23/08/2026
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(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Three points in the sunshine at Hill Dickinson Stadium to kick off the 2026-27 Premier League campaign for Everton.
Here’s a few things we learned from Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace.
EVERTON’S KEY MEN PROVIDE THE STARDUST
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall cut a frustrated figure at times during the first half, but he has the ability to turn any match, and that’s just what he did here.
His goal, which came about due to an error from Daniel Muñoz and some excellent pressing from Harrison Armstrong, was a beauty.
Dewsbury-Hall still had so much to do, but he managed to wrap his left foot around the ball and rifle a swerving strike beyond Dean Henderson, to settle the nerves and get Everton ahead at a crucial juncture.
Early in the second half, it was Everton’s other talisman, Iliman Ndiaye, who delivered an inch-perfect cross from the right to tee up Thierno Barry.
Everton’s big players stepped up in attack, and earlier, Jordan Pickford had made a stunning save to keep it at 0-0.
ARMSTRONG AND HACKNEY IMPRESS
There were times in the first half when Everton’s midfielders were just giving Palace a bit too much space, and the Eagles had two fantastic chances to go and put themselves ahead.
But once Armstrong and Hayden Hackney — making his Premier League debut — settled into it, they were generally excellent.
Armstrong was a standout performer, and he just looks every bit the Premier League-ready midfielder.
Hackney was busy and always looking to get on the front foot; it was his quick thinking from a free-kick that resulted in Ndiaye being freed up to put his cross onto Barry’s head.
James Garner’s return as a late substitute is a welcome boost, but he will need to work his way back to match fitness after missing all of pre-season, so a strong start from Hackney and Armstrong was vital.
DEFENCE IS STILL AN ISSUE
Jarrad Branthwaite coming through the game unscathed is a huge bonus, and he made some vital interventions, but still, Everton’s defensive unit does not look solid.
Merlin Röhl showed what he can offer from right-back in attack, making some fantastic runs forward, including when he teed up Ndiaye midway through the first half following a sublime pass from Dewsbury-Hall.
But defensively, it’s clear he’s still learning the right-back role, while James Tarkowski fell asleep late on for a chance that Jorgen Strand Larsen headed straight at Pickford.
Palace carved Everton open a couple of times in the first half, and were denied by a combination of Pickford, the woodwork and some poor finishing.
No team can be perfect defensively, and you always need a bit of luck, but David Moyes should be looking to tighten things up a bit more — Garner and Christian Nørgaard coming into the team will hopefully help that, too.
Read more - Moyes admits: ''We survived early Palace surge to claim crucial opening victory''
Reader Comments (64)
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Ian Bennett
2 Posted 23/08/2026 at 18:11:04
2 Posted 23/08/2026 at 18:11:04
What we learnt was, Munoz might not be the answer.
Did anyone think he was a meaningful improvement on Rohl? He looked leggy chasing George.
Did anyone think he was a meaningful improvement on Rohl? He looked leggy chasing George.
Ian Wilkins
3 Posted 23/08/2026 at 19:41:19
3 Posted 23/08/2026 at 19:41:19
Rohl isn't a right-back. Where is the promised (Kinnear) right-back coming from?
Alistair Johnston is injured (much to Moyes's annoyance). Munoz is wanted for a reunion with Glasner at Forest. White is playing for Arsenal.
It's either no one or a last-minute desperate move.
Alistair Johnston is injured (much to Moyes's annoyance). Munoz is wanted for a reunion with Glasner at Forest. White is playing for Arsenal.
It's either no one or a last-minute desperate move.
John Williams
4 Posted 23/08/2026 at 20:37:09
4 Posted 23/08/2026 at 20:37:09
What we have learned about the Premier League title this season is... Arsenal will win it in a canter.
Having watched Manchester Utd, City and Liverpool today on the box, Arsenal are streets ahead of the above teams.
Having watched Manchester Utd, City and Liverpool today on the box, Arsenal are streets ahead of the above teams.
Brendan McLaughlin
5 Posted 23/08/2026 at 20:52:24
5 Posted 23/08/2026 at 20:52:24
What have we learned?
We've got some very impressive players.
When we start slowly... we can move it up a gear.
The team can play on the front foot.
The naysayers and begudgers got it wrong... naw, we knew that anyway.
We've got some very impressive players.
When we start slowly... we can move it up a gear.
The team can play on the front foot.
The naysayers and begudgers got it wrong... naw, we knew that anyway.
Tony Abrahams
6 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:00:39
6 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:00:39
It's not what we learned that concerns a lot of us, it's what we already know regarding team selection once everyone is fit. Zzzzzzzz.
Stop it, Tony, but I'll guarantee that the same arguments that are even more boring than my repetition will continue, if the leopard doesn't change his spots.
The players who came in aren't good enough… They're shite, that's why he doesn't play them…. He see's them in training every day, he knows a lot more than us….
I've said it enough, I'll never say it again, but please David, trust, integrate and rotate and who knows how far this could take us, especially if you get in the right-back and the centre forward that it's patently obvious to everyone that we need.
Stop it, Tony, but I'll guarantee that the same arguments that are even more boring than my repetition will continue, if the leopard doesn't change his spots.
The players who came in aren't good enough… They're shite, that's why he doesn't play them…. He see's them in training every day, he knows a lot more than us….
I've said it enough, I'll never say it again, but please David, trust, integrate and rotate and who knows how far this could take us, especially if you get in the right-back and the centre forward that it's patently obvious to everyone that we need.
John Collins
7 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:05:44
7 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:05:44
The anglers are out, throwing a little bait in 😁
Brendan McLaughlin
8 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:12:30
8 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:12:30
John #7
No better fisherman than you mate!
No better fisherman than you mate!
Tony Abrahams
9 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:15:58
9 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:15:58
Angus The Angler must be under pressure to provide us with a right-back now, John, but will he be acceptable to David Moyes?
I got a text from someone last night who had been speaking to Vinnie O'Connor who was telling them that our owners are not prepared to pay the money for the player that Moyes allegedly wants the most.
I got a text from someone last night who had been speaking to Vinnie O'Connor who was telling them that our owners are not prepared to pay the money for the player that Moyes allegedly wants the most.
Brendan McLaughlin
10 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:19:31
10 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:19:31
Tony #9
That's the downside (or is it the upside?) to the Transfer Committee approach.
That's the downside (or is it the upside?) to the Transfer Committee approach.
Ian Bennett
11 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:43:05
11 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:43:05
Going to need to pull their finger out. Transfer deadline is 1 September at 11 pm. That will be around quick.
In:
Right-back
Striker
Centre-half
#10
Out:
Beto
Alcaraz
Patterson
In:
Right-back
Striker
Centre-half
#10
Out:
Beto
Alcaraz
Patterson
Brendan McLaughlin
12 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:51:07
12 Posted 23/08/2026 at 21:51:07
Ian #11
That's our Wedding Anniversary. Also pretty sure we were married at 11 mass.
The stars are aligning.
No doubt the cynics will have a field day.
Beliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive
That's our Wedding Anniversary. Also pretty sure we were married at 11 mass.
The stars are aligning.
No doubt the cynics will have a field day.
Beliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive
John Collins
13 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:05:43
13 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:05:43
You knew who the post was aimed at then, Bren. 😄
Brendan McLaughlin
14 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:11:34
14 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:11:34
Yes John #13
Irish fishermen.. you racist BTW?
Bit of craic Michael... no need to delete.
Irish fishermen.. you racist BTW?
Bit of craic Michael... no need to delete.
Jeff Armstrong
15 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:18:10
15 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:18:10
#9…“I got a text from someone last night who had been speaking to Vinnie O'Connor, who was telling them that our owners are not prepared to pay the money for the player that Moyes, allegedly wants the most”.
Wow, more inside non-information... who is Vinny O'Connor again? And who does Moyes want most??
Wow, more inside non-information... who is Vinny O'Connor again? And who does Moyes want most??
John Collins
16 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:19:29
16 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:19:29
As long as you don't exaggerate the length of your catch, it's craic on Brendan! 👍
Paul Griffiths
17 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:28:21
17 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:28:21
Jeff (15): could it be the Sky Sports guy who covers Merseyside footy?
Paul Griffiths
18 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:28:52
18 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:28:52
I learned that is it now 8 days or 186 hours until the window closes shut.
No one can no longer say "Give yer head a wobble and be patient because there are (select) 9 days, 13 days, 3 weeks, 1 month, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, or 7 weeks to go."
No one can no longer say "Give yer head a wobble and be patient because there are (select) 9 days, 13 days, 3 weeks, 1 month, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, or 7 weeks to go."
Jeff Armstrong
19 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:32:22
19 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:32:22
Paul, maybe? But what is the information? We all agree, Sky are gobshites, so by association, Vinny O'fuckin Connor is a gobshite -- we can't have it all ways.
It's like saying Alan Myers's is reliable, he's not, and Vinny O'Connor is even less so.
It's all bollocks: “Oh, I heard from a reliable source as I was driving my taxi!”
It's like saying Alan Myers's is reliable, he's not, and Vinny O'Connor is even less so.
It's all bollocks: “Oh, I heard from a reliable source as I was driving my taxi!”
Brendan McLaughlin
20 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:36:14
20 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:36:14
John, mate #16,
Much more likely I exaggerate my craic.
Much more likely I exaggerate my craic.
Paul Griffiths
21 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:39:16
21 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:39:16
I don't think that there is any other candidate, Jeff. There is no Vinny O'Connor in the club's administration.
'It's like saying Alan Myers is reliable... he's not, and Vinny O‘Conor is even less so'.
That's probably the answer, mate: ie, it's bullshit.
'It's like saying Alan Myers is reliable... he's not, and Vinny O‘Conor is even less so'.
That's probably the answer, mate: ie, it's bullshit.
John Collins
22 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:42:06
22 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:42:06
A fine thing, a man who knows his limitations, Brendan.
Slainte
Slainte
Jeff Armstrong
23 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:45:25
23 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:45:25
Exactly PG, Nørgaard signing came from nowhere, as did McNeil swap,
All these “in the know“ knobs aren't actually “in the know” -- although they like to think they are.
All these “in the know“ knobs aren't actually “in the know” -- although they like to think they are.
John Collins
24 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:46:44
24 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:46:44
I've heard from a good source they are, Jeff.
Jeff Armstrong
25 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:53:13
25 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:53:13
Who you hear that from?
Brendan McLaughlin
26 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:53:16
26 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:53:16
Indeed John #22
Sláinte mate
Sláinte mate
Paul Griffiths
27 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:54:35
27 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:54:35
More likely the south side, Jeff.
Mike Gaynes
28 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:01:36
28 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:01:36
Paul #17, that's correct. He's the guy who asked Moyes about transfers last week.
Jeff #15, reportedly we tabled two offers for Doue as our #1 choice before the World Cup. But his performance there attracted bigger clubs and Strasbourg supposedly value him now well above £40M. Will TFG go that high for a right back? No idea.
But he is still available.
Jeff #15, reportedly we tabled two offers for Doue as our #1 choice before the World Cup. But his performance there attracted bigger clubs and Strasbourg supposedly value him now well above £40M. Will TFG go that high for a right back? No idea.
But he is still available.
Eric Myles
29 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:09:32
29 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:09:32
Tony #9, so what you're saying is that it's not Davey Dithering about signing a right-back, it's Angus?
With the explication being that Moyes doesn't have complete control over transfers that some think he says he has.
With the explication being that Moyes doesn't have complete control over transfers that some think he says he has.
Jeff Armstrong
30 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:24:35
30 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:24:35
Eric 29, well he’s not actually saying anything really, he’s just quoting speculation.
Dale Self
31 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:36:52
31 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:36:52
What I don't get is the defensive reaction to us blaming or slandering Moyes on lack of transfers. It isn't like that's the main reason we don't like him.
Knowing that a decent window could force some creative football on his old wrinkly ass, we give him some of it for giving us some Jockistani jive he has laid on us in the past.
Take it easy, he could go near top of the table and we will credibly claim that it is down to the players -- not him.
Knowing that a decent window could force some creative football on his old wrinkly ass, we give him some of it for giving us some Jockistani jive he has laid on us in the past.
Take it easy, he could go near top of the table and we will credibly claim that it is down to the players -- not him.
Brendan McLaughlin
32 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:48:53
32 Posted 23/08/2026 at 23:48:53
Dale #31
You lost me with "credibly"
You lost me with "credibly"
Nicolas Piñon
33 Posted 23/08/2026 at 00:02:59
33 Posted 23/08/2026 at 00:02:59
- Tarkowski is past it and can never be our captain
- Hackney is no defensive midfielder
- George is cooking
- Moyes's use of subs is pathetic
- We need a centre-back and a striker (priorities)
- George and Rohl and Armstrong have to start.
- Having a pacy team looks magnificent.
- Hackney is no defensive midfielder
- George is cooking
- Moyes's use of subs is pathetic
- We need a centre-back and a striker (priorities)
- George and Rohl and Armstrong have to start.
- Having a pacy team looks magnificent.
Si Cooper
34 Posted 23/08/2026 at 00:34:10
34 Posted 23/08/2026 at 00:34:10
Eric (29), no-one has ever said Moyes has charge of the actual transfer kitty. What has been proposed (based largely on what Moyes has said himself) is that all transfers get his seal of approval. Can you see the difference?
I've only got OS commentary and highlights to go on, but it sounded like yesterday was a continuation of what became apparent in the pre-season games; there is an increased fluidity when in possession that is eye-catching, but it doesn't necessarily translate automatically into more goals and a possible consequence is getting caught out more easily in defence.
So some steps in the right direction and returnees or good belated recruitment may sort out the prevalent issues.
Like Tony, my biggest worry is how much further the manager can loosen his vice-like grip trying to ‘control' risk. His comments after the match were too reminiscent of a mind-set that really struggles to accept ‘good enough is old or experienced enough'.
I want him to really use all of his squad to the fullest. In that vein, I still don't understand why people are apparently quite happy to see Charly Alcaraz moved on. For me, he has plenty of merit as a player who will ask a variety of questions of tiring defences and so remains a useful (if under-utilised) squad member (and obviously not the only one).
I've only got OS commentary and highlights to go on, but it sounded like yesterday was a continuation of what became apparent in the pre-season games; there is an increased fluidity when in possession that is eye-catching, but it doesn't necessarily translate automatically into more goals and a possible consequence is getting caught out more easily in defence.
So some steps in the right direction and returnees or good belated recruitment may sort out the prevalent issues.
Like Tony, my biggest worry is how much further the manager can loosen his vice-like grip trying to ‘control' risk. His comments after the match were too reminiscent of a mind-set that really struggles to accept ‘good enough is old or experienced enough'.
I want him to really use all of his squad to the fullest. In that vein, I still don't understand why people are apparently quite happy to see Charly Alcaraz moved on. For me, he has plenty of merit as a player who will ask a variety of questions of tiring defences and so remains a useful (if under-utilised) squad member (and obviously not the only one).
Derek Thomas
35 Posted 23/08/2026 at 00:54:41
35 Posted 23/08/2026 at 00:54:41
What I've learned (which may only be true for a given value of true on the day)... Who doesn't like 3 points on the opening day?
There was a swallow and it technically is still summer... There were holes you could drive a bus through in our midfield.
Rohl is not a right-back, he's no better than O'Brien, just poor in different areas. Tarkowski is a bit of a worry... So is the transfer deadline... and Moyes.
Apart from all of that - Sufficient unto the day etc, etc.
There was a swallow and it technically is still summer... There were holes you could drive a bus through in our midfield.
Rohl is not a right-back, he's no better than O'Brien, just poor in different areas. Tarkowski is a bit of a worry... So is the transfer deadline... and Moyes.
Apart from all of that - Sufficient unto the day etc, etc.
Eric Myles
36 Posted 24/08/2026 at 01:13:57
36 Posted 24/08/2026 at 01:13:57
I see the difference, Si, it's what I've been saying all along. Many on here don't though, hence the Dithering Davey comments.
In some cases, it may well be the player who is doing the dithering, holding out for a better deal.
In some cases, it may well be the player who is doing the dithering, holding out for a better deal.
Paul Griffiths
37 Posted 24/08/2026 at 03:19:50
37 Posted 24/08/2026 at 03:19:50
Nicolas Piñon:
Tarkowsky is past it and can never be our captain.
He is our captain.
Tarkowsky is past it and can never be our captain.
He is our captain.
Dale Self
38 Posted 24/08/2026 at 03:33:44
38 Posted 24/08/2026 at 03:33:44
Alright Brendan, let me break that one down for you:
If we finally get up top, it will be the first time ever with Moyes. He will have never done it with any other set of players.
Therefore, it is the players -- not him.
If we finally get up top, it will be the first time ever with Moyes. He will have never done it with any other set of players.
Therefore, it is the players -- not him.
Brendan McLaughlin
39 Posted 24/08/2026 at 06:18:15
39 Posted 24/08/2026 at 06:18:15
Dale #38,
The players -- or, as I like to call them, the team that Moyes has assembled.
To be fair, Moyes would probably agree with you.
The players -- or, as I like to call them, the team that Moyes has assembled.
To be fair, Moyes would probably agree with you.
Jimmy Hardacre
40 Posted 24/08/2026 at 06:48:18
40 Posted 24/08/2026 at 06:48:18
There is a team there, we learned on Saturday... but -- and it's a big 'but' -- it will only go west while we have them pair of pricks up front.
Barry, as I have said, could not trap a bag of cement. Beto, as we've all seen, could not make a 5-yard pass work. Soft lad Moyes needs to stop thinking it's his money and do what's best: a right-back and at least one striker now!
If he cannot get a right-back then play Jimmy Garner there, his position for England lots of times, which would force him to play the lads who will only get better with more game time.
Armstrong must start!
Barry, as I have said, could not trap a bag of cement. Beto, as we've all seen, could not make a 5-yard pass work. Soft lad Moyes needs to stop thinking it's his money and do what's best: a right-back and at least one striker now!
If he cannot get a right-back then play Jimmy Garner there, his position for England lots of times, which would force him to play the lads who will only get better with more game time.
Armstrong must start!
Darren Hind
41 Posted 24/08/2026 at 07:34:58
41 Posted 24/08/2026 at 07:34:58
Moyes has spent 20 years proving to the football world that he couldn't assemble a salad.
He does a very mean dog's dinner though.
I also learned that Moyes is sucking the life out of this club. All those empty seats were a clear message to TFG that the paying match goer will not put up with much more of the shite Moyes serves up,
it was the first game of the season FFS.
He does a very mean dog's dinner though.
I also learned that Moyes is sucking the life out of this club. All those empty seats were a clear message to TFG that the paying match goer will not put up with much more of the shite Moyes serves up,
it was the first game of the season FFS.
John Charles
42 Posted 24/08/2026 at 08:13:06
42 Posted 24/08/2026 at 08:13:06
Stage empty seats had nothing to do with Moyes but rather that Seat Unique are asking exorbitant prices for them.
Bob Parrington
43 Posted 24/08/2026 at 08:33:59
43 Posted 24/08/2026 at 08:33:59
Can't really argue with most of the comments on here.We were lucky not to be down by 3 by half town, 'cos, had those palace "easy pickings" had gone in, we likely wouldn't have scored before HT.
I was not impressed with Tarkowsky. Why make him captain when he likely won't last through December without being a bench player. Great service in the past but too slow now and prone to mistakes. Ndiaye
looked quite bright and put in a decent performance. But, the youngsters shone quite brightly and this bodes well. One thing that is pissing me off, though, is Davey's miserable face in the dug out. He has to be the most miserable looking manager in the EPL. Not a good encouragement for the guys on the pitch (or the bench for that either).
I was not impressed with Tarkowsky. Why make him captain when he likely won't last through December without being a bench player. Great service in the past but too slow now and prone to mistakes. Ndiaye
looked quite bright and put in a decent performance. But, the youngsters shone quite brightly and this bodes well. One thing that is pissing me off, though, is Davey's miserable face in the dug out. He has to be the most miserable looking manager in the EPL. Not a good encouragement for the guys on the pitch (or the bench for that either).
Andrew Ellams
44 Posted 24/08/2026 at 09:36:14
44 Posted 24/08/2026 at 09:36:14
Bob, no way he's dropping Tarkowski after giving him the armband.
Mark Murphy
45 Posted 24/08/2026 at 09:40:13
45 Posted 24/08/2026 at 09:40:13
I was high in the south stand with a great view of our right defensive flank in the first half.
Merlin Rohl made some excellent runs and contributions and he excites me as a player BUT, he is definitely not the answer for the right back vacancy. In fact, defensively he was poor and looked lost at times. I'm very surprised at some peoples positive reactions to his game there, especially that first half.
Coupled with Tarkowskis alarming drop off that right hand side is a disaster in the making if its not addressed. I'm not sure just getting a good right back in will solve it - Tarkowski is becoming a liability now.
Stats wise he appeared to have a good game but starting with the header he misjudged to let them in in the first few minutes, when Mateta should have scored and ending with that non challenge for Strand Larsens header, he was creaking when under pressure.
On one occasion he actually turned away from a Palace player in possession to run back to his own position rather than put in the challenge that he should have done as the nearest defender.
As PG says, he IS the captain. My worry is that Moyes (like most managers) wont drop the captain. Its a much bigger shout dropping your captain than dropping a.n.other who's in bad form or past it.
Merlin Rohl made some excellent runs and contributions and he excites me as a player BUT, he is definitely not the answer for the right back vacancy. In fact, defensively he was poor and looked lost at times. I'm very surprised at some peoples positive reactions to his game there, especially that first half.
Coupled with Tarkowskis alarming drop off that right hand side is a disaster in the making if its not addressed. I'm not sure just getting a good right back in will solve it - Tarkowski is becoming a liability now.
Stats wise he appeared to have a good game but starting with the header he misjudged to let them in in the first few minutes, when Mateta should have scored and ending with that non challenge for Strand Larsens header, he was creaking when under pressure.
On one occasion he actually turned away from a Palace player in possession to run back to his own position rather than put in the challenge that he should have done as the nearest defender.
As PG says, he IS the captain. My worry is that Moyes (like most managers) wont drop the captain. Its a much bigger shout dropping your captain than dropping a.n.other who's in bad form or past it.
James Fletcher
46 Posted 24/08/2026 at 09:44:58
46 Posted 24/08/2026 at 09:44:58
Just echoing a lot of the praise for the youngsters - Harrison was brilliant and Rohl did an excellent job at full back.
Sure, we could have conceded a couple but we could have scored a couple more too.
Pleased for Barry getting his goal too as I thought he had a good game apart from the chance he fluffed.
Sure, we could have conceded a couple but we could have scored a couple more too.
Pleased for Barry getting his goal too as I thought he had a good game apart from the chance he fluffed.
Dave Abrahams
47 Posted 24/08/2026 at 09:58:48
47 Posted 24/08/2026 at 09:58:48
My grandson was talking to Vinny O'Connor of Sky TV after the game and he was telling him that Moyes is insisting Everton buy Guela Doue of Strasbourg in the French League but Everton won't pay the £40M Strasbourg wants.
I hope Moyes sticks to his guns if this is true and resigns over the issue.
I hope Moyes sticks to his guns if this is true and resigns over the issue.
Mark Murphy
48 Posted 24/08/2026 at 10:08:47
48 Posted 24/08/2026 at 10:08:47
By the way. Does anyone know if VAR actually looked at the incident when Barry went down in their box in the second half? The incident that saw the “offending” Palace player stretchered off?
We were all sure it was a penalty where I was sitting.
Doesn’t VAR look at every incident in the box? And if so, why wasn’t it given?
We were all sure it was a penalty where I was sitting.
Doesn’t VAR look at every incident in the box? And if so, why wasn’t it given?
Tony Abrahams
49 Posted 24/08/2026 at 10:27:45
49 Posted 24/08/2026 at 10:27:45
Until we get more pace on the right side of our central defence then the last thing we need is an attacking right fullback, is definitely something that was in my thoughts on Saturday afternoon.
If Moyes, definitely gets the chance to give every single player we sign his seal of approval Eric, then I’m wondering if Kinnear, has put himself in a very awkward position by stating that we will have a right back by next Tuesday.
I have been told that Moyes, has changed his mind on a few players the committee had allegedly already agreed to sign this summer, so maybe the manager is reluctant to sign certain players because he doesn’t think they will improve his team?
What’s the point having more players to pick from if he doesn’t think they’re any better than what he has got? We have heard this before and I suppose it makes sense if the manager is reluctant to rotation, even if the modern game is also about having more depth in your squad.
Saturday was very enjoyable, I just hope we keep trying to play attractive, progressive football, against most teams this season🤞
Mark, did Barry actually go down? He was definitely impeded and I’ve seen penalties given for that, but I just remember saying to the fella next to me that he might have got a penalty there if he had gone down instead of trying to stay on his feet.
I didn’t enjoy Barry’s performance, hid behind the opposing midfield, too many times for my liking, but he was involved in some good approach play, with the incident you mention (which was a clever little turn) and the pinpoint cross he clipped to N’Diaye, was also top quality
If Moyes, definitely gets the chance to give every single player we sign his seal of approval Eric, then I’m wondering if Kinnear, has put himself in a very awkward position by stating that we will have a right back by next Tuesday.
I have been told that Moyes, has changed his mind on a few players the committee had allegedly already agreed to sign this summer, so maybe the manager is reluctant to sign certain players because he doesn’t think they will improve his team?
What’s the point having more players to pick from if he doesn’t think they’re any better than what he has got? We have heard this before and I suppose it makes sense if the manager is reluctant to rotation, even if the modern game is also about having more depth in your squad.
Saturday was very enjoyable, I just hope we keep trying to play attractive, progressive football, against most teams this season🤞
Mark, did Barry actually go down? He was definitely impeded and I’ve seen penalties given for that, but I just remember saying to the fella next to me that he might have got a penalty there if he had gone down instead of trying to stay on his feet.
I didn’t enjoy Barry’s performance, hid behind the opposing midfield, too many times for my liking, but he was involved in some good approach play, with the incident you mention (which was a clever little turn) and the pinpoint cross he clipped to N’Diaye, was also top quality
James Fletcher
50 Posted 24/08/2026 at 10:38:47
50 Posted 24/08/2026 at 10:38:47
Can't find it any of the highlight reels but to my memory they both went down in the collision
Mark Murphy
51 Posted 24/08/2026 at 11:32:17
51 Posted 24/08/2026 at 11:32:17
Tony, in the incident I'm thinking of yes, Barry went down as his leg was swiped from under him. The guy who did the swiping was the one who got hurt. At first I thought he was acting to avoid the penalty but when he got carried off I guess that proved he wasn't. But I also assumed that they were waiting for his treatment to finish before doing the (in my opinion, rudimentary) VAR check to give the penalty.
I've had discussions with some others who saw it, including from the North stand, who also thought it a clear pen.
I've had discussions with some others who saw it, including from the North stand, who also thought it a clear pen.
Eric Myles
52 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:01:00
52 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:01:00
Tony #49, isn't the whole point of signing new players to improve the team?
Brent Stephens
53 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:02:28
53 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:02:28
Mark, in case you're wondering. Danny's brother, Jamie, has texted me:
“Club have apologised and confirmed he will be shown on the screen for the Man Utd game and will be in the programme”.
“Club have apologised and confirmed he will be shown on the screen for the Man Utd game and will be in the programme”.
Eric Myles
54 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:05:24
54 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:05:24
Dave #47, I see what you did there :-)).
But whoever Angus brings in, Moyes will play O'Brien at right-back as a preference.
But whoever Angus brings in, Moyes will play O'Brien at right-back as a preference.
Eric Myles
55 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:11:48
55 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:11:48
True John #42, but that doesn't fit the MOB agenda.
Eric Myles
56 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:16:56
56 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:16:56
Jimmy #40 "Soft lad Moyes needs to stop thinking it's his money"
Have you read the threads lad? Where it's been obvious that the finance bods are negotiating deals down, Hackney for example.
Or that the finance bods don't want to pay the asking price for players?
Moyes KNOWS it's not his money.
Have you read the threads lad? Where it's been obvious that the finance bods are negotiating deals down, Hackney for example.
Or that the finance bods don't want to pay the asking price for players?
Moyes KNOWS it's not his money.
Eric Myles
57 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:21:15
57 Posted 24/08/2026 at 12:21:15
Si #34 "Eric (29), no-one has ever said Moyes has charge of the actual transfer kitty"
See Jimmy #40 "Soft lad Moyes needs to stop thinking it's his money""
See Jimmy #40 "Soft lad Moyes needs to stop thinking it's his money""
Mark Steers
58 Posted 24/08/2026 at 13:11:28
58 Posted 24/08/2026 at 13:11:28
It's funny how some people can't understand what Moyes is saying about the right-back situation.
I'm definitely not a Moyes fan but he is saying if Everton buy a £20M (or something like that) right-back, then more or less he believes Rohl, O'Brien, and Garner can also play to that standard.
So, to improve the team, we need a £40M or £50M player. Just like cars, if you have a 20 plate, you're not going to buy another 20 plate if you want to upgrade your car... are you?
Plus it's 3 points for the Toffees and that is important.
I'm definitely not a Moyes fan but he is saying if Everton buy a £20M (or something like that) right-back, then more or less he believes Rohl, O'Brien, and Garner can also play to that standard.
So, to improve the team, we need a £40M or £50M player. Just like cars, if you have a 20 plate, you're not going to buy another 20 plate if you want to upgrade your car... are you?
Plus it's 3 points for the Toffees and that is important.
Darren Hind
59 Posted 24/08/2026 at 14:28:56
59 Posted 24/08/2026 at 14:28:56
Dithering Dave has always stalled possible transfers, acting as if it is his money that's getting spent. That's why the scouts have to twist his arm up his back to get him to sign players he had never seen.... like John Stones.
The dithering bastard is on record stating he felt the £60k we were paying for Coleman was a wee bit more than he wanted to pay. Maybe Seat Unique can be blamed for that too?
The dithering bastard is on record stating he felt the £60k we were paying for Coleman was a wee bit more than he wanted to pay. Maybe Seat Unique can be blamed for that too?
Dale Self
60 Posted 24/08/2026 at 16:53:58
60 Posted 24/08/2026 at 16:53:58
Ooh, the double-hash! Thanks for the help MK.
Tony Abrahams
61 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:04:21
61 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:04:21
Of course is it Eric, but sometimes I believe it is also about depth in this modern game, mate.
We ran out of steam towards the end of last season but, if we'd had a little bit more depth in our squad, then who knows? We probably had more depth than it looked like but I'm fed up banging that same old drum.
It was a great little turn, Mark, but I thought Barry initially stayed on his feet. You could tell straight away that the Palace player wasn't going to be able to continue and it instantly got me thinking that the game of football is so quick nowadays that we definitely need to get a few more squad players in key positions!
We ran out of steam towards the end of last season but, if we'd had a little bit more depth in our squad, then who knows? We probably had more depth than it looked like but I'm fed up banging that same old drum.
It was a great little turn, Mark, but I thought Barry initially stayed on his feet. You could tell straight away that the Palace player wasn't going to be able to continue and it instantly got me thinking that the game of football is so quick nowadays that we definitely need to get a few more squad players in key positions!
David West
62 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:48:19
62 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:48:19
What I've learned...
I'd rather watch George, Armstrong and Hackney make mistakes and learn from them, than watch McNeil and Gana continue to decline. (Add in O'Brien for Tarkowski.)
A centre-forward would make us a different proposition all together. Barry may bag a few, might get more than last season, but he doesn't scare defences.
Pace and youth can be a weapon, be it Hackney and George covering the ground in the middle, or Rohl up and down the flank. George's directness is refreshing.
We aren't a million miles away, the problem is we are about £200M away! A new centre-forward and right-back changes our game; what level you're buying at determines how big the change is.
I'd rather watch George, Armstrong and Hackney make mistakes and learn from them, than watch McNeil and Gana continue to decline. (Add in O'Brien for Tarkowski.)
A centre-forward would make us a different proposition all together. Barry may bag a few, might get more than last season, but he doesn't scare defences.
Pace and youth can be a weapon, be it Hackney and George covering the ground in the middle, or Rohl up and down the flank. George's directness is refreshing.
We aren't a million miles away, the problem is we are about £200M away! A new centre-forward and right-back changes our game; what level you're buying at determines how big the change is.
Paul Griffiths
63 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:41:27
63 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:41:27
Dave A (47):
That might be the most noble thing that Moyes has ever done at Everton.
He is 100% correct in doing this. But what does this tell us about TFG if it is indeed the case?
That might be the most noble thing that Moyes has ever done at Everton.
He is 100% correct in doing this. But what does this tell us about TFG if it is indeed the case?
Si Cooper
64 Posted 25/08/2026 at 09:35:06
64 Posted 25/08/2026 at 09:35:06
Eric (57),
I'd still say there is a difference between a manager notionally having absolute and complete control over incoming transfers and what people are actually accusing Moyes of, which is weirdly sometimes choosing to be the pre-eminent figure when limiting spending on a target (which gives him ‘de facto' control when the club itself is happy to pay more).
Apparently, this odd behaviour by the manager is widely accepted as fact:
‘The "Moyes Filter": Moyes has a well-documented history of walking away from deals if he believes the asking price or agent fees do not represent exact "value".
If the club's board is willing to pay £30M for a target, but Moyes rigidly values the player at £20M, his refusal to sign off effectively kills the deal.
Tactical Incompatibility vs Price: A perfect current example of this is the club's pursuit of right-back Daniel Muñoz, where terms are agreed and the £20M fee is not a problem for the club, but the deal stalls because Moyes is hesitant to commit to a player who might not fit his exact blueprint.
Risk Aversion: Moyes often prefers to pass on a high-cost talent entirely rather than risk overpaying for someone he is not 100% sure about, which frustrates a fanbase eager to see the club flex its financial muscle.
I'd still say there is a difference between a manager notionally having absolute and complete control over incoming transfers and what people are actually accusing Moyes of, which is weirdly sometimes choosing to be the pre-eminent figure when limiting spending on a target (which gives him ‘de facto' control when the club itself is happy to pay more).
Apparently, this odd behaviour by the manager is widely accepted as fact:
‘The "Moyes Filter": Moyes has a well-documented history of walking away from deals if he believes the asking price or agent fees do not represent exact "value".
If the club's board is willing to pay £30M for a target, but Moyes rigidly values the player at £20M, his refusal to sign off effectively kills the deal.
Tactical Incompatibility vs Price: A perfect current example of this is the club's pursuit of right-back Daniel Muñoz, where terms are agreed and the £20M fee is not a problem for the club, but the deal stalls because Moyes is hesitant to commit to a player who might not fit his exact blueprint.
Risk Aversion: Moyes often prefers to pass on a high-cost talent entirely rather than risk overpaying for someone he is not 100% sure about, which frustrates a fanbase eager to see the club flex its financial muscle.
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1 Posted 23/08/2026 at 15:42:17
If Jake rides the bench all season, I'll be fuming; he's so dominant in the air and surely is the future. This can be Tarkowski's last season at best!… but never change a winning line-up and all that….
Yesterday was slightly deceiving though as, without Jordan's world class save and the post being hit from a sitter, we would have been 2-0 down at half time…
When we have a centre-forward who can actually play football and be physical, we'll be cooking. I don't care about his goal or improving link-up play... Barry is fucking shite and didn't even celebrate when Dewsbury-Hall scored. The prick!…
If Jake can get benched, then so can bloody Barry!! I can't wait, some on here actually think he's alright now 🤣 😂 we've been desensitized to absolute garbage…
I still think that maybe Moyes doesn't actually like Everton fans, or maybe just scousers in general, and enjoys us suffering. Why else would he take us out of the cups early every season? Then blow Europe, leave Barry on for 85 minutes when we could have sent Spurs down, sit back when we have a lead, wait so long to make subs, etc etc etc.