I had a full scholarship to Harvard from Nasa to pursue my lifelong ambition to breed giraffes in the Sahara but I thought no way can I miss out on seeing Danny Mead fire Everton to the title.
How mistaken I am. Now I'm penniless and living under a bridge. Who do I blame? That cone laying twit.
Do u remember one eyed Gary? The fella who got the fork in his eye at Forest Green away? Well his lads just got on a course via his jobseekers allowance and it's a 6 month NASA course about space exploration and the emergence of desert planets and possibility of breeding Giraffes. Hes over at the Space Kennedy Space Centre right now and just gets a spaceship back to Walton every other weekend Gary says.
Do you want me to pass you his number to see if his son can get you on his course?
Do u remember one eyed Gary? The fella who got the fork in his eye at Forest Green away? Well his lads just got on a course via his jobseekers allowance and it's a 6 month NASA course about space exploration and the emergence of desert planets and possibility of breeding Giraffes. Hes over at the Space Kennedy Space Centre right now and just gets a spaceship back to Walton every other weekend Gary says.
Do you want me to pass you his number to see if his son can get you on his course?
After a three week break from domestic football, the league season resumed at Turf Moor. Will Still’s Burnley were off to a good start this season with 3 wins from 7 whilst Everton only had 1 win in 7 but had shown some positive displays recently. Karim Konate was still ruled out and was nowhere near returning to training. Tomislav Makovec was on the bench and Danny Mead got his fourth start of the season playing in front of Cunha and Roony. Quiet for the most of the half but both sides had a decent chance, Josh Brownhill hit the bar from outside the box and Matsima headed away the danger and 10 minutes before the interval, Cunha played a good ball in for Mead who let it run on to his right foot before being denied by Casteels from inside the box. Three minutes into the second half and Valle crossed into the box for Mead, he took it down with a deft touch and moved it to Roony, he went back to Matsima to the groans of the away supporters but Matsima played it long for Patterson, he helped it on to Mead who got it down and smashed it into the net from inside the box making it 1-0! The Burnley defenders appealed for offside and after some deliberation it was ruled out by VAR! The replay showed Mead was offside. Everton played some nice attacking football and Patteson played in Roony but the onrushing keeper kept out his shot. Samardzic took the corner and it was headed away, only as far as Roony who knocked it past James Justin but Roony was pulled down, no penalty! Everton were livid! 20 minutes to go, Cunha got the ball down and moved forward, trying to hit Burnley on the counter, he went back to Branthwaite who came up to support and he passed forward to Roony who went for goal from range and smashed the bar. Everton kept trying and played out from the back, it went wide to Patterson and he played it short to Roony, Roony used his precision to lob it over the defence and into the path of Mead, Mead on his left foot holding off Seidu…..one-nil! Tucked into the bottom corner! With just a minute of normal time to go, Justin crossed into the box and Amad Diallo headed in at the far post, 1-1! Just what Burnley are good at. Everton haunted by Diallo, this time with a late equaliser. Everton have to defend better than that and the manager will be fuming with that one.
DF: Once again we created chances but only scored once. Something isn’t quite working and it could be a confidence issue. Mead took his goal very well and I’m delighted with him. Roony was dragged down and we didn’t get a penalty, they didn’t even look at it. It was disappointing to draw, I felt we done enough to win but once again, we come away frustrated. If we don't pick up enough points away from home, we'll find ourselves in a similar predicament to last season, we simply must improve our form on the road.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs West Ham United
23rd October 2027
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Duncan Ferguson was yet to beat David Moyes as the manager’s came head to head at Bramley Moore. West Ham were in 7th and pushing to get back into European football for next season. Gonzalez and Olise were the only changes Ferguson made for the visit of West Ham. El Khannouss got on the ball after a couple of minutes and played it wide to Valle, he passed inside to Gonzalez who was tripped inside the box by Alvarez and there was no question, it was a penalty. Gonzalez placed the ball down and Lunin tried his best to put him off, Gonzalez unphased by this slotted it nicely into the bottom left! 1-0! Everton led and controlled the game well, Kudus passed to Ward-Prowse on 35 minutes, you can’t allow him space to shoot and he done just that forcing a good save from Pickford at the post. West Ham remained frustrated but Everton had to keep focus, Samardzic played a great diagonal pass over to Valle, he kept it in play, cut it back to Gonzalez and he tried for the second but it was deflected behind. 20 minutes to go when Ferguson took off Mead for Cunha and Patterson for Maffeo. More subs followed in the last ten minutes with Makovec replacing Valle and Hepburn replacing Samardzic. West Ham pushed forward in numbers, Diego Lopez won a corner on 91 minutes and Moyes gave the keeper permission to go up. Ward-Prowse put a good ball in but Diveev was well marshalled by Branthwaite to head over. Everton kept the ball in the West Ham half and it was enough to see it out as they record their second win of the season and Ferguson’s first over Moyes! A solid 1-0 win!
DF: It feels good to be able to get one over on the old gaffer! But more than that, this team really deserved it today and fought hard to win and get a clean sheet so well played to each and every one of them.
PLAYER RATINGS
Leicester City vs Everton
League Cup Fourth Round
26th October 2027
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A competition that Everton so desperately want and came close in 2026. Leicester City stand in their way of reaching the Quarter Final. It was a good finish to the season for Leicester as they reached 12th but currently sit in 20th place with zero wins from nine. Everton beat Leicester 3-0 in August so will be confident of going to the King Power for a result. Young 19 year old Tomislav Makovec started at Left Back and Jay Gorter started in goal for this one. Carlos Alcaraz was given a start in midfield next to James Garner and Nico Gonzalez was in fine form so far this season, keeping his place behind Danny Mead. Gonzalez took the ball on the left and whipped it in but it went through everyone, Maffeo was there and sent it back in, Mead won the header and hit the post, good effort. Leicester under some early pressure. Leicester played the ball forward and Zubeldia headed forward to Gonzalez, he tried the pass back to Zubeldia but Dewsbury-Hall sniffed it out and got through to slot past Gorter on 3 minutes. Gonzalez with a momentary lapse in concentration. Alcaraz put in a good tackle on Dewsbury-Hall and Gonzalez picked it up, urged by the fans to turn he came down the left and played it inside to Alcaraz who dribbled inside the area before laying it off to Olise to knock in, 1-1! Alcaraz made the goal! Roony came on for Olise as Everton pushed for the second. Maffeo put in a good cross and Gonzalez headed over with the whole goal gaping for him. Everton made a further three changes with 20 minutes to go, Mead didn’t have the best game and went off for Moukoko. Cunha replaced Gonzalez and Valle replaced Makovec. Everton were probing inside the last ten minutes but Leicester sat back waiting for their chance. Maffeo and Roony linked up on the right and Roony moved forward into the box taking the pass from Maffeo, he went back to Garner and then on to Alcaraz for the shot but it was blocked. Alcaraz was having a good game in central midfield and was so far the best performer on the pitch out there. Roony came forward on the ball, played it forward towards Cunha who took it past Doyle, got into the area and hit it just wide of the post, unlucky. Everton couldn’t find the winner so the game will go straight to penalties. Everton really should have won the game in 90 minutes but must now await the outcome of penalty kicks.
Everton won the toss and opted to go first, Carlos Alcaraz had a good game tonight and would want to round it off by converting from the spot. He went to the left sending Muric the wrong way, good start for Everton. Rafael Mir was first for Leicester and he sent Gorter the wrong way to convert. Moukoko was next to walk up, he placed it to the left, Muric went close but it went in, 2-1. Calum Doyle was next for Leicster and he tucked it away in the left cotner. Gorter nowhere near it. Can Roony make it 3 out of 3? He goes hard and low into the left corner, Muric going the wrong way. Humphreys placed the ball down, looked up and went to the right but Gorter got over to push it away! 3-2! Advantage Everton! Now it’s on Cunha to really take advantage. He went for the top right corner and what a stop from Muric getting up to tip it away, great save. Oscar Gil with the chance to level. He smashed it into the top right leaving Gorter no chance, 3-3 going into the last kick. The pressure was on James Garner, he kept his cool and converted to make it 4-3. Affengruber walked up with his home supporters cheering him on, can he keep Leicester in the cup? Gorter with his hands out wide but goes the wrong way as Affengruber slots into the bottom left. Into sudden death and Igor Zubeldia with the kick, he went high to the top corner and smashed the inside of the post and in! 5-4! Tomas Araujo to keep Leicester in this, no hesitation and he goes down the middle but Gorter keeps it out with his legs! Everton victorious! On to the Quarter Finals! They done it the hard way but it’s into the hat they go!
DF: I've checked the results from the other games tonight and there are still some top teams in the competition, more and more clubs are taking it serious and we want to be able to compete. If we can get a nice home draw, I’ll be happy.
Ferguson was asked about Danny Mead’s recent run in the first team and responded by stating Mead is only 17 and still has a long way to go in football before being considered a full-time regular starter for Everton. Ferguson believes the local talent has a lot to offer in the Premier League at such a young age but doesn’t want to run the risk of burning him out too early and to shade him from the pressure of being a rising English footballer. Supporters are aware of how good Mead can be and have seen a lot of intelligence and bravery so far in his performances. He hasn’t once looked out of place at the top level but the lad needs to be nurtured. Given that, Ferguson put him on the bench opting for Nico Gonzalez as the Centre Forward. Cunha and Roony Bardghji started behind him. Carlos Alcaraz stayed in midfield after a dominating mid-week display next to Moroccan international Bilal El-Khannouss. The last time Everton went to Villa Park ended in a 4-1 defeat with Carlos Alcaraz scoring for Everton. It was Alcaraz who made the mistake on four minutes when his weak pass towards Roony was intercepted by Tielemans, he passed to Douglas Luiz and it was played forward to N’Goma who held off Branthwaite and shot hitting the inside of the post and going in after 4 minutes. Everton needed to get their act together as on 30 minutes a ball came into the box from the left from Danilo and N’Goma got away from Zubeldia to tap in his second. Everton were poor in the first half so substitutions were much needed. Mead came on in attack for Gonzalez and Samardzic was on for Alcaraz. It took 15 minutes into the second half for Everton to create a very good chance, Patterson wasn’t moving down the right so Roony and Samardzic showed their creativity, Roony played it to Cunha and he knocked it through his legs to Mead who stayed onside and had left Boyomo in defence, he played it around the keeper making it 2-1, Mead got Everton back in the game! Everton brought on Maffeo at Right Back and Ferguson urged his Full Backs forward at any opportunity but there was little Everton could do against the strong Aston Villa unit to get themselves an equaliser. Villa defended their lead well and as the rain belted it down at Villa Park, the home side came out on top.
DF: Villa done their job with ease. I thought when Mead came out we looked more lively and he finished his goal like a seasoned pro. People forget he is only 17 but his intelligence on the ball is of someone who has been playing the game in this league for five years. You can’t teach a player that composure and intelligence.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Leeds United
7th November 2027
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Ferguson was yet to get a win over Leeds in his managerial career, the most notable defeat coming in the League Cup Final and the last time out in the F.A Cup with Everton being thrashed 4-1 in the fifth round. Leeds’ season was going well so far, in contention for qualification in the Europa League to the knockout rounds and have a quarter final League Cup tie coming up with none other than Everton at Elland Road. Alfie Dorrington was recalled to the startlime lineup alongside Branthwaite and Matsima. Samardzic and Garner started in midfield. Sinisterra took the corner from the left and Dorrington headed away, Roony picked it up and came forward, Cunha and Mead joined the attack, Roony had Willock to beat and Mead was screaming for it through the middle, he got the pass but it was behind him, luckily he kept it going and passed left to Cunha, Cunha managed to get the ball onto his right foot and shape his body to find the bottom corner making it 1-0 to Everton on 18 minutes! Excellent counter! Everton were in their groove and the fans sounded their appreciation when Cunha quickly sprayed it right to Patterson, he found Roony moving forward in front of him, Wober got back in time to put the tackle in and win the ball back for Leeds. Branthwaite was inside the final third and passed wide to Patterson, he used hus pace to go past Wober and Sarr got across to block his shot. Everton’s style of football was fascinating, Samardzic with an outside of the boot swerve out to Patterson,right in his path to move forward, he got the cross in but Cunha was beaten to it, Samardzic got to it and found Patterson again with a weighted pass for him to cross but Mead’s header was easy for Meslier. Willock had a chance to level on 38 minutes and Pickford was off his line to close down the shot and make the save. Roony shows his quality on the right, sucking Wober in and then dancing past him and then went past Sarr with ease, crossing into the box, Valle got it down and put it into the face of goal and Cunha got a touch to make it 2-0! Cunha went for his hattrick two minutes later, Meslier tipping his shot over the bar. An incredible first half of football from Everton, leaving the pitch to raptures of applause from the fans inside Bramley Moore. Postecoglou was disappointed and made changes at half-time, Dan James was on for Leeds down the left. His first chance coming on 52 minutes when he moved across the 18 yard box and rifled in a shot on his right foot which Pickford pushed away. The corner was picked up by Mead and he played it forward to Roony who ran down the right, he was on his own so slowed his run down and Gnonto went into the back of him, the fans demanded a card but Tim Robinson kept them in his pocket. Ferguson made two changes with 25 minutes to go, Matsima went off for Zubeldia and Olise came on for Roony. More changes followed as the game went on, Patterson off for Maffeo, Cunha off for Gonzalez and Mead went off for Moukoko. Everton had a free-kick from the left side, about 25 yards out, Samardzic played it to Olise on the edge of the box, urged to shoot by the fans his shot was blocked and ran free to Zubeldia close to goal and he knocked it in to make it 3-0 on 81 minutes! A fine afternoon wrapped up! The icing on the cake came just a minute or so later when Valle crossed into the box, Monteiro and Struijk left it for each other and Moukoko smashed it in from close range! It’s about time we saw some goals from Everton! The cheers went up for every pass inside stoppage time and Olise went for the fifth with Meslier making the save. It doesn’t happen often, but what a fantastic performance from those in blue! Leeds put to shame today! Ange could only look on with horror as Everton came together on the pitch for the full-time celebrations!
DF: It’s not often we see Gnonto quiet! Our lads dealt with him and he was nowhere to be seen. What a showing from everyone though, quality throughout and some fine football on display. I thought we were incredible today!
PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea vs Everton
20th November 2027
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Everton will be hoping to go into this game straight on the back of the last after hitting Leeds were it hurt. Pochettino was hoping to bring Chelsea their first silverware since the Champions League win in 2021 with new signings Raphina and Tomori but were in 5th in the league, well adrfit of leaders Arsenal. El Khannouss was brought into the side with Samardzic on the bench who picked up a minor injury in training this week so was not being risked. Chelsea wanted the early goal and came close with Nkunku on 5 minutes as his shot was just wide of the post, far too much space inside the area. Everton defended well as a unit, Sterling played the ball into the box for Nkunku to run on to and Dorrington was there to block the shot. 0-0 at half-time and Chelsea missing some big chances in the first half. Everton were yet to have a shot. The second half started and Sterling took the ball on the left, Mead took him down and conceded the free-kick. The Chelsea fans didn’t like that from Mead. On 58 minutes, Chelsea played some quick attacking football, Sterling with a one-two and then on to Madueke who lobbed the ball over Pickford inside the area to make it 1-0, the breakthrough. VAR were checking for a possible offside, it was very tight. Madueke was just offside, a matter of inches, the referee confirmed it, no goal. Samardzic came on for El Khannouss with 30 minutes to go and ten minutes later, Gonzalez came on for Cunha and Moukoko replaced Mead. Fofana took the throw on 71 minutes, he played it to Angelo, he put it into the box and Branthwaite hit it across goal trying to clear but it hit Sterling on the line and went in, a bizarre goal but it puts Chelsea in front. On 85 minutes Patterson played the ball inside to Garner, he looked up and went for goal noticing Hedl off his line, it clipped the top of the bar and went over. That was Everton’s best chance so late on in the game and Chelsea recorded a 1-0 win against an Everton side that tried to keep the scoreline to a minimum and were obviously set up to take a point.
Everton were up against league leaders Arsenal who were going fror their third title in a row. Currently one of the best teams in the world, it will be a huge task to stop Mikel Arteta’s side. Everton were also in need of wins having only won 3 so far this season. Ferguson opted for Gonzalez in the Striker role with Cunha and Olise behind. Samardzic started in the middle alongside James Garner. Tierney came down the left for Arsenal on the 21st minute, he played the pass through Garner and Patterson to Martinelli, he got the cross in before Olise could get there and Yuri Alberto found space at the near post to poke in the opener. Patterson took a knock in a coming together with Yuri Alberto on 40 minutes and went off for Maffeo. Valle intercepted Saka’s pass and played it forward to Gonzalez who snatched at it and the shot went wide of the post just before the break. Everton were still in the game as they held Arsenal off in the opening 15 minutes of the second half but they needed some inspiration. Gonzalez was frustrated up top so he went off for Mead and Cunha was not in the game so he was replaced by Roony. Can the Roony and Mead partnership spark Everton into life? Everton started to press in numbers and it worked, Olise got on the ball and drove forward towards the byline, he played it to Maffeo who made his way into the box and Ademola Lookman charged into the back of him, the shouts went up for the penalty from the whole stadium…..given! Rob Jones pointed to the spot! Lookman was furious with the decision. Samardzic stepped up against Ramsdale, to get Everton back into the game…..her sent him the wrong way and nestled the ball into the bottom left corner! 1-1 on 80 munutes! Everton raise the roof! Was there a winner in this? Samardzic lost out to Diomande in the the middle of the park and he sent it down the right for Saka to chase, Saka got the ball straight into the box and Lookman fired in the volley to restore the lead! And that is why they are champions! Arsenal ran down the clock at every opportunity the could and Everton were getting frustrated by their tactic. Lookman was booed when he stood on the corner before the referee went over for a word. Everton couldn’t get the momentum behind them to muster up another chance and it was Arsenal who took the hard fought victory. Everton unlucky in the end not to take a point.
DF: They have the pace to hurt you and with Saka and Lookman down the sides, they are going to create quality chances. Lookman finished beautifully to make it 2-1 but we done well to stay in the game up until that point. We are being competitive and the next step is to start getting results against the better teams in this league.
PLAYER RATINGS
Liverpool vs Everton
1st December 2027
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The first derby of the season, an evening fixture at Anfield. Simone Inzaghi was new to the job and was about to experience his first Merseyside derby. Liverpool have had a stuttering start but things seem to be looking up after a last minute winner away at Spurs last weekend saw them take three points and move them up to 6th in the table. Liverpool’s newest recruit Jurrien Timber from Arsenal was proving to be an astute signing settling in well to his new club at Right Back. Ferguson stuck with Gonzalez up top with Cunha and Roony in behind. Igor Zubeldia came back into defence for experience at the back. Inzaghi went 3-4-3 as he looked to implement his counter attacking style this season. Valle got onto the ball on 10 minutes and came down the left, he got past Skipp and crossed in to the box, Roony was beaten by Morato who headed away. It wasn’t the spectacle we expected as this Liverpool team were still trying to find their rhythm. 0-0 at half-time with nobody really breaking a sweat. Liverpool got the goal on 56 minutes when Mazraoui came on replacing Alexander-Arnold and he supplied the ball into the box for Vlahovic to smash past Pickford. Ferguson made two changes with 25 minutes to go, El Khannouss replaced Samardzic and Mead replaced Cunha, slotting in behind Gonzalez. Valle cut out the long ball forward from Liverpool and passed forward to Gonzalez, Mead sprinted forward and took the through ball from Gonzalez, he was onside, Mead had the pace to beat Gomez but his shot was just wide of the post. What a moment that would have been for the Evertonian. Ten minutes to go, Hepburn replaced Garner and Olise replaced Gonzalez. Patterson played the ball to Roony on the edge of the box and his shot was blocked by Szoboszlai in the box, the fans screamed for handball but Bramall waved it away. Everton’s best chance came to Mead and he should have finished it to grab Everton a point but it’s Liverpool with the win tonight.
DF: I feel for young Mead tonight, he done so well and was unlucky with the finish, he’s 17 and he’ll do better with experience. That really was the chance and we are all disappointed but our performance at Anfield was so much better tonight than it has been in a long time. Liverpool are going through a transition and they didn’t look as slick as they usually do, we’ll be ready for them at Bramley Moore.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Sunderland
4th December 2027
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In other news there was some managerial movement in the Premier League. Vincenzo Italiano was sacked by Newcastle a couple of weeks ago with the owners unimpressed for not qualifying for the Europa League last season so it was a shock to see Newcastle reunite with Eddie Howe after his incredible success with Brentford in his tenure there, winning two FA Cups. Surely a move motivated by money? Dejan Stankovic took Wolves back to the promise land but the side were bottom with 1 win in 14 so a change was made and in came Dutch manager Danny Buijs from Fortuna Sittard.
Sunderland were having a good second season back in the Premier League currently in 8th with 7 wins from 14. Ferguson rested Matsima and brought in Alfie Dorrington at the back for his 8th league start. Cunha started alongside Carlos Alcaraz with Danny Mead getting the nod in attack. It’s games like this at home that Everton need to be ruthless and try to finish teams off. Everton were caught napping on 15 minutes when Jonathan Rowe picked it up from 30 yards out, ran forward beating Samardzic and slotted from inside the box past Pickford to give Sunderland the lead. Everton fought back as Patterson came down the right on 22 minutes and he put in a great cross For Mead to get up and head into the bottom left corner pulling it back for Everton! Great header! Everton were exposed again minutes later when Saicedo had infinite space between the defence and midfield and went for goal finding the top right corner restoring Sunderland’s lead. Patterson done well to win the ball back cutting out the pass from Ekwah and passed forward to Alcaraz, Mead moved ahead of him and he got the pass, was he onside? But Mead snatched at it with his left foot and sent it wide, he had more time. Yan Couto chased down the loose ball and kept it in play in front of the North Stand near the Sunderland supporters, he sent it into the box and Saicedo went down adjudged to have been pushed by Dorrington. VAR took a look and a penalty was awarded. Saicedo stepped up confidently and slotted into the bottom right, Pickford not getting across to get near it. Everton brought on Roony for Cunha and Maffeo for Patterson. Roony got the pass from El Khannouss and Mead moved into space, he got the pass and smashed it past Patterson with his left foot into the right side of the net! 3-2! Mead with his second! Everton made a further two changes, Makovec replaced Valle and Garner came on for Samardzic. Garner made a mistake when he dawdled in possession and Cvancara tackled and shot towards the top right corner curling it in beautfully past Pickford. Sunderland not taking any prisoners! Sunderland were not done there and took advantage of Everton when Saicedo beat Dorrington for pace, crossed low from inside the box to Cvancara to knock it making it 5-2. Everton battled but Sunderland held firm and Patterson made some great saves. With time running out, there was no chance they were going to score three. Sunderland were devastating and embarrassed on home soil. What a win for the Black Cats and sheer disappointment for Everton.
Duncan, just one point above the drop zone, is there reason to panic?
DF: Not yet, we’ve been caught and we’ve slipped here but we can still turn our season around and make something of it. We need to get on a good run and we can’t make the mistakes we made today again.
Farhad Moshiri has been quiet, he hasn’t been at the games recently and the supporters are concerned there’s no real leadership at the club. The accounts suggest the club is spiralling out of control.
DF: I talk to Farhad all the time and he’s happy for Jon, Kevin and myself to take care of things. We know what our job is and we just have to keep doing it.
Everton were up against league leaders Arsenal who were going fror their third title in a row. Currently one of the best teams in the world, it will be a huge task to stop Mikel Arteta’s side. Everton were also in need of wins having only won 3 so far this season. Ferguson opted for Gonzalez in the Striker role with Cunha and Olise behind. Samardzic started in the middle alongside James Garner. Tierney came down the left for Arsenal on the 21st minute, he played the pass through Garner and Patterson to Martinelli, he got the cross in before Olise could get there and Yuri Alberto found space at the near post to poke in the opener. Patterson took a knock in a coming together with Yuri Alberto on 40 minutes and went off for Maffeo. Valle intercepted Saka’s pass and played it forward to Gonzalez who snatched at it and the shot went wide of the post just before the break. Everton were still in the game as they held Arsenal off in the opening 15 minutes of the second half but they needed some inspiration. Gonzalez was frustrated up top so he went off for Mead and Cunha was not in the game so he was replaced by Roony. Can the Roony and Mead partnership spark Everton into life? Everton started to press in numbers and it worked, Olise got on the ball and drove forward towards the byline, he played it to Maffeo who made his way into the box and Ademola Lookman charged into the back of him, the shouts went up for the penalty from the whole stadium…..given! Rob Jones pointed to the spot! Lookman was furious with the decision. Samardzic stepped up against Ramsdale, to get Everton back into the game…..her sent him the wrong way and nestled the ball into the bottom left corner! 1-1 on 80 munutes! Everton raise the roof! Was there a winner in this? Samardzic lost out to Diomande in the the middle of the park and he sent it down the right for Saka to chase, Saka got the ball straight into the box and Lookman fired in the volley to restore the lead! And that is why they are champions! Arsenal ran down the clock at every opportunity the could and Everton were getting frustrated by their tactic. Lookman was booed when he stood on the corner before the referee went over for a word. Everton couldn’t get the momentum behind them to muster up another chance and it was Arsenal who took the hard fought victory. Everton unlucky in the end not to take a point.
DF: They have the pace to hurt you and with Saka and Lookman down the sides, they are going to create quality chances. Lookman finished beautifully to make it 2-1 but we done well to stay in the game up until that point. We are being competitive and the next step is to start getting results against the better teams in this league.
The first derby of the season, an evening fixture at Anfield. Simone Inzaghi was new to the job and was about to experience his first Merseyside derby. Liverpool have had a stuttering start but things seem to be looking up after a last minute winner away at Spurs last weekend saw them take three points and move them up to 6th in the table. Liverpool’s newest recruit Jurrien Timber from Arsenal was proving to be an astute signing settling in well to his new club at Right Back. Ferguson stuck with Gonzalez up top with Cunha and Roony in behind. Igor Zubeldia came back into defence for experience at the back. Inzaghi went 3-4-3 as he looked to implement his counter attacking style this season. Valle got onto the ball on 10 minutes and came down the left, he got past Skipp and crossed in to the box, Roony was beaten by Morato who headed away. It wasn’t the spectacle we expected as this Liverpool team were still trying to find their rhythm. 0-0 at half-time with nobody really breaking a sweat. Liverpool got the goal on 56 minutes when Mazraoui came on replacing Alexander-Arnold and he supplied the ball into the box for Vlahovic to smash past Pickford. Ferguson made two changes with 25 minutes to go, El Khannouss replaced Samardzic and Mead replaced Cunha, slotting in behind Gonzalez. Valle cut out the long ball forward from Liverpool and passed forward to Gonzalez, Mead sprinted forward and took the through ball from Gonzalez, he was onside, Mead had the pace to beat Gomez but his shot was just wide of the post. What a moment that would have been for the Evertonian. Ten minutes to go, Hepburn replaced Garner and Olise replaced Gonzalez. Patterson played the ball to Roony on the edge of the box and his shot was blocked by Szoboszlai in the box, the fans screamed for handball but Bramall waved it away. Everton’s best chance came to Mead and he should have finished it to grab Everton a point but it’s Liverpool with the win tonight.
DF: I feel for young Mead tonight, he done so well and was unlucky with the finish, he’s 17 and he’ll do better with experience. That really was the chance and we are all disappointed but our performance at Anfield was so much better tonight than it has been in a long time. Liverpool are going through a transition and they didn’t look as slick as they usually do, we’ll be ready for them at Bramley Moore.
In other news there was some managerial movement in the Premier League. Vincenzo Italiano was sacked by Newcastle a couple of weeks ago with the owners unimpressed for not qualifying for the Europa League last season so it was a shock to see Newcastle reunite with Eddie Howe after his incredible success with Brentford in his tenure there, winning two FA Cups. Surely a move motivated by money? Dejan Stankovic took Wolves back to the promise land but the side were bottom with 1 win in 14 so a change was made and in came Dutch manager Danny Buijs from Fortuna Sittard.
Sunderland were having a good second season back in the Premier League currently in 8th with 7 wins from 14. Ferguson rested Matsima and brought in Alfie Dorrington at the back for his 8th league start. Cunha started alongside Carlos Alcaraz with Danny Mead getting the nod in attack. It’s games like this at home that Everton need to be ruthless and try to finish teams off. Everton were caught napping on 15 minutes when Jonathan Rowe picked it up from 30 yards out, ran forward beating Samardzic and slotted from inside the box past Pickford to give Sunderland the lead. Everton fought back as Patterson came down the right on 22 minutes and he put in a great cross For Mead to get up and head into the bottom left corner pulling it back for Everton! Great header! Everton were exposed again minutes later when Saicedo had infinite space between the defence and midfield and went for goal finding the top right corner restoring Sunderland’s lead. Patterson done well to win the ball back cutting out the pass from Ekwah and passed forward to Alcaraz, Mead moved ahead of him and he got the pass, was he onside? But Mead snatched at it with his left foot and sent it wide, he had more time. Yan Couto chased down the loose ball and kept it in play in front of the North Stand near the Sunderland supporters, he sent it into the box and Saicedo went down adjudged to have been pushed by Dorrington. VAR took a look and a penalty was awarded. Saicedo stepped up confidently and slotted into the bottom right, Pickford not getting across to get near it. Everton brought on Roony for Cunha and Maffeo for Patterson. Roony got the pass from El Khannouss and Mead moved into space, he got the pass and smashed it past Patterson with his left foot into the right side of the net! 3-2! Mead with his second! Everton made a further two changes, Makovec replaced Valle and Garner came on for Samardzic. Garner made a mistake when he dawdled in possession and Cvancara tackled and shot towards the top right corner curling it in beautfully past Pickford. Sunderland not taking any prisoners! Sunderland were not done there and took advantage of Everton when Saicedo beat Dorrington for pace, crossed low from inside the box to Cvancara to knock it making it 5-2. Everton battled but Sunderland held firm and Patterson made some great saves. With time running out, there was no chance they were going to score three. Sunderland were devastating and embarrassed on home soil. What a win for the Black Cats and sheer disappointment for Everton.
Duncan, just one point above the drop zone, is there reason to panic?
DF: Not yet, we’ve been caught and we’ve slipped here but we can still turn our season around and make something of it. We need to get on a good run and we can’t make the mistakes we made today again.
Farhad Moshiri has been quiet, he hasn’t been at the games recently and the supporters are concerned there’s no real leadership at the club. The accounts suggest the club is spiralling out of control.
DF: I talk to Farhad all the time and he’s happy for Jon, Kevin and myself to take care of things. We know what our job is and we just have to keep doing it.
After returning to the top flight, Wolves were rock bottom with one win in fifteen. Danny Buij took control of his first game and was greeted warmly by supporters before kick-off. Everton had to be at their best as a good performance from Wolves was expected with the new manager at the helm. Danny Mead was enjoying his football and got another start up front with Olise and Roony in behind. Karim Konate was making progress in training but was still a few weeks away from being available for first team duties. Dwight McNeil started on the left against his former club. Patterson won the ball back for Everton on 26 minutes and played the ball to El Khannouss and he played it forward to Olise, he spotted the run of Mead and Mead took it down nicely on his left foot and went past the onrushing Owono in goal, just the open net and he put it away! Danny Mead once again! So calm and collected! Roony played a great ball forward towards Mead who got there ahead of the defence but the keeper turned his first time shot behind. Wolves cannot deal with Danny Mead today, the forward balls were sublime and on 33 minutes Garner put him through on goal, Mead on his right foot shot against the post but this time the flag went up for offside. Wolves need to mark him tightly. Everton were in control of proceedings but needed a second goal for some breathing space. McNeil came forward and Patterson, already on a booking went into the back of him but immediately held his hands up, Andrew Madley was straight over and showed him his second yellow. Wolves now buoyed by this and the fans perked up. Maffeo came on for Zubeldia and Everton went to four at the back. Garner ran forward, unchallenged and then crossed in for Mead, it was cleared. Olise took it down and then venomously smashed it against the bar, bouncing clear before anyone could get to it. Gonzalez replaced Olise with around 20 minutes to go. Makovec was the next player to come on with just under ten to go replacing Valle. Mead went off to a standing ovation being replaced by the on loan Striker Moukoko. Can Everton keep this lead? Wolves attacking and Pickford saved well from close range when it was crossed into the box for Kalajdzic. Everton got the ball forward with seconds to go, Garner 30 yards out, went back to Branthwaite, he passed to Matsima who crossed the halfway line, wide to Maffeo and he got forward, he went back to Garner as Everton just kept the ball and the referee blew for full-time! Everton with the victory! A nice away win but they had to fight for it.
PLAYER RATINGS
Leeds United vs Everton
League Cup Quarter Final
15th December 2027
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A massive game for both sides and moreso Everton who came close to lifting the League Cup in 2026 but were beaten by…..Leeds. The following season they were dumped out of the F.A Cup by Leeds and here we are again. The Whites stood in the way once again of The Toffees in a crucial cup game. Alfie Dorrington was called back into the defence alongside Branthwaite and Matsima. Samardzic came into the side and Ferguson put all his faith in 17 year old Danny Mead to the lead the line. John Hepburn was back on the bench after recovering from injury and Nathan Patterson was suspended after being sent off against Wolves. Everton had a very strong bench with the likes of Gonzalez, Cunha, Alcaraz, Garner and Moukoko. Moukoko was yet to make his mark on the Premier League during his loan spell and the 23 year old German Striker was itching to get on to the pitch. Ange Postecoglou sparked the war of the words with Duncan Feguson when he spoke out to say that Leeds will always be a thorn in the “Big Man’s” side. Ferguson laughed off the comment and said Ange will eat his words and hopefully it will be on Wednesday night. Ferguson shook hands with Ange before kick-off but no words were exchanged giving the edge to what could be a tasty encounter. Just before the 2 minute mark Everton took the throw on the right side by the Leeds corner, Maffeo got into some space and sent in a great cross towards the far post, Mead backed off Balde and headed low into the bottom corner! Danny Mead! He’s on a great run! Danny Mead, the Everton supporters young hero! Everton settled in and Leeds moved the ball around with pace, Samardzic and Gray went fotr a 50/50 and Gray came out on top, Cho took the ball and played in Toyne, Gray carried on his run and took the return ball inside the box and smashed it into the bottom right corner on 16 minutes, 1-1. Leeds worked hard throughout the first half and looked more likely to take the lead but good defensive work from Everton got them into half-time at 1-1. Ferguson made two changes with 32 minutes to go, Garner replaced El Khannouss who was carrying a knock and Gonzalez came on for Olise. Ferrguson made three remaining subs ten minutes later. Makovec replaced Valle, Cunha replaced Roony and Moukoko came on for Mead. Leeds had chances but Pickford made some great saves to keep the score level. 90 minutes on the clock and a chance for Everton, Samardzic with a forward ball to Cunha, he dribbles forward and played in Makovec on the left, with a nice touch back to Cunha, he was beyond Balde but Gilchrist got across with a great sliding tackle. The game ended and it was to be penalties to decide it.
One of these sides is minutes away fron a semi-final. Leeds were first up with Striker Cho. He took a great penalty and made it 1-0. Gonzalez was first for Everton but Meslier went the right way and tipped it away. Clark came forward for Leeds and sent Pickford the wrong way making it 2 out of 2. Samardzic took his chance and kept Everton in the shootout sending Meslier the wrong way to pull one back. Dominguez to make it 3 but Pickford went to his right and pushed it away! Cunha took a deep breath and levelled for Everto with a nice cool finish into the bottom left! Game on! Balde converted the fourth into the top left corner but Pickford came close. Moukoko showed his steel when he committed Meslier and smashed it into the right of the net! 3-3! It’s Struijk with the chance to put the pressure back on Everton, but he put it wide! Pickford pumped his fists and now it is on James Garner to send Everton through. A long walk forward and the whole of Elland Road booed. Garner against Meslier and he rolled it into the bottom left sending Everton through to the semi-final! The boo’s stopped and it was the travelling Evertonians making all the noise! Everton going through! What an ending!
DF: It’s a fantastic feeling to come here and win after everything that has been said! Leeds are a tough side to beat at home and they couldn’t find a way to finish us off, it was a chance going to penalties but how calm was James Garner? Cool as you like! There’s still big work to be done, we don’t know who we are gomna get. Liverpool and Chelsea are in the hat so we know it’s going to be tough.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Southampton
18th December 2027
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A home tie against newly promoted Southampton has to end only one way if Everton are to try to get up the table. Zubeldia and Patterson were given the nod and James Garner lined up with El Khannouss. Roony and Olise started behind in-form Striker Danny Mead. Everton were slow to get out of the blocks and Southampton were the side on top in the opening 20 minutes but they couldn’t do much with their possession. Olise got on the ball for Everton on 20 minutes and a the crowd woke up to give him some encouragement in the middle of the park. He passed forward to Mead who came deep and then he played it sensibly to Valle on the left, Branthwaite came forward to support and he took the pass then finding Garner who carelessly put the shot way over the bar. Everton took control of the rest of the half and Roony sparked into life, he got on the ball and brought it forward on many occasions trying to get Everton going, Mead headed over the bar from his cross from the right side. Olise also came close when he lined one up 25 yards out and it just swerved wide at the last second. Olise took the corner on 50 minutes and found Matsima with a bullet header that was saved well from close range by Bazunu, the ball came out into space for Roony who smashed it with his left foot into the bodies and it deflected into the net off Hagi! Everton break the deadlock! The game went on and Pickford made a great save tipping the ball over from Hagi’s free kick on 60 minutes. Everton made three changes and replaced some tiring legs. Matsima went off for Dorrington, Valle went off for Makovec and Olise went off for Cunha. Patterson took the throw on 79 minutes, El Khannouss passed forward and Cunha played it first time to Garner who tried his luck with the first time shot catching the keeper out of position and it went in! Everton 2-0! Everton made their final two changes to see the game out, Gonzalez replacing Mead and John Hepburn got a good reception when he came on for Roony and tucked in behind the midfield. One thing to mention is the composure and maturity of Jarrad Branthwaite. What a season he is having for Everton, surely a consideration for the England squad? The whistle was blown and Everton got another league win. A big test against Mourinho’s City midweek before the boxing day fixture against Crystal Palace but today was a solid performance and the confidence seemed to be coming back.
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