Everton

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at home to Brentford.

Here are the key lines from the Everton boss:

• Left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko is unlikely to be available for Saturday's game because of an ankle injury he sustained against Liverpool. Dyche said he needs to have a scan and the early signs "are not great."

• Club captain Seamus Coleman is also unavailable "but is getting closer" to returning to the matchday squad.

• On the derby win on Wednesday night: "I am very pleased for so many reasons. Firstly, for the performance which I thought was very good. Then the tactical side we got right and they delivered it on the night. It was a win on all levels and not just because we got three points."

• He said the atmosphere in Goodison Park "is so powerful" at the moment and praised the fans for sticking by the team.

• On being 16th in the table, despite the point deductions: "It certainly says we are sticking to task. I am proud of the players for that because there has been challenges and not helpful ones."

• He said he does not see it as they are safe from relegation yet, but is glad they "can control the situation" now.

• On Dominic Calvert-Lewin's performance: "He was excellent. His physical performance was outstanding. I said to him afterwards 'that is the sort of performance that gets you back around the England squad'."

• On opponents Brentford: "Thomas [Frank] is a good fella. I like how he is and I like how he talks. They are a good outfit so it makes for a good game."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences

Live commentary of Everton v Brentford from 17:30 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio 5 Live

Everton have waited a long time to enjoy a home victory in a Merseyside derby against Liverpool so it was no surprise they relished the occasion.

Sean Dyche's side not only pushed themselves further away from the Premier League danger zone, they also inflicted a potentially fatal blow on Liverpool's title chances.

It was hard to know which part of this equation Everton fans enjoyed most as their songs of victory were mixed with the taunt of "You Lost The League At Goodison Park".

Everton tore into Liverpool from the first whistle, winning tackles as well as aerial battles further forward, where Dominic Calvert-Lewin made it a miserable night for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

And it was no surprise that Everton's goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin came from set pieces, their great strength - but this was a top-class team performance.

Jordan Pickford was faultless when required while Idrissa Gueye gave his finest performance since returning to Everton.

The occasion also reminded Everton what they will miss when they leave Goodison Park for Bramley Moore Dock at the end of next season, the old stadium rocking to the rafters throughout in a fiercely hostile atmosphere.

It also begs the question about where this particular version of Everton has been for most of this season.

Manager Dyche, who got everything spot on in his approach, will expect to see it again when Brentford come to Goodison Park on Saturday night.

Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

It has been a long time coming.

October 17 2010 was the last time Everton beat Liverpool at Goodison, prior to Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory and the scenes at the final whistle showed exactly what it meant to the manager, players and fans. It was a performance packed with passion and purpose from Everton.

Liverpool may have had periods of dominance in possession, but they never got to grips with Everton’s aerial threat and looked decidedly uncomfortable well before Jarrad Branthwaite opened the scoring.

Everton hassled and harried for everything on an evening when everyone played their part. The Royal Blue spine of the team did everything asked of them. And then some.

Jordan Pickford’s positioning was faultless and his instinctive goalkeeping is right up there with the best of them.

Jarrad Branthwaite put in another incredibly assured performance at the heart of the Everton defence and his partnership with James Tarkowski has been a key factor behind the team’s 11 clean sheets this season.

Idrissa Gueye was an impressive bundle of fractious energy at the heart of midfield.

Finally, at the top end, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the focal point and his ability to get Everton up the pitch proved priceless. His performance was right up there with the run of form that made him a regular in the England squad, before an injury plagued period undermined his footballing prowess. It was fitting that he soared highest at the far post to head in Dwight McNeil’s right-wing corner just before the hour mark to double Everton’s advantage.

There is still a bit to do before Premier League safety is assured, but three wins from four matches - with three clean sheets thrown in - is a good run of form at any stage of the season. For Everton, it has come precisely at the right time.

The 6-0 defeat at Chelsea sandwiched in between that run of victories was a new low and it pointed to worrying concerns about their future. But it is how you respond to setbacks that acts as a true measure of courage and conviction.

Everton’s response could hardly have been better.

Sean Dyche told his players in the dressing room at Goodison last night to enjoy the victory and all that it means - but the big test now is Brentford on Saturday evening.

We asked for your views on Everton's 2-0 win over Liverpool on Wednesday.

Here are some of your answers:

Chris: Total commitment by every player on the pitch. That kind of performance is what the fans love to see. Appreciate it can not be like that every game due to depth of squad, but performances against Chelsea are not expected either. Superb heart and spirit - and even some skill. Well done the Blues.

John: Everton produced an outstanding team performance with every player devoting themselves to the team cause. Especially impressive was the quality of the defence again with each player making important contributions. Going forward they put Liverpool under pressure on both the first and second phase ball. Finally, the fans were brilliant throughout.

Anton: Wow. But now the euphoria has died down, this rousing victory actually leaves more questions than answers. The lads to a man were incredible but where has this performance been most of the season? Are these players stuck in the cycle of "end of season escape heroes"? Either way, if we stay up, Dyche has to be manager of the year.

John: Looked a completely different team from the Nottingham Forest game, but with the same result! Jordan Pickford silenced any doubters and Everton got a break they richly deserved.

Alan: Everton gave a perfect performance in all areas. The dogs of war were back as their midfield hustled Liverpool out of there stride. The crowd played their part in lifting the players as Everton won the league for Arsenal or Manchester City and secured safety for themselves in a merited win.

Pete: Derby games, and under the lights at Goodison, are always going to be special and rarely follow form book or league positions. We dared to dream and played as a 12th man. Everton just ran at them and off the ball ,they regrouped quickly into shape. Liverpool were frustrated, particularly Van Dijk, and it spoiled them.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Everton defender Conor Coady says they "were brilliant all night" against Liverpool and fully deserved their victory against a lacklustre Reds.

"That was a proper Everton performance," he told the Football Daily podcast. "It looked like a proper team, playing a certain way and sticking to it to make it difficult for Liverpool.

"They were brilliant all night and deserved to win."

It was the first time the Toffees have beaten Liverpool at home in the Premier League since October 2010 and it also ended their 12-game winless run in Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park.

"It was a real battle and performance," added ex-Premier League midfielder Michael Brown. "The set pieces and defence were strong and Jordan Pickford was impressive.

"The atmosphere definitely helped them get over the line too.

"Hopefully with all the negativity around the points deductions, it will be a weight lifted and they can look forward to brighter times ahead."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Wednesday night's four Premier League fixtures as well as the goals from Tuesday's game.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Image source, The Mirror / The Telegraph Sport

Thursday's newspapers are unequivocal in lauding Everton's win at the expense of Liverpool's title challenge.

Perfect reading for Toffees supporters - and come back at 09:30 BST for fan views on a first Goodison victory in the Merseyside derby since October 2010.

Image source, The i/ Daily Mail

Image source, Getty Images

Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "What a night!

"I thought we stuck to the game-plan and we executed it - we stuck together. The defensive unity built the foundation.

"We built from there [Jarrad Branthwaite's goal] as a collective and fans in the stadium - a fantastic night of football.

"If you can win your duels it stands you in good stead and second balls in the middle of the pitch. We allowed them to have possession, but we didn't fear they were going to hurt us.

"That was the biggest thing - hard work and endeavour.

"Football is a funny old game. I went a fair few without scoring but I have scored in the last few.

"We have to keep believing and try your best to stay positive."

On league position: "The reflection on the league is not true, but we have accepted our reality.

"Big three points, the one on Saturday [against Nottingham Forest] was massive and tonight it puts us in a far better position.

"We have to build on that and we have to try to put in a performance at the weekend."

Image source, Getty Images

Everton boss Sean Dyche, speaking to Sky Sports: "Very pleased with the reaction. This was a different game with the organisation and the belief in the organisation. They're a good side, we know that. The commitment from us had to be there. The energy of the side and also the key moments.

"I thought [Dominic Calvert-Lewin] was outstanding tonight. We've been trying to get him back to where he needs to be and I thought he was outstanding. He gets a goal. He tried to get it over the line and I love that. The second one is a great header. No, I thought he was outstanding tonight.

"Jordan Pickford made some big saves in the first half. It's rare you stop these sides having chances so you need moments yourself. It's hard to pick out one or two.

"We spoke about the desire and the energy of the team and the physical side of the game. The lads did it on Sunday and they'll have to do it again. That's the challenge.

"We stayed focussed tonight and I asked if they could stay with us and they did. Sunday was massive and now it was a massively important derby game. For people like Seamus Coleman, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he's so happy.

"We should be on 41 points and the story's different. Three clean sheets in three home games. The challenge for the players is to go and do it again."

Here are the key facts and figures from Everton's 2-0 win over Liverpool in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

• Everton have beaten Liverpool at home in the Premier League for the first time since October 2010 (also a 2-0 win), ending their 12-game winless run in Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park (D9 L3 before tonight).

• Liverpool have lost two of their past three league games (W1), as many defeats as in their previous 42 matches in the competition combined (W28 D12).

• Jarrad Branthwaite (21y 302d) became Everton’s youngest goalscorer in a Premier League Merseyside derby since Romelu Lukaku in November 2013 (20y 194d) and their youngest Englishman to score in this fixture since Francis Jeffers in April 1999 (18y 68d).

• Liverpool have made 99 changes to their starting XI's in the league this season, with only Brighton (121) making more. The six changes tonight from Sunday's win at Fulham was their most for a Merseyside derby since April 2016 (nine changes in a 4-0 win at Anfield).

• Only Arsenal's David Raya (14) has kept more Premier League clean sheets this season than Everton's Jordan Pickford (11). Indeed, only in 2018-19 has the Englishman kept more shutouts in a top-flight campaign (14).

• Dominic-Calvert Lewin has scored three goals in his last four league games for Everton, as many as in his previous 28 appearances in the competition.

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?

Everton fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Liverpool fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

There are four matches being played in the Premier League on Wednesday, and we will bring you every moment.

All kick-off times BST

Follow live text updates here

Image source, Getty Images

In a recent interview with on The Overlap with former Premier League defender Gary Neville,, external Anthony Gordon explained the process of his £40m move to Newcastle in January 2023 from boyhood club Everton.

"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.”

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.

You can read the rest of the predictions here

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”.

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.

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."

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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.