Full-time: Everton 2-0 Liverpoolpublished at 22:02 24 April
22:02 24 April
Everton took a giant step towards Premier League safety and delivered a huge blow to Liverpool's title aspirations with a thoroughly deserved victory at a raucous Goodison Park.
Jurgen Klopp's side were aiming to go level on points with leaders Arsenal, but another off-key performance now sees them chasing Mikel Arteta's side with four games to go.
Jarrad Branthwaite netted in the first half, squeezing an effort in at the near post and the Toffees doubled their lead in the second period courtesy of Dominic Calvert-Lewin's towering header.
The Reds looked to get back into the game but could not find a way past an inspired Jordan Pickford, who made crucial saves to deny Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, with the Colombian also rattling the post.
Everton would already be assured of safety had they not been deducted eight points, but Sean Dyche's side lie eight points above the drop zone.
Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?
"The whole process was difficult, it was so hard at the time and that whole process led to me being so mentally tough right now. Liverpool's biggest unity was everyone being together, Scousers taking care of Scousers," he said.
"So, if someone was to leave that environment, not everyone is going to like it and rightly so, but ultimately, I am too ambitious to turn down the opportunity which was presented to me.
“Newcastle United were only going one way and looking from the outside they were flying, I think they were fourth when I was signing, so it’s a no brainer.
“My ambition is to be at the very top of football and I couldn’t do that where I was.”
Soon after Gordon left Everton, the Toffees released a statement about Gordon requesting a transfer., external Asked by Neville, whether it could have ended differently to how it did Gordon said: "It didn’t, that’s the thing.
“A lot of what you see in the media [from Everton] is club-driven and I didn’t care too much to change the perspective, because I’m very comfortable in myself and how it ended up, and ultimately, I got what I wanted. I joined Newcastle.
“I did want to leave, but also, the club did have to sell me.
“The way it played out was that I was desperate to leave and that was never really the case.
“I just wanted to fulfil my ambitions.
“But I was never bothered about wanting to change people’s minds, if they believe what they read, it’s fine by me.”
Sutton's predictions: Everton v Liverpoolpublished at 11:25 24 April
11:25 24 April
Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.
For this week's matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he takes on actor Zack Morris, star of new thriller film Jericho Ridge.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp made a lot of changes for Sunday's win at Fulham, including leaving Mohamed Salah out, but they still won pretty comfortably.
I can see this game going the same way. Everton will give everything of course, but the two goals they scored against Nottingham Forest were both from outside the box and they are not a team that creates too much.
Liverpool have got more quality and they should have plenty of opportunities. If they take them, they will win.
This is the second in a run of three away games in a row for Klopp's side, with a trip to West Ham to come at the weekend. It looked like a tricky run at a crucial stage of the season but at the moment they look capable of getting through it.
Morris' prediction: 0-3
Well, my dad and my brother are both Liverpool fans so we've got a bit of rivalry there. I do think Liverpool are going to walk away with this one though.
'Leave our best player alone' - Nevinpublished at 09:10 24 April
09:10 24 April
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
With Luton losing on the weekend, Everton and Nottingham Forest could decide between themselves who would take advantage.
The points-deducted derby proved to be the slug fest everyone expected but Everton always seemed to have that little more on the day. They had more fight after that 6-0 capitulation at Stamford Bridge on Monday - had a better game plan that was horrible to play against and also had the match officials’ sympathy. Forest could easily have had three penalties.
Amidst the madness one player seemed to grow in stature and composure, Jarrad Branthwaite. This was no easy task at the centre of a back line that looked shell shocked last Monday, but he was coolness personified.
I have likened Cole Palmer to a younger Kevin de Bruyne. I will resist comparing Branthwaite to Virgil van Dijk just yet but, at 21 there are very few around that look to have his abilities as an all-round defender. This is exceptionally unusual at this age for this position.
Top clubs are either keenly watching his meteoric progress or preparing a huge bid. Any decent offer will be almost impossible to turn down by my old cash-strapped club, however much the Evertonians want to say “mind your own business and leave our best player alone”.
'I'm well aware of the record'published at 20:02 23 April
20:02 23 April
Before the Merseyside derby on Wednesday, Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media about the importance of the fixture and facing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager for the last time.
Media caption,
Dyche on VAR, striker fitness and Mykolenko's improvementpublished at 15:10 23 April
15:10 23 April
Josh Lobley BBC Sport journalist
Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park on Wednesday (20:00 BST kick-off).
Here are the main lines from his news conference:
When asked about VAR after Sunday's win over Nottingham Forest: "The idea of VAR was to tidy up as many decisions as possible. Statically, it's shown that it is doing that. As long as they keep learning and speeding it up, I still think it's a good thing for the outcomes of games. I appreciate that it can get in the way of things from a supporter's point of view, but there has to be some form of getting these decisions right. They are doing they best they can, with a better way of doing it, with VAR."
On his first Merseyside derby at Goodison: "I'm well aware of the records that people have been telling me. I'm looking forward to the game. I didn't grow up here so I don't have the depth of understanding [of the rivalry] but what I do understand is how important it is to be Everton's manager - in all games, but particularly this one."
On the fitness of his forward line: "Beto definitely won't be available for the next couple of games. It's good news so far - he's had all the checks needed and he's fine. He just took a real knock. [Dominic Calvert Lewin] is hopeful that he'll be back. We'll wait and see until tomorrow."
On full-back Vitaliy Mykolenko: "He continues to improve. He's very quiet around the place but he's very professional in what he does. He's learned and progressed, and he continues to do so. It's not easy dealing with players one on one but I think he's done very well. I still think there's more to come and he's a very good player."
On Idrissa Gueye after a strong performance on Sunday: "He knows the game and he reads the game very well. He's done well with injuries recently - there's been close decisions on whether we can play him or not and he's come through. He's an important figure around the group."
On Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who is set to manage in his final Merseyside derby before leaving Anfield in the summer: "Aside from being Everton's manager, massive respect for what he's done here and his other clubs. It's not easy to build things. It's not easy to get the time and belief to build things and he's done it at three clubs. Massive respect for that."
Everton v Liverpool: Pick of the statspublished at 14:21 23 April
14:21 23 April
Here are a selection of the key facts and figures before Everton host Liverpool in the Premier League on Wednesday (20:00 BST kick-off).
There have been more red cards in Everton versus Liverpool games than any other Premier League fixture (23), with the Blues' 16 the most one side has against another in the competition. Ashley Young was sent off earlier this season at Anfield, though there has not been a red card in both meetings since 2005-06.
Everton are winless in their past 12 Premier League home games against Liverpool (D9 L3), their longest run without a league victory against an opponent at Goodison Park.
The Reds have won their past 12 league games played on Wednesday by an aggregate score of 33-5, since a 1-0 home loss to Brighton in February 2021.
No player has been directly involved in more Premier League goals for Everton this season than Dwight McNeil (three goals, five assists). However, McNeil has never been involved in one in 10 league appearances against Liverpool, only facing Manchester United (12) more without a top-flight goal or assist.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in six goals in his past five Premier League appearances against Everton, scoring five and assisting one. He scored twice in the reverse fixture in October – the last player to score two or more goals in both Merseyside derbies in a league campaign was Dixie Dean in 1932-33, while the last for Liverpool was Dick Forshaw in 1925-26.
Dyche's magic tracksuitpublished at 08:40 23 April
08:40 23 April
Media caption,
Is Sean Dyche superstitious?
On the latest episode of the Monday Night Club, the BBC Radio 5 Live team discuss Dyche ditching his suit for a tracksuit and whether that had a relaxing effect on his Everton team.
Gossip: Branthwaite becomes key targetpublished at 07:41 23 April
07:41 23 April
Manchester United have made Everton and England Under-21s defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, a top target for this summer and want to agree an early deal. (Football Insider), external
'We shouldn't get carried away'published at 17:08 22 April
17:08 22 April
Mike Richards Fan writer
We asked for a reaction and that is exactly what we got.
It was not pretty, but it never is. Everton showed the heart that was so obviously absent against Chelsea, in a game that had drastic implications for both sides.
The aftermath of the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest may have been dominated by the officiating, but Everton’s performance and handling of such a pressured match should not be lost.
After Monday, it would have been easy for the players and manager to hide and wilt given the magnitude of the game.
I questioned last week whether there were any souls left to search and if there was still stomach left for the fight. Maybe I underestimated the characters within the club. We should be mathematically safe with five games remaining. Some turn round from the previous two seasons.
As a fan base, we won’t and shouldn’t get carried away. Two huge games remain in what we all deemed a pivotal week for the club.
The Merseyside Derby is next on the agenda. A game often fraught with anxiety and tension, but so often a non-event for us Evertonians.
Two sides at opposite ends of the table and objectives worlds apart. This game has a lot riding on it for both sides. From our perspective, any points won during the game would be massive.
It is the proverbial ‘free hit’ for us, but certainly not a game we should simply let slide by.
Sunday’s win has given us all a slight bit of room to breathe. We can go into the game knowing our destiny is in our own hands and this game won’t define it.
A win for us would be monumental however. Faith has somewhat been restored, so you just never know.
What are Everton doing to be more sustainable?published at 16:03 22 April
16:03 22 April
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Monday, 22 April marks Earth Day - a day in the international calendar that provides the opportunity to reflect, make change and understand more about sustainability and the impacts of climate change.
Sport and football are not immune to these issues and there has been increasing awareness of their relationship to the environment over the past few years.
Football has a global footprint and, as it continues to grow, it has been subject to questions and criticism over some of the decisions that could hinder efforts in reducing its impact, including expanding Uefa cup competitions and the men's Fifa World Cup.
The effects of adverse weather related to climate change has been increasingly felt, with a study last year showing extreme weather has affected 40% of football players and spectators.
But, football and its fanbase also have an opportunity to be part of the solution, with clubs like Forest Green Rovers showing how the sport's environmental footprint can be reduced.
We have taken a look into some of the key things Everton are doing to become more sustainable:
They have created the 'Everton for Change' initiative to raise environmental awareness and explore ways the club can have a sustainable and positive impact.
Reusable cups have been introduced in place of single-use plastic cups at Goodison Park, switched plastic cutlery for wooden and plastic straws for paper.
The aim has been set for the new stadium to be the most sustainable in the Premier League.
The club have a strong partnership with the Canal and River Trust and they complete regular canal clean-ups with different groups.
Kits are produced in a way that includes reusing bottles and minimising water consumption.
One important area all Premier League clubs can address to reduce their carbon footprint is their travel, as shown in BBC Sport research.
Why is this important?
Football For Future is a non-profit organisation working with stakeholders across football to create a more environmentally sustainable culture and founder Elliot Arthur-Worsop told BBC Sport: "Climate change will be the defining challenge of our generation, and the future of football will be affected too.
"We're already seeing the impacts, with more than 120,000 English grassroots games being called off annually, and major tournaments such as the World Cup and Afcon being moved because of extreme weather.
"Beyond the pitch, the climate crisis threatens livelihoods and global food and water security.
"With its unparalleled social influence, football has an opportunity to inspire global climate action, from micro-behaviours to essential policy change."
'Huge week for Everton' - McNulty Q&Apublished at 11:37 22 April
11:37 22 April
BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty answers your questions on all things Premier League.
Steve from Worcester asks: Hi Phil, with all the talk about Forest this morning, can we also mention what a huge win for Everton that is. With an away game v Luton coming up, that was crucial yesterday to their survival, thanks.
McNulty answered: Hi Steve, all the penalty debate and Nottingham Forest’s social media statement certainly overshadowed Everton’s win but it was absolutely vital for the reasons you state. And it was certainly needed after the embarrassment of the 6-0 loss at Chelsea.
This is a huge week for Everton with two more home games against Liverpool and Brentford before that potentially defining game at Kenilworth Road.
It was a battle settled by two moments of quality but, in many ways, so typical of the wins Sean Dyche has had at Goodison Park since he has been at Everton.
'A big step towards safety'published at 10:58 22 April
10:58 22 April
Image source, Getty Images
The Telegraph's Luke Edwards believes Sunday's win over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest was a "big step" in Everton's survival bid.
The controversial 2-0 win moved the Toffees four points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand over the three teams directly below them.
"That win was huge for them," Edwards told the Football Daily podcast.
"They haven't taken a step towards safety, they've taken a big leap.
"Sean Dyche was under the pump - he was under pressure. Fans were starting to question if he was the right manager.
"They were dreadful in the game against Chelsea - everything that a Dyche side isn't or shouldn't be they were.
"To win that [against Forest] under pressure, at home - I've been tipping Everton to stay up and I think they will now.
"They've been here before, they've got these games at home against teams around and below them in the table and they've won the first of those. Job well done and well done to them.
"I think the noise at the second goal just felt like they'd taken a big big step towards safety."
Your views on Everton v Nottingham Forestpublished at 08:37 22 April
08:37 22 April
We asked for your views on Everton's 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.
Here are some of your answers:
Everton fans
Blue: A scrappy, nervous game but a result to cherish. The much-needed three points didn’t come easy as Forest gave all they had. Everton’s play was no better but the result is all that matters. The fans will sleep a little easier - but I’m sure, with the way this team play under Dyche, there will be more anxiety before the season ends.
Joe: It's a really big win for many reasons - shaking off the dreadful 6-0, two points deductions, possible administration. We're not safe (in every possible meaning) but we appear to have some breathing space. I don't think we'll see a safe Everton until we move into the new stadium. But at least we're fighting again!
Ian: As an Everton fan, I'm grateful for the three points - but we were fortunate with the penalty decisions. Had they been against us, we would be screaming! On to Wednesday night.
Stephen: It doesn’t matter if it was a scruffy game as long as we won. Three points and a clean sheet after last week’s drubbing by Chelsea. Two more wins and we should be safe. If the boardroom sorts itself out we should look forward to less stress for next season.
Nottingham Forest fans
David: Three awful penalty decisions but I’m appalled that the club are suggesting Stuart Attwell made decisions because he’s a Luton fan. I want nothing to do with such a comment, which is very embarrassing.
Henry: In the past few games we haven’t pressed as high as our opponent and it has left them free to walk in to our half and us camped on the edge of our own box for too long. I don’t see the right movement or passing in the final third, and even when we have the movement up front we don’t make the through passes and end back with the keeper.
Sim: This wasn’t about Forest’s performance as once again the match was dominated by the decisions of the officials. I’m not surprised that the club has posted their statement.
Rob: Losing to Everton sums up the season for Forest. Conceding too easily, missed chances and then blaming the ref and VAR. Something has to change for Forest to stay up.
Catch up on the weekend's Premier League actionpublished at 07:49 22 April
07:49 22 April
Mark Chapman introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures.
Everton boss Sean Dyche to BBC MOTD: "Two wins out of three games, two clean sheets out of three games. That's an important factor. People forget because we had an ugly one on Monday.
"We all took responsibility and you saw that today. A connected team that did everything to make sure we took care of ourselves. We've had games where we created many more chances but we found two goals and that's very pleasing."
On the injury to Beto: "Nothing of any depth at the moment other that he was coherent, he did come round. He could hear everything. We'll find out more going forward. At the moment good news, positive news.
"Luckily the medical team were on their fast, deal with the situation fantastically well so far. I was quite calm in the sense that the right people are there on the spot."
