Everton

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

Six games down and players are racking up the mileage in the Premier League. But who has been hitting the top marks so far?

Southampton’s Flynn Downes has put in the biggest shift, covering almost five kilometres more distance than any other player in the Premier League so far.

It is also notable too that striker Kai Havertz is working hard for the Arsenal cause as they challenge for the title once again, while Dwight McNeil is backing up his early goalscoring with some serious work rate.

Already the fastest player in Premier League history after clocking 37.8km/h against Brentford last campaign, it is no real surprise to find that Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven has been the fastest over the first six games.

However, it is also notable to see Manchester City's ruthless forward Erling Haaland up there too. Speed just one part of the monstrous physicality that gets him so many chances and goals.

Finally, what about the most sprints?

That goes to Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon who has made the most sprints in the Premier League so far this term.

He is 'running' away with it too, having clocked up 13 more than any other player.

Image source, Getty Images

Everton defender James Tarkowski says he may have struggled to cope with the pressures of playing for the club if he had joined when he was younger.

The 31-year-old has endured relegation battles, points deductions and more since arriving at Goodison Park in 2022.

“I could go on for a few pages worth here [about his time at Everton]," Tarkowski told the official club website, external. "But one thing I will say is I love playing here, I really do.

"It's been the most testing time of my career in terms of issues in and around the football club, and it feels like it's been one after another for a while, but the matchdays are always very special.

"If I was younger I think I would have struggled [with the pressure], because I know that can be difficult. It's really not easy to deal with it and play under it.

"I enjoy the pressure - I want it. I like having the pressure of going out every week and being expected to perform to a certain level. I want that from myself; I expect it from myself.

"You want to thrive under that. The expectations at this football club, rightly, are high. The history of what Everton is there for everyone to see and success is what people expect.

"I am very understanding of how the past few years must have been for people who have followed this club their whole lives. This is probably one of the worst positions the club has been in for a while.

"Hopefully now now we're coming out the other side and we can look forward again."

Image source, Getty Images

Everton have lost just three of their past 20 Premier League home games against Newcastle (W12 D5), but two of those defeats have come in their past four meetings at Goodison Park.

Can you name the four players who have scored more than 50 Premier League goals for Everton?

Answer will be revealed at 17:00 BST

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is a contender to replace Sean Dyche as Everton manager, once Dan Friedkin's takeover of the club is completed. (Football Insider), external

Want more news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media about defender Jarrad Branthwaite's situation at the club following a summer of transfer speculation.

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

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

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On media reports that the club's prospective new owners may provide him with a sizeable transfer budget in January, Dyche said: "I try to stick to facts and I certainly haven't heard anything from the owners at all, and certainly not about transfer budgets."

• Asked whether he has plans to speak with them in the near future, Dyche added: "I'm always open to speak to whoever I need to speak to, but I haven't heard anything from their side of things."

• On the squad's mood after securing a first Premier League win of the season: "Confidence is a funny thing. It comes and goes. But you have to have an underbelly of confidence to be a professional footballer. Of course it heightens it when you get a reward."

• On speculation about Jarrad Branthwaite's future and how the centre-back is dealing with it: "It's not a surprise that good players are linked with other clubs, that's just the nature of it. There is a lot going on for him outside of what we do and it's nothing to do with him. There are stories everywhere about him, but he seems pretty level and enjoying getting back to playing."

• Full-back Nathan Patterson is "training regularly" as he continues his return from long-term injury: "It was a different kind of injury. It was a serious one on a tendon that needed surgery and he needs to be careful on the recovery. Six months is a long time to be out so it's a games programme [required] rather than [playing] one game."

• Dwight McNeil has been nominated for the Premier League's player of the month award and Dyche said: "He continues to mature as a player. The change in position was something we've talked about a lot since I've been at the club - when we could do it and the reasons for doing it - and so far it's been productive. I still think he can operate all across that middle band of the pitch. He's done very well and it looks to me like he's enjoying his role."

• On Saturday's opponents Newcastle: "They're a good outfit. They've invested well and they're well coached by Eddie [Howe]. They can play, but they often get the ball forward quickly so you've got to be alive to that because they have pace on the counter."

Follow the rest of the day's football news

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Former Everton player and manager Joe Royle has been honoured by becoming the first person to have a roadway named after him inside the club's Finch Farm training ground.

Royle, 75, won the 1969-70 First Division title as a striker for the Toffees before going on the manage the side, winning the 1995 FA Cup - the last piece of silverware lifted by the club.

At a special ceremony, the new road signage was unveiled with the club legend and members of his family in attendance.

"I am very proud," said Royle. "It's something I never expected. It's a great honour and I really mean that."

Royle is regarded as one of Everton's most iconic figures and scored 119 goals for the club, putting him fifth on the all-time list.

Everton chief executive Colin Chong said: "Joe is genuine Everton royalty and it is absolutely appropriate that he should be recognised in this fashion.

"There are not many people that have had a greater impact on this football club than Joe Royle, and today we have seen how proud he and his family are of this deserved dedication."

Image source, Getty Images

Interim England boss Lee Carsley has announced his squad for this month's Nations League games with Greece and Finland.

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke is the headline inclusion, returning to international contention for the first time in seven years.

The 27-year-old has three goals in six appearances for Spurs since moving from Bournemouth in the summer.

Read the full story

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It had been a gloomy start to the season for Everton before news of The Friedkin Group's potential takeover emerged and they finally got their first league win of the campaign against Crystal Palace.

However, amid that, one bright spark has been the form of midfielder Dwight McNeil.

Still just 24, McNeil has already made 235 senior club appearances during his career at Burnley and Everton. This experience seems to have helped McNeil step up despite everything feeling so tumultuous around him.

Well, that, and a timely move to his positioning.

Since making the £20m switch from the Clarets in July 2022, McNeil has operated mostly down the left, as a winger or in a more regular midfield role.

Boss Sean Dyche explained recently that McNeil has now moved into a more central number-10 role behind the striker (as illustrated in the graphics below).

"Me and the staff spoke about could we get him [McNeil] inside?" said Dyche. "Iliman [Ndiaye] has done well enough in the wide area to allow us more freedom to move Dwight.

"As long as we can get the ball in there, [it] brings him to life more than out wide."

And bring him to life it has.

Image source, Opta

Image source, Opta

Including the Carabao Cup, McNeil's four goals this campaign have already surpassed his three from last season.

And while goals are helpful - his two against Palace critical - he has been involved in 11 goals in eight games so far. is in fact his creative ability that has helped the team find the net 11 times in their eight games so far.

In the Premier League this season, no other player has created more chances than McNeil's 21.

When narrowed down to big chances, he is third, only behind Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

He is consistently trying to provide his team-mates with goalscoring opportunities, having crossed the ball 47 times - the second most of any player.

And it isn't just about creating those chances but the quality of them too.

With an expected assists (xA) figure of 2.96, McNeil has created better quality chances than any player in the league so far this campaign.

Considering many of these teams the players he is ranking above and around are fighting towards the top end of the table, it just shows the level the former Claret has been performing at.

With optimism beginning to break through at Goodison Park, McNeil's new role could be the catalyst Everton need to reach their goals this season.

*Stats provided by Opta

Everton are not concerned about a January transfer window approach for 22-year-old centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite from rivals Liverpool. (Liverpool Echo), external

The Toffees could reignite their interest in 30-year-old Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron, who is likely to leave Newcastle United in January. (Teamtalk), external

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

Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

Image source, Getty Images

One swallow does not make a summer and Everton fans certainly will not be getting too carried away with their first Premier League win of the season.

They also have good reason not to.

Their first-half performance lacked energy, drive and direction and Crystal Palace's one-goal lead at the break was scant reward for their superiority.

However, after the break, Everton were more aggressive and resilient with Dwight McNeil’s overall value highlighted spectacularly with two wonderful goals.

In the end, the Blues were good value for all three points, the win lifting them out of the relegation zone and providing the first concrete steps towards a solid foundation on which to build their season.

It will clearly take a little while for Jarrad Branthwaite to get back to his best form, but just his presence in the team was wonderful to see. After a prolonged absence with a groin injury, he understandably looked rusty early on but he soon brought his calm assurance to Everton’s defending. He reads the game exceptionally well and can react to danger in an instant. Quick, robust and good in the air, he also has something that underlines his star quality - like all the really good players do.

He makes his team-mates better too. It is no coincidence James Tarkowski, Vitaliy Mykolenko and Ashley Young all put in their best performances of the season. If he can stay fit, he will again prove to be a pivotal figure for the team.

Beyond Branthwaite, there was another who had fans off their seats at regular intervals. Blues supporters have really warmed to Iliman Ndiaye - why wouldn’t they? He has something this team have been short of for far too long. He makes things happen and quickly!

He is alert and fleet of foot, direct in how he runs at defender but with the skill to go either way. He will bring goals and creativity to Everton and hopefully this is the beginning of a long-lasting love affair with the supporters.

Newcastle come to Goodison on Saturday and they have enough talent in their squad to cause problems for the best teams in the Premier League.

However, Everton can have added confidence. There’s still a long way for them to go before they are back on an even keel, but at last they are up and running again.

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

Image source, Getty Images

Everton First Team Physical Performance coach Jack Dowling was joined by Toffees captain Seamus Coleman, external last night as he continues to run 26 minutes every hour on the hour for 26 hours for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Dowling's brother Tom died in March from bowel cancer and he is aiming to raise £100k for the charity which supported him during the battle. He previously completed the challenge of running 26 marathons in 26 weeks and has currently raised £91k.

Dowling - pictured above with his brother - finishes at 17:00 BST today after starting at Everton’s Finch Farm training base yesterday at 15:00 - on Tom's birthday.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside this morning after running for 15 hours, he said: "It's been a bit of a blur the last few hours.

"Middle of the night from 12:00 to about 06:00 it was tough. I had a good crew each time, good support around me. That's what has really kept me going. Without them I probably would have stopped. The captain joined us as well last night.

"Some good memories so far. He's [Coleman] an absolute legend. Anyone who has ever spoken to Seamus can't speak highly enough of the man. He's a real inspiration."

"Just sharing the story of what Macmillan do and how anyone can be affected by cancer, that's the main thing."

Listen to the full chat with Jack Dowling from 01:53:00 on BBC Sounds

Liverpool are ready to rival Manchester United for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and could even move for the 22-year-old Englishman in January. (Mail), external

However, Sean Dyche will be given funds to improve the Everton squad in January once the Friedkin Group complete their takeover of the club - and no top players will be sold. (Football Insider), external

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

Mike Richards
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Ten minutes in and the overwhelming sense of 'here we go again' was palpable inside Goodison Park.

Marc Guehi had just given Crystal Palace the lead, as Everton once again struggled to deal with a set piece. This seemed to set the tone for the first half - no intensity, no attacking threat and a severe lack of belief.

Add into the mix that Everton do not come from behind to win - 1 October 2022 was the last time we did - so we feared we were all in for a long afternoon.

Step forward Dwight McNeil.

The introduction of Jack Harrison at half-time cannot be overlooked and Sean Dyche deserves credit for making the right change at the right time. The shift in momentum was almost instantaneous and allowed McNeil to find more space higher up the pitch.

Slotting into the number-10 role this season has seen McNeil top the club goalscoring charts and he has created the most chances of any player in the Premier League.

We have always known the quality he possesses with his left foot. He is quite often seen as a 'Dyche disciple' and has always been a regular in his starting XIs, regardless of form, but his quality is clear for all to see.

Last season was incredibly difficult for him, given the health issues of his partner, so it is especially pleasing to see him back, impacting games and embracing his new position.

His first goal typified the technique we have become accustomed to since his move from Burnley. No goal can be classed as a bad goal, but he simply only seems to deal in goal-of-the-month contenders.

With Jarrad Branthwaite back to full fitness, the fabled takeover saga close to a conclusion, and a first win of the season under our belts - maybe we can get back to enjoying the football again.

Maybe.

Find more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity, external

David Moyes would be interested in returning to Everton if the club part ways with Sean Dyche after a slow start to the season. (Football Insider), external

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

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

An Everton related question was put to chief footballer writer Phil McNulty in Monday's Q&A.

@meolscop1978 on "X" asked: Am I delusional to be optimistic about Everton right now. New owners, first Premier League win, etc?

Phil answered: Steady!

What is beyond doubt is that last week was a long overdue better week for Everton, with news of Dan Friedkin's agreement to buy the club and that vital first league win.

Of all the options open to Everton, on the surface Friedkin's appears to be by far the best with the family's vast wealth and his track record of owning a club at AS Roma.

There are no guarantees but 777 always looked a very bad fit for so many reasons while John Textor had the not inconsiderable problem of his involvement at Crystal Palace.

A good week and a cause for guarded optimism. Now Everton need more like it.

Image source, Getty Images

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite says it has been a "frustrating" few months being side lined through injury and not being able to help his team-mates out.

"It has been a long 15/16 weeks so it felt good to be back out there with the lads," he told BBC Radio Merseyside after the victory over Crystal Palace. "It is a massive win for us, especially after the spell we've been through. It was hard and frustrating not being on the pitch and helping the team out.

"I am not going to come back in [to the game] and feel myself straight away but I felt I grew into the game. I was meant to back sooner than I was but I had a second injury, so it has been frustrating.

"Hopefully this win will give us confidence and we can go on a bit of a run now."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

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

Here are some of your comments:

Everton fans

George: First half lacked quality. Second half was the opposite - intensity, desire and cutting edge going forwards from Ndiaye, McNeil, Harrison, DCL. Back four looked much more solid. Unsung hero was Young - kept Eze very quiet.

Stuart: Having been to all of Everton’s Premier League home games this season I think the manager’s main problem has been leaving substitutions either too late or targeting the wrong players apart from Saturday where, for once, Dyche got it right by replacing Lindstrom with Harrison at half time - it turned the game.

Magnus: Scrappy win but still a win. One soft goal for each team and a great strike by McNeil made the difference. Hope this together with the Friedkin takeover creates stability and confidence so that the players can play at the level they have previously shown they are capable of.

Greg: First half was awful and Lindstrom in particular was abysmal. I would have sacked Dyche at half time. Second half was better, well slightly but we're still inviting teams on. It puts unnecessary pressure on Pickford and the back four. Tarkowski looked a lot more like his old self probably because Branthwaite was back to bring a bit of calmness.

Crystal Palace fans

Paul: In attack we have been simply abysmal. Mateta only ever scores when it is put on a plate for him, still he often misses. Nketiah shouldn't be playing right wing, he provides zero width and should be playing as a striker. Eze today worried me, zero confidence and flair. Never understand why we let Edouard go, he was the scapegoat yet a great player. Lacroix only positive.

Gavin: Disappointing result. I am becoming concerned about selections. Lerma is not a defender and with Chalobah on bench, it did not make sense. Also Nketiah is a number nine - playing him out of position does not help. Kamada totally at sea. Glasner needs to get a grip of this situation.

Christopher: Very poor. I am not sure Glasner and I were watching the same game. Lack of ideas, poor defending and awful at defending set pieces - this is the story of our season so far. Liverpool next and I am very concerned that we’ll be in the bottom three this time next week - another tough season ahead.

Bernard: Glasner will be gone if we don't beat Liverpool. Spent money and he has made us worse. Flattered to deceive at the end of last season as he had nothing to lose. We were heading down anyway so he gained respect for those efforts. Seems lost and doesn't know his best team. Poor performances all round.

Image source, Getty Images

Former winger Theo Walcott believes confidence is growing at Everton and Dwight McNeil will be key in keeping the Toffees in the Premier League.

"It's his third season now at Everton and he's starting to now grow into this role and the responsibility," Walcott said on Match of the Day. "He likes to commit players - he puts himself in good areas of the field where he creates space.

"The other side of it which I like is he doesn't just stay still, he likes to make movement in behind, which is one thing I always used to do."

Despite Saturday's win at home to Crystal Palace being their first victory in the Premier League this season, Walcott believes "confidence is growing now".

But, he also believes McNeil will be vital to them this season, stating: "They are going to have to get his goals to stay up because they are not a team that score a lot."

Catch up on Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

Highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

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

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Arsenal 4-2 Leicester

• Wolves 1-2 Liverpool