Everton travelled down South on New Year’s Day to take on Tottenham. Ferguson was without Bilal El Khannouss and Karim Konate due to the AFCON and a few changes were made such as Makovec in at Left Back and Carlos Alcaraz playing alongside Roony behind Danny Mead. Bentacur looked to overstretch inside the first minute and relinquished possession, he went down requiring treatment but Everton came forward, Garner came forward on the attack but the dismay of the supporters and when he lost possession, the game came to a halt. On the 20th minute the ball was played to feet to Magno inside the area and Maffeo came in behind to take the ball, Magno went down and claimed for the penalty and it was given. That was a harsh decision and contact was minimal. Can Pickford deny Maddison, he went to the top right and buried it past Pickford, 1-0. Maddison with his 8th goal of the season. It was a poor showing from Everton so far, Spurs enjoying possession and Everton without a shot at goal. Talles Magno was running the show and Spurs had some chances, Pickford made some fine saves to keep the score at 1-0 and Everton were lucky to get into half-time. Everton made the one change at half-time and Matsima went off for Hepburn, it seemed Everton went with a three man midfield. Everton had their best chance on 50 minutes when Alcaraz found Mead inside the box after getting the ball from Samardzic’s short free-kick but Mead was offside despite smashing the ball into the net. Further changes were made in the hope of grabbing something in the last 20 minutes. Moukoko replaced Mead, Olise replaced Samardzic and Cunha replaced Roony. It was almost too easy for Spurs though when Garnacho moved freely away from Cunha and curled it round Pickford into the bottom right, 2-0 and surely game over. It was a training exercise for Tottenham and they played the ball around with ease. Everton looked horrific and alarm bells should be ringing for the manager. Full time: 2-0.
This is what the cup is all about, National League side Torquay United against Premier League Everton. A big occasion for the non-league side with former Everton youth team Goalkeeper Dylan Graham in goal for Torquay. Everton went with a strong side, Jay Gorton was given the Goalkeeping jersey and Alfie Dorrington returned to defence after injury. 19 year old Austrian midfielder Ramon Horvath was handed his debut in midfield whilst a loan move to Wigan Athletic was being arranged for the rest of the season. John Hepburn also started and Youssoufa Moukoko was handed a start in attack. 15 minutes in, Moukoko held up the ball and played it right to Patterson, he got to the line and crossed into the box, Roony was impeded by Barnett and the referee awarded the spot kick to Everton. Cunha from the spot, he went into the left corner, Graham guessed right but couldn’t keep it out, 1-0! Everton had chances but Torquay defended well throughout the first half and Graham made some good saves to deny Roony and Moukoko. Everton should be coasting. Ten minutes into the second half and Patterson put in a lovely cross to the far post where Cunha arrived and headed powerfully into the bottom corner, 2-0! Torquay had a chance from the long throw, Williams took the throw on 75 minutes and found Higgins who flicked the header across goal and Willhoft-King got in front of Makovec and slotted past Gorter to pull a goal back, incredible scenes in Torquay! The board went up for five extra minutes and Torquay were going long, the ball made it’s way into the box and Dinanga got after it to keep it under control, he found Taylor-Clarke arriving on the edge of the box and he smashed his foot through it, Gorter having to tip it over for a corner. The supporters loving this potentially dramatic end. Everton tried to put this to bed and Moukoko came forward through the middle and smashed a long range effort against the underside of the bar, great effort. Torquay got the ball downfield and Striker Emeka Aliyu had the pace to get on to it, he went for the top corner and Gorter tipped it over. Last chance now from the corner. The ball came in and Gorter fumbled it, it resulted in a scramble which was eventually cleared by Horvath. Cunha ran with the ball towards the corner and the whistle was blown. Everton win but Torquay made it tough for them, what a performance from the home side who came ever so close in the dying seconds to getting the equaliser.
Can Everton get back to winning ways in the league and build some momentum before their cup semi-final in four days time? Despite transfer interest, Nico Gonzalez was selected to start alongside Michael Olise in the attacking midfield. The match got off to a start and around the 10th minute mark, Danny Mead went in for a 50/50 with Matheus Reis and couldn’t continue, he was stretchered off with the fans very concerned about the youngster. Matheus Cunha came on for him. Everton won a free-kick five minutes later, he passed short to Samardzic on the edge of the box and he moved it on to Olise to his left who got into the area and smashed it goalwards into the right corner! Great strike and Everton lead! The keeper had no chance! Everton found their stride and Olise put in a great ball for Cunha to head but Rushworth made a good stop on his line. Everton lost possession when Valle’s ball forward was intercepted by Aiwu and Reis picked it up in the middle and found Edozie moving forward, he took it in an onside position and went for goal, getting a deflection off Dorrington and beating Pickford on 40 minutes. Just before half-time, Patterson put in a great cross from the right and Cunha’s header was just over the bar, good effort. Zubeldia came on for Matsima for the second half. Everton were finding success with crosses and once again a great ball was put in by Valle and Cunha’s header was tipped wide by Rushworth, what a save. Ferguson made two changes with 25 minutes to go, Roony replacing Gonzalez and Maffeo replacing Patterson, can Everton step this up a gear? It was Fulham on the ball and Martin played it forward to Guedes who flicked it on for Peters who went past Dorrington and slotted into the bottom right corner to give Fulham the lead late on! Everton had their chances but didn’t put them away, nobody really got hold of this game and it’s a loss for Everton in a game they should have won.
DF: Danny Mead has suffered a broken leg and he’s going to straight in for an assessment. He’ll be out for a while but we can’t say how long just yet but it could the end of the season for him. The performance was poor once again and we have a massive semi-final in a few days, we have to get our heads together and go into this firing on all cylinders. Today’s result really was poor and we underperformed. It’s not where we want to be right now and our heads can’t drop. We’ve got a massive cup semi-final coming up and I want us to go out there, put these results behind us and send these fans back to Wembley once again, this time to win the cup.
Everton vs Chelsea
League Cup Semi-Final First Leg
12th January 2028
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A massive game for both sides but Everton see this as their way into Europe and to win a trophy they have never won before. Ferguson opted for a different approach and Matheus Cunha started as the Striker with Roony and Olise playing on the wings. There was a youth player named on the bench, 17 year old Left Winger Harvey Dean. Dean, from Blackpool has been with Everton since he was 8 years old and has been impressing this season for the u21’s. Chelsea named a strong side and Raheem Sterling always comes to haunt Everton and they know they will need to silence him. There was a ferocious atmosphere inside Bramley Moore tonight, what you would expect for a semi final, can the players turn up? It was a tense 25 minutes but Chelsea struck first when Andrey Santos came to receive the pass on the edge of the box and produced a moment of magic when he curled it into the bottom right corner, Pickford rooted. Chelsea with the lead. Chelsea played out from the back on 45+3 minutes, James played it forward and Garner intercepted, he passed to Samardzic and he thread it through to Roony to smash into the bottom right corner! Everton back in it! Chelsea appealed for offside and VAR took a look, the decision…...no goal! Roony was slightly offside. Everton have to work for this in the second half. Ferguson made three changes with 25 minutes to go, Gonzalez came on for Samardzic, Maffeo replaced Patterson and Dorrington replaced a tiring Branthwaite. 18 minutes to go, Everton played it down the left, Valle forward to Roony who got inside the box, he put it across for Cunha and Tomori conceded the corner. Garner with a great cross to the far post, Gonzalez got up for the header! 1-1! What a header! Everton equalise! Everton were up for it, Gonzalez won the ball in midfield and caught Chelsea on the counter attack, he played it forward for Olise who got one on one with Slonina and slotted to make it 2-1! Everton come from behind! Michael Olise! Can Everton hold it? 8 minutes to go when Garner was replaced by John Hepburn. Everton worked tirelessly, especially when the board went up for 8 minutes but they went to five at the back and worked as a unit to keep the score at 2-1. The final whistle was blown! Everton with a 2-1 lead in the first leg! Nobody expected it but there is still work to do at Stamford Bridge!
DF: We’re only half way there and Chelsea will come at us at their place. We have to be ready once again but really pleased to turn this around tonight, Gonzalez made the difference and he really excelled in the centre today. Something I may consider doing more of.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Newcastle United
15th January 2028
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After a gruelling performance mid-week, Ferguson rotated a little bit and brought in Tomislav Makovec at Left Back and Pablo Maffeo at Right Back. Dorrington took Branthwaite’s place at the back and Carlos Alcaraz started in the middle. Everton defied the odds early on when Maffeo played a low ball into the box and Alcaraz took it in his stride and blasted from close range to give Everton the lead on 7 minutes! Pickford pulled off a fantastic save on 20 minutes when Barco went for the top corner and he got over to tip it away, fantastic stop. Barco took the corner and found Lewis Miley at the far post to get down to flick the header in, just beating Pickford, 1-1. Everton hit straight back when Maffeo got his second assist crossing to the far post to find Gonzalez to head in to restore the lead! Gonzalez really putting himself in the shop window! Newcastle put the pressure on Everton and got themselves another corner, Barco’s delivery was on point and he found Lewis Miley once again who headed in his second goal, he’s losing his marker quite easily in the box. It was just five minutes later when Newcastle took the lead, Tonali came to take the ball from Karlsson and played him back in when he made his run into tbe box, he then put it across the box first time for Isak who slotted first time to make it 3-2. It was certainly one hell of a first half because just a minute later Everton pulled it back! Gonzalez with the through ball to Cunha and he caught the keeper just out of position and curled it into the gaping net! 3-3! But no! The goal was ruled out! Cunha went too early! What a game we have on our hands, 5 goals at the halfway mark. Roony came off for Moukoko as he appeared to have picked up a knock. Just after the restart Isak made it 4-2 when he latched on to Zemura’s pass and got away from Zubeldia to shoot across Pickford. Ferguson made a further two changes with 30 minutes to go, Branthwaite was on for Matsima and Samardzic came on for Garner. Branthwaite brought the ball out and got it wide to Cunha, he came forward and played it down the right for Maffeo who smashed it in low into the box but it was kicked away, Samardzic headed it down for Maffeo and he put it back in, Moukoko battled with Botman to get to it and knock it in to make it 4-3! Everton with the chance to come back! Maffeo was dangerous down the right, his best game in an Everton shirt. Everton made their final two changes, Valle came on for Makovec and Hepburn came on for Cunha, Alcaraz moved on to the right side. The board went up for 7 minutes, Everton had a free-kick on the 90th minute and Samardzic got everyone forward, he went for Moukoko on the edge of the box and his shot was wide. The ball had to go forward but Everton were forced back, Branthwaite to Samardzic and he found Maffeo on the right, but he couldn’t control it and it went out for a throw. That must be it. The game ended and Newcastle took all three points in a seven goal thriller. Everton played well going forward and Pablo Maffeo was brilliant, his crossing was excellent today but it’s a defeat and that’s what counts in this league.
DF: I hope the supporters can see what we are trying to do and get the best out of this group of players. Our league position needs to be rectified and we need to put a run of wins together. There’s no excuse for conceding like we did tonight.
PLAYER RATINGS
Leicester City vs Everton
19th January 2028
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You could call this a six-pointer with Leicester potentially going three points clear of Everton. An Everton would see them put seven points between themselves and Crytal Palace who are in 18th. Alex Valle picked up a minor injury so Tomislav Makovec started on the left. Pablo Maffeo kept his place on the right after a scintillating display against Newcastle a few days earlier. Leicester played out from the back on 26 minutes but Garner got in to intercept the pass in the middle from Oscar Gil, he passed to Cunha who made the run ahead of him and Gonzalez was screaming for it on his left, Gonzalez took it forward and hit a poor shot that rolled straight into the keepers arms, he has to do better from there. Maffeo took the throw in the Leicester half on 36 minutes, Roony turned beautifully to get into the area and went for goal from a tight angle but Muric tipped it over the bar. Everton kept the pressure on despite Leicester clearing the danger momentarily, Makovec poked it into the box but it was cleared behind once again. Everton were playing really nice football but not making it count, Garner with a nice long ball forward and Gonzalez took it down and advanced into the area, he went back to Makovec and his cross was headed away, the crosses are not beating Leicester today. Maffeo kept it alive, it went back in and Gonzalez’s header was saved well by Muric. Garner took the corner, Matsima headed towards the top corner and Muric again with a fine save. Everton dominant throughout the first half but meaningless if you don’t score. Time was running out so Ferguson made the changes with 25 minutes to go, Gonzalez tiring went off for Olise and Roony went on the left. Cunha wasn’t getting into the action this half so Moukoko was given a go. Maffeo came down the right, passed it to Olise who whipped it in, Moukoko rose up and headed but Muric once again pushed it away. Two changes with 5 minutes to go and it was surprising to see Valle coming on for Makovec. Alcaraz replaced Samardzic in the middle. Valle got it forward to Roony who kept it in at the byline, back to Valle to cross into the box, headed away by Thomas, Maffeo got it back in but cleared away by Faes, and that is the end of it. Leicester with a defiant defensive display and Everton unable to find the back of the net.
DF: We took the game to them but they were great at the back, done everything to keep us out and we are so frustrated. The positive, we took the game to them on their own turf, we didn’t get the win but we have to keep playing this way and it will come.
Everton vs Stockport County
F.A Cup Fourth Round
22th January 2028
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Ferguson went with an attacking formation playing two defenders but with support from the Wing Backs. There was a number of changes and a debut was handed to u21’s player Harvey Dean at 17 years old on the left wing. John Hepburn and Carlos Alcaraz made up the midfield and Tomislav Makovec started at Left Wing Back. Bilal El Khannouss was back from the AFCON after Morocco were beaten by Ghana in the Quarter Final and was named on the bench. Stockport have been on a gradual rise winning League Two in 2024 and finishing 5th in League One the following season, losing out in the play-offs. Lewis Dunk doing a fine job, currently has them in 5th in League One. They have a close relationship with Everton as Adam McConville and Stan Mills are currently on loan there but ineligible today. It was a typical wintry wet day on the dock but youngster Dean wasn’t affected as he sprinted with the ball down the left, put it a good cross which found Olise and his shot was pushed behind by the keeper. Everton pressed high as they looked to put this one to bed as early as they could, Patterson put the cross in and it was Alcaraz who knocked it on to Olise to bury in the bottom left corner with a close range finish on 10 minutes! Stockport had the ball around the Everton box on 27 minutes and as it was played in to Tommy Leigh, Patterson was late and conceded the penalty. Olaofe with the penalty facing the South Stand and he clipped the post! Alfie Dorrington with the clearance. John Hepburn received the ball from the throw-in turned and put a cross straight into the box perfectly for Olise to head downwards into the net! 2-0! Everton with a good first half lead. Zubeldia with a fine ball to the left for Makovec to dart forward, he used his strength to go past Kilic into the box but he was brought down to his knees, Atwell gave the penalty! The Stockport players crowded the referee stating it was a foul outside the box so VAR checked it and it was indeed a free-kick on the edge. Olise took it and played it to Dean on the edge of the box who smashed it goalwards but it looked like it hit Nyarko on the arm, the referee waved the calls away. A double change by Everton on 56 minutes saw Matsima come on for Dorrington and Samardzic replace Cunha. Zubeldia read the danger well and snuffed out the long ball, he played it to Samardzic and his long ball forward found Moukoko and he hit the post one on one with the keeper, the flag was up anyway and supporters were concerned about Moukoko’s performances and whether he was good enough for this league. Only on loan so no obligation to buy. Patterson passed forward to Olise and he showed his tricks and skills moving the ball forward up the pitch, he’s had a good game and two goals to cap it off. The referee called the match to an end and it’s Everton who move on to the Fifth Round!
DF: Pleasing to see some players come in and have a go like Harvey Dean and John Hepburn, they’re the future of the club and giving them experience where we can will benefit them. Pleasing result and some solid performances.
PLAYER RATINGS
JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW UPDATE
Ferguson secured Romeo Lavia just days before the window was due to close to bring in extra legs in the midfield. Lavia has been out of favour at Chelsea this season and a loan move to Everton would be beneficial to help kickstart the Belgian’s season. There is an optional future fee is Everton want to sign Lavia permanently but we believe the manager is only looking for a short term solution.
Everton vs Manchester United
29th January 2028
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It’s a huge league game at Bramley Moore against league leaders Man Utd, who are looking like a side capable of winning their first league title since 2013. Everton were delighted to bring Romeo Lavia to the club on loan and he was named on the bench this afternoon. Matheus Cunha led the Everton line with support from Gonzalez and Roony. Everton had some bad news this week when Igor Zubeldia was ruled out with an injury for three months so possibilities in the final days of the window were being explored. Everton will have one eye on the upcoming semi-final second leg in four days. Man Utd were the in-form team in the league and were at their very best. However it was Everton with the first real chance on 5 minutes when Gonzalez hit it over his head back to Samardzic, he took it down and went for the top right corner, clipping the top of the bar. Everton had another chance 5 minutes later, Gonzalez finding Roony who went for goal from the edge of the box hitting the side netting. Man Utd came close early on too when Schjelderup went alone and tried for the top corner but Pickford got a hand to it knocking it on to the crossbar. Everton were defending well and Pickford was having a good game, at the other end Everton had a free-kick 20 yards out, Samardzic eyed it up and kept it low, drilling through the wall, hitting the inside of the post and going in! Onana with no chance! Everton 1-0! Everton delighted the supporters with their passing and movement, Valle down the line to Gonzalez who gave it back to Valle and he found Cunha in the box and his header was pushed away by Onana, great chance. Ten minutes later, Fernandes played it to his left and Schjelderup had space to fire in the shot from the left side into the bottom right corner getting United back into the game. Oh, VAR took a look and it appeared Schjelderup was a fraction offside, will it be given? Goal ruled out! Everton still lead! United had their determination and the reason why they were top of the league, three minutes later the ball came back in the box from Fernandes’ free-kick, Branthwaite failed to deal with it and Schjelderup finally got his goal smashing it in from close range on 33 minutes. Two minutes before half-time and Fernandes dispossessed Samardzic who was too lightweight and Antony took it down the right, he played a short ball into the box which caused pandemonium for the defence and Ederson tapped it to give Man Utd the lead. Man Utd found their groove and Hojlund came on for Tel, scoring after being on the pitch for a couple of minutes when he beat the offside and Schjelderup played a nice ball through the lines to him. But did he beat the offside trap? VAR had a look and it was ruled out! Everton still have a chance in this one. Two changes were made on 55 minutes, Samardzic went off and El Khannouss came on. Garner’s number went up and he was replaced by number 19 Romeo Lavia for his debut! Marcus Rashford also came on and he made it 3-1 with ease when he slotted from Fernandes’ forward ball, too easy for Man Utd. Branthwaite came close to scoring from the Everton free-kick when El Khannouss played it into the box and he forced a save from Onana. That will be his last action of the game as he was replaced by Makovec and Olise came on for Roony. Valle got down the left with minutes to go and crossed into the box, Olise won the header and hit the bar, Onana nowhere near it but then it was cleared away. Everton put in a battling performance the class of Man Utd was too much and they strolled to victory in the second half.
PLAYER RATINGS
TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY UPDATE
Everton have secured the loan signing of 34 year old defender Eric Dier from Fioentina. Everton were quick to move for the defender with Igor Zubeldia ruled out for three months and requiring cover and experience at the back. Dier was initially a target for Everton in the summer but they brought Alife Dorrington instead. Since joining Fiorentina from Brighton, Dier has only made seven league appearances and it seems a move elsewhere is pleasing for all parties.
It is likely Eric Dier will make his Everton debut against Chelsea in the League Cup Semi Final Second Leg due to Jarrad Branthwaite being suspended.
Chelsea vs Everton
League Cup Semi-Final Second Leg
2nd February 2028
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6000 travelling Evertonians inside Stamford Bridge making themselves heard in the build-up to kick off. Everton with a slender 2-1 lead over Chelsea and will need to be at their best to stop a Chelsea side looking to go on the offensive. Everton were buoyed by the return of Karim Konate following Ivory Coast’s semi-final defeat to Ghana. Konate got injured in August and had only made three league appearances so far this season so it was a welcomed return to action for the 23 year old. Everton were without Branthwaite and Zubelida so it was straight in for Eric Dier after joining the club a couple of days ago. It was a frosty evening in West London but Ferguson stated before kick-off that these are the conditions that separate the men from the boys and questioned whether Chelsea’s superstars fancied it. Everton were riding their luck and Embolo came close when he almost curled it in from outside the box but Pickford saw it and tipped it away. Chilwell sent the corner in and Disasi won the header easy at the far post to put Chelsea ahead on the night. Ferguson made a change with 30 minutes to go, Matsima, on a booking was taken off and replaced by El Khannouss. Everton went to a back four and three in midfield. Chelsea were still comfortable so Ferguson had had enough of Gonzalez and Samardzic so they both went off for Cunha and Alcaraz. Alcaraz got on the ball and drove forward, just what was needed, he found Olise and he knocked it past Chilwell beating him for pace before getting the shot off which was turned behind, the Everton fans encouraged. Garner whipped the corner in but it was headed away by Tomori, Dorrington got on the ball in the box and Raphina clipped his ankle, penalty to Everton! Chelsea were furious! The decision stood and Everton had a chance with 6 minutes to go. A nervous moment for Cunha as he stepped up, he could do with this, he sent Stonina the wrong way, into the bottom right and Everton were bouncing! He went straight into the fans! Minutes remained and Cunha lost possession allowing Chelsea to come forward, Washington put the ball in and Raphina’s header went wide. The ball went upfield and Everton just had to keep hold of it, Patterson won a free-kick and as soon as he hit it the final whistle was blown! Everton are going to Wembley! Chrislain Matsima’s booking means he’ll miss the final, he must be gutted but Everton will give it their all!
DF: It’s a magnificent feeling to overcome Chelsea tonight and on we go! We don’t know whether we’re playing Liverpool or Brighton yet so whoever it will be, we have to be ready. Losing to Leeds in 2025 has been haunting us and now we have a fantastic chance to put that right.
Sky Sports: This is fantastic for Everton and the fans, to overcome Chelsea and now to be 90 minutes away from the club's first trophy in 33 years. Surely this is the lift everyone at the club needs.
DF: Yes it is, getting to Wembley gives us that confidence now to kick on in the league as well. These supporters deserve something to celebrate and it's up to us to make sure we turn up on the day and give them the performance they deserve. I'm gutted for the players who can't get out there, Danny Mead, Igor Zubeldia and Chrislain Matsima, they've been important players for us this season and we need the lads to bring the trophy home for this football club, it's time we put some ghosts to bed.
6000 travelling Evertonians inside Stamford Bridge making themselves heard in the build-up to kick off. Everton with a slender 2-1 lead over Chelsea and will need to be at their best to stop a Chelsea side looking to go on the offensive. Everton were buoyed by the return of Karim Konate following Ivory Coast’s semi-final defeat to Ghana. Konate got injured in August and had only made three league appearances so far this season so it was a welcomed return to action for the 23 year old. Everton were without Branthwaite and Zubelida so it was straight in for Eric Dier after joining the club a couple of days ago. It was a frosty evening in West London but Ferguson stated before kick-off that these are the conditions that separate the men from the boys and questioned whether Chelsea’s superstars fancied it. Everton were riding their luck and Embolo came close when he almost curled it in from outside the box but Pickford saw it and tipped it away. Chilwell sent the corner in and Disasi won the header easy at the far post to put Chelsea ahead on the night. Ferguson made a change with 30 minutes to go, Matsima, on a booking was taken off and replaced by El Khannouss. Everton went to a back four and three in midfield. Chelsea were still comfortable so Ferguson had had enough of Gonzalez and Samardzic so they both went off for Cunha and Alcaraz. Alcaraz got on the ball and drove forward, just what was needed, he found Olise and he knocked it past Chilwell beating him for pace before getting the shot off which was turned behind, the Everton fans encouraged. Garner whipped the corner in but it was headed away by Tomori, Dorrington got on the ball in the box and Raphina clipped his ankle, penalty to Everton! Chelsea were furious! The decision stood and Everton had a chance with 6 minutes to go. A nervous moment for Cunha as he stepped up, he could do with this, he sent Stonina the wrong way, into the bottom right and Everton were bouncing! He went straight into the fans! Minutes remained and Cunha lost possession allowing Chelsea to come forward, Washington put the ball in and Raphina’s header went wide. The ball went upfield and Everton just had to keep hold of it, Patterson won a free-kick and as soon as he hit it the final whistle was blown! Everton are going to Wembley! Chrislain Matsima’s booking means he’ll miss the final, he must be gutted but Everton will give it their all!
DF: It’s a magnificent feeling to overcome Chelsea tonight and on we go! We don’t know whether we’re playing Liverpool or Brighton yet so whoever it will be, we have to be ready. Losing to Leeds in 2025 has been haunting us and now we have a fantastic chance to put that right.
Sky Sports: This is fantastic for Everton and the fans, to overcome Chelsea and now to be 90 minutes away from the club's first trophy in 33 years. Surely this is the lift everyone at the club needs.
DF: Yes it is, getting to Wembley gives us that confidence now to kick on in the league as well. These supporters deserve something to celebrate and it's up to us to make sure we turn up on the day and give them the performance they deserve. I'm gutted for the players who can't get out there, Danny Mead, Igor Zubeldia and Chrislain Matsima, they've been important players for us this season and we need the lads to bring the trophy home for this football club, it's time we put some ghosts to bed.
You can’t take anything away from Everton in their pursuit of a trophy, getting to a second final in three years but their league form leaves a lot to be desired. Just three points above the relegation zone and a run of league form required to get themselves into safety is now the priority. Supporters are delighted to be in another final but they are deeply concerned about their league standing as I’m sure the manager is well aware. It was looking more positive for Everton now with Karim Konate back in the fold and Bilal El Khannouss. New January additions Romeo Lavia and Eric Dier will also bolster the squad for the second half of the season. Brentford were enjoying a run in the Europa League with a knockout game against Slovan Bratislava coming up but the man behind their success, Eddie Howe was back with Newcastle after a number of years and had them flying in the league. Neil Critchley was trying to emulate the heights of Howe and was only 52 days into his managerial reign with the club. Everton did not wait around and on 6 minutes Garner had a chance to whip the free-kick into the box from the right flank, he did just that and Nico Gonzalez powered in the header at the far post! Just what they need! Maffeo had a chance to make it 2-0 ten minutes later but his shot from the right side went over the bar. It was bad news when Karim Konate went down with an injury and had to go off, his first game back for Everton and he has picked up another injury. Moukoko replaced him on 28 minutes. Everton played a short corner on 34 minutes, Valle played it to Samardzic, he got it into the box short to Gonzalez and he found the gap for Roony to get into and slot to make it 2-0! Everton looking good inside the first half breaking up play really well and getting into the Brentford half. Everton made two changes at half-time and it was Garner and Samardzic going off for Lavia and El Khannouss, I think this is more of a fitness issue as they were brilliant in the first half. There was a lifeline for Brentford when Schade pulled one back from the corner, he had too much space in the box to turn and shoot burying it past Pickford into the bottom right corner. 8 minutes later Pickford’s short lobbed pass towards Maffeo was cut out by Hickey who won the header, Neto picked it up betweem Matsima and Dorrington and used his pace to get through and beat Pickford from close range, 2-2 and Brentford back in it. Eric Dier came on for Dorrington and Cunha was on for Gonzalez. Brentford moved the ball around nicely and had runners getting to the ball, Yarmoliuk was allowed too much space to dribble through the middle and the goal opened up for him to drive it home and make it 3-2, what a comeback and Everton just allowed it to happen. No marking, no pressing, too easy. Brentford grew into the game and at 2-0 down they showed sheer fight to get back into it, Everton were easily beaten with a lacklustre second half performance. It’s nine league matches without a win for Ferguson and if it wasn’t for the League Cup he may already be out of a job.
DF: There was some disappointing performances today, we haven’t got a Striker who can get into the game and what happened to Konate was unfortunate. We’ve spent big money on this squad and they are a very talented group of individuals, who are certainly underperforming.
PLAYER RATINGS
Everton vs Burnley
12th February 2028
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Following the defeat at the hands of Brentford, it was a chance for Ferguson to make some changes. Makovec came in at Left Back, at just 19 years old and still adjusting to the league, he was given his 5th start of the season. Pablo Maffeo was given the Right Back spot and Michael Olise started ahead of him. Karim Konate will be out for a couple of weeks with a calf injury so Matheus Cunha started up top. Everton need the 3 points, their league position is perilous. Everton got forward quickly and Makovec played in Gonzalez whose shot was turned behind, the resultant corner saw Garner get it in for Gonzalez but he headed over the bar. Burnley got the ball forward quickly and Brownhill found himself one on one with Makovec but the youngster put in a good tackle to halt his run. Garner came through the middle with space, played it wide for Maffeo who put it into the box first time and Cunha knocked it in from close range, was he onside? It looked as though it was Maffeo who moved too early so decision was no goal. Good build up play by Everton. The Toffees were determined to get that early goal, Garner with excellent delivery from the left and Alfie Dorrington smashed in the header against the underside of the bar! 1-0 on 17 minutes! His first Everton goal! Makovec came down the left on 26 minutes and crossed into the box, it deflected off Seidu and the appeal went up for handball but Cunha was ready to pounce and he put it away at the near post, 2-0! Everton looking good! Three minutes later Samardzic took the free-kick from 20 yards out and found the top right corner with perfection! Everton made it three! What a performance! Burnley got a goal back when Makovec was out of position and Brownhill played it forward for Aboukhlal to slot into the bottom right corner, too much space down the right for him. Despite conceding, it has been a perfect half for Everton, the second needs to match the first. Samardzic was having an outstanding game, his delivery, his passing and his shooting all on point. With 20 minutes to go, Dier came on for Matsima who was on a booking. James Garner also went off for Romeo Lavia. Everton made sure of the victory 10 minutes later when Maffeo lofted the ball into the box and Cunha headed in his second of the game! What an afternoon he is having as the Striker! Everton just looked to see it out in stoppage time but today they have been on a different level to Burnley, so dominant in possession and played with real intent. Great performance!
DF: I thought that was really good and a great way to bounce back after so many games without a win. It lifted us to get on the scoresheet early and felt like we all worked hard for each other. Solid from back to front and Lazar Samardzic was outstanding in the midfield, what a free-kick too by the way!
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LEAGUE CUP FINAL DRAWS CLOSE!
In just a few days, both Merseyside clubs and their supporters will be travelling down to Wembley. The last time the two sides met there was the 2012 FA Cup Semi-Final which was won by an Andy Carroll goal. This time the scene is different and it's all Merseyside League Cup Final, the last time being in 1984. It hasn't been the best season for the Merseyside clubs with both Everton and Liverpool underperforming by their standards. Getting to Wembley and lifting a trophy would be an achievement for both clubs, Everton's last trophy win coming in 1995 and Liverpool winning the FA Cup in 2026. Dusan Vlahovic, Liverpool's leading goalscorer this season picked up an injury this week ruling him out of Sunday's final. Everton got a much needed lift following the dismantling of Burnley but will be without Chrislain Matsima who is suspended and Romeo Lavia who will be cup-tied. There is a possibility Karim Konate could make the bench but it will likely be Matheus Cunha to lead the Everton attack. Can Everton finally end their trophy drought?
Everton vs Liverpool
League Cup Final
20th February 2028
This is it. The cup final day at Wembley has arrived, supporters from both sides of Liverpool made their journeys down South for what could be an epic tie between Duncan Ferguson and Simone Inzaghi. Everton were missing Chrislain Matsima through suspension so Dier came into defence. Karim Konate was named on the bench so he could be an option in the later stages. Liverpool went strong with Nunez and Diaz in attack, supported by Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. Young Danny Mead was pictured in the stands watching on alongside Igor Zubeldia who were both out injured. The stadium was split into blue and red and the atmosphere was electric as both sides made their way onto the pitch. James Garner and Dominik Szoboszlai shook hands in the centre circle and the match was moments from kick-off. Can Everton finally do it? Everton enjoyed some early possession and the noise went up when Makovec won the first header of the afternoon but Liverpool got the ball back with Gaya at left back and he found Szoboszlai in the middle, he played it direct to Nunez who held off the challenge from Dier and slotted on 5 minutes. Not the start Everton were thinking. Everton were not affected by the goal and were fighting hard, Olise tackling Andre and coming forward, there was nobody in support which forced him to hold up the ball, Maffeo came charging down the right to take it, with a cut back to Samardzic and on to Gonzalez whose shot deflected behind for Everton's first corner. Garner's cross was good but it was headed away by Morato. Garner got on the ball on 23 minutes and lofted it over the defence beautifully or Cunha to take down, but he was tackled by Morato, it fell to Samardzic, the whole ground fell silent and he found the bottom corner! 1-1! Everton back in it! A calm finish! Everton workimg hard still and Liverpool clearly not at their best, Maffeo down the right, inside to Samardzic who went for goal optimistically, it hit the post, Alisson rooted to the spot, off the inside of the post and in! Everton go 2-1 up! What a finish! Samardzic with his second! Everton went into the break in the lead, what a game so far but we know what Liverpool are capable of. Inzaghi made a half-time change bringing on Elliott for Mac Allister. As expected, Liverpool did get back in it on 58 minutes, Nunez heading into the top corner from Szoboszlai's cross, game on with 30 to go. Olise looked to have taken a knock so he was replaced by Roony. Garner with the ball near the touchline, he plays it to Gonzalez who comes out of the box with it but there's a challenge by Morato, was it inside? It's a penalty! VAR will take their time on this one, was it inside the box? Replays show the first contact was made inside the box! Penalty decision! Samardzic placed it down for his hattrick and to put Everton back in front, what a moment, he went right and Alisson pushed it away! Still 2-2! Everton made their second change with 15 minutes to go, Gonzalez went off for El Khannouss. It's hard to make changes when so many players are up for it. Garner played it to Maffeo outside the box, he had space, he knocked it on to his left and went for goal trying for the bottom corner and Alisson pushed it away. Ferguson made more changes with 5 minutes to go. Valle came on for Makovec who had a good game, Samardzic went off for Konate and El Khannouss dropped into central midfield. Samardzic has been incredible today. Cunha ran on to the ball down the left side, it went to Garner who moved it quickly for Patterson, he crossed and it went behind for the corner. 90 minutes came to an end and it was to go into extra-time. Players running on empty but there has to be a winner, Alisson sent it long and Szoboszlai flicked it on, Diaz in space and only Pickford to beat, it has to be but no Pickford stands up and saves it, excellent work. Tiredness was a factor and Everton had one last change, it was Garner to come off and young John Hepburn to step up to the occasion. Last 10 minutes, Everton have been brilliant. Andy Robertson on the left of the box, tries to go past Patterson who mis-times the challenge, was it inside the box? A very tight call.Liverpool players surrounding Salisbury and VAR checking it, Robertson stayed down. The decision came back and it's a free-kick right on the edge. Inzaghi was furious. Everton had some defending to do and they worked hard as a team to do so, the ball went upfield but tired legs couldn't keep up. Is there one last chance? Hepburn sent it into the box with seconds to go, Valle got it down, and crossed for Konate but Kiko Mario headed behind. The referee had seen enough and called time, it will be decided on penalties! What a match here inside Wembley, Everton deserve this. They have been the much better team.
A cup final to be decided on penalties. Eric Dier was up first, with ease he finds the bottom left corner!
Szoboszlai for Liverpool. he does his job, rolled into the bottom right, 1-1.
Cunha walked up with confidence and did not let the Liverpool fans behind the goal affect him, nice and easy into the bottom right!
Alexander-Arnold, one of their own, nestles it into the back of the net and has a moment with the supporters.
Roony was next for Everton, he looked up for it, could be a bad thing? No, top left corner, Alisson no chance!
Cdoy Gakpo against Pickford and scored the perfect penalty, low and hard bottom right.
Alex Valle to take Everton's fourth, he sent Alisson the wrong way into the top right corner!
Ibrahima Konate for Liverpool, he sent Pickford the wrong way, he hit the post and it went in, 4-4.
El Khannouss with Everton's fifth, he sent Alisson the wrong way and makes it 5-4!
All the pressure is on Jurrien Timber. Can Jordan Pickford be the hero? He smashes it into the top left, into sudden death!
Alfie Dorrington for Everton, he takes a deep breath runs up and finds the top right corner!
Luis Diaz, all the pressure is on. He goes down the middle and Pickford saves! Everton have done it!
The players ran straight down to the other end of the field to be met with rapturous cheers from their supporters! What an incredible moment! 33 years in the making! Everton have finally done it and against their biggest rivals also! Can they actually believe it has happened after all this time? The one domestic trophy they have never won is finally theirs!
Duncan Ferguson, the man behind it all! Stood there with a tear in his eye, proud of his young side, all now winners with medals! The supporters, some are delighted, some are shocked, some just cannot believe what they have witnessed, for many the first in their lifetime!
It does not get any better than this! Everton.....League Cup Winners 2028!
More match reaction to follow.......
"Duncan, what a victory, over your closest rivals, and you are the League Cup winners!"
DF: It's an incredible achievement, I can't believe it! It's been a long time for the supporters, myself included but what a day!
"Many pundits believed it would be Liverpool's day, their season hasn't gone to plan, you looked up for it from the off"
DF: Before kick-off I reminded the players that they will be the first ones in 33 years to win a trophy with this club and they have one chance to make themselves all remembered. Not just at Everton but in football. It's many players first major trophy in their careers and I said go out there and get it. The performance was exactly what I wanted and I said get at them, make them work for it, I didn't think they wanted it as much as we did and we really gave them a game.
"To go 1-0 down early on, from that point it could have been all over but you came back and went 2-1 up"
DF: They scored a very good goal from open play and had a lot of space to do so but our gameplan didn't change, we knew what we had to do to get our goals today and it was to get in, win the ball and get it down the flanks, get players running on and off the ball and that's exactly what we did. Samardzic got the equaliser and then done the same again before half-time. It was brilliant, he was brilliant. They all were!
Duncan, it will be some night tonight won't it?"
DF: Look around you, it's for them, they have been with us through every up and every down, more downs than any club deserves to go through, but they all stood by the club, through some poor times and to be able to give them this today is the best feeling in the world.
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