Brentford 2 - 2 Everton
Everton were back in action after a 3-week break and were still half-asleep as they went behind to an early penalty for Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A good contest ensued wth Everton pulling goals back through Beto and then Dewsbury-Hall in added time, with both teams still level on points in the chase for Champions League places.
Grealish and Alacaraz are the only expected absentees, Branthwaite replacing Keane, with Armstrong and Aznou missing out.
First Half
Everton kicked off but an early long ball was allowed to bounce through with Branthwaite marking out Thiago as Tarkowski and Mykolenko looked at each other and Outarra touched it through to Schade, who tried to round Pickford. The England Number 1 stuck out a leg... Foul, yellow card and penalty in just the 2nd minute! Thiago drove the spot-kick home to give Brentford an early lead.
The Blues were totally shell-shocked and had no immediate answer to this huge setback. But Everton finally got forward, Ndiaye benefiting from a turnover and Beto‘s shot deflected behind. The corner from McNeil was cleared.
Everton’s play continued to be scrappy, Gana giving the ball away, and the Blues were reticent to press too hard in recovery.
Dewsbury-Hall drove forward through the middle with McNeil, but Beto was well marshalled and could only push his marker for a foul. Branthwaite then stepped forward, Brentford backing off, and from nothing he lashed a shot just wide.
Everton were not pressing the home side at all and a wicked ball in almost caused havoc. Everton got upfield and Dewsbury-Hall fired a brilliant cross that Beto stretched for but missed. From a throw-in, a snapshot from Gana forced a great save from Kelleher, whose parry out to Beto forced another save, along with the offside flag. Everton should have scored.
Some great work out wide from O'Brien lost then recovered the ball and forced his way past Potter, who had leaned back into him and Brentford wanted that as a foul but the ball back to Gana saw a lovely first-time cross that Beto nodded in at the far post. Blues back in the game!
Some good pressure from Brentford needed decent clearances until Tarkowski was fouled. It got a bit physical, Gana in with a brilliantly timed tackle to stop Thiago progressing. But it was more open, although Gana mistimed his tackle on Jensen.
It had taken the best part of 30 minutes but Everton were getting a lot of the ball, but Brentford mounted a good counter, Jensen seeing a chance and firing a tremendous shot that was going just inside the post, Pickford launching himself for a super fingertip save. Nothing came of the corner.
Brentford stayed high and another difficult cross forced Mykolenko to concede another corner. The delivery was superb Pickford saving Schade's header off the bar but then down to make another instant save from Ouattara before Branthwaite had to block desperately to prevent Thiago from scoring.
More Brentford pressure saw Ouattara move ahead and ready to shoot but his shot excellently blocked. Everton responded, a ball in testing Kelleher with Ndiaye in attendance. Another good cross in from McNeil saw Beto sandwiched.
Another drive forward by the all-Blues threatened again. The blues were working hard to try and create something, another great cross in from McNeil forcing good contact from Kelleher.
A great cross in from Brentford was headed away strongly by Branthwaite before the extra 5 minutes were up.
Second Half
The Bees kicked off the second half and drove forward until they encountered Tarkowski. Garner committed his first foul and was booked for it. A tremendous dead-ball delivery from Jensen, Collins heading it onto the crossbar.
Brentford continued to have the most of the ball and kept pressing forward, Everton having to defend deeply. When they did turn it over, a loose pass lost possession again.
Brentford had to block again another Schade shot from a backheader off Thiago. At the other end, Ndiaye danced in from the left but lost the ball but it was worked around; however, O'Brien's throw went behind. McNeil tried to find Ndiaye with an ambitious crossfield ball that also went beyond him and behind.
From a midfield free-kick, Garner played a brilliant ground ball for Beto to run onto but he was a fraction late and Kelleher gathered it ahead of him. Everton seemed to have weathered the post-half-time onslaught.
Dewsbury-Hall got possession and drove a great ball down the wing to Ndiaye who came inside and shot, his deflected effort blocked by Kelleher's foot as he readjusted brilliantly to deny a certain goal.
The intensity was increasing as both sides felt one more goal could swing this tense affair, Brentford attacking with vigour. Jensen fired a shot high over Pickford's goal.
McNeil almost released Beto before he picked up the ball again but his shot was blocked and Brentford were on the attack again. It was all hands in Everton's penalty area, as Jensen put in a long throw that Beto half-cleared.
Pickford bowled it forward and it looked like Dewsbury-Hall had to score but unstead of clipping the ball over him when he had the chance, he chose to pirouette, and it gave Kelleher the time to block him. That led to three changes by Moyes with a quarter-hour left.
But the changes unfortunately had the opposite effect, Thiago scampering in unchallenged and Kayode deflecting his shot past Pickford. Oh dear!
George had room to shoot but his aim was seriously wayward as Eveton tried to counter but were too slow in the build-up and easily thwarted. George finally got behind the line but his cross did not reach Barry. He tried again and Ndiaye's header won a corner but that was cleared.
A great Everton move down the left saw a fierce shot from George parried behind by Kelleher, who also cleared the corner away, Brentford looking to break. But time was running out for the Blues, with only 3 minutes added on.
Everton drew everyone back for a long throw and had no one forward when Branthwaite cleared. But they did work their way forward, Mykolenko swinging in a cross that looked perfect for Barry to score but he completely missed it! However, Ndiaye played it back for O'Brien to shoot, but his shot was blocked out to the left where Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fairly hammered it in from a narrow angle. Great goal.
Lewis Potter was determined to get The Bees ahead, though and a brilliant bit of work saw his teasing cross glance off Schade, and it was enough to put Thiago off as the ball would have fallen nicely for him at the far post.
But that was the last bit of action and well-earned draw for Everton that looked a bit unlikely after that dreadful start.
Brentford : Kelleher, Lewis-Potter, Collins, Van den Berg, Kayode, Jensen, Yarmoliuk, Schade, Damsgaard (46' Nelson), Ouattara, Thiago.
Subs not Used: Valdimarsson, Pinnock, Ajer, Donovan, Bentt, Shield, Stephenson, Owen.
Everton: Pickford [Y:2'], O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gana (74' Iroegbunam), Garner [Y:47'], McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye (74' George), Beto (74' Barry).
Subs not Used: Travers, Patterson, Keane, Dibling, Coleman, Röhl,.
Reader Comments (79)
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6 Posted 11/04/2026 at 15:19:38
1-0 after a penalty for Brentford.
9 Posted 11/04/2026 at 15:29:38
10 Posted 11/04/2026 at 15:55:37
These are different circumstances, we are playing well enough to win this.
11 Posted 11/04/2026 at 15:56:38
Brentford had brief times from corners when they looked dangerous but their slow build-up is helping Everton and I think Everton can get the 3 points if we get ahead in the second half.
12 Posted 11/04/2026 at 15:57:03
The Brentford goal I put down to Tarkowski as he just seemed to stop and let his man go, at the very least leave it to somebody else. And why did Pickford go in like that rather than with his hands?
Then our equalizer, just as I thought that O'Brien had lost it but a cross right on Beto's noggin.
And who let Pickford out dressed like that!?! Has somebody forgotten which side of Merseyside we are?
13 Posted 11/04/2026 at 16:02:57
14 Posted 11/04/2026 at 17:08:35
Brentford didn't look quite so energetic in the second half but still seemed to be putting in more than we did which looked at times like we just wanted to settle back and settle for the draw.
Dewsbury-Hall was through and should have just taken the shot but summed up our effort by ending up doing nothing. We looked a lot better when George came on, gave us some pace and intention and it took until the last minute of normal time for us to get more in the box for the equalizer.
We must go out with more of a game plan than seemed obvious here.
15 Posted 11/04/2026 at 17:14:52
16 Posted 11/04/2026 at 17:17:14
Ended up as a close-run 1-pointer (each) -- or is that a 2-pointer? -- with perhaps both teams now a little further from qualifying.
Did the pressure get our lot? Or were they still confused, trying to understand Moyes's last-minute instructions as they took to the field in a daze?
At least the Blues in the away end saw a great finish to the game from Dewsbury-Hall -- now if only he'd done something different for his one-on-one with Kellerher.
17 Posted 11/04/2026 at 17:17:21
Brentford are not to be underestimated and work very hard, add the long ball threat and you can see why they are where they are in the Premier League.
I thought Moyes got his three subs spot on. George did more in 10 minutes that McNeil did in the whole game, he looked a real threat, whereas Iroegbunam shored up the midfield and Barry came on for a tiring Beto who played really well.
I think we will be happy with that draw on reflection and no reason why we can't take it to our next match when we beat the "Dark Side"!
18 Posted 11/04/2026 at 17:24:30
One bonus is we now know George is not ready to play in the Premier League.😁
19 Posted 11/04/2026 at 17:28:28
I was made up we got a point, but we weren't very good in the second half.
Every time we have a chance to close on the Red Shite, we blow it.
20 Posted 11/04/2026 at 17:35:55
First no one attacking the ball, and no help from Tarkowski. Centre-backs have got to do better.
21 Posted 11/04/2026 at 17:59:49
Branthwaite ran under the ball, full-back should be on the cover.
22 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:02:58
Nevertheless, we never gave up and rescued a point very close to the end which keeps us in chase for the Champions League.
I agree with John @18 that George had a good game when he came on and will add to our attacking game in the last six matches of the season.
James Garner stood out for me but Dewsbury-Hall will get MotM for that last-minute goal -- or possibly Pickford for a couple of very good saves in the first half.
23 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:04:10
[Reading the mind of John Collins...]
24 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:06:16
They are making them up now.
25 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:06:21
26 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:07:03
They showed the goal at half-time and it was Tarkowski who let the ball hop, and himself and Mykolenko were ball watching; two bad goals to give away.
I thought George did well with plenty of pace. Armstrong didn't make the bench (Is he injured?) considering we had two right-backs on the bench.
27 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:08:52
Branthwaite under the ball. Tarkowski & Mykolenko no cover, Pickford with a trip. Schade runs past Tarkowski with ease.
A complete mess.
28 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:09:14
A ball like that should never be allowed to bounce.
29 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:10:51
Still chuffed.
Maybe my expectations are still based on recent years?
Champions League? Umm. Not there yet to compete, methinks.
30 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:11:44
The second was poor as well. How the kid was allowed to run from the touchline to have a shot, I don't know.
I posted at half-time, a point at Brentford is a decent point.
31 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:19:33
32 Posted 11/04/2026 at 18:27:19
33 Posted 11/04/2026 at 19:41:10
Neither team is equipped for Champions League football;
Europa or Conference at best.
34 Posted 11/04/2026 at 19:50:06
Terrific goals from us, but I think we needed a win today for the Champions League.
35 Posted 11/04/2026 at 20:26:34
I have fond memories of meeting Gerry and Cathie in San Francisco in 2013 and in Crosby the following year. A lovely lady, a lovely couple.
36 Posted 11/04/2026 at 22:08:13
I'll light a candle on the far west of Ireland for Cathie tonight.
God bless... take care mate.
37 Posted 11/04/2026 at 22:16:53
A point was all we deserved today. Glad we kept fighting to earn that point at the end.
For all the talk about us not planning to sign George at the end of the season, that would be foolish to not consider it for anything under £30M based on what he showed today — especially if we could still get that £20M for McNeil.
For me, the fault goes to Branthwaite on the first goal. You learn in Under-10 not to let the ball bounce in dangerous situations. George slow to close down Kayode on the second, poor defending there.
Win against the Red Shite and we are right back in it for a Champions League spot. That point could prove crucial, even if we all wanted more today. It would take a special run of matches, but anything is possible this season.
38 Posted 11/04/2026 at 22:29:18
A quiet game for a few of the team.
Why didn't Dewsbury-Hall take a shot when clean through? I just didn't understand that.
We showed fighting spirit and deserved a draw at the least.
George needs more time on the pitch. McNeil has done well recently but it might be time to give George a start. The Red Shite haven't got a right-back so give George a chance.
39 Posted 11/04/2026 at 22:51:15
For the first time in the last 5 years, you can watch the lads til the final minute thinking we still got a chance. Given we probably have the worst strikers in the Premier League and a small pool of quality players, well done, lads!
Oa George, if he was consistently good, I would really doubt Chelsea would let him go.
40 Posted 11/04/2026 at 22:54:55
...and also for our fleeting dreams of Champions League glory, anyway I'm glad we blew the cobwebs out after all that time off, so we're fit and revved up to drop another set of must win 2 points.
Can't blame Moyes for that poor start (or can you?) 3 different players watched the ball bounce 3 times down the centre and into the box.
Is it just the way the Premier League is this year? For seemingly months, I've watched us win, lose and draw and we're still – last time I looked – 8th!
I'm not expecting any major changes to our version of Newton's 1st Law of 8th place Inertia.
Notwithstanding the fact that in theory we could still scrape into Europe's (nay the world's?) top competition with a points total that starts with a 5, for fuck’s sale!
I think that any European involvement is a problem waiting to happen with our small squad.
I wouldn't mind, just this once, putting what is apparently the worst Liverpool team for a decade or more to the sword and let the European / Premier League placings fall where they may come the end of May.
Is that too much for an old man to ask?
41 Posted 11/04/2026 at 23:22:10
George, only on for 15 minutes, looked great and surely should get more time next week against the Red Shite.
Whilst a Euro spot would be nice after some disappointing seasons, it's more important to give some of our youngsters like George some longer playing time in readiness for a much better season next time.
With the guidance of an old head like Moyes, these youngsters could be the turning point in Everton's fortunes.
42 Posted 11/04/2026 at 00:40:52
Both Dibling and Aznou need moving on as Moyes doesn't have faith in them. I can see us taking a loss as a pair but hopefully not a huge loss.
As for the debate about the goal, I'm amazed anyone has looked past Pickford. His fault as he never needed to make that foul.
Braithwaite was occupying Thiago, Tarkowski was busy pulling his caravan, Mykolenko looked the only one who made a genuine attempt to stop the goal.
Fault lies mainly with Pickford, and it would have been nice if Tarkowski had done the basics of following his man, maybe even stepped up his jog with a sprint.
43 Posted 12/04/2026 at 01:15:56
He absolutely had to make a challenge of some sort after Branthwaite (not Tarkowski or anyone else, it was Branthwaite) let it bounce past him.
Shitty way to start the match, mistakes happen, but we still pulled even twice from being behind. Great spirit from the boys to never say die.
44 Posted 12/04/2026 at 04:47:19
Give them both a full pre season, then loan them both out if it's considered they need more experience. But give them a chance to develop before writing them off completely.
Let's not give up on them before we see if they can meet required standards next season. We need young up and coming players as an integral part of our squad and, sometimes, it can take time for young lads to settle into a completely different environment.
45 Posted 12/04/2026 at 07:52:33
Yes that was terrible news about the passing of Gerry's wife, and here's me feeling a bit sorry for myself because I'm stuck in a hospital bed after a knee replacement op.
Puts things into perspective when you hear news like that obviously never met the lad, but going by what people on here have said sounds like a lovely fella.
Take care Gerry, and all the chaps and lasses on here offer their sincerest condolences.
46 Posted 12/04/2026 at 08:05:16
He needs a good loan where he is playing 30 games plus. It would be good if that was the championship, as he needs toughening up.
Dibling is a shy young man. But there is something there for certain in training. He just needs to put into games. A decent pre season where it is a blank page, less competitive matches will put his hat back in the ring. Not convinced he is a right winger either. More of a player that looks like he would enjoy a central position.
Playing him and O'Brien on the right won’t work in my opinion. Neither enjoy playing with chalk on their boots.
47 Posted 12/04/2026 at 08:42:38
Perhaps our three best players (Garner, Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye) were not quite on blob. I have taken a few positives out of the game though:-
In the post match interviews, Moyes and Dewsbury-Hall tried very hard to hide their disappointment. They obviously went out to win it.
This group of players are resilient - they have the fighting spirit.
George is a footballer. No brainer for me now -- definitely keep him.
Must beat the horrible ones next week.
48 Posted 12/04/2026 at 09:25:35
65th season watching them and approaching 80 rather more quickly than I like, so all I really want is an entertaining match with a few goals and plenty of action... failing that a good punch-up!
No need for the latter as it was a very decent match and a fair result. The difference between the sides was the available quality on the bench. After 70 minutes, Andrews really had no options apart from some promising but untested youngsters and a semi-fit Henderson.
It perfectly illustrated my earlier point about the dangers of the Europa League to a club like Brentford.
Best wishes for the rest of the season... especially against your esteemed neighbours... and I look forward to being still around next season.
49 Posted 12/04/2026 at 09:34:13
Having listened to talk of Champions League all week, Moyes's game plan showed why that is an impossibility. Having watched Bournemouth just before -- with their fearlessness, even after a ridiculous penalty -- was what I wanted to see from us given the magnitude of the game.
Champions League talk is wild considering 65 points wouldn't have been enough to get 5th in years gone by and the likelihood of us winning every game is Cloud Cuckoo Land given how we approach games.
Indeed, our neighbours are supposed to be imploding while we are supposed to be on fire... yet we have both picked up 10 points from our last 6 games.
On the flip side, the late goal is massive as I think it does damage to Brentford's Top 8 chances and doesn't really harm ours. I'm hoping Newcastle don't win today as I think they can still get one of the European berths now their workload is only focused on the Premier League.
Make no mistake -- this was a big point for us and Moyes got what he came for.
50 Posted 12/04/2026 at 10:26:35
Don't forget, we have gone from perennial relegation candidates to knocking on the door of Europe. Moyes gets a lot more praise from various media than he gets on here.
What we need next season is to retain all our best players and sign another 3 outstanding players, players that can turn games.
51 Posted 12/04/2026 at 10:32:37
What you have failed to comment on: the Reds have spent millions on players, Everton have shopped at Lidl. You are correct about Bournemouth, they have also shopped at Lidl.
But and it is a big 'but': neither Everton, Bournemouth, Brighton and the likes will win an English trophy when they have one hand tied behind their backs.
Premier League rules need to change... in fact, I would like to see a return to a points system of two points for a win, that would also make the league more competitive.
52 Posted 12/04/2026 at 10:32:58
"He sees them in training every day, they are obviously not ready to play."
Is George "ready to play"?
53 Posted 12/04/2026 at 10:43:16
I am about the same age as yourself, John, and you're right about how times creep on you. You always give a fair account of the game, so if a Brentford supporter says a draw was a fair result, then I will take that.
Moyes said after the game he was a bit disappointed in our performance, but not disappointed in the players' attitude and desire.
I think, other than probably the Top 5 clubs, most supporters worry about having a big enough squad to stay competitive in the Premier League as well as a European competition.
I saw on MotD our neighbours parading a banner about increases in ticket prices. I think we need to let TFG know we are in one of the poorest areas of the country and we rely on our mainly Liverpool resident fans for their support.
TFG might not be aware but, if it hadn't been for these loyal fans who made Goodison a fortress and emboldened our players, we might well be playing in the Championship.
I warn them: Don't take Scoucers for fools or Hill Dickinson Stadium could have many empty spaces if you keep milking the supporters.
54 Posted 12/04/2026 at 11:20:14
Just watched MotD, and thought Lewis-Skelly looked costly at left-back vs Bournemouth.
It is a conundrum. And why I think the middle ground is taken as starting as a sub. Would you start George in the derby? I think that's the only debatable change.
55 Posted 12/04/2026 at 11:27:53
A lovely little 15-minute cameo of direct attacking play and he gets pulled for a defensive error.
56 Posted 12/04/2026 at 11:51:32
Realistically, we're looking at a spot in one of the other European competitions, which -- for a club trying to build -- isn't the worst option in the world.
Given recent seasons, playing in any European competition is a big leap for us. We're going to need way more depth in the squad; otherwise, our league form is going to suffer badly next season (if we make Europe).
The Premier League is still super tight -- anyone from Chelsea in 6th to Sunderland in 12th could still realistically make one of the Top 8 which will get you into Europe this season, I believe.
57 Posted 12/04/2026 at 11:57:47
Also, Ndiaye isn't as effective from the right. It's a conundrum when he comes on and plays well, like yesterday.
58 Posted 12/04/2026 at 11:59:08
Just watched MotD, and thought Lewis-Skelly looked costly at left-back vs Bournemouth.
It is a conundrum. And why I think the middle ground is taken starting kids as a sub. Would you start George in the derby? I think that's the only debatable change.
59 Posted 12/04/2026 at 12:03:31
Never saw the game but I don't feel that we are finished when we go behind these days, so hopefully that goal at the end turns out to be very valuable by the end of this season.
Don't slag Moyes, and you don't get so many posts, is my conclusion after reading this thread, so maybe the manager is also helping Toffeeweb survive!
60 Posted 12/04/2026 at 12:37:27
Moyes was deflated with the deflected Brentford goal but praised the players' fighting qualities. I thought that the referee had a decent game, letting the play flow, which was conducive to an entertaining game. George looked decent with his pace.
Condolences to Gerry and family.
61 Posted 12/04/2026 at 12:53:52
62 Posted 12/04/2026 at 12:53:59
Still a few twists to play out, so not losing isn't the end of it... but worse for Brentford with their run-in.
63 Posted 12/04/2026 at 13:23:54
George had two good efforts which their ‘keeper saved and set up another player for a shot on goal. He caused problems for the Brentford defence from the minute he came on. If that had been Grealish, plenty would have been drooling over him for that display, even if it was only 15 minutes.
Tony, ToffeeWeb wants and needs more posters, so Moyes is not helping ToffeeWeb unless he is getting slagged — that is when it is constructive criticism!
64 Posted 12/04/2026 at 13:50:22
He could later have switched when Ndiaye left the pitch, we would have seen more of him and his impact, and seen how he linked up with a right-back and how he came into attack from that side.
Plus I have often enjoyed seeing wide players switch to test different defenders; I'd like to see a bit more of that.
65 Posted 12/04/2026 at 14:18:57
He won't start in the derby but I would like to see him get half an hour, not being brought on in the last 5 minutes.
His 74th-minute introduction yesterday was a little more than he has been getting.
67 Posted 12/04/2026 at 14:27:10
I thought the Ref was in error in giving Garner a yellow card for something that didn't even look like a foul and not giving even a free kick for worse and actual fouls by Brentford players.
68 Posted 12/04/2026 at 14:40:34
And what on earth was the defence doing on that first goal? Branthwaite misjudged the flight of the long punt, Mykolenko failed to anticipate and cover.
But Tarkowski! Allowed the ball to bounce, let Schade run past him and never got past an elderly trundle from the first moment to Pickford giving away the penalty.
69 Posted 12/04/2026 at 14:41:29
He has pace, control and a good shot on him.
70 Posted 12/04/2026 at 15:25:48
Agree with George getting more time at the expense of McNeil. Dwight did some key work as the playmaker on the right but Tyrique can truck, as they say. Dewsbury-Hall was on that early and provided continual support for his play on the wing.
While I fumed on the second goal allowed, George and others found that next gear and put on some commanding pressure.
I would like him as a replacement for the striker more than a position requiring a lot of responsibility on defence. He has been sharp on both the left and right, also gets enough space to work a shot. With McNeil, O'Brien, Garner and Dewsbury-Hall, either he gets clear or lay it off for a shot and look for the keeper to spill it.
I am growing sympathetic to Moyes's difficulties in selections. Still think we could have discovered some of this while Jack Grealish was in, but we have a squad capable of and deserving a European place.
One more observation on McNeil: that dude made two brilliant passes under pressure to Beto and Ndiaye, neither of which could continue their run to get a touch. Very disappointed that they let those opportunities slip through. Either of those get a touch onto their running path and one of them would have surely converted the one-on-one with that ex-RS keeper. Dwight served it up, maaan.
Still thinking of Gerry and Cathie, and the heartfelt support from their TW family. This is a wonderful community, keep it going.
72 Posted 12/04/2026 at 17:12:06
73 Posted 12/04/2026 at 19:01:49
A week is a long time in football but we haven't had the upper hand over our neighbours for years. If we want to qualify for Europe, then this has got to change.
74 Posted 12/04/2026 at 22:06:41
Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin
All you can do is take them 1 game at a time.
75 Posted 12/04/2026 at 22:06:48
It's about time we learned how to get rid of that disease instead of spending billions on fantasy flights to the moon.
76 Posted 13/04/2026 at 04:03:13
Gerry, my deepest condolences to you and your family and friends. I'm thinking of you mate. Was Cathie -- RIP -- a Crosby lass? One day at a time mate. 💙
78 Posted 13/04/2026 at 08:52:05
I've watched it time and again and I really can't see where the contact is.
That said, I never actually saw the full game as I was laid up in a hospital bed after a knee operation, so I only saw the extended highlights the club put out.
If I'm right, George looked good when he got on; if it was me, I'd play him ahead of McNeil next Sunday.
Nothing absolutely to fear from them -- just get at them from the off, because their defence is shit.
79 Posted 13/04/2026 at 09:16:24
His minutes are 21, 61, 17, 3, 1, 16. The short minutes were vs Burnley & Arsenal, so other than those games - plus injury time (that isn't added in the above), Moyes has given him fair minutes to impact. Not that some would support that view.
George looks more effective from the bench against tired legs and a game that's opened up. Whilst I don't think McNeil is an impact sub.
But it is a coin flip for who should start: him or McNeil. Neither is at level of Ndiaye off the left. And that's where the little box of tricks needs to play.
80 Posted 13/04/2026 at 10:08:33
“Igor Thiago's double against Everton means that three times as many Brentford players have reached 20 goals in a top-flight campaign in the past four seasons as Everton players have done over the past 40 seasons. Thiago joins Bryan Mbeumo (last season) and Ivan Toney (2022-23); Romelu Lukaku (2016-17) is the only Everton case since Gary Lineker in 1985-86.”
A perennial problem it seems……
81 Posted 13/04/2026 at 10:09:47
Tell me about any game where the Referee doesn't make mistakes.
But overall he let the game flow, while there were other incidents he could have stopped the game for foul play but he didn't -- and for me that made the game more enjoyable.
82 Posted 13/04/2026 at 12:58:56
I wouldn’t start him v Liverpool let McNeil do his dual role of attacking and defending for 60 minutes and bring him on then although if we are drawing or winning by one goal he’ll stick with that.
83 Posted 13/04/2026 at 17:03:17
But I've not seen anything to suggest he has the work or final ball quality of a 10 that would improve on Dewsbury-Hall. The 10 for me is for real quality technicians, and he isn't in that bracket. Oh for Cherki.
I'd agree, McNeil to start, and then George if you need to lift it last 25 on the right.
I'd like to see Dewsbury Hall and Garner deeper, but I don't think we've a player on the books that will dramatically improve Dewsbury-Hall's output.
84 Posted 13/04/2026 at 17:10:51
I've watched him play eye-of-the-needle passes into our players in the box -- on all occasions, none of the forwards read him.
He's got similar stuff in his game to Cherki. Ideally, Dewsbury-Hall would be our box-to-box player eventually.
85 Posted 13/04/2026 at 17:18:27
I think Garner has been a lot better than Dewsbury-Hall this season.
Dewsbury-Hall had a 5-game spell that was very good; he then got injured and, since he came back, he has scored some vital goals but his overall game has not been anything special.
The goals have been very important for his reputation, like Saturday's, but he was not that impressive during the whole game... same as in many other games this season.
86 Posted 13/04/2026 at 18:29:04
Dewsbury-Hall's counter is that he has 10 goal involvements from 25 matches. The stats have him in line with Morgan Rodgers, even if the eyes don't.
I can understand why Tuchel hasn't considered him, mind.
87 Posted 13/04/2026 at 18:29:21
I didn't think he had a great game Saturday, but he's always got that ability to pop up with a vital goal.
Looks like him and George have a bit of an understanding from their Chelsea days too. Could be useful in the run-in.
88 Posted 13/04/2026 at 20:57:05
I never really noticed anything special about the Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall partnership, to be honest... but that is most probably because I didn't think Jack did anything special on a regular basis.
Regarding their time together at Chelsea, maybe they hit it off in training... not sure they played many times together for the first team, if at all.
I see George as an off-the-cuff footballer; he just does things that come naturally to him and hopefully he gets enough time off the bench to show that, starting with a good few minutes on Sunday.
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1 Posted 11/04/2026 at 14:44:06
6-pointer for the Champions League. I just think that's cool.