'I need to start scoring more' - Garnerpublished at 11:14 BST 24 September
11:14 BST 24 September
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Everton midfielder James Garner says the team "weren't at the races" in their Carabao Cup third round defeat to Wolves, as David Moyes made seven changes following derby disappointment against Liverpool.
The 24-year-old went closest for the Toffees, with a second-half free-kick that hit the bar as they searched for an equaliser.
"It isn't ideal," Garner told BBC Radio Merseyside. "We weren't quite at the races from minute one really. We let them settle down into the game and that wasn't our game plan at all.
"We wanted to get right after them, but they managed to get control of the game early on. They scored such an avoidable goal and it is always going to be tough from there.
"In the second half, we showed the team that we have been in the first few games of the season. We had them in the penalty box for the last 20 to 30 minutes, I know they got the second goal but there are a few positives to take away from that.
"I had a few chances but I need to do better. I need to start scoring more. I should be helping the team a little bit more on nights like these, with either a goal or a bit of creativity off set-pieces. I need to start putting the ball in the back of the net."
Wolves 2-0 Everton: What Moyes said published at 07:58 BST 24 September
07:58 BST 24 September
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Everton manager David Moyes speaking after their 2-0 defeat by Wolves in the Carabao Cup: "I was hugely disappointed and probably a bit frustrated. I thought the first half should have been a 0-0 game.
"I didn't think that they had any real big chances to score. We gave away an absolute poxy goal that you can't believe.
"It turned the game and turned my thoughts. We hadn't started as well as we would have liked, but I thought we were just growing into the game, and we gave away a goal when there didn't seem to be a goal in the game for either side at that point.
"It meant that we had to look at things and change things around a little bit."
On the positives to take: "In the second half, I thought we played really well without getting a goal, which is the thing you'll get judged on.
"But look, we played much better. We made the changes. We want all the players to play at the top level. I said it was a 0-0 game in the first half and it should have been, but we still need to play at a much higher level than we showed in the first half."
Analysis: Wolves 2-0 Evertonpublished at 07:35 BST 24 September
07:35 BST 24 September
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
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This was a much-changed Everton side from that which won at Wolves in the league last month but, fresh from derby disappointment against Liverpool at the weekend, they have now seen one avenue for a trophy dry up before the end of September.
David Moyes made seven changes but the underwhelming Thierno Barry failed to take his chance, with the £27m summer signing's biggest impact a booking for petulantly kicking the ball into the advertising hoardings.
It is 30 years since they last lifted major silverware, the 1995 FA Cup - and this was another missed opportunity.
You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Lincoln v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Southampton", for instance.
Emphasis on us doing well in the cups this year - Tarkowskipublished at 16:00 BST 22 September
16:00 BST 22 September
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Everton captain James Tarkowski believes the club is in a better position this season to mount a cup challenge as they are not being drawn into a relegation battle as things stand.
It has been a challenging few years at the club, but the arrival of David Moyes - in addition to getting new owners - has brought stability to the Toffees.
"There's definitely an emphasis on us doing well in the cups this year," said Tarkowski. "We've all seen Crystal Palace and Newcastle last year - teams outside the big six - win a domestic trophy so there's no reason why we can't go and do it.
"It's definitely been mentioned between the group of the players and staff that we want to go and win something.
"All through my career I've not done very well in cup competitions really, so I definitely want to go and win something.
"There's no reason why this year can't be the one."
Everton travel to Wolves on Tuesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Since reaching the semi-finals in 2016, the Toffees have lost in the third round more times (five) than they have progressed.
'Old habits die hard, but progress is clear'published at 13:16 BST 22 September
13:16 BST 22 September
Mike Richards Fan writer
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It is somewhat refreshing to be able to look back on an away Merseyside derby performance, with a semblance of positivity – even in defeat.
Old habits die hard, and David Moyes will look back on the opening 30 minutes with frustration and regret.
If we had started the game, how we played the final hour or so, I am sure we would not be discussing a loss.
Whether it be stage fright, naivety or a combination of the two, Everton allowed our opponents to dictate proceedings, which ultimately cost us the game.
As supporters, we have often seen the script before - especially at Anfield.
Once one goal goes in, the floodgates well and truly open.
Thankfully, we saw the progression within this Everton side, who refused to wilt in the heat of the battle.
I am sure many Evertonians will reflect on the much improved second-half showing, even if it was eventually in vain.
It would be remiss of me to not highlight another officiating horror show, as it is something that has become the norm in recent seasons.
There is no suggestion the result would have been different if the officials had acted correctly in our eyes, but the lack of consistency and application of the laws of the game was once again concerning.
I am sure there will be many who find it strange that I put so much emphasis on the positives in defeat, but you simply cannot ignore the reaction we saw from the players.
Leaving Anfield disappointed to not have got at least a point is a step in the right direction.
We all long for the day we come away from there with all three points. On Saturday's evidence, maybe the gap is not as wide as many would have you believe.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:19 BST 22 September
08:19 BST 22 September
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Liverpool and Everton.
Here are some of your comments:
Liverpool fans
Chris: Good first half, with slick passing and good movement. Everton played well in the second half, but the Reds kept their shape and saw the game out. When we play fluidly for 95 minutes, watch out.
Marwan: This Liverpool team that has world-class players in every position and on the bench should be dominating games and destroying other teams, scoring more and conceding less, especially after the arrivals of the transfer window. I am not impressed with Arne Slot's tactics, nor with Florian Wirtz's performances.
Mic: Five games all won yet glaring mistakes in every game. I love the Reds but, at 71, my heart can't take another season of late goals - so do me a favour and finish a game off long before my heart stops.
Everton fans
Harry: Massive improvement on previous Anfield derbies. We definitely turned up and Jack Grealish has put a spring back in everyone's step. The result is disappointing but the season looks brighter.
John: Thought we deserved at least a point. Much more positive second half than Liverpool.
Jeff: We lost the match in the first half. I feel sorry for Beto. He was let down by the first-half tactics and replaced by a woeful Thierno Barry. We basically played with 10 men the second half but, interestingly, we were the better team.
Gossip: Everton consider Reguilonpublished at 06:43 BST 22 September
06:43 BST 22 September
Everton are considering a move for free agent Sergio Reguilon, although the 28-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur full-back is said to prefer a move back to his homeland Spain. (Football Insider), external
Analysis: Toffees show vast improvementpublished at 16:09 BST 20 September
16:09 BST 20 September
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
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Everton manager David Moyes is now without victory in 23 visits to Anfield, with Liverpool inflicting more pain by setting up the platform for three points with two goals inside the first half an hour.
It gave Everton an unenviable task to get back into this Merseyside derby, but the manner in which they pushed Liverpool in the second half means Moyes can feel encouraged despite the loss.
Everton could have capitulated in that dire situation, but responded in such a manner that Liverpool fans were shouting for the final whistle while Moyes was furious only three minutes were added on at the end.
Jack Grealish was once again a major source of creativity, along with Iliman Ndiaye, but this Everton team has a very obvious Achilles heel for all the improvements made elsewhere.
Moyes started with Beto up front but removed the striker at half-time, somewhat harshly as he had barely had any service.
He was replaced by the raw £27m summer signing Thierno Barry, but the 22-year-old brought in from Villarreal could make no impression on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
It is a flaw that threatens to undo so much good work from Everton and is something Moyes must address in the next transfer window.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton: What Moyes and Grealish saidpublished at 15:11 BST 20 September
15:11 BST 20 September
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David Moyes spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Everton's defeat against Liverpool: "We were much closer. The performance in second half warranted to get something but we gave too much in the first half."
On whether tackle on Iliman Ndiaye in lead up to first Liverpool goal was a foul: "I have not seen it again I couldn't be sure. I probably would have said it wasn't a foul but there is a lot of other things that I could have said, but I won't if you don't mind.
"The boys never gave up and showed a great deal of resilience."
On Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall booking for quick free-kick: "The bigger thing is the game seemed to be controlled by the referee, we couldn't start anything quickly. We couldn't play. I have had played plenty of games where teams have taken quick free-kicks and it hasn't been the referees' whistle.
"He never allowed us to get the game under way fast when we wanted to. I found it strange there was only three minutes [of stoppage time] . If Liverpool were 2-0 down I'm not sure if three minutes would have been put up."
Jack Grealish spoke to TNT Sports after the defeat at Anfield: "It was what I expected, coming here it was hostile, faster. I don't think we played well in the first-half, we came in a half-time and had a chat with the manager and then second half, we lost the game in the second half. Frustrating because if we had played like that, pressed like that from the start it would have been a different game. In the end we couldn't get that last goal.
"When I have watched them [Liverpool] this season they have been so good but there has been a few times they have gone 2-0 up and then conceded two, we had the belief. We got the one back, a great finish Idrissa [Gueye] but we couldn't get that last goal."
Did you know?
David Moyes remains winless in all 21 of his Premier League games at Anfield (D6 L15) – the most games any manager has ever taken charge of at a ground in the competition without winning.
Everton have won just 11 of their 67 Premier League games against Liverpool (D26 L30), a win rate of 16% - among sides they have faced 3+ times in the competition, only against Manchester United (15%) and Tottenham Hotspur (15%) do they have a lower win rate.
Liverpool v Everton: key stats and talking pointspublished at 18:34 BST 19 September
18:34 BST 19 September
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield aiming to extend a perfect record of four wins from their opening four Premier League games.
David Moyes is yet to win at Anfield in all 22 career matches as a manager.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes to analyse whether that could change on Saturday.
Liverpool's late show continues
Liverpool maintained their 100% winning record thanks to Virgil van Dijk's injury-time winner against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with all five of their victories earned thanks to goals from the 83rd minute onwards.
Image caption,
Liverpool have scored late winners far more frequently than their Premier League rivals
Head coach Arne Slot said after the game that fitness was part of the reason for his team's remarkable record, adding "our mentality is we will always push". But are the champions more vulnerable this season?
The win against Atletico was the third time this season the Reds have let a two-goal lead slip and although they have recovered to win those matches, it will give encouragement to opponents that they remain in the game – and Everton may need all of the help they can get at Anfield come Saturday lunchtime.
Moyes' Anfield woes
The Toffees are yet to win away to Liverpool this century in a match in which the Kop contained supporters. Their only triumph in the past 25 years came during the Covid pandemic in 2021 under the stewardship of Carlo Ancelotti.
Moyes, meanwhile, has failed in all 22 attempts to win a game at Anfield with any club. He has travelled with Everton 13 times, losing on six occasions.
So why could that record change on Saturday? Moyes' most commonly used formation at Anfield has been 4-2-3-1 – which is the same tactical set-up which has been implemented so effectively this season.
The biggest difference has been Everton's summer of successful signings in which nine new players have been brought in at a record net spend of £97m.
Everton have played on the front foot in wins over Brighton and Wolves this season, while they were unfortunate to draw with Aston Villa last weekend after wasting a host of golden chances.
Having ranked 18th for goals from open play in the Premier League in 2024-25, scoring just 25, the Toffees have attacked with aplomb this season.
History suggests that Moyes tends to be more pragmatic away to the biggest sides and in Everton's last 10 visits to Anfield under the Scotsman over the past 20 years, the Toffees have scored a total of just five goals, converting only 6.7% of their chances.
They are statistics that must surely improve if Everton are to secure an evasive derby win.
Image caption,
Everton have struggled to score goals at Anfield under David Moyes
Will an early or late goal win the game?
For all of Liverpool's domination of this fixture on home soil, derbies on Merseyside tend to be tight, wherever they're played.
On the last eight occasions that Everton and Moyes have visited their neighbours, there have been four draws and three games settled by a single goal.
There is also a sense that despite Liverpool's formidable firepower, they are more vulnerable than in recent seasons.
And while Slot's men sit top of the Premier League table, they have been reliant on late goals, meaning Everton have actually led for 26 minutes more in the Premier League this season – and an early goal could be crucial at Anfield.
All five of Everton's league goals have come in the first 55 minutes of games, including three in the opening half hour, while Liverpool are yet to go behind.
If Moyes' men can take, and maintain, an early lead, they must also withstand the inevitable barrage late on at Anfield - Liverpool have scored 47 winners after the 90th minute in the Premier League era, at least 13 more than any other team.
Sutton's predictions: Liverpool v Evertonpublished at 18:33 BST 19 September
18:33 BST 19 September
Everton have started the season well. Jack Grealish has given them that creative spark on the ball and Beto is a tireless runner up front.
On top of that, you know David Moyes will make them hard to break down too.
Liverpool left it late again against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and I do wonder how much that game will have taken out of them.
They still have plenty of options in their squad and, while they haven't been at their best, they keep on finding a way to win. That's what I think will happen again here.
Moyes on Keane 'headache', Merseyside derbies and Slot's spendingpublished at 14:07 BST 19 September
14:07 BST 19 September
Millie Sian BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
David Moyes discusses Everton and the Merseyside derby
Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield (kick-off 12:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko are "making progress", after picking up a hamstring issue and a groin injury respectively, so their availability will be assessed.
There are also "a couple of other knocks in camp" but he didn't expand on who had been affected.
On if Michael Keane's recent performances have given him a bit of a headache at centre-back: "I hope the players I give the opportunities to can hang on to their jersey. Michael has done great for us in the games he has played, so long may that continue."
He admitted that he does not particularly enjoy Merseyside derbies as a manager, stating: "This has always been an incredibly difficult fixture for me because I've always come up against really good Liverpool teams. I think it's easier if you're the team that has the stronger squad, but we're up against it so we have to go there and fight for everything."
However, he sees the positive in the fixture being early on in this season's calendar because it will give the squad "a chance to see where we are against certainly one of the top teams".
He praised Arne Slot's impact at Anfield: "He has done a brilliant job. They have gone out and bought some top players, which has strengthened them again. They have definitely looked to improve even more than last season."
While accepting Liverpool are "entitled to spend" after winning the Premier League and competing in the Champions League, Moyes highlighted: "They have spent more on one player than we have our whole squad. I don't think that's our biggest issue though, but it's just having that realism about where both clubs are at the moment."
He also noted the Reds have shown "some vulnerability" in conceding goals this season so the Toffees' plan is to "try to take advantage" of those moments, adding: "We played them last year at Anfield and lost to an offside goal, so we want to try to run them close again and maybe this time it will go in our favour."
On the motivation for his players: "We certainly want to get away from the position we have been in over the last few years."
Moyes said his vision is to "play better, win more often and challenge all the big teams".
Why Rooney 'hated' Merseyside derbypublished at 08:40 BST 19 September
08:40 BST 19 September
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Wayne Rooney said he "hated" Merseyside derbies during his time at Everton.
The former England captain played seven times against the Reds, six in the Premier League and once in the FA Cup but was never on the winning side.
Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said: "I hated it. The build up to the game, the whole week, was horrible. Being around the training ground, and as an Evertonian, getting ready and preparing for the game and all the staff around the training ground who are Evertonians.
"You feel sick because you're just thinking, if you lose the game again, Liverpool will rub it in your face.
"And when I actually went back the second time to Everton, I got all the TVs turned off so there was nothing on about the game, just to try and forget about it that week really and go into the game not worrying too much about it.
"It's a massive game and a game, if you win, there's no better feeling.
"I actually never won a derby. I think I played seven derbies, and I didn't win any. So I've never experienced it."
Image source, Getty Images
