Everton

Mike Richards
Fan writer

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Beto's stoppage-time equaliser against Fulham could not hide what was an inadequate performance by Everton at Goodison Park.

The message of "if you can't win, don't lose" is about as positive a spin as I can put on things this week.

It was a far cry from the showing at Portman Road a week earlier and asked more questions than it answered.

There is somewhat of an understanding within the fan base that we are not going to see free-flowing, in-your-face football every single week.

Expectations have rightly been tempered in recent seasons given our much publicised financial issues, amongst many other sideshows.

Despite this, the one-dimensional style of football against average opponents is discouraging to say the least.

People will rightly point out that a change in system resulted in us finding an equaliser and ultimately extending our recent unbeaten run to five matches.

The formation shift occurred out of accident as opposed to design because of an injury to Dwight McNeil, meaning Michael Keane became that utility striker all Evertonians discussed last week.

I do not buy into the notion that this side's sole aim is Premier League survival. It is a lazy narrative that appears to be the joker card played at times.

There is certainly more of a balance to the squad this season. With the additions of Ndiaye, Mangala, Lindstrom et al, there is certainly an added quality to the side as well.

Too often, Dominic Calvert-Lewin finds himself isolated up front. Chasing his own flick-ons or simply surrounded by opposition players, it is a thankless task.

If something is not working, then proactive alterations are needed in game.

There is more to this team than what we are currently seeing. We cannot be fooled into thinking this is as good as it gets.

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Guinea-Bissau striker Beto, 26, is considering leaving Everton in search of regular first-team football. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

There was late drama...

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And late drama...

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And late drama...

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Sometimes you just can't escape it.

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There were returns to goalscoring ways...

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And goalscoring partnerships...

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While sometimes the spoils just have to be shared...

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And after a busy day at work, sometimes you just need a lie down.

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Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Everton and Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Everton fans

Andy: A tough watch. We were so passive. We were lucky to take a point really, but our run continues. The goal clearly meant a lot to Beto and I'm pleased for him. Young had another decent game and he showed great skill with the assist. We need to take three points against Southampton now.

Anton: We somehow drew, so that shows good character, but we were so poor. I do love Sean Dyche but he needs to figure out how to play at Goodison Park because it is just not good enough. The derby last season is the blueprint. How we set up to play works very well away, but he needs to find a new way for the home ground. It's a good job the next two matches are away.

Chris: When is Sean Dyche going to learn that with the amount of possession that Everton concede to the opposition, they are not going to win enough games to stay in the Premier League. They are simply not good enough!

Marshall: As a long-time Everton supporter, I live in hope that we will be winning games more often and move up the table. I have to say that I was quite disappointed with our performance. The only saving grace was our effort towards the end and, of course, Beto's great goal! I sometimes wonder how the team prepares during the week, to be honest.

Fulham fans

Simon: A much improved display from last week. We were easily the better team but we simply must learn to concentrate, and defend, for the whole game. With three central defenders on the pitch, giving a free header to Beto in the 94th minute is not good enough. We shouldn't always have to score more than one goal to win games.

Lucas: Disappointing result. Once again we threw it away and it is fair to say that every Fulham fan knew what would happen. It has happened time and time again. The goal was good and I thought Sander Berge was decent. It is just a shame. We need to stop allowing pressure to come on us and playing for the 1-0. Also, how many chances does Pereira need before he gets dropped?

Jim: How can you have so much possession and only one goal? I think Pereira needs to think about his team-mates. We really move well and then it falls apart in front of goal, so perhaps there ought to be some instruction about who is our "target man" and a plan for getting the ball to him.

Philip: The lack of a number nine has been a problem for two years now. We should be a top-six team but we miss so many chances that a good goalscorer would take.

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Former Everton winger Theo Walcott has been discussing former team-mate Dominic Calvert-Lewin's contract situation, with the forward's current deal set to run out at the end of the 2024-25 season.

"Sean Dyche wouldn't want to lose someone like Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the club," Walcott said on Match of the Day. "Especially when they are moving into the new stadium.

"He is a player that plays to Everton's strengths, at times, but I do think he needs a partner just to help him out and help his confidence."

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer added: "I think it is a lonely role that he is asked to play. He is getting a run of games now and there aren't so many injuries for him.

"But his goal record isn't great - one goal in four games. It isn't like he misses a stack of chances, but they do need to play a specific way when they have him available.

"You have to get balls up and into the box because that is where he is a big threat."

Catch up on Match of the Day here

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Former Everton winger Theo Walcott thinks Sean Dyche will be "very relieved" that the Toffees extended their five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League after Beto's 94th minute goal saw them share the points with Fulham.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Walcott said: "They will be very relieved. It was Beto as well, who is putting a lot of pressure on Dominic Calvert-Lewin right now.

"It was fantastic that Everton yet again got the result.

"I felt that Calvert-Lewin was a very isolated figure in this game. Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop, who were tremendous all game, bullied him. They really did. They put him in a position where he found it very difficult to make an impact on the game.

"I think he would have been quite frustrated with his performance. He came off and Beto came on - and he wants to make a point and wants to be in the team, with Calvert-Lewin's contract obviously running down as well.

"Beto was just a bit of a different player for Bassey and Diop to deal with.

"He was putting himself in the right areas and causing Fulham's backline a different problem. He picked up some good positions and there was some relief for him when he did get his goal. It was brilliant to see."

Catch up on Match of the Day here

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.

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

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Aston Villa 1-1 Bournemouth

• Everton 1-1 Fulham

Everton manager Sean Dyche has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day after his side clinched a point against Fulham: "It feels good in the sense that I don't feel we were near our recent performance levels. The big balance is that the mentality continues to grow. You could smell in the air in the last 10 minutes that a goal was coming, at least I felt that way.

"To be fair, they were the better team overall today and they are a really good side. We forged a positive point for ourselves in the end.

"I don't think we played well in the first-half. I don't think we effected things too differently in the second-half. Sometimes you have to mix it up, play crosses into the box, and I was really pleased with that.

"We finally scored a goal and nicked a point. I don't think we were miles off today, but we were off where we want to be."

On Beto's goal: "He has been working hard. His career path has been meteoric. We knew he was raw and he still has a lot to learn. It is a brave header, he throws himself in amongst it.

"As Brian Clough said: 'Sometimes you need to get hurt to score a goal'. He certainly was willing to get hurt to score that goal. It is good that you have players who want to come off the bench and affect the game."

On Everton's five-game unbeaten run: "We weren't playing our best, but we found a way to get something from the game. Over a season, it is important to keep getting something from games in the Premier League."

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Since losing their first four Premier League matches this season, Everton are unbeaten in five games (W2 D3). They have never been on a longer such run in the competition under manager Sean Dyche.

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Everton goalscorer Beto has been speaking to Sky Sports after scoring the late goal which forced Fulham to share the points this evening: "It means too much for me because I work hard, and even if I don't play I still work hard. I put my head up every week and try to get better.

"For me, this goal means too much. To be able to help the team, for me, it is emotional you know. It was hard, well hard. These last few weeks were really difficult for me.

"Here I am this week - we didn't win but I am pleased to take a point.

"For the supporters as well, they have supported me. They are always singing my name. As a player, you just want to pay it back.

"I always put it in my mind to be ready as the day may come and today it came. I'm happy to help the team, to help the Toffees.

"I will enjoy this one tonight. Tomorrow is a day off, I'm thinking about that."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

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Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Five matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Brentford v Ipswich

• Brighton v Wolves

• Manchester City v Southampton

• Everton v Fulham - 17:30 - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-offs 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For week nine he takes on rapper Nemzzz, who supports Manchester United.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

I don't like to mention that I said Everton would be fine, but I did.

After losing their first four games of the season, Sean Dyche's side are now unbeaten in their past four and climbing the table.

They are playing like a Dyche team too - hardworking and streetwise, but with a bit of quality too. Dwight McNeil is having an exceptional season.

This is a test for them because Fulham are one of those teams who can beat anyone on their day. They have lost their past two games, against Manchester City and Aston Villa, but they had good spells in both matches.

I wouldn't be surprised if either side won it, which is why I am going in the middle with my prediction.

Nemzzz's prediction: 2-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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Everton boss Sean Dyche says Michael Keane is "a good weapon to have" because he provides a goal threat despite playing as a centre-back.

Keane was criticised by supporters as the Toffees lost their first four Premier League matches in their worst start to a season since 1966.

But Dyche's side seemed to have turned the corner, unbeaten in their past four and while Keane has impressed in defence, he has also scored two goals.

"We threw him on up front a few times, not last season but the season before, just to try to disturb the game a little bit," Dyche said. "If it lands in the box, he's as calm a finisher as I've seen and he enjoys scoring. He doesn't look nervous in front of goal - he just looks as calm as you like, as calm as the person he often is.

"It's a great skill to have. At my previous club [Burnley], he was a threat from set-pieces and since I've been here he's been a threat from set-pieces.

"He's a good weapon to have in the box but he's certainly a figure who I think can get more goals."

Full commentary of Everton v Fulham from 17:30 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live from 17:30 BST on Saturday.

Besiktas are keen on the possibility of taking Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin on loan, with Manchester United, Newcastle United and Arsenal also interested in the striker. (Fotomac in Turkish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been discussing the form of midfielder Dwight McNeil after his impressive start to the season and how he has found the right role for the former Burnley man.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Fulham (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Jarrad Branthwaite is "certainly" available for Saturday's game, with Dyche confirming it was his decision to rule the centre-back out last weekend to give him an extra week of training. Jesper Lindstrom has also recovered from illness.

• He said they are waiting for an update from the specialists on James Garner's back injury and Youssef Chermiti and Tim Iroegbunam will remain out for a number of weeks.

• Summer signing Armando Broja is "on the edge of coming back to training" and Dele Alli "is just getting back on the grass again after another minor injury".

• On their recent performances: "We’ve found ourselves in a better position on the pitch and with injuries. That sharpness has helped and we’ve found a way to get results. We are showing we are a capable outfit and we can win games in the Premier League. There’s certainly a good feeling around the group at the minute."

• He said opponents Fulham "have shown they are more than capable" at competing in the top-flight, so "we have to make sure we impact the game to make them have a flat day".

• On the competition in defence: "We have four very good centre-backs all fighting for the shirt. It will all work out for itself."

• He said Michael Keane and Ashley Young's "professionalism is outstanding" and they are "everything you want" in footballers.

• More from Dyche on Young: "He could have easily walked away [in the summer] but he said he still has the edge and he wants to play so I said OK. He has a great old school thing in the sense that he just gets out there and does it. I wish them days were back more often."

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

Ian Kennedy
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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Two clean sheets in a row for Everton and four games unbeaten brings a sense of momentum heading into Saturday’s home game with Fulham.

The clean sheets are particularly pleasing, especially given the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite. However, with Branthwaite out, Michael Keane was excellent alongside James Tarkowski at the back, again showing that when he gets a chance inside the opposition box, he knows how to finish.

There was also another goal for Iliman Ndiaye and his skill and pace is a huge boost.

Everton might, and should have had more goals, but any win away from home is good, and they will be hopeful of keeping the run going at the weekend. That will be provided they can keep things tight defensively, but also convert more chances at the other end. Fulham have made a steady start but have lost their last two in the league.

With a little gap opening up below them, the Blues will want to look up rather than over their shoulder, and with games coming up soon against teams around them, it could be an important early phase of the season.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

Explore Everton content on BBC Sounds

Everton's takeover by The Friedkin Group remains on track to be completed by December, but the new owners will not sanction significant January spending because of profit and sustainability (PSR) restrictions. (The i - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Mike Richards
Fan writer

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As defensive turnarounds go, Everton's has been something of miraculous.

The very foundations of a Sean Dyche side are being resolute and difficult to break down. After four games, four defeats and 13 goals conceded, it was difficult to see how things were going to improve.

Fast forward four games and Everton have become Everton once again. Two wins, two draws and only two goals conceded, the shift has been dramatic.

The absence of Jarrad Branthwaite was certainly felt in the early part of the season, but given he has still only appeared once all season, the often makeshift defensive unit deserves immense credit.

So often maligned, Ashley Young has become Mr Reliable.

Playing at both left and right full-back, his experience and commitment have been valuable in recent weeks and sometimes too quickly forgotten.

His versatility is the major reason why he was given a further year's contract in the summer.

Yet it would be remiss of me not to mention the steady performances of Michael Keane.

So often a scapegoat, but certainly not beyond criticism, he is a player who very much relies on confidence.

What we have seen in recent weeks is him stepping up and outperforming James Tarkowski.

Being given a run of consecutive games appears to be helping his performances. With Jarrad Branthwaite back in full training, competition for places has clearly focused the mind.

Add into the mix his incredible eye for a goal, it potentially poses the manager with a selection headache against Fulham this weekend.

Keane himself believes he is one of the best finishers at the club. It is hard to pour water on those flames of self-confidence given his Everton goal catalogue.

"Dixie" Keane as a utility striker? You never know.

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