Everton

Briony Bragg
Fan writer

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If there's ever a gift an Evertonian doesn't need, it's a crystal ball. As soon as their team takes the lead, they watch Everton drop deeper and deeper before eventually conceding - and everyone sees it coming.

No-one expected Everton to be two goals in front against Manchester City last Monday. However, failing to reset after their third goal and allowing Erling Haaland to respond instantly proved to be the killer blow - something James Tarkowski himself took responsibility for.

And although he got himself on the scoresheet against Crystal Palace, lo and behold, the centre-half partnership of Tarkowski and Michael Keane once again found themselves at fault defensively.

Realistically, Everton's European ambitions were over the moment Jarrad Branthwaite suffered his serious injury in the Merseyside derby.

In truth, it's probably for the best that the talk of Europe has now been put to bed. With the defensive frailties this squad possesses, Everton simply do not have the depth required to cope with the demands of both midweek and weekend football.

To lead twice in a must-win game and still fail to take all three points perfectly demonstrates that.

Everton are exactly where most expected them to be: mid-table. David Moyes has at least restored a sense of stability. The big question for the owners now is whether to stick or twist with his current deal nearing its end.

Had Everton secured European football, Moyes would undoubtedly have earned a new contract. But with a World Cup on the horizon and potentially half the Premier League searching for a new manager, the market could become chaotic very quickly.

The Friedkins may decide that, given the level of investment made, now is the time to roll the dice.

What's your view on Moyes' future at Everton? Should the club stick or twist?

Get in touch with your comments here

Three Premier League clubs - Everton, Liverpool, and Newcastle - are targeting 29-year-old England forward Jarrod Bowen, even if West Ham avoid relegation. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Crystal Palace fans

Rich: Gifted Everton the lead on two occasions but managed to level both times. We looked a little jaded at times after Thursday's heroics but as the game progressed we looked the stronger, fitter team. Again, missed chances have cost us the three points our performance deserved but happy nonetheless.

Steve: After the euphoria of Thursday night, it seemed predictable Palace would concede early. After fighting back so well, going behind again straight after half-term was hugely disappointing. The constant failure to defend corners and a surprising vulnerability to the long ball down the middle kept everyone on edge. But the side's character shone through yet again to salvage a point.

Oliver: Good performance from Palace especially that last 20 minutes when you would expect us to be tired from Thursday. Building more momentum for the final.

Jason: Great second-half performance for Palace. Was impressed by the mentality to keep coming back.

Everton fans

Tim: Everton had plenty of chances to put this game away but couldn't convert. Once again, defending mistakes and the inability to close down attacks cost them points. Fourth game in a row Everton give up points from a winning position.

Thomas: Just pathetic really. How many times this season have we thrown away the chance to make a genuine stride towards Europe? It's a pattern.

Ian: Evertonians need to stay positive, Europe this year a step too far but let's rebuild in the close season and come back stronger next season.

Mark: Same as usual lately just not got enough to push through for Europe. Would need a massive revamp, not ready yet.

Everton have been in talks with John Stones over the England defender, 31, returning to the club when he leaves Manchester City this summer. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Pundits Shay Given and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

• Burnley 2-2 Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Newcastle

• Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton

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Match of the Day pundit Danny Muprhy on Everton's fading European hopes: "Ideally for their fans and to reward themselves for a good season, they'd want to give themselves a chance of Europe, but overall it has still been a really good season.

"Their fans were clapping them at the end there because they are enjoying what they are seeing - they have got a nice balance now, they are not just hanging on in games, they are not defensive - they go after teams as well as well as the times when they sit in.

"They have got a nice balance in their side and with a bit of investment in the summer, they could kick on, but in isolation today they will be disappointed because of the goals they conceded were not great.

"When you look at all the chances they created too, then when you create that many chances away from home and don't win, you always feel disappointed.

"And that I suppose is a positive in many ways, because if you are going anywhere in the Premier League, travelling away from home and making chances like that, then you are doing something right.

"There is a lot to like about Everton at the moment, even if their recent results have not been great."

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

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Everton suffered late heartbreak on Monday night when Manchester City's Jeremy Doku scored a stoppage-time equaliser in a dramatic 3-3 draw.

This was another two points dropped in their pursuit of a European place given they had taken the lead twice at Selhurst Park.

If they had held on in both games they would be eighth, level on points with Brighton in seventh and just two points off sixth-placed Bournemouth, who are in a position which could lead to Champions League football.

It has still been a massively improved season for them under manager David Moyes, but it could still end up as a missed opportunity.

Everton are without a win in five Premier League games now, yet they still have a chance of qualifying for a European competition. However, they will need to remember how to see out a win in their final two matches against Sunderland and Tottenham.

Everton manager David Moyes, speaking to Match of the Day: "We did OK. We gave up some chances - the game could have been 4-4 or 5-5 at one point.

"We are trying to win at the moment but we missed some big chances to make it 2-0. They did as well - but we had a chance to go 2-0 and we didn't take it. Maybe, if we had got that after midweek it might have been a different game. Credit to Crystal Palace, they stuck in."

On Beto: "He's great with his work rate and what he tries to do. He's limited in other aspects but you're just beginning to see some goals. I'll need him to score a few more between now and the end of the season."

On the possibility of finishing in a European spot: "It's amazing that we are actually talking about Everton possibly being in Europe with two games to go - and we're not out of it yet.

"It's getting tougher every game we're not winning."

Everton forward Beto speaking to Sky Sports: "It is a little bit disappointing to get one point - but the game was really difficult. They had really good system. They have good players and a good manager.

"It is always difficult to come here. We are still fighting. We need to keep going and try to win the next two games."

On his goal: "I needed to be a little bit patient because I knew it was going to be a tough game. It was a tough first half and the defenders are strong and fast, so I needed to find a way and when I got my chance I was ready to take it."

On the fight for Europe: "You can say it was a missed opportunity but we are still in it, so we just need to focus on the next game."

Did you know?

• Of Beto's 20 Premier League goals for Everton, 17 have been scored between the months of January and May.

• James Tarkowski has been involved in four goals in his last seven Premier League appearances (two goals, two assists), which is more than he managed in his 93 previous appearances in the competition combined.

Listen to Moyes and Beto on BBC Sounds.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Crystal Palace's performance

What did you make of Everton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Manager Oliver Glanser has made two changes to the side that beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-final second leg on Thursday.

Both changes come in attack as Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen are handed starts instead of Yeremi Pino and Jean Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Canvot, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Sarr, Johnson, Strand Larsen.

Subs: Benitez, Lerma, Pino, Mateta, Clyne, Hughes, Riad, Devenny, Cardines.

David Moyes, on the other hand, has stuck with the same team that drew 3-3 with Manchester City on Monday.

Everton XI: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Iroegbunam, Garner; Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.

Subs: Travers, Patterson, McNeil, Barry, George, Dibling, Coleman, Alcaraz, Armstrong.

There are four games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Burnley v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Crystal Palace v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Nottingham Forest v Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Arsenal (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-offs 14:00 BST unless stated

Follow the three 14:00 games here

And go here for in-depth coverage of West Ham v Arsenal

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Arsenal", for instance.

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Crystal Palace are another team who have had Europe on their minds and it might be difficult for them to shake off that mindset.

Everton have developed a frustrating habit of conceding costly late goals - it has happened in their past three games against Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester City - and they have lost ground in the race for sixth place.

I am expecting a different ending for David Moyes and his side on Sunday, however. This time, they will hold on for a win.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace welcome Everton to Selhurst Park on Sunday (14:00 BST), fresh from making history by reaching their first European final. Both sides are searching for consistency as the Premier League season enters the final straight.

Can Palace overcome their European hangover?

When these teams met in October, Palace were in the middle of a club record 19-match unbeaten run. Jack Grealish's 93rd-minute winner ended it and they have struggled to rediscover that momentum since.

The Eagles have lost 16 of their past 42 matches in all competitions, as balancing domestic fixtures with Conference League commitments has taken its toll. They have won only three of their 14 Premier League matches played immediately after European games.

Will Everton's away form hold up?

Despite the disappointment of a late defeat by West Ham, Everton's disciplined and organised approach away from home has stood them in good stead this season. They are firmly in the mix for European qualification – adding further edge to their run-in.

David Moyes' side have built one of the stronger away records in the league this season. They stay in games, manage key moments well and carry a threat on the counter-attack.

Everton boss David Moyes speaking in his press conference about Jack Grealish's progress from injury and how much he is "loved" at the club, as well as plans for next season.

Holly Bacon
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Moyes confirmed Idrissa Gana Gueye will miss the trip to Selhurst Park. He said he's "not training yet" but that he is "fine" and it's not a "serious injury".

• On the midfielder's contract situation, Moyes added: "When we have something to tell you we will let you know."

• He said he was disappointed and probably still is disappointed that they did not see it out against Manchester City to take three points.

• The Everton boss said there is no further news on Jack Grealish but that he is "loved wherever he goes and certainly loved here".

• On whether the next three games will affect his summer planning, Moyes said: "I'm pretty set in my mind what I would like to do, what we should be doing. Obviously if things went our way and we found ourselves with more games like Crystal Palace have had all year then we might need to think slightly different but I don't think so."

• He added: "The one thing you do want when you get into situations is you really need young players, who you can go to and have on the bench, some games bring them through. We probably don't quite have that yet coming through enough, so it's something we have to try and rebuild again."

• On conceding late goals, he said: "Most of the time it'll be some decision-making, some from the manager as well but mainly from the players."

• The Everton boss was asked what he needs from these final three games to be satisfied and said: "I want us to play well and I think we have done for most of the season. I think we've been a more progressive team, trying to play better football, trying to stamp something down which suits us as a team."

• He added "Also winning is the biggest thing for me, it always has and always will be so winning the last three games would be the ideal solution."

• Finally he was asked about other Premier League sides having success in Europe and how much it makes him want to get Everton back there: " I got a chance to do it with West Ham and it was amazing [for everyone at the club]. It's very hard to put in words what it feels like. I've been sort of dreaming over the year that I can get it for the Everton supporters - that would be what I really want to do." He added that he wants to keep the positive momentum going.

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Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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Everton should have been awarded a penalty in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham for handball by Mateus Fernandes, the Premier League's key match incidents panel has ruled.

David Moyes' side trailed 1-0 in the 84th minute when the Hammers midfielder touched the ball with his hand during a tussle with Thierno Barry.

"He punched the ball," Moyes said after the game. "It would have been harsh, but I'm amazed they haven't given it."

Referee Stuart Attwell did not spot the touch and awarded a goal-kick to West Ham.

The video assistant referee (VAR), Michael Salisbury, chose not to intervene as Fernandes "accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent".

But the panel disagreed, voting 4:1 that it was an error by both the referee and the VAR.

It was felt it "was a non-footballing action and a handball offence, therefore, a penalty should have been awarded".

The panel unanimously agreed with the referee and VAR that there should not have been a penalty for Jordan Pickford's 50th-minute challenge on Taty Castellanos.

Everton did equalise a couple of minutes later through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but Callum Wilson scored a winner for the Hammers in stoppage time.

It is the second VAR error that Everton have suffered this season, both penalties that should have been awarded in one-goal defeats.

The Toffees should also have been given a spot-kick in a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in December for a William Saliba foul on Barry. Salisbury was the VAR for that match too.

With three rounds of matches to go, Everton are the only team in the Premier League yet to have a VAR overturn go in their favour. In fact, no other team has fewer than two.

The last time the Toffees gained from a VAR review was in January 2025 for a penalty at Brighton.

The Toffees have, however, benefited from four refereeing mistakes.

There was a missed VAR intervention to award a penalty to Wolves in August.

A spot-kick should have been given to the Gunners in the reverse game at Emirates Stadium, and to Chelsea in March - but neither reached the threshold for VAR.

Garner, meanwhile, should have received a second caution against Aston Villa in January.

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Success in Europe for Aston Villa and Crystal Palace has a knock-on impact on what Premier League finish may be required to qualify for continental competition next season.

A host of clubs can still dream of a European adventure but the picture is ever changing.

Given the complexity, BBC Sport has unpicked the latest permutations on what might be required to play in Europe next season

Wayne Rooney and Phil Jagielka sit down to discuss life as players, time shared at Everton and what Rooney was like as a manager.

They chat about Ronald Koeman, England duty and plenty more.

Listen to The Wayne Rooney Show

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Everton will have to step up their efforts to sign Burnley defender Maxime Esteve as Bayer Leverkusen are keen on the 23-year-old Frenchman. (Football Insider, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Everton fan Peter McPartland says the Toffees are still "just about" in the hunt for Europe after their draw with Manchester City.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, he explained taking the fight for Europe to the final game of the season would be an achievement and opens up possibilities given their opponents Tottenham could be under immense pressure to stay in the Premier League.

"Let's get it to that last game of the season because if we can get seven points from the last three, then we've had a go," said McPartland. "Ultimately I think if we get seven points from the last three - I think that points tally, that's what a lot of people would've been asking for at the beginning of the season.

"It will be disappointing if we do miss out on Europe, but I don't think loads of people were talking about Europe at the beginning of the season. I think they were just talking about having a good season, nowhere near that relegation zone and, and having a good, first season at Hill Dickinson and just something to build on in the summer."

Everton felt harshly treated in the aftermath of Monday's thrilling draw with Manchester City, with fans citing frustrations over stoppage time and a potential second-half penalty as points of anguish.

McPartland however felt the performance was impressive and points to David Moyes getting plenty from the squad he has to work with.

"Moyes is not necessarily a miracle worker as such," he added in discussion with BBC Radio Merseyside.

"He's not going to make these players amazing. We've got to where we are this season with structure, not by having amazing footballers. You look at other teams and you think, 'oh, you know, this player's missing or that player's missing'.

"We don't have that one player where you go, 'wow, we're going to be absolutely terrible today', or 'we're not going to create anything because he's missing'.

"We just slot another player in and hope he can do the job, and generally they do.

"So it's more about the team. So I do find it strange when people go absolutely overboard about when you are playing defensively. I can understand the week before at West Ham when there's no real tempo and no real desire it seemed to go out and beat West Ham. That is on the manager, that is on the team to do that, but against City, I couldn't really understand that criticism."

Listen to the discussion below and get more Everton audio here on BBC Sounds

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Everton defender Jake O'Brien says to emerge from Monday's thriller against Manchester City with only a point is "devastating", but backed the Toffees to still qualify for Europe.

O'Brien's first goal of the season put David Moyes' side 2-1 against title-chasing City, as part of a 13-minute spell in which Everton scored three times and looked to have made the game safe at 3-1.

However, Erling Haaland and a Jeremy Doku strike with the final kick salvaged a point for the visitors.

"It was a mixed performance," O'Brien said. "In the first half, we weren't ourselves. We didn't get on the ball enough and make things happen.

"In the second half we showed more personality and put pressure on them. It's a point on the board but it's devastating as well."

Despite letting all three points slip away late on and only moving into 10th, Everton are still just four points behind Bournemouth in sixth with three games to play.

Asked if they still believe in a European finish, O'Brien added: "For sure, yeah.

"It's very tight but it's three games - three games we're more than good enough to win."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds here