Everton banter 3

19 Dec 2025 07:52:11
Am I the only one looking forward to tomorrow night, time for a lot of our second string players to step up, Barry to be the hero scoring the winner, we can all dream I suppose but sometimes they come true here's hoping.

19 Dec 2025 08:12:58
Hopefully some will take their chance.
It's a starting 11 we would have been made up with at this stage last season so positive thoughts.

NSNO UTFT IMWT.

19 Dec 2025 13:09:38
How many goal keepers will be on the bench? 3? 4?

{Ed025's Note - we might need them all between the sticks at the same time Swinners.. :)

19 Dec 2025 17:26:29
We have a chance slim to none but we have a chance, get the crowd behind us, bit of luck and who knows.

{Ed025's Note - they have not been great lately either Pasty, they needed 2 own goals to beat Wolves last week, yes they are a very good side when they are on their game but if we can keep it tight at the back they could panic a bit mate..

19 Dec 2025 17:48:02
Still think the old adage anyone can beat anyone on the day.

19 Dec 2025 21:46:02
With our best players starting we can give any side a good game. The problem with the African tournament and injuries we have a very weakened side so not sure we can beat Arsenal. I suppose miracles can happen, keep praying GB.

18 Dec 2025 19:16:16
I wonder if we will try for Brennan on loan from the spuds in January, I know we will be in a long list of clubs in for him but he desperately needs playing time for the World Cup and we desperately need a proven premier league striker. I’m happy that we have improved from the last few seasons and still can’t believe that we didn’t sign a striker in the summer, we could have used the dibling money on this because I don’t like us spending that sort of money on potential when our need is for proven players is a priority at this time.

I would like to wish all the Ed’s and posters on here a Merry Christmas.

18 Dec 2025 20:55:56
Not a striker mate, but would be a great addition to the squad.

18 Dec 2025 20:59:12
Doing deals with Spurs ???.

19 Dec 2025 18:29:29
I'd take anyone that improves the current squad and provides good competition for places. This lad is one of them, get him in if this rumour is true.

18 Dec 2025 15:16:03
No KDH, no Ndiaye, no Idrissa. 3 out and out starters for us not available.

Keen to hear what peoples thoughts are on setup against Arsenal.

We know we don't really have a squad to utilise at the best of times when everyone is available, let alone when some are away at AFCON but do people think that we should use the bench on Saturday more than Moyes typically likes, to ensure that we try to protect players and have them primed for fixtures that could be deemed more favourable to us e. g. Burnley, Forest and Wolves.

{Ed025's Note - thats a very good point BN, myself i think this will be a Dyche performance from us mate, by that i mean a backs to wall without actually doing much attacking but hoping for a lucky break and frustrating Arsenal..

18 Dec 2025 16:15:10
Agree there Ed. I wonder if we will see Patterson on the right side of midfield, in front of O'Brien to try and sure things up a bit.

I just hope that he doesn't shoe-horn players into positions where we have already seen them be very ineffective e. g. McNeil on the right or Charlie on the right. Would much rather see Charlie in the 10, or McNeil on his favoured left.

I have zero expectations for this game but sometimes in typical Everton fashion, we seem to come up with a result.

{Ed025's Note - we live in hope BN..

18 Dec 2025 17:58:55
A lot will depend on whether Grealish and KDH are able to play. Then Tim would come in for Gana and I suppose McNeil would come in for Ndiaye. Though I would rather see young Dibling given a go.

18 Dec 2025 18:27:19
They are both out according to reports today mate.

18 Dec 2025 18:56:04
Mcneil left dibling right and Alcaraz number 10 tim for idrissa time for them to earn there places that I'm sure they keep asking DM for.

18 Dec 2025 20:34:05
Remember - Moyes got a tune out of the squad without KDH or Grealish back post of last season. We can only hope he can do it again. At least there isn’t Harrison or Doucs to drive us mad.

18 Dec 2025 21:00:25
Writing this one off.

18 Dec 2025 21:20:07
If push came to shove I think McNeil could do well next to Garner in midfield. Alcaraz in no10 and Dibling on RW.

18 Dec 2025 23:47:53
Is Beto going to AFCON as well?

19 Dec 2025 02:01:48
KDH definitely not available and won't be for more than just the Arse. Grealish I think may be fit, he seemed to hint as much in that video he did for the young lad in school who will be a mascot this weekend.

This was what I was meaning by the post really. Grealish may not be 100% fit. Do we risk causing a worse injury and going without him for the likes of Burnley, Forest and Wolves?

19 Dec 2025 21:09:12
Can we send him anyway Benny Blue Nose?

Would give Moyes no other option to try out someone else up front.

17 Dec 2025 17:49:23
January window getting mighty close, hope we can get two or three in.

17 Dec 2025 18:36:42
I hope we try grab Dju. His club don't want to lose him this season but if he can replicate his form and goals for his current club, then he is worth going all out for.

17 Dec 2025 19:07:27
Bad window Jan unless it is someone others have missed (long odds) , it may well be better struggling through.

17 Dec 2025 19:49:40
Unfortunately, he has picked up an injury that has required surgery Dentie. I think he is out until March earliest.

17 Dec 2025 20:20:23
I like the look of Yuri Alberto young Brazilian a forward who plays for Corinthians, the 24 yr old was linked with us a few weeks ago, be a massive. upgrade on what we have at the moment.

17 Dec 2025 20:49:07
Would Dju believe his luck?

I wouldn’t mind a cheeky bout for the Brentford number 9 Thiago but think he’ll only mice in the summer and probably to someone like Spurs or Arsenal.

As long as we get someone who can score and a RB, I’d consider it a good window.

17 Dec 2025 20:53:39
They are all an upgrade until they start playing.

17 Dec 2025 21:02:16
What about the Hayden Hackney rumours he's going to be a top player.

17 Dec 2025 21:48:09
Another for the future Yuki?

Rather we bought for now and do the prospect buying once we’ve a solid team starting each game.

18 Dec 2025 07:09:24
Yuri is 24 is certainly one for now BR plays for Corinthians. would step. Straight into our Team mate.

18 Dec 2025 12:02:31
GuernseyBlue; How do we know he would walk straight in?
I found this article dated December 2025, this is the sentence:
Everton's Need: The Toffees are seeking a clinical striker due to injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Alberto fits the profile for their rebuild.

Spot the mistake. Lazy journalism. They scour the internet instead of proper work. Plagiarism been going on for years.

18 Dec 2025 13:16:34
January notorious hard window to recruit in.

Any team doing well won’t want to lose any of their decent players - so imagine Hackney for instance would be a no go as their pushing for promotion.

Any team struggling you may be able to pick up a decent player but imagine they’d have to push for a move - unlikely a struggling team will willingly sell a decent player leaving them more at risk.

Money will pay a big part in any signings and imagine most players will be priced at inflated market value which is a risky recruiting strategy buying those players.

Loan deals may be the way to go with players on the fringes at their parent club requiring minutes possibly being available.

As fans pointless getting carried away with rumours, just need to sit back and let recruitment team do their job.

Hopefully we come away from the window stronger - be that in new recruits or tying down players to new contracts.

{Ed025's Note - letting our recruitment team just do their job....that does not fill me with much confidence Dan..

18 Dec 2025 14:22:56
May not Ed025 but Gingerdan speaks sense. My own suspicion is that we will struggle through instead of panic buying.

{Ed025's Note - i think we may get a loan or 2 myself DMS..

18 Dec 2025 17:36:52
With you on that Ed definitely one or two in the door hope another if possible, keep up the good work of the Team so far.

18 Dec 2025 18:16:58
How many loans could we get in? Am I correct that we currently have 2 Grealish and Rohl?

17 Dec 2025 07:39:03
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 16 - Quick Round Up

17 Dec 2025 01:43:57
I have a question why does Moyes not play KDH further back play Ndiaye behind the striker and then play Dibling or someone who can cross from there right foot at right wing so we can have build up and crosses from both sides to our striker. I think that is some of our problem goals wise is I love Ndiaye but he isn’t a winger that can cross.

I was at the game in Chicago for preseason and I thought Heath honestly looked like the best player for us with his pace I would love to see him come back from loan cause he’s exactly what we need on the right side.

17 Dec 2025 10:18:34
Why doesn’t he just play 4-3-3? We don’t appear to have anyone who is comfortable playing at 10, so why not play a system they can all manage?

17 Dec 2025 14:56:54
How about just signing a striker who has proven he can score in the PL instead of taking punts on the cheap.

{Ed025's Note - im with you Sobs..

17 Dec 2025 16:09:31
We all know we need a striker. The guy was talking about the No10 position.

18 Dec 2025 01:15:35
I mean I think we have a 10 in Ndiaye just needs to be played there. I think we do need a Chris Wood maybe or someone similar in a older cheaper striker in Jan.

18 Dec 2025 12:07:46
BMD - comment went on to not scoring goals - that’s why I mentioned a striker - don’t think many players in league have scored more than Ndiaye from rt wing.
Also think Barry / Beto have had more than enough assists from midfield / wings - wiukd not be talking about this if they could just put the ball in the net - which is their role after all.

16 Dec 2025 14:26:34
Mykolenko "obsession" continued.

Left-back comparative detail for 2024-2025 (last full season) . Left out the likes of Cucurella, Gvardiol, Robertson, Califori etc as they play for the clubs competing at the top of the table.

A fair comparison would be a few left-backs that have had as many seasons in the PL as Myko and at similar clubs.

(A) Mykolenko, (B) Mitchell, (C) Ait-Nouri (pre-city) and (D) Robinson.


Games: (A) 35, (B) 37, (C) 37, (D) 36
Goals: (A) 1, (B) 0, (C) 4, (D) 0
Assists: (A) 2, (B) 5, (C) 7, (D) 10
Chances Created: (A) 24, (B) 40, (C) 46, (D) 40
Touches: (A) 1744, (B) 1838, (C) 2315, (D) 2647
Touches In Oppo Box: (A) 33, (B) 44, (C) 104, (D) 73
Shots: (A) 8, (B) 9, (C) 21, (D) 11
Shot Accuracy %: (A) 12.5, (B) 33.33, (C) 61.9, (D) 18.18
Passes: (A) 972, (B) 1025, (C) 1377, (D) 1628
Passing Accuracy %: (A) 78.6, (B) 73.56, (C) 86.71, (D) 80.96
Passes Completed In Opp Half: A) 447, (B) 411, (C) 681, (D) 727
Take-Ons Completed: (A) 8, (B) 16, (C) 63, (D) 38

Now you may say that the other lads, certainly the latter two, are more attacking-minded and Myko is primarily a defensive LB.

Duels Contested: (A) 258, (B) 263, (C) 408, (D) 364
Tackles Made: (A) 63, (B) 91, (C) 89, (D) 95
Times Tackled: (A) 20, (B) 47, (C) 103, (D) 54
Fouls: (A) 22, (B) 23, (C) 30, (D) 31
Fouls Won: (A) 34, (B) 25, (C) 46, (D) 20
Aerial Duels Won: (A) 49, (B) 20, (C) 22, (D) 52
Ground Duels Won: (A) 103, (B) 132, (C) 198, (D) 151
Total Duels Won: (A) 152, (B) 152, (C) 220, (D) 203
Clearances: (A) 135, (B) 95, (C) 66, (D) 123
Interceptions: (A) 44, (B) 19, (C) 26, (D) 62
Blocked Shots: (A) 10, (B) 12, (C) 6, (D) 9
Ball Recoveries: (A) 88, (B) 168, (C) 145, (D) 157

Fair play to him, he comes out on top at being tackled the least amount of times. I imagine that is due to the fact that he never wants the ball - least amount of touches overall/oppositions box, total passes and take-ons.

He doesn't even come out on top in what is supposedly the strongest aspect of his game - defending. Least amount of duels contested and won, least tackles, least recoveries. All he has in his favour are clearances, a part of the game that will become less and less, the more we improve.

The lad is so limited and it is about time this is recognised. Nothing against the lad on a personal level. He seems honest and hard working but that doesn't make you good enough to play for Everton Football Club, at least not for me.

He is out of contract in the summer and I for one hope that we don't just lazily renew it. Full-backs are now some of the most important positions in modern day football and we need two of them, that is for certain.

16 Dec 2025 14:47:29
That’s a hell of an in depth analysis mate, good on you, some post.

16 Dec 2025 16:00:24
Wow! All that work to prove a point to someone. Wish I had the time or could be bothered.

16 Dec 2025 17:09:33
A lot of work, to prove what! to who! Moyes?

16 Dec 2025 17:49:11
If the point is there are better left backs out there, then I think we all agree.

16 Dec 2025 18:42:18
I don’t need any stats to tell me what my eyes can see. Mykolenko is a left back and not a very good one. There’s much room for improvement in that position for us and I have no doubt we will try to improve that area and the other areas were we can easily improve ie right back and striker.
Unfortunately I thought we would improve left back with Aznou but he doesn’t look ready for the EPL. So Mykolenko is our best option there at present. But he needs replacing sooner rather than later.

Just like Keane has done well this season but as soon as Branthwaite is fit, he’ll be straight back in because he is a massive improvement in Keane.

{Ed025's Note - dont get me wrong Joe, i dont think Myko is great but i think we need other positions strengthening more than left back mate, i feel that a forward, centre mid and right back should be our priority first..especially a forward, thats just my take though..

16 Dec 2025 20:12:06
Agree with you Ed025. I thought the we played as well as Chelsea but it is obvious that we have no cutting edge especially without KDH. If you don't score you don't win.

{Ed025's Note - now that KDH may be out and Ndaiye is away our quest for goals will become a great deal harder Mike, and if jack is struggling then i really fear that these games coming up will be a real struggle mate..

17 Dec 2025 00:17:50
I tell you what I will say on this, we signed Myko and Patterson in the same week and for proper money. That shows you the insanity of the previous regime.

17 Dec 2025 03:28:04
ed025, I agree those positions (RB, ST) probably need addressing more than LB at present. But LB still needs addressing and I'm disappointed that we tried to address it by signing Aznou only to be told he's not EPL ready. I think we will see a big improvement in our attacking play if we sign a decent right and left back.


Unfortunately that doesn't guarantee that our 2 strikers will score. And I also agree with you about us struggling for goals without KDH and Ndiaye missing. Can anyone step up and score a few, is the question? And only time will tell.

{Ed025's Note - we all want better players for quite a few positions Joe but the FFP has stymied us mate even if we have the money, thats why i cant understand the policy of buying for the future at this stage when we need players for now, maybe if we see a dip in form over the the next month or so these buyers might realize that shopping at nursery schools is not the best idea..

18 Dec 2025 00:44:34
So true ed025, but for me our weakest points are the strikers and full backs. Our best right back so far this season was Garner against Fulham and even he was given a run around a few times by Kevin, defensively. But he was much better when attacking with Ndiaye. Grealish will be more effective if he had a pacy full back playing alongside him, IMO.

Most full backs nowadays are fast and athletic but not great defensively (Digne and Baines) but O'Brien and Mykolenko are neither fast or athletic. But that's just my opinion and I've proven to myself that I know nothing as every time I say a player for us is terrible they play like Roy of the Rovers their next game haha.

{Ed025's Note - we will just have to see what Santa brings us Joe, mind you i dont know how hes going to get down the chimney with all them players and weather presenters i have asked for mate.. :)

16 Dec 2025 13:40:09
Not good for Saturday super thin squad with Ndiaye and Gana out, also KDH and now Grealish could be missing as well also Rohl and JB long term absence, chance for some fringe players to step up.

16 Dec 2025 20:28:03
Could have Grealish out. 3 behind Barry, McNeil Alcaraz Dibling. No idea of the bench.

16 Dec 2025 21:27:24
We have plenty of keepers in youth ranks to fill our bench I suppose.

15 Dec 2025 14:59:00
Father in law is a Chelsea season ticket holder, reckons we were the better team in first half and a draw would've been fair, could easily have been 3-3.

15 Dec 2025 15:06:29
Agree our woeful finishing is our problem.

15 Dec 2025 18:34:38
Could easily been us ahead at halftime. We are a good side. Stop predicting is my sdvice. Predict a score ln no basis and then slag the team off ehen it doesn't happen. 1994.

15 Dec 2025 19:04:23
It’s not slagging the Team off at all, if I’m not happy with the game of any player I question it, every fans right,

15 Dec 2025 10:32:07
Mykolenko v Chelsea

Chances created 2
Final third passes 11
Recoveries 3
Rating 7.1


Not bad for a crap left back against the World Champions.

15 Dec 2025 15:02:56
Some good stats them. Are we not adding the ball watching and flat-footedness for the first or the fact he got his ankles snapped by Neto for the 2nd?

15 Dec 2025 15:07:07
I keep getting told stats don’t mean anything hmmmm.

15 Dec 2025 17:00:04
Neto has been snapping ankles all season. Offer your services to Moyes.

15 Dec 2025 17:08:15
They don't in the round GB, it was an answer to bluenose's obsession with Mykolenko. He isn't the best LB in the Prem but he certainly isn't the worse. TV doesn't show the whole game I. E. follows the ball.

Tarks shove for instance or what led to it. Mykolenko is quite often the last man when Tarks and Keane venture. Moyes thinks Myko is okay and I agree, some don't but Myko is certainly not sh**e.

15 Dec 2025 17:16:34
To be fair stats don't always show the true picture. I mean the centre halfs can have 100% passing rate just because they pass it back and forth to each other.

15 Dec 2025 17:41:48
I agree.

15 Dec 2025 17:57:50
I think Myko has improved since first joining us, happy for him to stay myself.

15 Dec 2025 20:19:05
He is solid, not spectacular or really attack minded. I don't look at LB and worry, but understand why some aren't convinced.
We've also been blessed with quality and popular at LB for a long time before him so he is up against it with fans sometimes.


Digne
Baines - Best ever? My favourite Everton player.
Lescott
Distin
M. Ball
Unsworth
Hinchliffe
Van den howe
And way back further, players i didn't see.

16 Dec 2025 00:22:29
I imagine those final third passes were predominantly the 5 yard passes to Grealish as he hugs the touch line.

Few more stats:

0 accurate crosses
11 times possession lost
1 tackle won.

16 Dec 2025 08:50:20
The only way we will ever find out how good or bad he is, will be when we have another good left back challenging.

16 Dec 2025 10:12:51
Ah VDH now there was a full back.

15 Dec 2025 07:39:04
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - A Quick Liverpool Perspective