Absolutely stunning Everton display sickens frustrated Seagulls

Good feeling about this one!

Mina starts… but will he finish?

COYB - BHA1 - Blues 2

(Although that does go against my previous predictions but the Runes are telling me....

Leeds and Leicester losing was the first ask this weekend; now can we get something from this game?

Got a feeling we'll need min 34 points as Leicester and Leeds could win their very last games, both at home to clubs with nothing to play for. Getting something today massively takes the pressure off the Man City and Wolves games.

Brighton are a decent side, though, but here's hoping.

Be Everton subs 26th Minute, 83 mins and maybe a double sub 88 mins

Constantly losing the ball that leads to goals against,
it should be Gray.

Funny, just watched replays of Iwobi making a goal scoring chance for Calvert-Lewin in the last game and getting one himself.

Fucking armchair managers.

He is fucking shite.

I prefer my team.

COYB. Huge opportunity now.

Nice pass by Iwobi, Phil?!

Can't believe he volleyed it.

Just incredible.

They are not defending deep either.

COYB!

My only worry now is that we might run ourselves out, Calvert-Lewin looks at just walking pace when we don't have the ball. Mina makes the defence look even better as they all seem to play/position around him and Brighton want to get Mitoma taking on Patterson but having no joy. Take note, Mr Dyche, and use the subs well.

They've all been brilliant but he makes such a difference to us.

I still can't believe what I'm seeing.

Referee, blow that final whistle now.

McNeil and Mina Magnificent.

Pickford Magnificent.

Everyone Magnificent.

Come on Southampton!

What a game! Everything came good... what a boost!

He started off all over the place and ended up with Mitoma in his pocket.

After all the misery they have experienced this season -- and all the roaring, singing spirit they have displayed along the way -- they deserved this day. A thousand times over.

Dwight McNeil – what a performance. If he can continue his improvement, he's a real baller. Unreal.

Pickford, absolutely brilliant, some excellent saves.

Mina and Tarkowski as a backline.

So much good about that performance.

I was worried about Patterson vs Mitoma but, after we went 2-0, Patterson had him in his pocket.

3 more points and we're safe!

Up
The
Fucking
Toffees

To the travelling Blues and all those at home – enjoy your Bank Holiday evening!

Thank you, just brilliant... I had forgotten how to smile.

Mina back made a big difference, Patterson and Myko had decent games as well but McNeil and Doucoure had immense games. Gueye had a great first half as well, Iwobi also put in a massive shift.

All round a great performance and can only wonder where we'd be if DCL and Mina had not missed most of the season and we'd gotten rid of Lampard during the WC - or never hired the guy in the first place. Easily our worst manager in the last 20 years.

Our first team is decent, when fit, just have no depth at all. Our bench was pathetically thin.

However, no complaints today, massive result and now in our hands. Win at Wolves or home to Bournmouth should do it. Couple of draws may even be enough.

Not over yet but well done Dyche and team.

Brilliant play from all the team but special mention to Dwight McNeil – he got some stick at the start of the season, but Player of the Season for me, he never gives up.

If Yerry is fit, he has to start! Solid performance! Everton – 5 goals away against a very good team. Sean Dyche gets a 10.

Thank you, Blue Boys. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👮

Where has that performance been all season… and who the fuck are Brighton???

Please never again play Kean or Holgate.

No point singling out any players, every one of them was outstanding.

McNeil my player of the season, closely followed by Pickford.

Keep it tight and nick 5!!!!!

Second half, we did just what I didn't want and sat back and I was sure that, if Brighton scored early on, then it would still be a nailbiter, and I felt that even when our 4th went in.

McNeil must be an almost shoo-in for MotM but for me it has to be Pickford as, with any lesser keeper, they'd have scored 3 or 4 in the second half.

And how much better the defence looks with Mina. If we stay up then we have to look at keeping him. Oh and all the Mykolenlo and Patterson knockers, they were magnificent but then few weren't.

It is unfortunate that a team like Brighton get caught for pushing so many men forward but it is a game of many dimensions. Let's hope that fills us with the confidence to carry that forward.

We shall not be moved!

Mina made a huge difference but 1 to 11 were brilliant. Have to say McNeil was a steal at £20M still buzzing and credit to Dyche for his formation, a word about our midfield and Calvert-Lewin leading the line.

In a good way, that is.

McNeil – what a finish, but cannot single out others because that was just fabulous.

Interviewing the players on the pitch, the away end is rocking!

Not tonight, not a moan in sight. 5-1 looks like an easy win but it wasn't because everyone of those Blue Boys had to pull their tripe out for every minute they were on the field. They worked like Trojans for 96 minutes, so take a bow, boys. I could pick my MotM but in the end they won as a team together, fought for each other and wanted to win that game.

Play like that for the next two games and we might not have to worry about the last one. You gave us all a lift tonight, lads, proud of you and that performance.

Reminded me of the Bobby Brown Shoes days…

Happy Blue, going to pour myself a large single malt before an early night ready for an early start in the morning.

What a difference Mina made to the defence. Just see it through till the end of the season, please, Yerry. Alan @41, as you say, everyone looked comfortable positionally around him.

The 5 in midfield worked immensely hard as well as posing a threat. Brilliant from Doucoure and McNeil.

Dominic "weak as piss" Calvert-Lewin looks like he was just injured all along. Lo and behold, he did want to play football after all.

It's in our own hands now.

We should have beaten Leicester, this has made up for that, but more of the same required for the last three games.

Over the fucking moon tonight for a change, our away support are just brilliant.

Now for a Southampton win!

COYB.

Great from McNeil and Pickford, and every one of them really. Was that Onana who put Dwight in for the 5th? FIFTH!!

Come on Saints, get at least a draw here

Yes, one for our magnificent away support (and all the emphasis on the word ‘support’).

All season I’ve despaired at the opponent’s clinical finishing and our ability to fluff chances. Today the opposite was true.

At last some proof there is some real heart and ability in our players. Three more performances like that and we can hope that just the stark reality of another really close encounter with the spectre of relegation is catalyst enough for the necessary changes at the club to happen double quick.

I can see us beating Wolves and Bournemouth, followed by the icing on the cake when Billy The Liar gets his marching orders from our new investors.

And gun down the Seagulls!

Magnificent performances from everyone. Tough to choose a mom. Pickford was outstanding in the second half, Mina solid as a rock, Garner is really growing into his role, Iwobi was always looking to cause damage, Doucs was superb, Mcneil out of this world, DCL absolute brilliant number 9 performance.
Special mention for Patterson. He got turned inside out in the opening 20 minutes, then found his feet, and placed their best attacking threat into his back pocket. Everyone was fantastic.

Did anyone else predict that scoreline? Just me then.

More of the same against Man City. DCL with Doucoure in support is a handful for any team, this system works. Especially with Mina adding some quality and stability to the defence.

Outstanding Everton performance, and I am made up, and my bet is good, as a bonus, for Everton to win today.

Genuinely, there's a very good chance to win this relegation, fight, and I've never wavered, in believing Everton, will stay up. But no doubt, its been a granite hard season, and survival, in this League is a must.

The power of Everonians, across the globe, is a special power within the Universe.

Celebrate well, and enjoy this success, and take good heart for the next battle v City.

" What's Our Name?"

"UTFTs!"

Great job really puts the pressure on the others now.

So pleased for Danny, Rob and all the away boys who were also outstanding.

Happy days.

Mins the difference today, organised and spreads confidence to the rest of the back four.

Neither Keane or Holgate must ever play for us again.

Win at Wolves and save the last day nerves please.

Proves, like many posters said “go for it”
We don’t have the players. We can counterattack! Stick to it!!!!

Now back it up.

Wow, wow fucking wow! Where did that come from? The final score could have been 7-5!!!!

Long journey but who cares, blues songs blasting full volume out the car window. It feels fantastic to be a blue tonight.

Back in our own hands now.

What a difference DCL makes to this team and Mina is awesome. And Jordan Pickford, I have no words for his performance, again!

Head is all over the place and it feels fucking brilliant.

UTFT!!!!

5-1, 5 fucking 1!!!!!!!!

Superb. Everything you want to see from an Everton side. McNeil, Doucoure and DCL absolutely immense.

Pickford also with some vital saves in the second half.

Got to keep that intensity for
the rest of the season.

UTFTs.

The first was one of the finest counter attacking performances you will see. We stood back, closed the lines, but always ready to pounce if the chance game, and when it did, we won the second ball, then bodies up the pitch in numbers that I have not seen from us for very many years. Forget possession stats, we could easily have been 5-0 up at half time.

It's a shame we had a break because that shifted momentum. From having little to do in the first half. Jordan was the busiest guy on the pitch, a succession of worldies. I've been open to selling him, given we have to sell someone to balance the books, thinking it's easier to get a decent keeper. But had their keeper been in our goal, we would have been 3-3. I can even forgive the miskicks from the back which will one day end badly.

All did well within the context of their talents, but a shout out to 3. Mina for proving me wrong about his likely commitment. DCL for bringing back real CF capability into the team. But above all, McNeil who was awesome, and has actually been the best of an average bunch for several games now.

In The Cherry in Chester and the place was rocking. It's been a long time since I felt this good.

Hugged two strangers near me, gave the lady in front of me a big hug at the end and the young kid dancing on her chair to Spirit a pat.

I'm still on adrenalin and still in Brighton waiting for Mark and Martin.

Ill say something more coherent tomorrow. Right now, I'm running on adrenalin.

Spirit Forever. I hope you could hear us. Fantastic blue army

I did say I fancied us to get something out of the game, but 5-1 – I didn't see that coming. They had that freak 6-0 Wolves win and then beat Man Utd, they would see us as easy meat!

We need to reset again for the Man City game, they won't be all that confident coming to Goodison now but they will as sure as hell be focused.

Today's result gives us every chance of staying up but the job's not finished yet.

Spirit of the Blues came through loud and clear. Enjoy the rest of your day with the traveling Bue army!

Credit also to Doucoure, who i'm usually critical of for passing and shooting like Alan Patridge after he's pulled his foot off a big spike, but who turned it on today. That second goal was a thing of beauty.

Even so, Man of the Match surely has to go to Dwight McNeil who, when you consider how one-paced he appeared earlier in the season, now seems to be playing with the training wheels taken off.

A truly excellent performance which will boost our confidence no end for the last three games. To see the joy on the faces of those magnificent travelling fans was worth its weight in gold.

There will be some other surprise results, you wouldn’t be surprised if Leicester beat the shite next weekend … thank fuck they’ve won the last few games and have something to play for

Hey Bernie, hope you're adding this! Best pick me up in years!

Ear to ear!

The bottom of my blue heart. 💙

Okay, pink today.

Good decisions keeping Garner in the team and dropping Keane.

McNeil outstanding, shading Pickford for my MotM.

Correct tactics, not sure why we haven't been playing like this all season. Calvert-Lewin makes a massive difference.

Maupay still looks like an Under-11 in a man's game.

Another win might just be enough.

Great performance, full of commitment, passion and desire and result that stands us in good stead for our remaining games. It's in our hands.

More of the same please for the remainder of the season.

Massive shout out to the fans that made the ground sound like a home match such was the volume for the whole match. Different class.

Team selection spot on. Patterson and Mina both shone and added to the quality and fight needed. Well done to them and every single player today.

We needed to be clinical and absolutely were! Abdulaye Doucoure great runs and great finishes to put us two up, Wow!

The class shown by McNeil together with his immense work and running. 10 out of 10 from me.

Brighton are a good team in great from, to do that today, properly superb effort and execution. They hit the woodwork three times and Pickford was flawless and made great saves.

After the draws where we arguably deserved wins in some games recently, maybe a bit of evening out of the luck today.

Same application in every of the last 3 games now should see us safe. Well done Everton team! Well done Everton Manager and staff. Made up for Dyche and Woan too. They are giving their all and deserve to succeed.

The DCL return is critical obviously. If we can get this done over the coming games. First action of close season must be to get Viktor Gyokeres in please lord 🙏 Coventry made the playoffs today so if he comes up with Coventry maybe we missed our chance to get him in January.

Anyway, summer transfer worries for another day! Well done Everton today, they drag us through the absolute depths of emotions and mental wellbeing don't they today's euphoria is more than welcome. UTFT. 💙

They've given us a better chance of staying in the Premier League; but more than that, they've given us the makings of a good team

I thought we'd do well to get a point today (mind you, I've been thinking that for most the season. Well, here we saw a team who could counter-attack brilliantly. No matter what happens; if they can repeat this effort and this cohesion, then we've got something to build on. None of our goals were flukes (well maybe the one in off the goalie, but he left his goal line, and we could have had more!) Good work by the defence and superb performance by Pickford.

Top marks to Sean Dyche as well. A couple of weeks ago, I was thinking we'd picked a manager who couldn't save us. Well, I was wrong.

Me last bit is for our bloody brilliant fans who've gone through a nightmarish season and sung their hearts out in every away ground and seen a lot of dire games. Well, the team matched their brilliant support. We've got a decent chance now!

Just a word about our away support today and the whole season tbh. I think I'm happier for them than for me at today's performance and result. On R5 Live, they were all you could hear before kick-off to the final whistle. Oh to be there tonight.

Many will be just starting on the road now with many hours travelling ahead whilst we're sipping our booze of choice with our feet up at home. I salute your resilience, commitment and eternal faith when others falter. Bravo Blues and UTFT!

A big well done to McNeil. We love players with character. A lot of Everton greats over the years have had to ensure stick and I'm not saying McNeil is a great but fair play to him, the performances compared pre- and post-February are like chalk and cheese.

Overjoyed with that, was hopeful of a draw and maybe a lucky win so am over the moon.

Brilliant performance from every single player today, Pickford made a number of world class saves to show us all just how valuable he is.

I was so shocked with that result, it felt almost too emotional. We need to keep focussed, we're a long way from safety yet.

He enables us to play on the counter, and occupies the attention of the defenders which thus gives more space for the likes of Iwobi, Doucoure, and McNeil.

No surprise that since his return, we've been much more of an attacking threat.

Credit to Dyche for not rushing him. he looks for and raring to go, and doesn't look like he'll break down at any point. Under Lampard, he was rushed back at every opportunity, which in turn resulted in him being out for more time afterwards.

If we do stay up, really hope we get to keep Calvert-Lewin and get a full season of a fully fit version.

If we had Calvert-Lewin for every game of Dyche's era, we'd be on 40 points by now.

Every single one of them was magnificent tonight. A 9/10 for all of them but a shout for our two young defenders, Mykolenko and Patterson, who both stood tall and became men.

And a huge cheer for our away fans who were, once again, fantastic.

All, sorry for so many expletives in my earlier post, adrenalin running high!

I was in there for last season's win over Chelsea. Watched it with a Blackburn supporting ex-pat mate and his missus.

At first he was pretty indifferent about it, but by the end (perhaps feeding off my raw emotion and the sort of jitters even the best A-list actor couldn't replicate) he was proper rooting for EFC.

Hopefully it will be as lucky for you as it was for me.

Is this an alternative universe?

The Supercomputer and Chris Sutton can shove their predictions where the sun don't shine.

Superb. Everyone. And the fans.

There’s still a huge way to go, and there will be more twists, but we’re still in the fight.

A point against City should keep us out of bottom 3 no matter what. That’s got to be the next aim.

Please God, keep us in this league going into that stadium.

Started watching the game while driving on the phone. When that first goal went in I literally almost hit another car! I screamed and swerved... stupid I know but just instantaneously celebrated and pushed the car to the left a bit. Oops.

Got into the office and sprinted to the computer to get the stream up. Second and third goals I yelled out, sprinted around my business pumping my fists. My employees were all laughing but thinking I'm certifiably nuts. Got a couple of high fives from my Office Manager.

What a game!

I honestly thought we'd lose. I had no hope whatsoever, and was thinking with the Leicester and the Leeds loss on Saturday, we'd squander a fantastic opportunity. I was SO negative going into this game I can't even express it. I thought today was the beginning of the end, despite all my "rainbow out of my ass" comments previously about our predicament.

Brilliant today, Everton!

This isn't over. We simply have to keep the pedal to the floor and find 4 to 6 more points this season. I think 3 will do the job, but I after today's gentle reminder that "anything can happen" we need to stay focused and see this through.

UTFT

p.s. - McNeil and Pickford you were incredible today. Simply incredible.

That 15/2 on offer was too good not to have a little tickle on it, good Day all round.

I think we can firmly put the Keane debate to bed.

Great performance from every single player today.

Same line up against City please.

The team was superb, but what a difference having a strong spine makes, and I think the unsung James Garner, has definitely added a lot to our midfield, over the last couple of games?

Forest won, which just shows you how valuable that victory was today, but never mind relegation, let’s beat City now on Sunday, and throw the title race wide open again!

DCL has made a huge difference since returning (when many on here had written him off) and credit to Dyche for handling his injury correctly.

Still not safe yet and no points can be taken for granted but a big step closer.

We were a touch unfortunate against Newcastle and Leicester but we’re playing pretty well. Hopefully 3 more points will be enough but who knows.

Players back from injury and suspension playing with confidence, I wish this season had weeks to go

Even a win at home to Bournemouth could mean that both Leeds and Leicester need to win 2 out of the remains 3 games

"Once you're 0-3 down you're always going to get picked off even when you're the better side.

So, I'd rather be dignified and give credit where its due. You can only beat what's in front of you and Everton had a good gameplan and executed it and defended resolutely. Also, unlike some others on here, I thought their fans were exceptional. The loudest weve had this season"

Well in lads and lasses

If we can win a single of our three remaining games, Leicester and Leeds must win 2 of 3 to be above us. There's no other mathematical truth here. So -

Leicester must win two from El Poo, Newcastle, and West Ham.

Leeds must win two from Newcastle, West Ham and Spurs.

Due to today we are certifiably in pole position. We need one more win for an excellent probability to stay up on 35 points. Four to six points all but seals it.

We need to right the Good Ship Everton and knock it off with this relegation flirting. It's heart attack inducing, and we should NEVER have been in this position last year or this year!

It's frankly unacceptable. I'm thrilled today, but Lord above there's a LOT of work to be done with this club. This shit can't happen three years in a row come next season! You can't keep screwing with death and getting away with it.

You could hear the fans through the stream so clearly. It was like a home game. I smiled ear to ear listening them. They were incredible, and I could hear them here in 'Merica loud and clear.

The pond today was truly that - a small pond. Because Blue noise carried over that ocean as if it were a puddle.

Two years in a row our marvelous fans have lifted this club and saved it. Without a doubt in my mind I believe that to be true.

I went straight to the official site at 10:00pm saw a picture of a celebrating Dwight McNeil and then looked to see what the actual score was - a draw would have been okay with me. I Couldn't believe it when I read it, in fact I'm still in a state of shock.

Only blot on the landscape tonight was Forest beating Saints, however, we can look forward to City coming to town on Sunday, and who knows? Thanks Marco for doing us a favour with your Fulham team that probably helped Everton to focus this evening.

Just seen the goals on the news, and that crazy travelling army of Blues, you deserved that lads and lasses for all the bad times and results you've enjoyed previously.

Let's get Goodison bouncing on Sunday and also let's see a show of colours in the stands too, it's been so dark and miserable in recent times, why not display a lot of appreciation for the guys who did the business tonight. However, we still need to pick up a few more points and a win on Sunday would be awesome.

It's afterwards though, that the Great Reset (that WEF bunch's term fr them to rule the world!) But we need our own great re set in EFC. I'm hoping that we get one of your two (or both!) interested investment companies, buying into EFC and booting out the "worlds best Evertonian" and his bunch of sychophants out.

Our club needs a thorough rebuilding right through the organsation. Especially getting the Board replaced! Then looking at the recruitment, as Brighton, Bretford and other clubs who've had a lot less money than us, have picked up some wonderful players, young and seasoned pros.

Today he was immense, so too Tarkowski, both laid it all on the line.

McNeil? Did more today than everything Gordon did during his brief Everton career.

I'm a proud Evertonian, I shed a little tear at the end and tonight I've been out for a pint with my back straight, head held high.

Well done to each an every one of them and a special mention to our unique awesome fans.

Pouring with rain, arms held high & lung bursting support. You never wavered, you're the heart and soul of OUR Everton.

We need to BELEIVE...!

GOD! don't you just love being a blue!!!

If we stay up I hope, and expect, the board to resign on the last day of the season. They are a bunch of shameless bastards who should slink off into the night.

Funny how some of their best results have come against top half teams, Arsenal, Brentford, Chelski and now Brighton. One cannot understand what happened in some of the other games this year but another sound performance against City would be terrific.

A fit Mina is a much better option than Keane and I just love the way McNeil gives cover to Mykolenko never mind his two sparkling goals.

A 1-0 scrappy win would have been great today but this scoreline and performance was just out of this world.

Well done Blues !

Just kidding. I don't drink much these days but I believe I'm going into town for at least a 22oz.

Feel good man. None of that hippie shit just know that you’ve helped in whatever way fans do. It is magic and the away fans are Wizards. Wizards with golden vocal chords I might add.

This was a massive win, tactically spot on, personnel wise spot on.

We have to continue with 451, if we don’t we’re gone. This with this bunch is the right format.

I’d write off City and put everything on Wolves, that’s our Cup Final. We don’t want to go into the last game needing a win

Just stop trying to score from outside the box, please.

Southampton are down. We need two other teams to be worse than us.

Forest are above us. Chelsea away isn't a big ask these days. Arsenal at home is hard. Palace away on last day they won't give a stuff. Can see them getting another point = 34.

Leicester got Liverpool at home and the Geordies away, so let's predict zero for that, but West Ham at home on last day who won't give a stuff. Can see them winning last day = 33 points

Leeds have got Newcastle at home, West Ham away and Spurs at home final day. Spurs will have flip-flops on final day so = 33 points

Leicester have a better goal difference than us so we need three points before final game to be OK. I would love to beat City but I suspect this will mean we need to win at Wolves.

The final day is always mental - don't want to leave it until then.

The noise today in the away end was fantastic.

We're not down yet! COYB!

Ps does anyone else think their goal was offside?

Since his return he looks like he has improved and matured a bit as a player, more composed on the ball, and not just content to hold the ball up but turning the defender too.

He set the tone for the whole day today with that turn after 30 seconds that left Dunk floundering, then an intelligent run and cross for Doucoure to score.

Doucs finished it well, but top class work by Dom to manufacture that huge opening goal. Like for like quality striker is essential in the summer to keep the system strong when Dom is out or needs a break.

Absolutely outstanding performances across the whole team. The euphoria has to stop tomorrow and get back down to business, this result will mean nothing if we don’t back it up.

And Tony, a couple of tight linkups along the touchline were crucial for possession when Brighton were gearing up. That allpwed to take some pressure off the back. DCL dows make the key difference.

David, the ball from the initial pass did not touch Mcallister and only that touch would make Mitomo offside. He was on with the initial pass. Frank said the ball hit Mac in the arm though.

Special mention to:

Pickford
Patterson
Myko
Mina
Tark
Garner
Gueye
Duke
Iwobi
Mcneil
DCL

Who were my men of the match.

A point on Sunday isn't impossible at a bear pit Goodison! I can't wait for this game, they won't fancy it with it being slap bang in the middle of a two leg semi final of the european cup!

We still have a pulse in this league people, I just can't see Leicester getting another point with the fixtures they have left, Leeds may get three points on the last day against Spurs, who knows how they turn up that day! maybe Richie will grasp the importance of the moment for us Evertonians.

Final mention to our utterly fantastic, amazing, long suffering away fans! a credit to the team, a credit to the club, a credit to us all, A credit to your good selves,pity our shithouse board coudn't hold a candle to any of our fabulous supporters, that's for another day.

Up the blue boys.

It's sad that this is what it came down to... if DCL got fit then we might have some chance of staying up. Never forget that is what the club did.

A striker was more important than a change in manager, more important than some wizard tactics, more important than snoods, more important than a 150 step plan. We sold Gordon and signed no-one. They quit on the season and on us.

And we're not safe yet, by the way. We could be back in the drop zone next week!

I was going to say that tonight is just about enjoying a great performance and win... but it really isn't. The recent past and the immediate future hang over us too significantly.

Doucoure's 2nd goal is very technical. I am surprised he pull it off. Great goal. Mcneil has a blinder. Round the keeper, what composure. I always like him for his work rate and his crossing ability. But I don't know he dribbles and shoot so well too.

This one has to be the spark for the rest of the game.

Let’s focus on the next game, and secure our place in this league, next season.

UTFTs!

With less than a quarter of possession our lads delivered what in many ways was a smash and grab win with five breakaway attacks finished with a ruthless precision rarely witnessed in recent times. Indeed we might well have scored a couple more. As such a critical element of the win was the defensive play, the determination of Mina and Tarkowski not to be beaten, the doggedness of the two full backs and Pickford’s second half saves.

The midfield provided the necessary shield. As others have mentioned DCL’s presence was vital. The goals came from fast attacking runs by the forwards and the clinical finishes applied by Doucouré and McNeil. McNeil is our leading scorer with seven goals. Apart from his goals and assist today he was instrumental in the own goal and his work rate in supporting Mykolenko was tremendous.

This was the toughest 5-1 win I have ever seen. At no stage until time added on were we ever comfortable. That makes the win all the more commendable. Of course there is still work to be done but this was a massive step towards salvation.

It took Dyche to come in for the penny to finally drop that McNeils strength is on the left hand side, I lost count the times I was pulling my hair out over McNeil being played on the right.

Iwobi likewise when he is played more central than out wide.

Godfrey can also get slated, but that’s what you get, when you play a left footed player at right back.

Today we had a well balanced team, a natural right and left back, two centre halfs, good balanced midfield, and a centre forward.

We are in a better position now, but the powers that be need to have a good look at themselves, for failing to bring in a top class centre forward in, when every man and his dog knew Calvert- Lewin would be out for a while.

Survive this season, press the reset button and have a damn good clear out at the top, the fans have done their bit, we simply cannot go into next season with the current board who have taken us to the brink of relegation, two seasons running

Brilliant result today, enjoy fellow Blues.

Up the Toffees.

They stuck with it through thick and thin, never giving up hope and backing to the team.

Thought 3 players who get relentless stick on here were brilliant - DCL, Iwobi and McNeil. We should all give players more of a chance as confidence is like magic. It transforms them.

Hard to say much about the match without having watched it, but a few random thoughts. It’s good to see what we’re capable of with a fit DCL — the stick he’s gotten from some corners the past couple years has been totally unjustified and I now believe he’ll carry us over the line. Glad to see Patterson and Garner and Mina in the squad. Leaving Patterson out those few games was madness. Garner will be a good player for a long time and just needed a run of games. And Mina — is there some scenario where we bring him back if we can offload Keane and Holgate and maybe Godfrey, while bringing Branthwaite back? Maybe some incentive-laden contract based on matches played — do they ever do that?

Doucoure owed us this one after the red card. McNeil is proving every single one of us wrong. And while I was a bit down on Dyche with some of those lineups when we were losing, I’ve never lost the faith; he’s the man to lead us next year.

As others have said, let’s not get carried away here, still work to do. But damn was it a good day! The sun was shining here in Minnesota, my kid scored his first ever goal to win the match for his u-9 squad, and we did the unthinkable away to Brighton. Not sure it can get much better!

Also, love the Oppy shout. You must know it’s what everyone’s called me and my siblings since we were wee little ones.

It has given us hope and our future is in our own hands. It will mean nothing if we don't back it up in the final three games.

Another brilliant performance from the supporters. They have been exceptional all season and must give the players a massive boost.

Putting my neck out here but I can’t see Leicester or Leeds picking up any more points this season. But that’s not to say we need another three points to breathe easy.

City won't be easy, but a lot depends on how they stand against Arsenal, they have a match in hand, but that has to be won. Can't imagine Pep doing us any favours, but without tempting fate we have a decent record against them.

COYB 💙

Today is a new day, and the players’ attention needs to be totally on their performances in the next 3 games. It is they who have got us into the position we are in with some utterly feeble displays, yesterday they showed their capabilities - repeat, repeat, repeat.

The whole team were top class, Anderson and Mykilenko had real hard jobs and stood up well, I think they matured tonight and are going to be good players for years. Well lads, what a team performance.

The Blues who follow our club all over England were absolutely great (as usual!!!)

As for McNeill, I thought we'd bought a bit of a pudd'n to be honest. Dead wrong! He's turning out to be the cream.

We've got a chance now. Keep it going Blues.

On the back of the Leicester performance we are showing definite signs of improvement.

The manager is learning on the job, he is getting to know his players and given the talent he has at his disposal he has now found his best available back four. It was a brave decision to start with Mina given his lack of match time. Mina owed us one and when he departs the boy at PSV will surely return.

Patterson, Mina, Garner and DCL all need a run of games so further improvement can be expected.

The players need to be at over the next three fixtures as the job is not done.

A big thank you to the away fans, you have suffered so much disappointment this season and last, you deserved yesterday!

I said after the Leicester game that the mindset of this group had changed, as against Leicester and last night when they got the ball the first thought was attack. Sean Dyche deserves a lot of credit as he has talked about changing the mindset and its starting to pay dividends. Tactically last night the got it spot on they allowed their CBs to have the ball and waited till they played the ball into midfield then swarmed all over their midfield to win the ball and start an attack. I am sure thats exactly how we will play it against City.

I definitely think Garner in midfield has made us more competitive in that area and he is always looking to start an attack. I certainly don't think this relegation battle is over, as with 3 games left all clubs will be giving it their all, just as we are. Do I feel a lot happier today than I did before the weekends results absolutely. For those on here trying to predict how we or our rivals will fayre during these last few games is futile. Even Danny Oneill in his most optomistic wouldnt have predicted a 5-1 result against Brighton who have been out footballing many good teams this season. But I know if we put that much effort into the last 3 games then we should survive.

He was poor in possession, including failing to control a ball passed straight to him in space. And he got skinned repeatedly once Brighton realised he was the weaker link of the fullbacks. He would have been happier than anyone to see March pull up injured from chasing McNeill. I'm just thankful they never switched Mitoma onto him.

I don't doubt his effort. He actually plays the position. He makes some decent tackles. Seems a good lad too. But I'd hate to think that decent team performances will mean he lines up for us in either league next year. He's still so far off the standard. He's the ultimate indictment of our recruitment teams. No-one had scouted him properly.

Mina makes defending look effortless, and what a difference he makes, his positioning is world class and stood out a mile after watching Keane struggle the last few weeks.

I thought Patterson was outstanding, and should be our number one choice going forward. No easy task dealing with Mtoma this season and did it comprehensively. We need to start building the side around these young players.

McNeal I'm pleased to say I never doubted him. Whisper it quietly but his impact to this season is on par with Richarlson's last season, and have no doubt if we do stay up it's mainly down to him. His goal at Southampton, Brentford and assists have been vital points for us, and he stood up when his confidence must have been on the floor following the abuse, over the moon for him.

Finally Iwobi, had a great game and was great on the counter, his final ball though is terrible. I'd have him working all week in training on his crossing.

We deserved that result after years of poor displays away from home, I can't remember the last time we ran riot away from home.

Looking at the remaining fixtures it's pleasing to see Forest, Leeds and Leicester all have tricky run ins, can only see 1 win for them which means a win and a draw could be enough. I thoiught we were gone. If we do stay up this is bigger achievment than last year given the players we've lost and playing 75% of the season without a striker, we might just get away with this.

Psychology in sport is a big thing, I think some of the fellow old gimmers on here we back me up when I say you can smell results sometimes.
Brighton had slaughtered Wolves and beaten Utd and probably thought we were dead meat.
Thats not trying to take away from a wonderful performance from our players they had to show up and do what they did.
It probably makes our next games more difficult though, but hey what the hell I'll take it.

Pep will be on red alert, more so now when they come to Goodison but that comes with the territory. We drew at their place and for certain the old ground will be rocking louder because of the last two results.

For me it was influenced by the selection of 3 key players who have not always been in the side. DCL is the obvious one and needs no explanation really.

Mina though I think was a big factor in this win and is just a better player than Keane. I think there is a stat somewhere which shows our win percentage is usually better with Mina in the side. His constant injuries aren't great for stability but I think he must stay in for the remaining matches. Wrap him up in cotton wool outside of games like they used to do for Paul McGrath.

Garner in midfield was the other key man for me. I like Onana but Garner is just better on the ball and better out of possession right now from what I've seen. We just look a lot better in midfield with him there. Got to keep him in for the remaining games too.

I'll hold my hands up and admit I thought we were down after not winning at Leicester but we are back in with a chance again now. Whatever Dyche did for this game in terms of motivating the players and getting a performance from them, he must do again moving ahead.

Garner is a better footballer than Onana by a mile, so play him! I think Dyche plays Onana because we paid £33m for him and he's a big unit, but he doesn't actually offer a huge amount in a footballing sense other than long legged tackles, fist pumping, arm waving and cajoling supporters.

Garner is a ball player who tracks back as well so he offers way more, especially offensively and he gives the midfield better balance too.

Yesterday was a bit of a freak result in truth, especially when you consider we scored 18% of our seasons tally of goals in one game!

I've been a doom monger since Christmas but yesterday lifted the veil ever so slightly. We can't fuck it up now it's back in our hands, surely..

But, then I had a flash on concern. I haven't read any post-match comments from Danny "we were relegated in November and tonight it will confirm it" Baily or Pat "3-0" Kelly?

I assume they are just emotionally exhausted like the rest of us, or possibly very busy. But, perhaps a TW welfare check is in order?

He started last week at Leicester the way he usually plays, stunk in the first half, then in the second he became a new man like St. Paul on the road to Damascus, he carried on from that game last night with the same attitude, I couldn’t fault him, if he carries on like this he will definitely be like a new signing, only one and a half games but there is a different player there, carry on like that lad and I might even start a fan club for you!!

By the way he still wasn’t my MOTM, the whole team were and they were second to you, the astonishing, amazing, awesome fans who roared our team on all night, proud of the lot of you.

Also Brighton's goal came off his arm, why was this not picked up by VAR.

And the final triumph for Dyche, the form of Doucoure. bombed out by Lampard, now key. Oh,

and ditto McNeil.

But, we aint out of the wood here by any stretch. I think Leicester and Soton are done, but Leeds are very much alive. I hate to say it, but I think it's going to go to the final day.

oh, ahd to cap a perfect day, Millwall are going nowhere (thank god)

Before the weekend, Everton were second favourites to go down (60%) and now they are the outsiders of the five on 26%.

Nottingham Forest's win against Southampton (100%), who are effectively down, has reduced Forest's chance of the drop from 53% before the weekend to 34%.

Leeds (73%) and Leicester (68%) are now favourites to join Southampton in the Championship next season.

Amazing what a win can do.

Tore Leicester a new one and unlucky not to win, another excellent performance yesterday, in the same shirt, and a very good goal from Gray at the Etihad wearing the same Pink top, to earn Everton a draw whatever colour it is described as, I would bin the Blue top for the Wolves trip, and stick with the pink top.

Big shout up to Danny, Rob, Neil and the likes who have had some away Days to forget, but yesterday you got your just rewards, and it’s moments like that, that make it all worthwhile.

If we stay up and face Brighton away, my bucket list is to go to Brighton, travel down on a Vespa, with sunglasses, a parka, and an Everton away Pink top, cheering on the Blues :-)

Jim who is this Anderson? is it Garner you are thinking of?

On a final note the design and noise from the Amex is unbelievable and has a similar design to Bramley Moore roofing, the Amex holds 31,800.

Imagine the noise coming from Bramley Moore, with 52,888 inside it, over 20,000 more than the Amex, and over £12,000 more than Goodison.

Then as soon as the Bournemouth game is out of the way, the priority and its absolutely paramount the attention and focus swiftly moves on to the bastard of a board. That needs homing in on. A board which needs dismantling very quickly.

I agree with you wholeheartedly about Dyche and DCL. I was in the brick for the Fulham game when the teams were announce and most around us couldn't believe DCL was not in the team. Then with the chances Maupay missed, it made the situation even worse. But to be fair to Dyche, his answer has always been the same. I am going to get him fit, proper fit, fit so he can last games and play the way I want him to play. Plenty we're getting upset about him (Myself included). I don't think the club handled the communication of it all correctly, but there's nothing new there.

Dom was only in this situation anyway because the manager (FSW) we don't talk about any more ignored all the advice of the medical team, and I also read online this week that Lampard was letting him train Fridays only before sticking him in.

Dom has come back and really looks the part. There was a 30 min period in the first half yesterday he was the complete forward. Dyche has done superb with how he's managed/handled that. I owe him an apology. Hopefully he gets a couple of goals before the season is over.

Still need another striker if we get over the line mind you.

While last nights result was a joyous occasion anything can happen yet, obviously we didn't want a Forest win but maybe thats greedy.

Its still going to be close and a nailbiting job before we know we are staying up.

You can tell because, at least in recent games, when people name their expected/preferred teams, it pretty much always includes McNeil. There is always debate about most if not all of the others, notably Keane, Iwobi, Duke, Onana, Gana, Myko, but rarely him.

I think it may have been because Mac Allister was behind the ball and actually behind Mitoma when he played the ball onto the post. So, although Mac Allister was ahead of the last defender, he was not offside in terms of where the ball was played to him.

Could be wrong though…

They all played well but got to say, what about Dwight's fitness, that lad never knows when to stop running. And I don't mean jogging around, actually top sprinting after a hard 90 minutes. I'd like to think Dyche will be giving him a rest but he's probably got him doing bleep tests today!

I see Michael answered your question above.

I think Doucoure is very passionate about Everton - it’s got him in to trouble in the past but he is blue through and through.

Barcodes bought the wrong player.

Today it's really sinking in that the win, the margin of the win and its importance to our football and financial future was potentially the most important in my 65 years of travelling with Everton.

A fantastic all round performance with McNeil, Doucoure and Pickford being outstanding but everyone putting in a tremendous shift, my only reservations being the acres of space we were allowing Brighton on both flanks.

Even at 3 and 4 nil we were watching the clock so agonisingly, slowly, ticking down, being very aware that one misjudged tackle could see us down to 10 men.

The icing on the cake was McNeil's 96th minute impersonation of Geoff Hurst's 1966 WCF goal.

Survival is now back in our own hands and we need to ensure it remains that way.

The Geoff Hurst comparison also occurred to me.

The words: "They think it's all over. It is now.", certainly crossed my mind.

And I wasn't thinking about our Premier League future.

But I think it was part of the game plan. We had a lot of success crowding the midfield, with Gana, Garner and Duke supported by Iwobi, McNeil and the full backs playing tight. Effectively crowding a small space with up to 7 players, each trying to cut the angles for a pass to stop them playing through us. That is what created the turnovers and made our counter attacking such a threat.

Of course balls out wide to their wingers could damage us, but I think the key there was the speed at which Iwobi and McNeil raced over to support their full backs. This still couldn't entirely stop the inevitable crosses into the box, but you can't stop everything and I think Dyche reckoned Mina and Tarks were better suited to deal with that incoming than fast interplay and through balls on the edge of the box.

So that folks was the classic Dyche narrow, low block

Regarding the subject of ToffeeWeb badges I am prepared to donate the price of their cost 60p each [excluding p&p, minimum order 100]. I would also pay the p&p if someone like yourself, took control of the ordering. I am too old to become embroiled in the on-line business of such an important task. I am thankful to Eric Myles for his information leading to the situation, and also to the person who's post led to the idea, he is 'initially' the poster who came up with the idea. I have no intention of stealing his thunder and I hope he reads this post, and comes forward to be commended for his suggestion of the idea in the first place. We can discuss the subject in the Barley Moore on Sunday.

Oh yeah and I want a badge. With a fish pun inscripted on the back.

The other valid criticisms of him, and Mike Gaynes may have to eat crow here I think,
even if he was just stating fact, was that his track record of scoring goals was piss poor, and he’s put that to bed. Lastly, it’s hard to imagine being truly world class when you’re that one-footed, but he may just prove us wrong.

If we survive and McNeil, Patterson, Mykolenko, Onana and Garner all continue to improve, we’ll look back on all of those purchases with different eyes than we did throughout this miserable season. Maupay will likely always be 15£ million thrown down the toilet.

Based on the Minnesota game I can believe that

I didn't fancy us I have to admit before the game, but I did think Brighton would struggle after the United win and with a lot of games to play, and their squad would struggle to handle it. Losing the semi final would have sapped energy and mental toughness for one kf the smaller clubs.

Can it be replicated, that's a big ask. The blues scored 5 from their 5 shots on target, with Brighton scoring just one from their 5 on target. Both teams recorded 3 in their XG, so it saids a lot that we over achieved and Brighton failed.

Hopefully more points to come through though. City is a tough game, but they do have a huge Real tussle, where as Bournemouth and Wolves can be any result if they put in a performance or have their flip flops on.

It is a time when any results can be landed. That was our best XI, I hope it stays fit and we can deliver.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64985188

Southampton 1-100
Leeds 2-5
Leicester 4-9
Nottingham Forest 7-4
Everton 3-1

We’ve given ourselves a massive opportunity.

I saw a stat today that we scored 15% of our seasons goals last night, wouldn’t surprise me.

It is actually possible with the other results that we are already safe. I wouldn’t want to rely on it though but do think 3 more points will be enough whatever.

The 5th goal definitely had shades of Radzinski about it!

Key to yesterday was the kick off. At them, with pace and our passing, best in years! That level of play with the right players shows what is possible!

Enjoy till saturday! Just lovely to win with such great play! My goodness the away fans deserve that! Well done to all the away fans!!

I'd much rather be going into the Man City game with a victory last night, rater than a defeat. I think possibly our players realised that Brighton was more of an opportunity to get something and if they hadn't, they'd have been going into Sunday's match under extreme pressure.

It won't be any easier on Sunday than it was prior to the Brighton match, but at least we can have a bit of hope we might get something on Sunday.

McNeil is much improved since he's got a few more players running in the right direction with him. That's what he needed someone to aim the ball at, he's finding them and using the ball well.

I wouldn't worry too much. I'm not saying it can't go pear-shaped but I don't see Sean Dyche as the "getting carried away" type.

I predict Haaland will be rested with De Bruyne on Sunday and 1-0 to us.

Brian Wilkinson pointed that out to me. Gawd knows where I got that from! But Patterson or Anderson, that lad looks like he's a good apprentice to Seamus and will be a good fullback along with Mykolenko for years to come.

Last night he was getting a hard time from that Mitoma but after that he got to grips and mostly cut out that threat,

They were all excellent last night, and I'm also made up for McNeil. I said earlier in the season, that I thought we'd bought a pudd'n; last night, I realised we've got a top class player on our hands!

Easily done, Jim, done it many times myself.

Mind you, McNeil is only 23 and he looks top-class as well. Dom, Ellis and Tom Cannon, Garner, Iwobi is mercurial but he had a stunning game last night and he can replicate that. They are just some of the young talent we've got.

These next few games are so important but, whatever happens match-wise, it's off the pitch I'm hopeful about; fearful as well. I hope we get a takeover or investment into the club and that starts the ball rolling in getting rid of the lead weights that have been pulling us down for decades.

I think what happens is we sometimes play players out of position and it looks bad on them.

If Frank was still here, McNeil would still be playing on the right wing and getting slaughtered; likewise with Godfrey, he never plays well on the right-hand side, but is a better player on the left side.

Yesterday we had a natural right- and left-back, a centre-forward to aim at. Like I said earlier in the season, Jim, watch a different player when McNeil gets played on his favoured left side, and has a target man to aim for.

We now seem to have a more balanced team, instead of playing players out of position, to accommodate other players; James Garner slotted in perfectly in the midfield.

We have to go with that starting 11 again and give them time to gel, instead of keep swapping and changing, and playing players out of position, stick to what we have and a little patience.

I only played the game at knock-about, never played for a Sunday league team, so Danny, Tony and the likes who have played at that level will have more knowledge about playing and tactics than me.

I was right-footed, was half decent anywhere centre midfield or on the right, but I could never play left-back or left-wing, it just did not feel natural for me, at a higher level maybe that is something players are fine with, but for me I could never master the art of playing out on the left side, just felt awkward.

So frustrating to see the likes of Gray, Patterson and Mykolenko hit a first time cross, when they have plenty of time and space, to take a touch and pick a player out.

If Gueye could get some shooting practice in, he could bang some goals in for Everton, it’s unbelievable how many times the second ball played out more often than not falls to Gueye in space, to get a shot off.

Unbelievable from the Blue Boys, 3 more points or maybe 2 will see us safe depending on what the others do. Coyb.

It was a much more balanced team.

To your point, don't flatter me too much. I was fortunate enough to grace Bellefield on trials and have Terry Darracott look after me. A very nice person. A great experience, although my Dad seemed to have a better one marvelling at the blue clad pool table in the canteen. He didn't watch me!

But I was too small and lightweight at the time. I thought I was playing with men, but they were the same age as me. That's why I have always tried not to judge people too soon. Wait and see.

I never reached the heights that Tony did, but I did get paid at semi-professional level and, for those who understand, played Army standard, which is a high level. I played alongside people who had played for Wigan, Newcastle youth teams, Bristol Rovers, Lincoln, Norwich and a young left back who was on Everton's books until 16 before being released and joining the Army. Cracking player.

Enough about me and my failed football experiences. Back to your point.

When I coached, I took the Dutch approach. It is important, in my humble opinion, to move players around the pitch to get a feel for where their best position may end up being. Also to give them experience in different positions so it isn't a shock when, in later life, they may be asked to play there.

The amount of times I had parents who apparently had a font of football knowledge trying to tell me what position their kids should play and being obsessed with results as opposed to me trying to develop them.

Eventually, players will settle into a natural position. You get the occasional natural versatile player. Alan Harper and Phil Neville spring to mind.

But eventually you want most players in their natural position once they are adult players. That is the balance you refer to.

Back to me. I started life as an aspiring centre midfielder. You wouldn't think it now, but although I wasn't a Usain Bolt, I was naturally pacey, so got put on the wing. Then moved to full back, before being convinced that I was naturally suited to being a ball playing centre back. In a very effective 3-5-2.

Last point. I'm left handed but right footed. Through coaching (in Germany), I was taught to use my left foot. Good players should be able to use both as I was instructed in a very German way. I ended up being able to use both equally. You wouldn't have known the difference.

It's nearly Sunday. We can do this.