlucky with the chances we’ve had, but there are still positives to take from the game. "It was definitely a nice feeling to be at home in front our fans for the first time, but it was unfortunate we weren't able to get the win. "I need some more games to get to my top level, but it felt good to be on the pitch. "The mentality of the team is positive right now and we want to take this into Saturday's game against Leicester."
Image source, PA Media We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Carabao Cup game between Everton and Southampton. Here are some of your comments: Everton fans Mike: Another dismal performance from Everton. Why does Sean Dyche persist with reliance on breakaways? Why take off your centre-forward to bring on Ashley Young when you are not defending a lead? No shape or substance and it made Southampton look like the home side. Dyche must go! Gerard: How low can we go? It's the sheer certainty that we are going to play awful, non-league style football against every team we come up against... and then lose. All hope is gone. Michael: We had 25% possession at home in one of the only realistic competitions we could win... I really don't know what the plan is? For me, it's time for someone else to take charge and get back to playing football and restore some confidence. It's Dyche's tactics so, for me, time is up. Ed: Speechless. It just gets worse. I genuinely think Dyche wants the sack. The substitution of Young for Beto is ludicrous and then the inevitable - Young missed the penalty! Why not bring Jordan Pickford on for the penalties? How do we give Southampton 75% possession at home? The club is a total mess. Maybe the worst run club ever. But Dyche has to go - David Moyes in. Southampton fans Ross: Moving the ball was brilliant to watch and it looked like we had so much fight. The mistakes need to stop but everyone makes them. Tyler Dibling was absolutely class when he came on. Ian: Poor overall. We need to stop playing out from the back every time. Let the forwards find a little space and play a long ball at times. Might not come off but keeps opponent guessing and makes us less predictable. Need to do something or we're likely to lose Dibling to a big side. Need to use the pace of the front players to get in behind. Isaac: A win is a win, but a turgid performance that has left me no hope for the rest of the season. If I was an Everton fan, I would be feeling the same. Darren: Again, we had the ball and we were facing our own goal many times. Better teams will take advantage of this. Yes, our talent shows when pressing, but as soon as we are on the back foot, we look like a League One team. Even when we are trying to create the perfect shot, we need to start taking chances more if we want to stay in the league. On to Ipswich now.
Image source, Getty Images Sean Dyche spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside after Everton'sCarabao Cup losstoSouthampton: "We've created enough to win the match but we haven't taken the chances and come out on the wrong side of penalties. "I thought the team played well, we created chances and we looked mostly solid defensively. Some young players did very well so there's positives out of that. "I'm pleased with a lot of the performances because we patched together a team. We had three go down with illness this morning so we had one morning to organise the team." On Orel Mangala's full debut: "He did fine. You can see that he's rusty and not fully fit, but he did fine." Listen to the full interview here
Image source, Getty Images Six Premier League teams are in Carabao Cup third-round action on Tuesday:
Image source, Getty Images Bloomberg journalist David Hellier says reports US billionaire Dan Friedkin has revived his interest in buying Everton "makes a lot of sense". Friedkin - who also owns Roma - ended a month-long period of exclusivity talks in July amid concerns about the level of debt and last week Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor was described by Everton as making "progress" in his deal to buy the club. But, Bloomberg reported on Monday night, external that there was another twist in the ownership saga as the Friedkin group prepare to return and rival Textor. "I think it's really possible," Hellier told BBC Radio Merseyside "We've been hearing for a few days that there has been preliminary talks going on and we had that confirmed last night by our sources. "I wouldn't speculate on how serious it is but there are talks going on. It makes a lot of sense for him, he wanted it before. "It's such a complicated situation with so many lenses that I can understand why he had cold feet but there's nothing that makes you want something more than someone else wanting it. Textor's camp are saying they're getting quite close to an agreement. I think that spurred The Friedkin Group back into action. "I've also felt they're so interlinked with Everton with the loan that they made that they're always going to be around it. Maybe it gets to a point where you think 'maybe it's better if we're in control, then our loan is more secure'. "Textor's camp have been talking quite a lot to the Friedkin camp because of that loan but I spoke to the Textor camp last night and they said they have not been told for sure that Friedkin is back in. It would not go down well with his camp." Listen in full on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty Images Former Everton winger Ronny Goodlass spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside after the Blues let a two-goal lead slip for the second consecutive game in a row in defeat at Aston Villa. Goodlass said: "Something's massively wrong, mentality-wise. "It's not just the last two games, it's happened for a long time now. We leak too many goals." Speaking about Everton scoring first, Goodlass said: "We quietened the crowd. It's been the quietest I've ever heard at Villa. And when we got that second goal, that's something you'll always do as a team and as a manager: silence the crowd. "We had 3,000 Evertonians singing their heads off and you think 'right, just be compact. Don't let them score. Don't let them get back in the game'." It took Villa less than 10 minutes to get one goal back. "Confidence is being drained out," added Goodlass. And while considering how impactful the loss of Jarrad Branthwaite to injury has been, he said: "Other players should step to the fore. Roll your sleeves up, battle. Don't make it easy for them. "Sometimes we don't look like a football team."
Image source, Getty Images Sean Dyche has confirmed he will make changes to his Everton line-up for Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie at home to Southampton (19:45 BST). Both sides are yet to pick up any points from their opening four Premier League games and Dyche says changes will be made because cup games "are not as important as the Premier League". Speaking to the club's official website, external, Dyche said: "There will be changes. We will get players minutes who do need match time back out there. "The physical aspect of having three games in a week affects how we work this week, so the approach has to be slightly different to anything hugely physical because of the demand on the players those games will bring, especially because we are down in numbers in certain areas. "I’ve spoken about it before, with all due respect to the cups because they are important but they're not as important as the Premier League, the Premier League is vital. "We are going to have to play certain players, who we maybe wouldn’t have wanted to play in a totally ideal scenario, because they need the minutes and we need them back and challenging for us." Deadline day signing Orel Mangala is one player who could come into the side with Dyche saying "he's an international footballer so we want him to use that experience to our advantage". Dyche has also confirmed he will not be rushed into starting Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson - after both returned to full training last week. "Fast-tracking players, in my experience, doesn't end well, so we want to fast-track them but cleverly fast-track them – not just push them through games programmes they're not capable of," Dyche added. "They need to come into the side when they're fit, properly fit, because you can't deliver performances in the Premier League unless you're properly fit. I've experienced enough to know when you've short-tracked people into the team, they find it very difficult to find their form."
Mike Richards Fan writer Image source, Getty Images Albert Einstein once said that, “insanity was doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result”. I think it’s safe to say Everton, the manager and the players are in that realm currently. Defensively chaotic, tactically predictable and consistently rudderless are a trio of terms that accurately describe the first four games of the season. Saturday’s capitulation at Aston Villa was yet another example of game management being nothing more than a modern day analytic term for both manager and players. Thirteen goals conceded in four games is some turnaround for last season's fourth best Premier League defence. Sean Dyche’s sides are historically built upon being difficult to beat, while looking to pinch a goal or two in the process. Last season was evidence of that. That defensive backbone was integral to the points total achieved last season. When that is lost, the manager appears lost. The centre back pairing has been a puzzle in the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite. There appears to be a reluctance to start new signing Jake O’Brien. This isn’t just a disgruntled tirade about the manager, the players are more than capable of turning two goal head starts into at least a point. It’s easy for them to hide behind the obvious criticism levelled at Dyche. It’s much more difficult to hold their hands up and show on-field responsibility. Two games in quick succession this week is an opportunity to eradicate the horrors of the last two matches. Two matches to rediscover the resilience that has been lost. Potentially two matches to keep the wolves from the manager's door. Find more from Mike Richards atUnholy Trinity, external
Image source, Getty Images Former England defender Matt Upson says there are just "moments" that have stopped Everton from picking up any points in the Premier League this season. The Toffee's have surrendered two goal leads in consecutive matches to lose 3-2 at home to Bournemouth and at Aston Villa. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Breakfast Club, Upson said: "I feel for Sean Dyche to be honest, he’s doing a pretty good job there. He’s had some pretty good performances, but he’s just been let down with certain moments. "Defensively, they will be disappointed with a couple and then Calvert-Lewin, I thought he looked back to his best. Late in the game, just moments where you think he’s got to make that count and it’s just not happening for Everton and it’s not because they’re not playing that well, it’s just moments that are not being taken care of that well to be honest. "I think you have to be very tough mentally as a group, because those two things back to back, certainly at home, the previous game is a massive blow. "To come and start playing as well as they did against Villa away and possibly should’ve took points out of the game shows you how positive it can be, but you’ve got to hang on to that. "The clinical nature of the Premier League is everything, you have to take your chances and defend big moments and you have to keep practicing them."
Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions following the return to Premier League football after the international break. Chris asked: It’s never ending misery for Everton fans. How long has Dyche got? Is there actually a manager on the planet who can salvage this wretched football club? Phil replied: Hello, Chris. Everton have made it clear Sean Dyche still has the support of the club’s hierarchy behind the scenes and at the moment it does not look as if anyone has the power or is inclined to make a managerial change even if they wanted to, that is even before you get to the financial implications of such a decision. Dyche did a fine job last season after another terrible start but this has been worse and the manager needs to find solutions fast. The problem will come if Everton keep losing. Dyche’s big selling point in the past was his ability to produce sides that were hard to score against, as Everton were last season. This season they have conceded 13 goals in four league games, twice losing 2-0 leads. They are soft and the continued presence of Ashley Young and Michael Keane demonstrates the paucity of resources. Everton simply cannot afford to get relegated with the new stadium coming next season, which will focus minds, and there is a sense of inevitability that if new owners come in, they will want their own manager. Dyche is into the final season of his contract with no indication he will be offered a new deal, which suggests change will come eventually, even if it is for the start of next season. As for the manager who can save Everton….can I have a long think about that one?
Image source, Getty Images Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Everton's performances have not mirrored their results and that is, ultimately, "the harshness of football". "Their performances have not even been bad, so we can't say they have four defeats because they have been awful," he told the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily Podcast. "It doesn't look good to have zero points, but it easily could have been six points for them instead. That is the harshness of football." Ex-West Ham midfielder Kevin Nolan added: "It feels like everything is going against Sean Dyche and Everton. "The Bournemouth defeat was a real gut-wrencher and then on Saturday Jhon Duran's goal flew in. Everyone was like 'what a goal!' because it could easily be Goal of the Season already. If that had not of gone in then people would have said a point at Villa Park is a brilliant result. But this is football. "Dyche is fighting and the club and the players are fighting to work it out too. He has a got a team that are doing that for him. Yes, it is four games and four losses but I do not see anything wrong there at the minute. It will not be long before they get that win and can push on. A couple of wins would put them back to mid-table. "But there is no way Dyche is sat there and not thinking about the possibility of being sacked. For me, they have to keep him and they will get there." Listen to the Football Daily Podcast on BBC Sounds
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Everton. Here are some of your comments: Aston Villa fans Sandra: What a goal - pure class. What more does Duran have to do to start a match? Again, very poor defending nearly allowed Everton to make it 3-3. Villa showed courage and did not panic. A good rehearsal for Tuesday's match against Young Boys. David: The excitement of a comeback and an absolute screamer mask another game where we haven't kept a clean sheet. Would be nice for Rogers to add goals to his great performances because he has the potential to set the league alight. Solid start to the season all round though. Ian: Terrific, exciting game - but once again Villa make it hard for themselves. We need to improve defensively because we're giving away too many chances. However, going forward we're creating plenty of chances . We could - and should - have scored half a dozen. Great to see Ollie back in the goals and what can you say about Duran's winner? Now looking forward to the Champions League game. Everton fans Barry: Another inept defensive display. Defensive solidity is supposedly Dyche’s hallmark - without that we are worse than useless. This has all the signs of Dyche’s final season at Burnley when he took them down. Burnley’s board left it too late - with Everton totally rudderless, will we make the same mistake? Tommy: I will say it again - there is no need to panic yet! There are many positive aspects to the game that bode well for the future. Yes, we've squandered another 2-0 lead. We will not end up in the top six, but we will not end up in the bottom three. There are at least four or five teams worse than us. Get behind Sean and the team. We will be OK! Richard: It's a hard watch. Great to score two goals at Villa Park, but any Evertonian worth their salt knows two is never enough these days with that defence. Yes, we could have scored more - but we didn't. As has happened so many times in the past, another worldie did for us! Deja vu - for all the wrong reasons!
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, PA Media
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, PA Media
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images