Premier League — Matchweek 36

Dave Abrahams
1 Posted 09/05/2026 at 15:04:22

I only watched the last twenty minutes of the Liverpool game but it emphasised how poor they are and how they screech, scream and moan at every decision and want the ones that go against them reversed with Van Dijk leading the protests at every one of them— the referee put him in his place after he wanted a penalty from a corner, which was prevented from being taken because of all the rugby nonsense that was going on in the six yard area, again with the big crying Dijk doing most of the nonsense.

Chelsea were refused one after VAR knocked it back, so no change there then!

Paul Hewitt
2 Posted 09/05/2026 at 15:17:58

Looks like Brighton will get 6th place.

And Champions League football if Villa win the final.

James Marshall
3 Posted 09/05/2026 at 15:24:59

I've just been reading about the connotations for european places and it isn't as simple as that..

In fact if it wasn't for the fact I had major spinal surgery on Tuesday and am currently flat out in hospital, unable to walk I wouldn't have bothered reading about it!

Basically we're still in with a shout of Europe if we're able to sneak into 8th place and things go our way.

Paul Hewitt
4 Posted 09/05/2026 at 15:35:37

Wishing you a speedy recovery James.

Mike Gaynes
5 Posted 09/05/2026 at 16:13:58

James, my man, sorry to hear that.

Hope you are back on your feet soon.

Edward Rogers
6 Posted 09/05/2026 at 16:15:29

Bournemouth winning.

Edward Rogers
7 Posted 09/05/2026 at 16:17:22

That Rayan looks a decent acquisition for Bournemouth.

Obviously not on our scouting radar??

Paul Hewitt
8 Posted 09/05/2026 at 16:21:50

Looks like Iraola is leaving Bournemouth for Crystal Palace.

I don't get that.

John Collins
9 Posted 09/05/2026 at 16:26:01

Some manager, this Iraola.

Half an hour to go yet, of course.

Mike Gaynes
10 Posted 09/05/2026 at 16:33:47

Edward #7,

I read he was on our radar for this summer, but at £25M was beyond our budget in the January window. Also a gamble because he had played only in Brazil.

Seems to be working out after a rough start. Just scored in his 3rd straight game.

Paul Hewitt
11 Posted 09/05/2026 at 16:37:35

We shouldn't have wasted £40M on Dibling then, Mike.

We could have afforded him then.

Ian Bennett
12 Posted 09/05/2026 at 16:45:04

Seems a hunger to him, Mike, and a physicality.

He won't be at Bournemouth long.

John Collins
13 Posted 09/05/2026 at 16:54:56

Bournemouth and Brighton sailed into the distance. Sunderland gone level with us.

A must-win game tomorrow. Again.

Ian Bennett
14 Posted 09/05/2026 at 17:08:23

Lets see how Kayode gets on vs city. He has the ability to be a very good right back that can get forward, but needs to show that he can also do the most important bit, which is to defend.

James Marshall
15 Posted 09/05/2026 at 17:09:52

Thanks Paul & Mike, much appreciated. It's been a traumatic week in my life for sure. Hoping Everton can put a smile on all our faces tomorrow now.

Also looking forward to the boxing tonight if I can keep my morphine-heavy eyes open long enough!

Liam Mogan
16 Posted 09/05/2026 at 17:17:36

Dave 1, got told today that we 'took Liverpool close twice...our fans are clueless if they don't see that as progression'.

Sums up what's wrong to me. We shouldn't accept failure as progression. The RS are poor, and it's embarrassing to me that we lost to them twice and didn't have the cojones to go at them for 90 mins in either game.

John Collins
17 Posted 09/05/2026 at 17:22:00

First point for 2 months today, Chelsea, Liam. A poor reflection of the quality sides they have had in the past imo.

And we still didn't go for them. The derby defeat was the killing point for our season.

Liam Mogan
18 Posted 09/05/2026 at 17:24:30

Same person lauded our win against Chelsea as further proof of progression, John.

Chelsea were abject that day and basically didn't even try.

John Collins
20 Posted 09/05/2026 at 17:29:33

It's the "what could have been" for me, Liam.

Frustrating, mate.

Liam Mogan
21 Posted 09/05/2026 at 17:37:28

I look at Bournemouth and they were behind us not so long ago.

But they have seen an opportunity, have a coach who has gone for it, and they have won four out of the last five games.

Ian Bennett
22 Posted 09/05/2026 at 17:47:10

Hope it goes well James.

Jack Convery
23 Posted 09/05/2026 at 18:01:05

Wishing you a speedy recovery James.

Maybe 3 wins on the bounce will help. Here's hoping,

Chris Leyland
24 Posted 09/05/2026 at 18:20:29

Bournemouth are the form team - haven't lost in the league since 3 January in a run of 16 games managing 8 wins and 8 draws.

In the same period, we've had 5 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses. We are consistently inconsistent.

John Collins
25 Posted 09/05/2026 at 18:22:34

5 wins
5 draws
5 defeats.
Zero Goal Difference.

A bland side for the most part.

Tony Hughes
26 Posted 09/05/2026 at 18:27:28

Credit to Bournemouth on a 16 match unbeaten run and losing their best player in January and getting by on 11k crowds. Puts any of our excuses in perspective.

That could or maybe should have been us. We're a big club, aren't we? Let's get that mindset back, eh?

Si Cooper
27 Posted 09/05/2026 at 18:47:50

Doku's at it again.

Get well soon, James.

David West
28 Posted 09/05/2026 at 18:56:13

I want European football, will we cope though? This squad would struggle playing twice a week in Europe, it's creaking now with no cup competitions.

There's players who are shoo-ins week-in & week-out that should be squad players: Gana, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, McNeil, Beto, Barry and O'Brien, who's still to prove himself at centre-back over a run of games in the Premier League.

That's 6 players who I don't think a single team above us would even consider in their starting lineup. And 2 of them are aging: Gana and Tarkowski. Plus 2 could play their part in a squad, but shouldn't be so assured of their places: Mykolenko & Beto

That leaves one who hasn't had a run at centre-back to prove himself: O'Brien. While Barry just doesn't look like he wants it enough.

We need starters this summer, in the ilk of Dewsbury-Hall. Instant upgrades, to play week-in & week-out. If we continue with the old guard of Gana, Tarkowski, McNeil and Mykolenko, we will inevitably find ourselves in a similar situation.

Dave Abrahams
29 Posted 09/05/2026 at 19:40:21

I think the referee of the Man City v Brentford game lost control of it a few times, booked two players after a fracas that he caused himself.

I think the tension Man City showed at times against us they showed again today but it is going to be good watching the next few Arsenal and Man City games.

Anthony O'Sullivan
30 Posted 09/05/2026 at 20:28:47

If we beat Palace 3-0 tomorrow, then we are back in the mix.

Anything else and it's over for this season.

Dave Abrahams
31 Posted 09/05/2026 at 21:14:44

4-0 to the Blues tomorrow.

George, get your money on it!

Brendan McLaughlin
32 Posted 09/05/2026 at 21:19:27

We're actually very very slight favourites to win tomorrow...

I don't think I've ever seen odds that close.

Phil Roberts
33 Posted 09/05/2026 at 22:21:29

Just to put a bit of context on the Bournemouth performances.

In that 16 game unbeaten run, how many more points do you think they have gained from the same fixtures last season? The answer is 4 points more.

In fact, if you take their last 21 games, they have exactly the same number of points as they got from the same fixtures last season.

Now the bad news: we are 6 points worse.

John Collins
34 Posted 09/05/2026 at 22:57:30

Phil.

I'm more interested in how many points they are above us.

Si Cooper
35 Posted 09/05/2026 at 23:15:17

Phil (33), can't really make out what your point is.

That Bournemouth were as competitive last season as they are now, and vice versa, having wisely reinvested the £215M they got from selling players last summer?

It seems potentially the best money they spent was the £25-30M they spent on Rayan in January.

They've got two games that are likely to be fully competitive remaining so could possibly end up with no more points than last season when they finished 9th on 56 points. Three more points and I think they will be guaranteed 6th.

All this ‘context' boils down to is that they have successfully maintained their overall threat level despite having to significantly reshuffle their squad, and all with an average home attendance of a little above 11,000.

Rob Hooton
36 Posted 10/05/2026 at 03:43:08

Get well soon, James.

I hope the Blues provide the best medicine today.

Laurie Hartley
37 Posted 10/05/2026 at 06:36:14

Si # 35 - Rayan is the business alright but Kroupi (19) £12M, and Truffert (23) £14.4M would be worthy contenders for the “best buy” tag and Jimenez (20) £19.4M not far behind them. All terrific young footballers.

Grand total of £46M for 3 young players that would walk into our starting line-up. I wish our scouting and recruiting system was that savvy.

Also Senesei is on a free this summer. Not the fastest centre half but a terrific footballer with an eye for a pass. A much better proposition at 28 years of age than any deal for John Stones.

Paul Griffiths
38 Posted 10/05/2026 at 07:57:47

James M, mate, that was a shock. All the best JM, get better, be patient. My Everton Rotterdam picture says full recovery.

That fight was fucking brutal JM. That doctor should be banned. I can't imagine it did the old spine any good. But the 2-1 win today will. KDH one or two goals.

Paul Griffiths
39 Posted 10/05/2026 at 08:19:34

Absolutely Laurie H, Rayan, Kroupi, Truffert, Jimenez - oops - and our boss recruitment team did what last summer? And we haven't even mentioned Semenyo.

Why can Bournemouth and others do it, but we cannot? We spend £40M on Dibling and they spend £12M on Kroupi and £24.7M on Rayan.

That's one Dibling for Rayan and Kroupi and my mild guess is that they will make a £65M profit if they sell the two this summer. And three or four more will arrive to take their place.

You had better do something special this summer TFG with your costly assembled ace new recruitment team.

Dave Abrahams
40 Posted 10/05/2026 at 08:32:18

James (3) Best wishes James that the surgery went well, I hope our team are as brave as you mate, thinking about Everton after major surgery.

As you say@ (15) I hope Everton put a smile on all our faces later today, I’m off to church soon, I’ll light a candle and say a prayer for a good recovery for you. Come on you Blueboys!

Tony Abrahams
41 Posted 10/05/2026 at 09:16:59

When we won at Forest on 30 December, a look at the fixtures told me that, if we were to win our next two games, which were both at home to Brentford and Wolves, it was going to take us right into the little group of teams who had a chance of playing in the Champions League.

It was clear that, if Moyes wasn't prepared to play Patterson (who was stood down again for the Brentford game), that we needed a proper right-sided full-back. Just by looking at the overall balance of the team at Forest -- yes, just one game -- confirmed this.

It was completely obvious that the squad needed puffing-up, simply because of how threadbare it was against Forest.

We never signed anyone (although George came very late in the window).

We took one point from the next two very winnable games, then we went out of the cup against Sunderland (this obviously suited us because of the size of our squad) before we won at Villa, playing with a natural full-back, and a team that played with a lot more natural balance.

We would have gone right back into that same little group of teams that were chasing the Champions League if we had got better results after we came back from that 3-week break last month, and if we had signed a couple of players in January, then who knows?

We had apparently been looking at Rayan but never had the money, which doesn't look like a very clever move when you can see how good the kid has looked since he arrived in England.

We never had the money? No, we were told that the club wasn't going to be signing anyone in January, preferring to keep the money until this summer transfer window.

No, it wasn't that it was because of PSR.

There's always an excuse, and people like myself who believe they could see a real opportunity arising for the club to push on are simply expecting too much, because we have been battling relegation since 2023, and we have got to learn to walk slowly again before we can even contemplate running.

Paul Griffiths
42 Posted 10/05/2026 at 09:48:45

Tony A - We had apparently been looking at Rayan, but never had the money.

Erm... £40M on Dibling etc. £24.7M Rayan.

Brian Harrison
43 Posted 10/05/2026 at 09:54:01

Tony,

You mention about Moyes not being prepared to play Patterson, but our last 3 managers have hardly played him. For me, defensively he isn't good enough. As for not getting a right-back I think Moyes wanted Tete from Fulham but he chose to stay there.

Many have mentioned Iriaola from Bournemouth, a manager I like as well, but on MotD they put up stats last night that showed Bournemouth, Man Utd and Everton had made less changes since January --something Moyes is criticized for.

Also, someone put up a stat last week saying, since Moyes took over again, he had amassed 78 points against Bournemouth's 77.

Stan Grace
44 Posted 10/05/2026 at 10:03:44

The difference is, Brian, that Bournemouth have done it after having to sell several key players in that time, and playing more attractive football.

John Collins
45 Posted 10/05/2026 at 10:05:41

Tony 41,

I agree. It's almost as if they don't want to get Europe. Two chances of progress declined by yet more negativity.

Brian, have a look how many points Bournemouth are above us today.

Tony Abrahams
46 Posted 10/05/2026 at 10:12:51

So go and buy a proper fullback who you are prepared to play, is what is the most important thing I wrote in that post, Brian, unless you disagree with that observation mate?

Forget about the last three managers, Brian (although I think Patterson was doing okay under Lampard until he kept getting injured). I'm just giving an assessment of what I've seen at Everton since the 30 December, 2 days before the transfer window opened.

Fail to prepare and all that... when it was clear that there was an opportunity arising well ahead of time for anyone who was brave enough to try and take it. (That's just my opinion.)

I read what Mike G wrote, Paul, and that's why I brought that immensely talented kid into my post. Fuck kids, we have been down that road and they simply aren't ready!

Brian Harrison
47 Posted 10/05/2026 at 10:27:01

Tony,

I agree, we desperately need a quality right-back as well as a top quality striker, and I would hope that Tarkowski is let go and O'Brien is moved into his place. The problem being that most teams are looking for a top striker apart from Man City and Brentford -- we are way down the pecking order for where top strikers want to be.

I think we will send George back to Chelsea and let's hope Dibling next season becomes the player we hoped we had signed this year. Branthwaite staying fit is key to how we do next season, let's hope our medical team can sort out his problems.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and James Garner are excellent players and, with Rohl, Iroegbunam and Armstrong all progressing, we won't need any midfield players.

I would hope that Ndiaye can add more goals next season. I think we will probably keep Grealish on another loan, but he has to score more goals. Yes, he keeps the ball better than any player we have but, if you are a front 3 player, then you have to contribute more than 2 goals over the season.

Bob Parrington
48 Posted 10/05/2026 at 10:37:02

Let's be positive. 9 points from the last 3 games. 😀🍾🥃🥂💤

John Collins
49 Posted 10/05/2026 at 10:40:27

Good for you Bob, well in.

As opposed to the negative approach (30 minutes v Man City excepted) that has seen us get 1 point out of the last 3 games, I'll take that all day.

Peter Mitchell
50 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:03:58

Comparisons with the likes of Bournemouth and Brentford are interesting. Bournemouth's ownership have been in place for 3 and a half years, our owners have been in place just over a year, so the correct comparison with them will be at that point. Brentford's owner has been in place since 2012 (taking over from fan ownership), so a much slower rise.

Both clubs have small stadia and rely on selling to buy, with an analytics-based approach to recruitment. Bournemouth are part of multi-club ownership and have recently benefited from this model by the aquisition of Junior Krupi for a small fee (c£12m) when other clubs outside the group were offering far more (c£30m). Brentford's owner had an interest in FC Midtjylland until 2023. Bournemouth also have a strict salary cap of £100k per week and Brentford have a similar approach to sustainable wages.

Both teams remind me of Wimbledon in their pomp, in the way they set up and play - tall, fast, physical athletes all over the pitch, with a sprinkling of genuine quality. They are direct and press high.

So what, I hear you say? Well, if this is what we aspire to be, then it is not exactly ambitious, given the relative size of the clubs, the stadia, the fanbase and even (in the case of Brentford at least) the assets of the owner (c£280m) compared with us. We are also much earlier in our journey of new ownership, so should expect improvements in performance both on and off the pitch in the next few years.

Things we can learn from the 2 B's, though, is that you need to recruit based on analytics, have a defined style of play (regardless of manager) and be prepared to sell players when their stocks are high to re-invest, at least as we stabilise and improve our position.

If we really want to break into the elite, however, I don't think it will be the Bournemouth or Brentford model that will get us there. We will have to take more risks on players, paying higher wages (which is sill the biggest correlating factor in where you end up in the EPL).

I think the next few years are going to be very interesting for us as club and fanbase (and hopefully more fun!).

Tony Abrahams
51 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:06:15

I wonder if Moyes, was told to play one of the fullbacks he already had Brian, because he surely must have asked for another one such has been his reluctance to play Patterson there?

Maybe I’m wrong, maybe it suits him to play Jake O’Brien there? It’s not David’s fault then that we haven’t got a natural right back because everyone can see that Patterson, is shite.

I’m just guessing, are things rosy behind the scenes because the signings we made last summer haven’t really had much game time? Or is the Leopard changing his spots, and moulding a team, away from the spotlight, and is just getting those younger players ready?

I could carry on writing but the one thing I will keep coming back to is, why didn’t we bring in more players in January? If supporters like ourselves could see a real chance developing, then surely the people that matter the most must have been aware of this themselves?

Unless they aren’t really bothered, which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, or maybe they just aren’t very good? Or maybe the people in charge of recruitment are not totally aligned with the manager?

John Pickles
52 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:08:05

I think if Branthwaite had been fit this season, we would have already secured a Euro spot. That's how fine the margins are, his absence has to have been worth at least 10 points.

With a squad currently as thin in top quality as ours though, a couple more key injuries and we could have been in trouble again.

Tony Abrahams
53 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:17:56

Just like Brian, you are highlighting how important Jarod Branthwaite, is John, and I don’t think anyone on these pages would disagree with that mate.

Because we lack pace, then I think this might be the main reason why Moyes, is happy to keep playing Jake O’Brien, at fullback, but if we want more goals out of players like N’Diaye, then I think it would really help if he didn’t always have to do so much defensive work?

The summer is massive for us impatient Evertonians, but for the one’s that don’t really mind not getting entertained that much and can also see the value in having stability, then will it be the case of saying “let’s have the same again boys”

Peter Mitchell
54 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:24:54

Tony @53 - I don't think it is a case of more of the same, but I definitely think we need to stabilise and build gradually (as per the 2 B's) relative to our size and ambition as a club, otherwise we might end up with a repeat of the last few years of utter, existential chaos.

I would, however, be delighted if we managed to achieve a European place (in any competition) this season and progress next season is definitely required!

John Collins
55 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:28:39

"STABILISE"

Have not read that one for at least 12 hours on TW.
Lovely, safe word.

Terry Downes
56 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:32:09

Tony @ 53
you saying this summer is massive ? How many years do we say that lol it’s become the norm now nothing changes mainly because we will always be 2/3 players short no matter who we buy even when we threw money like confetti we were still just 2/3 players short.
For all those who knock Martinez some of the football was the best i’d seen in the 50 odd years of watching us, we had cup runs (remember them) and was thereabouts under him ? Yes it all went pear shaped in the end like all managers before including the Moyesiah ?
Surely there’s someone out there who can manage this club better than what we’ve been settling for ?

Peter Mitchell
57 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:35:10

Nothing wrong with a bit of stability, John - it provides a strong base on which to build not just a year of excitement when you roll the dice (and more than likely will not succeed), but sustained improvement leading to a genuine dynasty of trophy winning teams (like Citeh).

That's what I aspire to, I'm just not unrealistic enough to think it can all be done in one season.

John Collins
58 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:40:51

"That's what I aspire to, I'm just not unrealistic enough to think it can all be done in one season"

Me neither Peter.
Ive been listening to the Stability shouts since 2002.

Peter Mitchell
59 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:46:34

Not from me, you haven't! I'm talking about the right here and right now, not ancient history.

The last few years have been the most difficult years of my life as an Everton fan (and I went to my first match in 1970) and I don't want them repeated - ever!

That all came about because of idiot owners, playing fantasy football signing marquee players we literally couldn't afford, alongside a managerial merry-go-round of all different types of manager and styles of play. It was an existential car-crash and should never, ever have been allowed to happen to club of this size and stature.

Dave Abrahams
60 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:46:53

Peter 54) Peter do really think getting into that third European Competition would help to stabilise, sorry John, the club?

You want us to build slowly but also to enter a competition we don’t have a big enough squad for in size or quality.

I think there is a lot sense in your previous post @ (50) but can’t see a lot good entering that competition.

Brian Harrison
61 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:49:37

I genuinely see real hope for next season, we have had Gueye and Ndaiye away for 5 weeks at the Afcon that wont happen next season. We have had our best CB out for over half a season and our best player of keeping possession out for a while. Yes every team get injuries but I think if w ecan get Branthwaite fit and able to play 90% of games and if we are able to get a right back and a quality striker I really believe next season could be a big season. As I said earlier we seem well off with midfield players and certainly Rohl, Tim and Armstrong will all be better next season and with Dewsbury Hall and Garner that looks a very good midfield to me. But we have to get our transfer business done early and we cant keep relying on buying youth, we need experienced players to gel with the youngsters we have got.

Peter Mitchell
62 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:52:43

Hi David - fair point, but I guess this is where my fan-head takes over. I would love to see the HD stadium hosting a night-time European game. Also, looking at how Palace has done in the competition this year (probably going to win it - I hope they do!), then why can't that be us next year?

It would be a trophy and would get us into the Europa League, which in turn attracts better players and accelerates our progress and improvement. So long as we stay in the EPL in those circumstance, then it will represent progress.

Eric Myles
63 Posted 10/05/2026 at 11:56:12

Terry #56, my abiding memory of Martinez was the constant pissing around at the back, passing the ball aimlessly between defenders, and the lack of set piece defending.

Grant Rorrison
64 Posted 10/05/2026 at 12:00:37

Can anyone tell me what the appeal is with Iraola? Out of both cup competitions in the first game. 16 draws this season. No more wins than Moyes has managed in the league from 1 more game. I watched the highlights of yesterdays game and in the first half the only noteworthy things that happened were 2 players getting red carded and Fulham hitting the woodwork. Sure, Rayan took his goal well in the second half and looked lively but what else?

If people said 'let's get Glasner', assuming he adds the ECL to the FA cup he won last season, I could understand that. But why Iraola?

Eric Myles
65 Posted 10/05/2026 at 12:02:56

Tony A, you say we should have brought in players in January in order to push on, and I'm sure nobody is going to disagree with you. But wasn't that when £40m winged it's way across the Atlantic? And is that why we couldn't afford anyone?

Jeff Armstrong
66 Posted 10/05/2026 at 12:08:02

I believe getting into Europe ( or not)would also give some of our better players food for thought when other clubs start contacting their agents.

Soren Moyer
67 Posted 10/05/2026 at 12:21:33

Everyone is forgetting that Palace won the Community Shield too—that's two trophies in two finals already!

Liam Mogan
68 Posted 10/05/2026 at 12:32:40

Celtic Rangers games are always great to watch

John Collins
69 Posted 10/05/2026 at 13:16:19

Ancient history
😁

Annika Herbert
70 Posted 10/05/2026 at 13:19:23

Grant @ 64, how many points behind Bournemouth are we now?

That's after having to sell many of their top players. That's why people are impressed with Iraola

John Collins
71 Posted 10/05/2026 at 13:24:20

Can anyone tell me what the appeal is with Iraola?

No problem Grant.
7 points ahead of us

John Collins
72 Posted 10/05/2026 at 13:28:04

☘️☘️☘️☘️

Peter Mitchell
73 Posted 10/05/2026 at 13:29:10

Annika - if you like draws, Iraola is definitely your man!

In all seriousness, though, I do think he has done a very good job at Bournemouth. But as noted above, they have a very particular way of running their club, both on and off the field of play. I suspect their relative success will continue, regardless of the manager, though.

Dave Abrahams
74 Posted 10/05/2026 at 13:53:09

Peter (62) I think the main reason I and quite a few more fans think that our premier league position would suffer by entering this competition and one of the points made by playing in Europe would attract players to the club—- not if we were struggling in the premier league!

Dale Self
75 Posted 10/05/2026 at 13:57:12

Heal well James!
For you are a major part of TW's backbone. (Sorry, it's early, best I could do)

Liam Mogan
76 Posted 10/05/2026 at 16:54:21

Cmon Arsenal! Up the Arse!

Neil Tyrrell
77 Posted 10/05/2026 at 16:57:37

Feels like a must-win, or at least a must-not-lose for West Ham here.

If they get relegated, some of their defenders might be worth a look despite the terrible goal difference.

Mavrapanos, Disasi, Wan-Bisaka?

Tony Abrahams
78 Posted 10/05/2026 at 18:53:14

With the amount of wrestling in the six yard box, it wouldn’t surprise me if they are looking to somehow change the rules.

The Arsenal keeper was impeded, but there could have been penalties or free kicks the other way, all in one caption, and you could also make an argument that the keeper wasn’t very positive, and coming a little bit late might have got him caught in the melee, but the amount of blocking off and wrestling at corner kicks nowadays, is becoming very hard to officiate.

Les Callan
79 Posted 10/05/2026 at 18:59:22

How ironic Tony that Arsenal should benefit from a foul in a corner melee, when they are past masters at it ! But I’m with you, it’s time the rules were changed to avoid all this nonsense. Maybe limit the numbers allowed in the six yard box at corner kicks ?

John Collins
80 Posted 10/05/2026 at 19:02:06

Les.
If you can find a brave enough ref. Just give a pen every time.
It will stop in two weeks.

Tony Abrahams
81 Posted 10/05/2026 at 19:31:12

The older I get the more I believe the game is bent, and I believe that if I was given the money, to take my time to scrutinise certain referee’s, then I could prove it beyond reasonable doubt.

Look at the one the other night on Merlin Rohl, that wasn’t given? I bring this one up as the perfect example because I’ve stood inside the Etihad stadium, and seen the same referee, give a penalty to the same opposition, for a lot less than the one he refused to give Everton, a penalty for the other night.

Yes Les, I was thinking along those type of lines mate, because the wrestling has become a joke. The Arsenal keeper was impeded but if you look close enough, the player who had his arm across the keeper, might just be able to put up an argument that he was also being impeded by the Arsenal player Trossard, who had his back completely turned away from the ball, when the corner came in.

Svein-Roger Jensen
82 Posted 10/05/2026 at 19:39:37

The irony, of course, is that Arsenal have escaped punishment for countless identical situations all season long.

Micky Norman
83 Posted 10/05/2026 at 19:42:28

The refs are saying that it’s not a foul if the ball isn’t in play. So be it- stupid rule. But on Monday Rohl hadn’t had time to get off the floor after being wrestled to the ground he has been put out of the set play by a foul. Simple rule change required here. The linesman signals when the ball is in the quadrant and that’s when it comes into play. Give the corner taker 15 seconds from then to play the ball. Any wrestling while the ball is in the quadrant is a foul.
The wrestling is ruining the game.

Brendan McLaughlin
84 Posted 10/05/2026 at 19:45:32

So was the VAR intervention to ensure Arsenal win the league or Spurs don't go down?

Or both?

Brendan McLaughlin
85 Posted 10/05/2026 at 19:54:12

Have to say Micky #83

That's a pretty good solution.

Tony Abrahams
86 Posted 10/05/2026 at 20:07:00

Let the referees start speaking to us (the audience) on a regular basis Brendan, and I think we will definitely begin to get a much clearer picture regarding which teams are getting refereeing decisions with a lot more consistency than certain other teams, maybe?

Svein-Roger Jensen
87 Posted 10/05/2026 at 20:21:07

Pablo foul given, ok for rice to drag Mav down rugby style VAR didn't spend time reviewing the foul, they spent time discussing the political fallout of giving the goal against not giving it...same old Arsenal, always cheating !

Brendan McLaughlin
88 Posted 10/05/2026 at 20:22:17

Tony#86

The issue I have with the bent referees argument is who do they favour when it's the so called top six playing each other. Do they referee those matches without fear or favour?

What did you think of Micky's suggestion?

Rob Dolby
89 Posted 10/05/2026 at 22:05:36

Its week after week, nobody knows what a foul or handball is anymore. The reasoning and explanations given are even more ridiculous.
The way the game is officiated changes as the season progresses. The whole thing is pathetic and needs to be binned.

VAR is shite and just another way of fixing games. I do feel for West ham today. If it was Arsenal who scored the last minute equaliser something tells me it would have been given.

Brendan McLaughlin
90 Posted 10/05/2026 at 22:11:07

Rob #89

Why would it have been given for Arsenal?

Tony Abrahams
91 Posted 10/05/2026 at 22:20:50

If you’re only looking at the top six Brendan, I think you are looking too far ahead mate, and yes I think Micky’s suggestion definitely makes sense, although like most things it would need to be looked into a lot further.

Brendan McLaughlin
92 Posted 10/05/2026 at 22:27:46

Tony #91

You are avoiding my point.

How do the bent referees decide who to favour when the "Top Six" play each other?

Tony Abrahams
93 Posted 10/05/2026 at 22:34:55

Not being funny Brendan, but you sound like a politician with that post. The reason I say this is because I have long come to the conclusion that you’re an absolute master at avoiding a person’s point, on these pages mate!

You do make me laugh though because if every game was decided by a bent decision, then I’m sure the whole of the football world would have already caught on to the dubious bastards, is the answer I’m going to give you now Brendan, and then I’m going straight to bed!

Brendan McLaughlin
94 Posted 10/05/2026 at 22:40:26

Night night Tony #93

Though typically you are avoiding the hard questions.

Tony Abrahams
95 Posted 10/05/2026 at 22:50:05

I don’t think I have ever refused to answer a question I’ve ever been asked before by anyone on this website Brendan, but if you want to go onto the other thread and explain how a player is supposed to earn the trust of his manager, I’ll look forward to reading it in the morning.

Hard questions, is that why you have still never answered that one I asked you about Blue Bill, all those years ago? Goodnight Brendan the Politician!

Brendan McLaughlin
96 Posted 10/05/2026 at 23:03:53

Tony mate #95

I didn't say refused... dodged was my term

Politician difference... it matters

Rob Dolby
97 Posted 10/05/2026 at 23:54:06

Brendan 90,

Sky have made a big deal out of arsenals set piece coach over the last couple of seasons. They have scored lots of goals from corners and free kicks. There are plenty of goals scored by them were players block or obstruct the keeper that have been given this season.

Jack Convery
98 Posted 11/05/2026 at 03:25:40

If City, win the title it will be harder to let them off with a fine and slap on the wrist for their rule breaking. As everyone will be up in arms another title for the cheats. If Arsenal win it, then people will be less aggrieved about a wishy washy punishment. WHU are not a Sky darling, Spurs for some reason are, ( 64 years since they won the title ) and this result will almost certainly keep them up - Everton will roll over when we play them. I just hope Leeds batter them but can't see it happening.

One other thing if the officials had given us the 'deffo' at WHU, they could be in an even worse position now. Any way I want Bowen at Hill Dickinson next season, that would be a real step in the right direction. He became an England player under Moyes I think and maybe he'd like to play for him again.

Maybe we should ban corners, if refs can't stop the melees and have direct free licks taken from a spot 25 yards out, directly in front of the goal - sorted.

Si Cooper
99 Posted 11/05/2026 at 04:36:45

I don't think there have been many, if any, identical situations to today's disallowed West Ham goal.

What has always been acceptable is forming a barrier the keeper can't easily get past.

What seems to have become acceptable, although the level of it is now farcical, is that two players facing each other can effectively go at it like rutting stags and wrap their arms around each other.

More recently, and very bizarrely, the permissiveness for this grappling has been extended to one player wrapping their arms around a player who is both facing away from them and may even be trying to move away from them. It also seems the officials see no need to pass judgment on any of these potential offences unless the ball comes within striking range of the players.

What still isn't acceptable, and is pertinent for today, is actively trying to pull on a keeper who is trying to claim an aerial ball. Two West Ham players were actively holding Raya's shirt or his arm as he is trying to catch the ball. That foul doesn't happen then West Ham don't score so I think it was the right decision for the goal not to be given.

I like Micky's proposal. I also think one player wrapping their arms around another player from behind should not be called ‘grappling' and should be automatically penalised.

Jim Bennings
100 Posted 11/05/2026 at 06:16:08

Eric,

You should watch a full rerun of the 2013-14 season under Roberto Martinez (I believe it's out there on DVD) -- some of our football was akin to Barcelona at times, particularly when we won at Newcastle 3-0 at night and tonked Arsenal the same score.

Martinez produced a dazzling football team that any other season with 72 points and a Premier League record of 21 wins which is pretty much unchartered territory for Everton.

Yes, our defence became slipshod and that's what most remember him for, but I'll be honest, at times this season we are echoing those displays defensively more and more frequently.

Svein-Roger Jensen
101 Posted 11/05/2026 at 06:32:40

I get really annoyed with the referees. They annoy me a lot. They just come up with rules.

We saw some free kicks for Arsenal. They get a little touch and fall over. Then there's a West Ham player who gets a clear foul after a clear push, but the referee waves it away.

It's completely inconsistent.

Ian Horan
102 Posted 11/05/2026 at 14:19:18

Heres a radical idea only 2 attackers allowed in the 6 yard box on deadball situations- it would cutdown on the wrestling and Setpiece F C taking no notice of the laws of the game on marking. I want to see football not WWE Wrestling !!!!

Robert Birks
103 Posted 11/05/2026 at 19:44:04

Question is are Leeds going to throw the game ala Villa against Spuds?

Darren Hind
104 Posted 11/05/2026 at 20:00:55

Hope Leeds win tonight. I would love to go to Tottenham with a chance of sending them down

Chris Leyland
105 Posted 11/05/2026 at 20:27:42

Darren, if I was a club going into the final game of the season needing a result, there’s no one I’d rather play than us at the moment. Just stick a few crosses in the box or win some corners and you are guaranteed at least 2 goals

Paul Hewitt
106 Posted 11/05/2026 at 20:47:46

That is not offside. A bloody toe. Do me a favour.

Darren Hind
107 Posted 11/05/2026 at 20:55:14

I know what you are saying Chris, but looking at this Spurs team. They don't look capable of it. I would still be very nervous if I was a Spurs fan right now.

I like their manager, but he will really have to earn his money in the next 15 minutes.

Paul Hewitt
108 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:11:41

That's west ham down

Paul Hewitt
110 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:21:34

Go and get Summerville and Diouf off west ham.

Edward Rogers
111 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:30:28

Why do Leeds insist on pissing about at the back? They're not very good at it.

That's a penalty by the way...

Ian Bennett
112 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:30:33

Penalty all day

Paul Hewitt
113 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:31:24

Surely a penalty for Leeds.

Edward Rogers
114 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:34:29

Get in Dom!

Christy Ring
115 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:36:14

That's how you take a penalty.

Les Callan
116 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:39:45

Ridiculous pen. Defender had no idea Leeds man was behind him.

Edward Rogers
117 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:51:44

13 minutes added on? WTF.

Les Callan
118 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:52:01

13 minutes? Where's that come from?

Svein-Roger Jensen
119 Posted 11/05/2026 at 21:56:07

PGMOL and their love of Spurs -- they add 13 minutes!!!

Jim Bennings
120 Posted 11/05/2026 at 22:00:00

If we lose to this Spurs side twice this season we want skinning alive, they are fucking dreadful.

Jack Convery
121 Posted 11/05/2026 at 22:06:29

Anyone still think the EPL is not Corrupt as Feck. 2 minutes on top of the 13 - joke, Needs Chelsea to stuff em on Tuesday and for the Toffees to stick them in the Championship, though chance would be a fine thing.

Svein-Roger Jensen
122 Posted 11/05/2026 at 22:06:44

16 minutes from where???

Paul Hewitt
123 Posted 11/05/2026 at 22:09:21

The best save of the season from Kinsky.

Jim Bennings
124 Posted 11/05/2026 at 22:11:06

I reckon Spurs will fall over ethe line because we'll be on the fuckin beach and put in our usal defensive masterclass no doubt.

Moyes needs to finish these last two games strongly, could make the difference also between him keeping his job or TFG having a decision to make.

Darren Hind
125 Posted 11/05/2026 at 22:14:51

I just hope it's in the balance when we go to Tottenham.

They'll be shitting themselves.

Don Alexander
126 Posted 11/05/2026 at 00:40:16

The rules of football specifically disallow so much of what's gone on during matches throughout my 70+ lifetime, but the absurdity of misconduct these days from corners and free-kicks into the penalty area is outrageous.

"Professional" referees, linesmen, VAR dickheads, should we ever have any of credibility, could in a blink eradicate the problem if they merely imposed the rules governing the game by awarding penalties against those physically restraining attacking opponents by bodily grabbing them.

All hell would break loose for a few weeks amid the media pundits' self-aggrandising agendas but, quite soon IMO, penalties would rebalance the game to what it should always be.

Of course, there would be players feigning impediment to try to win a penalty but a straight red card for that would within months resolve that, as tedious as media dissection of every instance would be until then.

Paul Griffiths
127 Posted 12/05/2026 at 02:45:51

Peter M (50): Things we can learn from the two Bs.

It's the three Bs, Peter, not two, and Wimbledon is not a good comparison. I mean, I don't remember the Dons buying young for resale with a canny knack of replacing first-rate prospects with first-rate prospects; scouting and hiring far and wide; appointing young and dynamic managers.

Comparing Wimbledon's style of play to the three B's is like comparing night and day.

Paul Hewitt
128 Posted 12/05/2026 at 07:09:47

I don't think Spurs will be to bothered about playing us on the last day.

If any club can mess it up and get beat by them, it's us.

Eric Myles
129 Posted 12/05/2026 at 07:16:38

Jim #100, I also remember some attacking football, but it only came in the last 20 minutes of the game, and the defenders Martinez had then were much better than we have now, he just didn't know what to do with them.

Still, there's a school of thought that, if you want to play with the big boys, you have to play like them and play possession ball.

Paul Griffiths
130 Posted 12/05/2026 at 08:13:42

Rob Halligan will make sure that we win at Spurs PH

Dave Abrahams
131 Posted 12/05/2026 at 10:01:57

Don (126),

The way defenders shield the ball out of play was a foul when football was a real game, it was called obstruction. Now, today's defenders get their hands shaken by their fellow defenders as a job well done.

Once I was infatuated by the game of football, I couldn't get enough of it. I even knew all the good referees, and there was plenty of them... now there are none, not one.

And as for fair play by footballers, they are getting less and less since the Last of the Corinthians —- Brian Labone.

Ajay Gopal
132 Posted 12/05/2026 at 14:50:51

If there is one reason I wouldn't want Spurs to go down, it would be Richarlison. He saved us from relegation a couple of seasons ago, giving his 100% to the club, and I wouldn't him to suffer that fate with Tottenham. (But, the BBC report said that his miss yesterday was one of the misses of the season. Anyway seen it?)

Peter Mitchell
133 Posted 12/05/2026 at 20:09:07

Paul G - fair enough, that's your opinion.

I used the 2 B's as Brighton are further on in their journey and are a bigger club in my view.

The Wimbledon comparison is also relevant -- they are big, physical and fast teams, playing aggressive high press football. The difference is the rules of the game have changed, so you can't get away with some of the stuff the '80s teams used to.

My point here was about this style of play, not resale value of players to larger clubs (although both Dennis Wise and Vinnie Jones went for decent fees to Chelsea if I recall correctly and their full back went to the shite. There are probably other examples I can't remember as well).

I would also argue the whole Premier League is using a lot more direct tactics -- even Arsenal, with their set piece record and multiple teams employing long throws etc.

Of course it is not quite the same as the Crazy Gang or they would be down to 2 players by the end of the game, especially with VAR!

Stan Grace
134 Posted 12/05/2026 at 21:22:27

Paul #123,
"The best save of the season from Kinsky."

It may be his best one, but Pickford's vs Newcastle is by far the best save of any keeper in the Premier League this season.

Ian Bennett
135 Posted 12/05/2026 at 21:41:27

Kinsky did very well again. After what happened in Madrid, he has done well to turn it around.

I thought Richarlison outside of heading is struggling. He seems to do well in chaos football, but not sure he is the answer now, and I was a big fan.

Dave Abrahams
136 Posted 13/05/2026 at 22:07:03

That was a really boring game, Man City v Palace.

I could understand City conserving their energy because of the FA Cup Final on Saturday and having to play Bournemouth next Tuesday, that will be four vital games in about 12 days counting the Brentford game last Saturday.

Goal difference could count for the title and they never went all out, it was like walking football at times and they still make silly mistakes that could have cost them a couple of goals.

The game kept stalling and freezing on TV, I think the camera man kept dozing off watching the tedious performance. I hope the final on Saturday provides more action than this game.

Liam Mogan
137 Posted 13/05/2026 at 22:13:56

You should have watched the Motherwell - Celtic game for the drama, Dave.

I turned City game over once they scored.

Dave Abrahams
138 Posted 14/05/2026 at 11:59:20

Liam (137) Liam you just gave me a bit of hope with your post, I turned to the latest football results last night and Celtic were drawing 2-2 with the game just about over.

I still didn’t know Celtic’s score ‘til I read your post five minutes ago,thanks Liam I’m genuinely made up with that last minute penalty and victory last night,

Was it a controversial penalty. or a deserved one, not that it makes much difference these days !

Thanks again, The Celts are still in it!

Dave Abrahams
139 Posted 14/05/2026 at 12:11:34

I've just read about that penalty but haven't seen the incident, Jesus, VAR stinks wherever it is used.

Mind you, I thought it was an elbow in the back of the Celtic player's neck!

John Collins
140 Posted 14/05/2026 at 12:15:52

VAR Dave.

Vatican Assisted Refereeing.

Les Callan
141 Posted 14/05/2026 at 21:00:37

Anyone else think that the Scottish Premiership is as corrupt as the Premier League?

Darren Hind
142 Posted 14/05/2026 at 21:14:04

I watched in astonishment. Les.

I have always had a soft spot for Celtic, but some of the decisions I've seen them get recently defy belief. Quite how the ref thought the Motherwell player had handled that ball defies belief. He (and the dodgy fucker on VAR) were probably the only people in Scotland who thought so. You couldn't even punch a ball that far...

Somebody up there is absolutely determined that the title is not leaving Glasgow. 'Corrupt' doesn't even begin to cover it.

John Collins
143 Posted 14/05/2026 at 21:23:52

VAR... Vatican Assisted Referee, Darren

Oliver Molloy
144 Posted 14/05/2026 at 21:36:51

Hopefully Hearts will win it

Darren Hind
145 Posted 14/05/2026 at 21:54:03

I don't blame Celtic the club. I'm very fond of them and I certainly don't blame Martin O'Neil or the players. They were overjoyed with getting a decision so late. The had fought every inch of the way against a surprisingly impressive Motherwell side - I say surprising because I hadnt seen them before and the standard of football they played was a very pleasant surprise.

I'm no conspiracy theorist and I point no fingers at any of the clubs involved, but I'm most definitely not alone on thinking there is something very sinister going on up there

Oliver Molloy
146 Posted 14/05/2026 at 22:07:09

Hearts had a nailed-on penalty not awarded against Motherwell the week before, maybe VAR thought we better give this one!

Hearts only need a draw to win and it would be a great achievement for them, the manager, and the owner, if they could win the title at Celtic.

Any neutral should be cheering them on in my opinion for obvious reasons.

John Collins
147 Posted 14/05/2026 at 22:24:32

☘️☘️☘️☘️

Paul Griffiths
148 Posted 15/05/2026 at 03:26:40

Nice one John C. and Dave A.

Come on the Bhoys! Get the job done Celtic and if necessary Mr. Robertson and Mr. Clancy will give us a helping hand!

☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️