Everton

Former Everton forward Theo Walcott joined the Planet Premier League podcast to discuss Sean Dyche's side's style of play.

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

I have been in lots of relegation battles. I got relegated in my first year in the Premier League with Manchester City when I was only a teenager. I had to deal with that adversity so I know what it is like.

I do not think people crack or feel anxious in relegation fights, but you know when you are beaten. It is hard to fully motivate yourself as a team to get the desire to go back out there.

In these battles there are always people complaining and there are changes too. Managers are under pressure and fans add pressure as well.

There is no doubt that it is difficult.

There might not be a lot of hope for those teams in the relegation zone at the moment, but those players will still want to be playing in the Premier League next season. So they still have to use this time to shine because they inevitably will want a move back to a top-flight club.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's Premier League fixture between Everton and Burnley.

• This is the third meeting between Everton and Burnley in all competitions this season, with the Toffees winning 3-0 in the EFL Cup and 2-0 in the Premier League so far. The last time they beat a team three times in the same season while keeping a clean sheet each time was in 1995-96 against Blackburn.

• Since the start of last season, all nine of Everton’s Premier League home wins have been to nil. They’ve drawn five and lost 17 of their last 22 at Goodison Park when conceding at least once, since a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace in May 2022.

• Burnley have conceded 30 away Premier League goals this season, their most in a season since 2018-19, when they conceded 36 under Sean Dyche. The Clarets have shipped two or more goals in their last six on the road, last having a longer such run in the competition in their first 11 away games in 2009-10.

• Everton won seven of their first eight home Premier League games under Sean Dyche when they scored the first goal, only conceding one goal in those eight games. However, they have lost their last two when scoring first, losing both games 3-1 to Manchester City and West Ham.

• Amadou Onana has scored in both of Everton’s games against Burnley in all competitions. The last Toffees player to score in three separate games against an opponent in a single season was Romelu Lukaku against Leicester in 2016-17.

• Having beaten his former club Burnley earlier this season in the Premier League, Everton manager Sean Dyche could be the second Toffees manager to complete a double over a former club in a Premier League season, along with Sam Allardyce in 2017-18 against Newcastle United.

• Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended an 18-game goalless run in the Premier League with his goal against Newcastle. He last netted in consecutive games in September this season, while he has three in his last five against Burnley

Everton could face a third points deduction after the release of their latest club accounts. (Football Insider), external

Premier League clubs are pushing to scrap points deductions in favour of a new luxury tax fine system. (Mirror), external

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

Everton manager Sean Dyche has outlined the necessity of scoring "ugly goals and set-pieces" to remain competitive in the Premier League.

The Toffees are gearing up to face Burnley on Saturday (15:00 BST), with both teams battling to stay in the top-flight after difficult seasons.

Dyche said: "If you take goals, you have to find goals. Everyone wants to score perfect goals and beautiful goals, of course, but what about ugly goals and set-pieces?

"It is about how many different ways you can operate to find goals and force goals. We force a lot of chances, but we haven't always forced the finish.

"So we will take goals wherever they come, at the moment, as we always would. But, yet again, you want to design them if you can."

Henry Brownsey
BBC Sport journalist

Everton manager Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before his side face Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On Dominic Calvert-Lewin - who scored his first goal on Tuesday after a run of 23 games without finding the net - Dyche said: "We hope that is the catalyst that takes the noise away and changes the storyline."

• He believed Calvert-Lewin was "brave" to take the penalty but praised both him and Beto for their performances against Newcastle.

• On his former club: "I always respect Burnley Football Club. I always do - but the fact is when the whistle blows there'll be no respect then. We've got to look after ourselves. They've got a youthfulness, they've got energy and they've got quality."

• He said there is no update with regards to their upcoming hearing on regarding profit and sustainability breaches but said: "We've had one knock - we got a little bit back. Who knows what comes next because we weren't expecting the first one. We have to keep our eye on the realities as we are where we are in the table."

• On Goodison Park: "The fortress that it can become is tremendous at times. We've had too many get away from us this season."

• In praising Everton's fans he added: "I'm always full of admiration for them - they travel in numbers all over the place and then go to the home games in numbers. It's our responsibility to give them what they want."

• He believes the game becomes easier when you're confident stating: "It's an inner thing. It comes from resilience, knowledge, and from know-how and from professionalism. We don't lack any of that so the group should be confident. It's more the freedom that comes from confidence. When you're confident you feel like you can make those decisions quicker."

• On injuries, Andre Gomes remains out but he is "getting fitter and sharper", with Dyche confident the midfielder can still be an effective player for the club.

• Arnaut Danjuma "is on the grass" but "not quite fit yet". Amadou Onana has had a few knocks and will be assessed while Lewis Dobbin is "making good progress".

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from this midweek's Premier League fixtures.

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

Image source, Reuters

Ex-Everton winger Theo Walcott believes his former club will "just about have enough" to survive in the Premier League this season, even if they are hit with another sanction for breaching financial rules.

The Toffees, who are awaiting to discover if they will be punished for the second time this season following an earlier six-point deduction, have not won any of their past 13 league matches.

"I think they are bracing themselves [for a points deduction] and I think as well that's probably hindering performances," Walcott told the BBC's Planet Premier League podcast. "I think they're really distracted and as players you can't be."

He continued: "I think it was a big point at Newcastle, but I am wary that with the new stadium as well, they need to be in the Premier League and it's going to be quite sad to see if they do go down.

"But I do feel that they will just about have enough, even if they get a points deduction. I just feel like with the experience they've got, they've got a lot of experience in that dressing room still and they've been in these relegation battles for years, so they should be ready for it again."

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Fans have been giving their views on the battle at the bottom after Everton earned a point at Newcastle and Nottingham Forest scored a key win over Fulham.

Everton fan and podcaster Matt told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: "I think that there were times early on in the game in particular where it looked like Everton would kind of flounder their way through another football match without laying a glove on the opponent.

"I think funnily enough it was the goal that got disallowed for Newcastle that kind of sparked Sean Dyche to life and to make the uncharacteristic triple substitution before the hour mark. Those three players that came on and particularly Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave Everton a bit of positivity in the game.

"I feel like there's a dark cloud hanging over the football club at the moment and we're clinging on trying to find any sort of light. Calvert-Lewin scoring last night and getting Everton getting a decent point is certainly light."

Forest fan Leasha Pridmore said: "We seemed to sort of drop off a bit and as a Forest fan we've seen it so many times where we have gone 2-0 up and ended up losing. So it was really nerve-racking but I'm glad we held on thankfully.

"I think if we could just keep doing what we did yesterday - especially with that starting line-up - I think we'll be OK."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Everton defender Phil Jagielka says it is now "a mini-league" at the bottom of the table, with the prize being Premier League safety.

Five of the Toffees' remaining eight fixtures are against teams also fighting relegation, with the first being against Burnley on Saturday.

"These games were always going to make or break Everton's season," said Jagielka on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"As much as you look at them and think they are winnable, you would prefer them to be more spread out so you can pick up the points throughout the season.

"The atmosphere and the pressure that will be in those games will be crazy. If you do not get a win then that pressure will be high.

"It is a mini-league now though down at the bottom. Whoever takes the most points off each other will stay up.

"They are winnable games but as much as Everton are saying that, I am sure the other teams are saying that looking ahead at playing Everton too."

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We asked for your views on Tuesday's Premier League game between Newcastle United and Everton.

Here are some of your responses:

Newcastle fans

Norman: Newcastle allowed themselves to be outmuscled and outfought. Too many substitutions disrupted their flow and, as the second half unfolded, it seemed almost inevitable that Everton would score. All of the Magpies' injuries are now catching up with them.

Phil: Newcastle live dangerously again and the lack of ability to kill off games reflects in our league position this season. It was utterly ridiculous to give a sloppy penalty away. It's been a very frustrating season watching the Toon. I worry now that we will fail in our attempt to get one of the European slots.

Lisa: If I'm a team-mate of Dummet, I'm furious. What a needless and reckless way to throw away two points. So blatant. I don't want to see him in a Newcastle shirt again. Fair play Everton for having a go.

Everton fans

Ed: First half was abysmal. So pedestrian. When Newcastle attacked they had three or four players supporting. When Everton attacked it was a long ball, punted to a lonely runner. Rinse and repeat! Second half was much better - they battled more and played forward more. Good to see DCL on the score sheet again and a deserved penalty after last week's stolen one! COYB!

Kevin: Terrible first half - possession was awful and no midfield. The changes after half-time made a massive impact. Surely Garner has to start every game? Hopefully this point will give us the confidence we need to move on.

Manchester United have Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite on their wishlist for defensive reinforcements this summer. (Mail, external)

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

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Sean Dyche, speaking to BBC MOTD:

"More of an edge to it. We were disappointed on Saturday, performance was a bit flat. Tonight was a really good performance, particularly in the second half. We finally found a penalty, we don't get many. They got the right decision and we scored."

On Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring: "He has been working hard and getting in the right areas. He strikes it well enough to go in and I am pleased for him and the group."

On it being 13 games without a win and whether it is a good point: "This job wasn't a walk in the park when I got it and it is still not, there is a long way to go but there are a lot of steps we are making in the right direction.

"I know we are capable of getting wins and results, we haven't scored as many as we would like but the mentality is right and certainly right tonight."

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist at St James' Park

Image source, PA Media

A vital, hard-earned point for Everton in their battle to avoid relegation as they grabbed a draw despite being second best for large periods.

Alexander Isak put Newcastle ahead in the 15th minute, but a failure to kill off the game proved crucial.

Ex-Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, booed relentlessly through the match by the home fans, made good saves to deny Jacob Murphy and Isak from extending their advantage. Dan Burn thought he had added a second, only for a tight VAR offside to show Isak was offside when collecting the ball and before playing the cross.

VAR was again involved, to check whether Everton had earned a late penalty. It was quickly a very easy decision as Paul Dummett's needless foul, when he had his arm around Ashley Young's neck and hauled him to the ground, gifted Everton a lifeline.

All credit to Dominic Calvert-Lewin as he kept his composure to blast his spot-kick past Martin Dubravka and earn Everton a point with his first goal since the end of October, ending a 23-game run without scoring. Sean Dyche hoped this goal would be the first of many for the England striker, with Everton needing more goals from Calvert-Lewin.

Despite it being a good point, it does extend the Toffees' run of games in the Premier League without a win to 13 - a new club record.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live:

"Looking around at the other results today, a point away from home at Newcastle after the Geordies had such a big weekend is a huge result for Everton. Yes they will be disappointed with the result at Forest but to come back and get a point here is huge.

"They know they have a battle on their hands now until the end of the season, and if you battle to get odd points like this one, then it may just be enough.

"Most important thing for the Toffees? Their striker scored a goal.

"Before he scored the equaliser from the spot, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a chance on the left hand side and he never looked like scoring. A confident striker in that situation runs free and slots the ball into the corner of the net, but he just didn't seem to fancy himself.

"But when the penalty came and he had the chance he took it. He was brave and took a very good penalty. That may well prove to be the moment that breaks the dam for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and for Everton.

"I hope it is that because they have worked hard and a lot has gone against them this season, some their own fault some not, but if he can score the goals that will definitely help their cause."

Here are the key facts and figures following the Premier League draw between Newcastle United and Everton:

• Everton remain winless in 13 Premier League games (D5 L8), only once in their league history have they gone more consecutive games without a win, a run of 14 in September 1937.

• Alexander Isak has scored in each of his past five Premier League home games for Newcastle, only Alan Shearer (15), Andrew Cole (eight) and Les Ferdinand (six) have scored in more consecutive games in the competition for the Magpies at St James’ Park.

• Harvey Barnes has been directly involved in three goals (two goals, one assist) in his past two Premier League games, as many as in his first 11 in the competition for Newcastle, while all six of his goal involvements for the Magpies have come at St James’ Park.

• Newcastle's Alexander Isak scored his 25th Premier League goal, only Sebastian Larsson (26) and Freddie Ljungberg (48) have scored more in the competition among Swedish players.

• Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his first Premier League goal since October, ending a run of 18 matches and 41 shots in the competition before converting his 88th minute penalty against Newcastle. He's netted more goals in the competition against Newcastle (six) than any against any other opponent.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted a late penalty as Everton gained a vital point in their battle to avoid relegation with a draw at Europe-chasing Newcastle.

Alexander Isak gave the hosts a 15th-minute lead when he collected Harvey Barnes' ball over the visiting defence, cut inside Jarrad Branthwaite and calmly slotted past Jordan Pickford.

Dan Burn had a goal ruled out for offside and Isak had another attempt cleared off the line, before the visitors were handed a late lifeline as Paul Dummett had his arm around Ashley Young's neck and wrestled him to the ground.

England striker Calvert-Lewin kept his composure to score his first goal in 24 games in all competitions and end a goalless run that had stretched back to October.

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Former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin, writing for the BBC Football Extra newsletter:

I will be at St James’ Park to cover Newcastle's game against Everton. So, for the record, Magpies fans are never less than friendly and ultra-supportive of their side.

‌Everton fans might be less encouraging as Sean Dyche’s team are now staring into the abyss, having not won in 12 league games.

However, how the kick on Dominic Calvert-Lewin down at Bournemouth was not a penalty, yet the lightest tap on Mykhailo Mudryk’s shoulder by Lorenz Assignon at Stamford Bridge was, utterly baffled me.

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany was given a red card for his furious reaction along with the unfortunate Assignon and to be honest I reckon I would have reacted the same way.

‌Everton’s Dyche, on the other hand, stayed on to watch as Seamus Coleman scored a bizarre own goal in the last seconds to throw away a precious point.

At that moment Everton’s season looked more than doomed. It looked jinxed.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For the midweek matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he takes on UB40 drummer and Birmingham City fan Jimmy Brown.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

I was at St James' Park to see Newcastle's late comeback to beat West Ham 4-3 and there is a lot to admire about Eddie Howe's side.

They found a way of winning the game, and it was great for Harvey Barnes to come on and change the game the way he did after missing so much of the campaign.

My concern for them here is how much that will have taken out of them. Their squad was already injury ravaged and now their captain Jamaal Lascelles is out for several months too.

I am taking a bit of a punt here, especially given that Everton have gone 12 league games without a win, but I think Newcastle are so stretched and put so much into it on Saturday, that it will catch up with them here.

Everton's big problem is still in attack because they really struggle to find the back of the net, but they do create chances and I have a sneaking feeling they will get a result here - just like they did when they beat the Magpies 3-0 at Goodison Park in December.

Brown's prediction: 1-1

Read the rest of their predictions here

West Ham United will have to pay at least £60m if they want to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana. (Football Insider), external

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