Arsenal 2 - 0 Everton
Everton make the trip to the capital to take on Premier League leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening without their two best centre-backs, both missing from the heart of the defence.
With Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski both 'unavailable', Michael Keane starts alongside Jake O'Brien as the Blues' centre-backs at the Emirates.
James Garner switches to right-back, with Vitalii Mykolenko on the left side of defence. Tim Iroegbunam (the correct spelling) partners Idrissa Gana Gueye in defensive midfield.
The front line stays the same with Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye on the flanks, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the No 10 role, and Beto preferred to Barry up front.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford – bidding for his 100th clean sheet for Everton – captains the team in the absence of James Tarkowski.
First Half
The game started with Everton attacking, Declan Rice, going down because someone stood on his foot. But the expected [pattern of Arsenal passing and possession soon set in. Arsenal took a very quick free-kick when Gana tangled with Eze. That resulted in a throw-in, then a corner taken short and a fierce shot from Madueke that Pickford parried.
It was frenetic as Arsenal tried to force their way in, Tim across well to deny Havertz but they won the ball back and Califiore's shot was deflected for another corner. Arsenal worked it well for another Califiore shot, this time over the Everton bar.
Zubemendi's shot was blocked by Gana before Saka shot wide. A tremendous ball in Saka with a point-blank header, pawed away incredibly by Pickford but Saka flagged offside.
Madueke tried to get around Keane, who did exceptionally well to block him, no foul. Arsenal dominating play, the game conducted almost entirely in the Everton half.
That was until Ndiaye broke away and crossed, parried by Raya straight to McNeil, Califore incredibly blocking his powerful shot while on the ground! Everton worked it around again well, and McNeil fired off a tremendous shot that beat Raya but smacked off the post!!! Ndiaye could do little with the rebound that flew the wrong side of the post.
Eze put through a great ball for Havertz but Keane covered him and Havertz dived for the penalty -- not given -- but Keane did in fact catch his left foot. Not seen by VAR? Strange one...
Everton got forward down the left again but the cross from Gana was not accurate enough. Everton played it around before going back to Pickford for the pointless punt that conceded possession and Arsenal surged forward but the defensive covering from Garner, Keane and Gueye was spot-on.
Dewsbury-Hall tried to drive forward but there was one pirouette too many. But Everton worked it forward well and it opened up from a smart pass by Iroegbunam for Dewsbury-Hall forced a good save from Raya with a low shot, too close to him.
Beto was clearly fouled by an Arsenal 'hug' on an aerial challenge but nothing given and no VAR check.
A foul outside the Everton area saw a laborious set-up from Arsenal, Rice after an age smacking it into the Everton wall.
From an extended workaround, Saka looked to break in and won a corner that he took, flicked on by Calafiore but glanced away by Keane at the far post.
Ndiaye did very well to get forward under close supervision but Beto was adjudged to have fouled his man -- he really didn't attack the ball from Ndiaye properly.
McNeil drove down the right and Rice fouled him, much to Arsenal's angst. Garner swung in the free-kick, Raya out but he fluffed his punch. However, it was enough to take the ball away from the Everton attackers.
Arsenal attacked again, Gana blocking away Rice's cross for another Arsenal corner, taken by Rice. Shot attempts were well blocked until Eze skied his shot with 5 minutes added before the break.
Arsenal built another drive into the Everton area but everything they tried was blocked by blue shirts. Everton had some nice possession with good passing but Beto could not make himself into the required target man.
A lovely one-two between Garner and Iroegbunam should have led to more than a weak shot from Gana, straight at Raya. But the All-Blues went in at the break with their clean sheet intact after having played pretty well against the Premier League leaders.
Second Half
Everton had to do a lot of defending from the restart. But Ndiaye did well to steal the ball, Dewsbury-Hall running into traffic in the Arsenal 6-yard area. But they came forward again and won a corner off Ndiaye, their first.
Garner swung it in, McNeil and then Beto seeing their shots kept out. The save Raya produced with his foot just inside the post to keep out Beto's shot was simply outstanding. But Everton kept possession for a short spell before Everton's high press almost paid off.
Another strong attack from Arsenal ended with Pickford gathering the ball. But they could not do the 'playing out' thing and Arsenal were soon pressing forward again, but limited to the perennial workaround.
Gabriel looked to overlap but a desperate block by Garner gave away a corner, Keane heading it out but only for more red recycling. Everton almost got free from the pressure but the fine passing margins failed them and another corner saw Eze's shot blocked.
Everton got into Arsenal's half but that only seemed to inspire Arsenal, Madueke dancing in. Pickford parried a Saka shot across goal, Garner there to clear, but the pressure now approaching boiling point, Moyes angry about something and getting booked.
Everton were stretched on a free-kick that was easily defended by Arsenal, Goykeres, breaking at pace. Eze tried a curling shot that beat Pickford but also the post as the tension in the game became even more intense.
Mykolenko got forward and won Everton only their second corner, but the ball just would not fall for them and time was called on Beto, with Barry on in his place after 69 minutes.
Another Arsenal advance was well stopped by Iroegbunam and Garner. Everton looked to advance down the left and Saliba was called for fouling Gana. An incredible delivery from Garner, glancing off Mosquera's head, but no corner given, and 16-year-old Dowman on to torment Everton in the final quarter.
Gabriel drove a poor shot well wide but Arsenal soon had the ball to build again, Dowman drifting past Myko. Dowman then spun away from Dewsbury-Hall before Eze's tremendous effort was batted away by Pickford.
Everton had a great chance to counter down the left but Barry's hold-up play was utterly hopeless and Arsenal were on the attack again, with barely 10 minutes left. A Martinelli cross was poorly overhit past everyone.
Everton would get the ball... but could not keep it for long, it kept coming back and Dowman had a good chance for a wonder goal but spooned it high over Pickford's goal.
An Arsenal free-kick was worked around and around until Iroegbunam drew a foul of Eze to relieve the pressure, with 5 minutes left as Moyes made some more changes.
Martinelli got past Mykolenko again but his cross was cleared before Eze fouled Rohl. Arsenal tried to pull Everton forward almost got into troouble but they had done enough because the next attack saw Dowman swing a brilliant ball to the far post that Pickford came for but barely touched with his fingertips and Goykeres had and easy finish from 2 yards. Resistance is futile.
Arsenal had what they wanted and Martinelli looked to make it two with a fine shot that Pickford palmed over for a corner but Arsenal only wanted to waste time. While Moyes went for his late masterstroke: Tyrique George. But it was Keane who tried to drive the ball goalwards in the final added minute, Everton winning a late corner.
Pickford came forward for Garner's delivery... but it all went wrong and Dowman could gallop half the field unhindered, to put it into an empty net, what an utter embarrassment for Everton -- destroyed by a 16-year-old.
Arsenal: Raya; Timber (38' Mosquera), Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori (74' Hincapie); Zubimendi (74' Dowman), Rice, Eze; Saka, Havertz (61' Gyökeres), Madueke (61' Martinelli).
Subs not Used: Kepa, White, Lewis-Skelly, Jesus.
Everton: Pickford, Garner, O'Brien, Keane, Mykolenko, Gana (90+5' George), Iroegbunam (86' Röhl), McNeil (86' Armstrong), Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Beto (70' Barry).
Subs not Used: Travers, Patterson, Dibling, Coleman, Aznou.
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Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:19:50
Astounding deception by the manager.
How will Everton's defence cope without two of their best stoppers???
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:20:22
What's happened to Tarkowski? No mention of any injury yesterday.
Branthwaite missing is no surprise — we'll have to wait and see when he returns.
Let's see what transpires on the field today.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:23:52
I expect nothing less of Moyes.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:25:24
Still feels a bit weird having 2 right-backs on the bench and possibly the best midfielder at right-back!
But, what do I know!?
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:28:06
The pre-match press-conference has become such a joke for us. It's like a game of cat and mouse, with Moyes batting back questions in the most deflective and obfuscating manner possible.
This is what he said about Branthwaite:
"Jarrad, we think, will be okay, so we'll go into the game and hopefully we're all fine."
Which is code for "There's no fucken chance."
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:29:41
I was done with this manager the first time he left. The disrespect he showed was unforgivable.
Now I'm just sick of him because, although he has stabilised the club (which I did expect), he has quickly reached his glass ceiling, which I also expected.
I think he is now also more stubborn and pig-headed. Even winning today (unlikely) won't change my mind.
Rant over. UTFT
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:30:25
Bit of a blow that Tarks and Jarrad...COYBB
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:33:28
Brilliant insight from Joe Thomas at the Echo:
A nightmare double blow
That is a significant loss for Everton, with both centre-backs out.
Not only does it create instability, it is also the absence of two big presences when it comes to dealing with set pieces, an Arsenal strength.
This was always shaping to be a tough evening but it just got much tougher.
No shit, Sherlock!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:34:24
As much as it surprised us, it will have surprised The Arse too!
Arsenal aren't going to win every game that's left, they will drop points. And it could very well be today.
We have the 2nd best away record in the Premier League behind Arsenal. Let's have it!!!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:34:47
Jimmy- he's hardly going to announce his team the day before and give Arteta a flying start in deciding how to play.
Very tough game has now become even tougher -- a lot will rest on how our two defensive midfielders perform.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:41:00
Let's be honest, Moyes's press conference was total bullshit.
Saying Branthwaite was okay, so there was a reason he didn't go to Portugal... why didn't he tell the truth?
Taking Garner out of midfield -- another cowardly decision.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:48:52
Why are our supporters giving Moyes stick for not giving Arsenal a heads up about our injuries?
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:49:53
Only positive to take out of this is Captain Tarkowski is out. Hopefully not too serious but Jake is a far better defender these days.
Hopefully we can get something but the midfield pairing is not good. Tim Iroegbunam over Harrison Armstrong? No thanks.
UTFT -- fingers crossed.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:55:36
I don't get why you would tell an opponent we are missing our two best centre-backs, so crack on with exploiting that tactically.
Cowardice in Garner? No, he just doesn't fancy Patterson. End of story.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 16:56:59
Putting our best midfielder at fullback is a poor decision.
Patterson at full-back a better option than putting Tim in midfield.
We'll see Saka going down waving his arms from the slightest touch, the most overrated winger in England, in my opinion, no matter how much the pundits praise him.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:00:39
Moyes is hardly going to come out and say his two best defenders are missing, is he? Get real.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:02:35
Christy, Patterson is the worst defensive full back Ive ever had the misfortune to watch for Everton, for over 50 years.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:04:12
Paul#16 They are missing that's the difference? Get real, What's the point in answering questions at his press conference, if you're not going to tell the facts
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:07:09
uh ohhhh.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:12:42
I thought it was fairly obvious that Branthwaite wouldnt play tonight.
Came off with hamstring tightness, didnt travel to train. Tarkowski, Moyes wont give detail, usually means out for a while.
Thatll make for a difficult run in if the case.
Branthwaite is our best defender, Tatks our captain in an otherwise quiet team.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:16:45
Sorry, but Moyes came across as a clever tw@t. Holding our club back
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:21:12
The net difference between Iroegbunam plsying vs Patterson, is minimal.
If anything we will be better on the ball.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:24:08
Better on the ball in the central midfield areas Ian?
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:24:55
The saying "We go with what we've got" has never gone out of fashion yet.
Still think we can get something. All the pressure is on them and they do have previous for choking.
COYB
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:31:10
On the pitch in general, John.
I didn't mention central areas.
Garner will step into midfield, and will still add quality.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:39:08
Christy is spot on. Makes no sense to play Garner at full back.
I'm fed up with this ultra-negative approach of Moyes. Which weakens the team more.
Garner and Iroegbunam or Patterson and Garner? I know where my money is...
Posted 14/03/2026 at 17:50:52
Im not sure Patterson is really a fullback. Defensively hes poor. Hes more of a below average right mid, but not a right winger.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:06:04
Patterson has been fucked off by about 5 managers 🤣 he must just be an a absolute gobsite etc as Moyes is even Scottish and would be the one to try and help the lad. Clearly hes no good and anyone calling for him to play must know more than our last 5-6 managers!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:16:21
Patterson was brought in by the Spanish Kopite Waiter? So has played under 4 managers but spent an awful amount of that time injured.
Got a few games from Lampard but Dyche and Moyes have not given him much of a chance. Someone said he's the worst full back they've seen at Everton in 50 years, nah, I remember Pistone, albeit on the left.
We're doing ok by the way, both teams could be ahead going into half time, COYB
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:27:37
Very good first half for us.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:29:09
Everton clearly had the better chances in the first half. McNeil desperately unlucky -- Calafiori with a great block and the other just inches away from finding the net.
Dewsbury-Hall also should have done better with his shot which was at a comfortable height for Raya. Ndiaye and McNeil protecting their full backs superbly.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:29:14
Very good first half from the boys.
Exactly the same second half please.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:31:46
Great game of football. Keep it up, lads -- loving the hard work from everyone and very good on the eye.
Really unlucky, Dwight.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:32:39
Just astounding that McNeil's first shot hit Calafiori's scorpion foot.
Everton That.
And his next smacks the post.
Eveton That x2.
And the rebound is so strong, it comes straight off Ndiaye's knee and inches wide.
Everton That x3.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:35:25
Everton should be ahead. McNeil hit the post -- it was a wonder goal.
We can win it. COYB
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:36:28
I wouldn't say very good, I'd say good.
Dewsbury-Hall and Gana Gueye have been very good. Tim Iroegbunam the worst player, although not terrible, just mostly anonymous.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:41:02
Should be ahead.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:44:09
Clear tactic to press Rice anytime he gets the ball, we are doing well here and the crowd are getting anxious!
We deserve a goal and xG suggests we will score. Let's fucking go!!!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:45:30
My only fear is that we do the most Everton of things and give away a soft penalty etc…
If we stick at it like this, we could get a result.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:46:53
Most cringe club in the league!!!… their fans are right wankers!
The fake made-up song before their games is the most cringe thing I've ever seen.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:47:16
Been wanting to comment on Sturridge's shoes in the Sky Sports studio, they look like 'special shoes' then see McNeil slip and wondering if he's got the same shoes on, haha, for fuck's sake!
I think we should change Tim Iroegbunam for either Armstrong or Rohl, or maybe Patterson and put Garner back in midfield.
First involvement by Iroegbunam in the second half was a pass to Calafiori!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 18:58:58
Moyes so predictable, Barry on for Beto when he should be changing midfield.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:00:50
What's the odds on next change being McNeil for Armstrong on the wing?
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:04:38
Come on Blue Boys!!!!…
Even a point here is sound.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:07:11
Sean, I agree, wasn't expecting any points so even a point will do but I think we can get 3.
Moyes needs to grow a pair and make some changes. Iroegbunam needs to be changed.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:12:13
The master is giving the apprentice a lesson today.
Moyes played mind games and we have time wasted excellently against the biggest time wasters in the league.
Keep it up, lads.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:14:48
Moyes is doing my head in. Arsenal have fresh legs on the pitch, we have... Barry, for fuck's sake.
Needs to get some fresh legs in midfield!!!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:18:41
Late one?
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:20:57
For fuck's sake!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:22:14
He comes for his first cross all season and does that!
Everton as fuck!!!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:28:55
Everton that, for fuck's sake.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:29:04
Alan Smith might just be a bigger prick than Carragher
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:29:50
Definitely we had the best chances.
For a change, Pickford cost us.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:31:10
Pickford going up for the corner was an idiotic decision.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:33:37
Absolutely stupid decision, if it was a cup final fair enough, but it's a fucking league game where damage limitation was more of a priority. I still blame Moyes personally, he's a shithouse when it comes to substitutions
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:34:03
On Evertons so called 'greatest keeper' that one I'm sorry to say.
As an aside, when we have forwards who would struggle to score at a Young Farmer's tea dance. Is there any difference in build between that young Arsenal guy and Braiden Graham? Just saying.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:34:06
Our Supreme Leader... so close yet so far.
A 16-year-old kid. How fucking embarrassing is that?
Moyes's secret weapon? Tyrique George on for the last minute. Did he even touch the ball? Pathetic.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:36:11
That 16-year-old kid playing for Arsenal has got a chance if he can get more confidence in himself.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:38:16
No blame can be attached to Moyes for allowing Pickford to go up for the corner. He's trying everything to get an equaliser.
To be honest, I'm shocked he allowed it.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:38:30
They were never going to score.
Pickford/s error turned the game. We had the best chances, we should have scored.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:39:32
Andrew @56
I can remember everyone saying he should give Anichebe a chance but he wouldn't and then Anichebe proves everyone right.
Bringing Armstrong on to play on the wing when you have Tyrique George and waiting until last 5 minutes to change things up... make it make sense!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:41:10
I know nothing about the match, just the headlines. But I'm hoping Moyes now realises teenagers can only make a difference if given a chance.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:43:19
Huge mistake from Pickford for their first and for all his positives he does have these madness moments.
It's never ever going to change until we get a manager that wants to win the game.
Moyes is never positive, he is a reactionary manager and it will always be this way.
Too late with his sub's again and he brings on an ex Chelsea player who would probably love to have a go at Arsenal with 90 seconds to go - no time to do fuck all.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:43:49
We played very well today very unlucky and one stupid decision to come for the cross. Got to get it if come for it awful Jordan but you save us most weeks. I made a mistake one more stupid decision to bring Beto off he put in a great shift unsettling defenders making his presence felt then Bambi comes on first 3 touches all bounced off him to the opposition thats when the game changed. Well played the starting 11 Jake fantastic in the so called captains place
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:45:04
That was a good performance. We deserved a point.
Would have got one I fancy save for that misjudgement from Pickford. They were never going to score.
Beto was knackered, needing replacing but boy was Barry a shocking replacement.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:45:07
Difficult to criticise Pickford given recent performances, but a bad error. A good point was in the bag but how toothless are we going forward? It's appalling.
Given where we are now, if Arteta can trust a 16-year-old, then why can't we give Armstrong a proper run and give Graham some game time? George too.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:46:31
And I forgot to add:
Pickford bottles it not challenging their player -- does he not know where he is on the pitch!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:46:38
Joe @62,
Moyes would rather send young players out on loan, like Leon Osman and Leighton Baines. I think Rooney is the only exception.
Moyes is just a slightly upgraded version of Dyche when it comes to tactics.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:52:01
If TFG give a shit, I'm hoping they've got a shortlist for next season who will have a decent kitty to improve right-back, left-back and centre-forward positions firstly.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:52:16
The headline suggests an embarrassing defeat. Far from it.
We deserved more from the game but that's sport.
We had enough chances to score and embarrass their goalkeeper for missing a similar cross but didn't get the lucky break for a tap in.
We hit the post, keeper managed to keep Beto's effort out and their left back with a scorpion block denied a certain goal.
Pickford has saved us countless times but he does have the odd rick in his game. He didn't have that much to do tonight as the reshuffled defence did well and had Gana and Tim sweeping up in front.
I thought Tim was fantastic tonight and very unlucky getting the hook.
Arsenal ended up with 4 centre-backs across the back. A few square pegs in round holes for the champions in waiting.
Another plucky Moyes away performance. Quality counts and Arsenal have it in abundance where as we struggle outside of the starting 11.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:54:42
Absolutely gutted we allowed them the 2nd... You just knew they would break away and score the greatest goal the Premier League has ever seen.
I don't mind sending the goalie up in a Cup game but not the Premier League. I was as angry as if we had played crap. We had played really well but history will say Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 scoreline.
It will serve us right if we lose a place or 2 at the end of the season by a single goal. The cherry off the top of the cake.
ps: I dislike Arteta too.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:55:04
Rob @70,
Tim Iroegbunam was shite. Gana Gueye was brilliant and was doing the job of 2 players. Iroegbunam shouldn't have been on the pitch.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:56:23
McNeil had 3 good chances and Beto was unlucky at the near post vs Raya.
Goalkeeper error at the end, and struggled to keep hold of the ball at the top end.
I thought they were unlucky not to come away with a point.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:57:30
I have to laugh, nothing against the Arsenal youngster, he got MotM for 10 minutes.
The 2nd goal nor the 1st goal would never have happened until Pickford's rush of blood. How comments on the Live Forum can blame Moyes and his substitutions is utterly ridiculous
We were heading comfortably for a point, even though we missed a couple of easy chances apart from McNeil off the post.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 19:58:30
"Tim was Shite"
Don't think we watched the same match??
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:00:49
Christy,
He waits until we're down a goal to make changes he should have made much earlier.
The only sub he made before a goal was Beto for Barry. Garner should be in midfield, simple as.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:03:48
Jay,
I said he should never have played Garner at fullback, but the Pickford error cost us the game.
They had totally run out of ideas, and we were cruising for a point.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:04:49
Edward @75 His best best pass of the match was a pass to Calafiori, didn't see anything from him in the first half, Gana Gueye did the work of 2 players
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:06:00
Typical Pickford.
Hero one week -- villain the next.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:06:07
I know we all have our own opinions but there's such a load of crap spouted on here.
We were desperately unlucky tonight and you couldn't fault the effort and desire of the lads with a couple of exceptions.
There's idiots on here trying to blame Pickford, get a brain.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:06:13
Most forwards struggle against Arenal with the size of the grocks they have at the back. Haaland struggled against them.
Arsenal could have played till midnight and wouldn't have scored... Pickford misjudged the cross and they get lucky and win the game.
But it was Barry's fault we lost, according to some. I'm honestly getting to the point where I don't give a toss anymore, it's just the same shite, season after season, 31 years and counting.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:07:17
Pickford's error cost us the game.
A great keeper... but his howlers cost us games.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:08:26
Christy,
I wouldn't take MotM off the lad; if he doesn't come on for that 10 minutes, we get at least a draw.
If Man City don't beat West Ham later, it's effectively won them the league.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:08:42
Christy, I agree about Pickford but I also think when Arsenal are bringing on fresh players, then we should be doing the same.
We should not let players who are already tired try to compete with players who have a bit more quality and can change the match. That's down to the grey-haired one...
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:13:21
Come on, Michael, what is the “destroyed by a 16-year-old” comment all about in your article?
Everton played well tonight and one mistake from Pickford in the 89th minute and we lose the game. The second goal had zero effect on the result as we had to chase a draw at the end with the final corner.
I know you love to be captain negative but let's be fair here, the boys played well and deserved a draw. If the 16-year-old had bagged a hattrick then your 'destroyed' comments may have been merited.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:15:35
I don't have the sound on for matches but looking at the Arsenal fans faces during those last 20 minutes or so they looked paralysed with fear.
Although Arsenal had a lot more possession, they didn't really look like scoring and their very slow build-up in attack was playing into Everton's hands.
I really thought we would snatch a goal on the break until that cock-up and Graham Mockford immiediately came into my head — I wonder why?
And then Calamity came up for the corner and when it came to him and an Arsenal player, he never even went and challenged him for the ball but backed away and allowed him to head the ball forward -- and that move allowed the second goal.
We were definitely worth at least one point and I couldn't criticise Moyes for that game plan today — we frustrated Arsenal. The demented little Spaniard looked like he was doing an impersonation of Calamity -- screaming, shouting at everything and everyone ‘til Calamity calmed his nerves and upset ours to literally throw the game away.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:16:25
At the end of the day, Moyes should know the meaning of our motto...
But obviously he seems to not understand it.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:21:51
*Our Supreme Leader... so close yet so far.
A 16-year-old kid. How fucking embarrassing is that?
Moyes's secret weapon? Tyrique George on for the last minute. Did he even touch the ball? Pathetic.*
The game was already lost because of a keeper error. Sending the keeper up in the last seconds of the game, for the kid to score a second in the dying embers of the game, made fuck all difference.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:21:58
Just a shame we couldn't put more pressure to stop that cross for their first goal.
I thought we deserved at least a point. Good effort. Very unlucky.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:28:07
Ian @88,
I'm not a McNeil fan but he played well, but to swap him for Armstrong? For fuck's sake! He should've brought George on instead.
Armstrong is not a winger, and McNeil isn't an 89-minute player due to lack of game time; he should have changed it much sooner.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:29:35
Ah... Calamity returns to the team. Funny, I never heard him called that after the Newcastle and Burnley wins.
Some people cannot wait for their “favourites” to make a mistake, but Moyes did okay tonight, didn't he? Until next time.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:31:17
And the amount of times Barry won a header to flick on to... err, nobody.
For fuck's sake, does he not realise he is meant to be the furthest player up the pitch?
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:33:33
Sending the keeper up in the last seconds of the game, for the kid to score a second in the dying embers of the game, made fuck all difference.
Other than gift all the pundits, footie video editors, our avowed enemies, and every other Premier League fan a tremendous laugh at our expense.
As if it wasn't bad enough that the 16-year-old kid had swung over the cross which broke our defence already. Utterly fucking embarrassing. Everton that.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:38:05
Jeff @91,
Agreed, Jordan fucked up but Moyes's fault all day.
We all sing Jordan's song because he's earned it. Even the best players make mistakes, but when the general can't organise his army for the war...
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:43:43
Ten men behind the ball for most of the game against a very nervous and limited Arsenal.
Pickford probably did cost us the game but our ‘football' is a hard watch. Rohl, George and Armstrong are the future and, with nothing at stake, they should all have been on the
pitch from the start.
I don't understand why Dowman isn't starting for Arsenal... but then Arteta will have learnt a lot from Moyes.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:46:14
Jay,
What starting 11 would you have played tonight which lives up to the motto?
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:48:10
We played really well tonight and should have scored at least one, and had them rattled.
I cannot fault Moyes and his substitutions, an error from Pickford cost us the game, but he has been brilliant.
We definitely deserved a point, so look at the positives going forward.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:51:03
Moyes is welcome to come to my flat anytime.
I can show him how I can rotate warm and cold cans of lager in the fridge to good effect and think he could learn a lot.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:53:22
Moyes's fault?? That Arsenal beat us? Top of Premier League, top of the Champions League, still in both cups... and Moyes should be beating them then??
A rare mistake by Pickford and we lose, how is that Moyes's fault? Ridiculous what people pin on the manager.
Unlucky to not get something from today after a good effort.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:56:06
Andrew @85,
Max Dowman, 16, came on, created one goal, and scored another -- that's half-way to a hat-trick!
But that 2nd goal was in the most embarrassing circumstances possible for Everton -- a goal that will be shown countless times to our enduring embarrassment.
Although the ultimate embarrassment in my book is that this idiot of a Supreme Leader has his own youngsters on his books but just refuses to give them game time.
Oh no, sorry... I'm wrong, he gives one lad a whole minute at the end of the game. Utterly pathetic.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:56:18
Moyes did fine tonight, as did Pickford.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 20:56:42
Not Moyes's fault because he's the Moyessiah, he can't do no wrong obviously, for fuck's sake.
"Only Mediocrity Is Good Enough", is our motto for Moyes lovers.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:02:39
Ian @88,
The game was lost because we don't have players who can score goals. We should have been 1 if not more up in the first half.
It is a team effort and mistakes happen all over the pitch. The sad thing about a keeper is he, not like his teammates, is not allowed to make a mistake -- especially if it leads to a goal.
Pickford has saved more points for Everton than any other player we have, but only the mistakes he may make are highlighted and criticized by supporters like yourself.
Yes, we lost... but it wasn't because of one player, we lost because we never took advantage of the opportunities we had.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:04:26
Bill, you're right.
We could have been more than one up if we had the cajoles up front.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:05:54
My lad was at the match, just told me there's a bit off a kick off at the end, anyone know more?
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:10:58
This one is on Davey. We had the best chances and were superb for the first 60 minutes.
They bring on 5 subs, fresh legs, relay runners, etc... we don't! Barry as per was ineffective.
Forget Pickford touches the cross but doesn't get fully there -- it's a judgement call on his part and he gets way more right than he gets wrong.
The real travesty was allowing the young kid to deliver the cross with so much time and space and that's back to point 1. Why hasn't he put on our subs when Arsenal did!
Dave, wake up and smell the coffee -- you do this every week!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:19:52
We could've got more from this game if Moyes had shown a pair of balls.
That's what I was trying to make a point on.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:22:07
I thought we played well, were comfortable, and deserved a draw.
I love Pickford and he has saved us countless times but he is a cocky bugger and sometimes that bites us.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:31:02
I thought we deserved a point. Moyes gets full credit for a solid setup with Branthwaite and Tarkowski out. Arsenal did very little and, 20 minutes in, we were settling into some reliable possession through the left.
Two chances from some sustained possession and the right opening up for McNeil looked like we could finally do it.
McNeil and Garner made for a watchable duo. They timed the double on Madueke very well, waiting for his feint inside and then closing the by-line option. They also held possession well.
I don't know what to say about the first goal. But that is how it goes with Moyes. We were lucky v Palace and v Brighton, so this is the other side.
The attack with this eleven looked decent working through the middle and retaining possession. Beto began to show some reliabilty bringing the ball down or providing a one-touch. There were even several instances of the ball being worked through the middle with proper timing of the man coming into space from the next line. Although we often would break down, we had a multi-option advance functioning, against Arsenal.
All credit to Moyes there but -- and you knew there would be one -- not rotating enough earlier came back to haunt him.
When Barry came on, the long ball up top began to unsettle our flow. We were no longer moving up the pitch in form, we were getting stretched. Those players had not played much together and the lack of line discipline made it harder for them to find a man or mark properly.
Up until then, I thought I'd be having a good grin on if my Arsenal supporter dropped by, and it would be very iffy until they got a result he could brag about. It is somewhat unfair but I will say it anyway:
Fuckin Moyes!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:39:44
“What an utter embarrassment for Everton -- destroyed by a 16-year-old”
Sorry MK, I think this is nonsense. Do you remember Rooney scoring against Arsenal?
Dowman played well, he is obviously a bit of a prodigy, but all he really did that actually counted was deliver a good cross (that Pickford fractionally misjudged) and neatly out manoeuvre a desperate attempted tackle by Dewsbury-Hall.
It is the sadly typical over-blown reaction to it that is the real embarrassment.
Some very weird comments. How is O'Brien the worst full back defensively we've had in the last 50 years? He helped to transform our season by stepping in there last season. You can criticise his attacking contribution from that position but he is not defensively terrible.
The way some latch on to marginal mistakes to lambast players they patently hold grudges against is also embarrassing. Pickford has a split second to make a decision and is literally inches away from snuffing out the Arsenal attack if he can divert the ball away from the players at the back post. It's a mistake, sure... but the level of perfection expected from goalkeepers is ridiculous.
I think they were right to get Pickford up for the last minute corner. Makes little difference if we lose 2 - 0 but it's massive if we get the equaliser. The big problem was the delivery which criminally failed to get over their first man. Who was responsible for that? Some players get no criticism do they?
It seems Pickford is even criticised for not pole-axing someone to prevent them clearing the ball. Risk a red card just for the sake of saving one more in the goals against column?
I have no problem with his decisions in this game; he's unfortunate they were fully punished when other players make mistakes all the time that don't get punished at all. That's football for you.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:43:10
Just arriving at my home station, Horsham, West Sussex.
Ran the gauntlet after the game in my Everton jacket but kept my chin up, wished them the best and cursed the referee.
Just before the end, at 0-0, I told my mate Rob if we get away with this I'll never call Moyes again. But we didn't. Pickford had a brain fart and we lost against the top team. Worse things happen at sea.
I left the ground, got jostled and jeered at all the way to the pub where I stood alone watching part of the England rugger game until I could stand the sneering smug twats no longer.
I'm on a train full of teenage fuckwits shouting “Red Army” at me. I'm hurting and pissed off!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:44:51
*Other than gift all the pundits, footie video editors, our avowed enemies, and every other Premier League fan a tremendous laugh at our expense.
As if it wasn't bad enough that the 16-year-old kid had swung over the cross which broke our defence already. Utterly fucking embarrassing. Everton that.*
So to be clear, you'd rather just 1 nil, and not try something to level? I don't blame them for it. I just thought it was a shit corner.
If you want to save the embarrassment, then the goal should have been stopped. Mykolenko should have fouled in their half. Just take their man out.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:45:30
Jay @118,
How could Moyes have got more out of the game tonight?
I am not a Moyes fan but genuinely am interested in how he could have done better tonight.
Michael, we have all seen a lot worse away performances than tonight which would rank as embarrassing; tonight wasn't one of them.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:46:38
Tony @108,
The word is that Barry gave tickets for the Everton end to some of his friends who are Arsenal fans.
They celebrated when Arsenal scored and not surprisingly it all kicked off.
They had to be escorted out, Barry is upset with the Everton fans.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:50:50
I saw that, Ian -- they were near me.
I wondered what that was about. Cunts.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:54:40
I've got news for you, Barry.
We are upset at you. Hopeless.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 21:54:47
Final final word from me before I find a late pub in Horsham.
I'm not a Beto fan. But he offers more than Barry. Barry is fucking garbage.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 22:12:10
Jeff (91) Calamity is usually glued to his line so why come for a ball that wasnt his, the team had grafted well,all night only to lose it through his fault and he didnt have to foul his opponent for the second goal just go up with for the header and put him off getting it, he stepped back instead, — I know it wasnt you who made that claim— that was Si @(125)
Posted 14/03/2026 at 22:17:39
I was three-quarters through reading this thread, and I don't see it the same as the detractors today.
I was really concerned that both Tarkowski and Branthwaite were out, but why the hell would Moyes broadcast that ahead??
The team stood up today and I was proud of them. Jordan detractors, take a breath please. Sending him up at the end was a last gamble, but we had already lost.
The players deserve some respect, and I resist criticising our manger tonight, this was a big ask, and he nearly pulled it off.
It was a very deflating end to a good contest, and we all felt a similar level of emotion in those closing minutes. We've seen many worse moments than this. We go again, heads up.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 22:20:50
Rob @128,
We have all seen a lot worse away performances than tonight which would rank as embarrassing; tonight wasn't one of them.
For clarification, we put up a gallant defence for the best part of 89 minutes. Then we let a 16-year-old kid who had come on slightly embarrass our defence by drawing an uncharacteristic error from our otherwise excellent goalkeeper. That led to their first goal, scored into an empty net from 2 yards. That's embarrassing to watch for me as an Evertonian.
But for excruciating mind-numbing embarrassment that will for eternity be what is remembered by everyone and his mother about this game is what we enabled that 16-year-old kid to do at the end. All the wonderful defending that had preceded it counted for nothing and was rendered utterly worthless.
But hey, that's football, init. I'll probably feel better in the morning.
Posted 14/03/2026 at 22:20:50
Barry is shite!!!…. We can thank Charlie Adam for that. He's been on TalkSport many times talking about how he scouted Barry and knew he was raw etc etc.
Please for the love of god, play Braiden Graham!! It can't be any worse!
Posted 14/03/2026 at 22:25:12
Dave (133), the fact that you are still calling him 'Calamity' makes it obvious you lack objectivity when it comes to Pickford.
If he doesn't go for that cross and they score from it, you'd be having a pop at him for not coming for it.
I stand by my opinion on the attempt to intercept the cross and I've read other posts that show others agree with me.
I don't really get the call for players being more desperate to prevent their second. 1-0 or 2-0, what's the big difference?
Posted 14/03/2026 at 22:28:19
Alright - not quite the final final post.
Found a corner in a proper pub to reflect.
We didnt ok and were good for a point.
Moyes did well, no issues with him at all.
Only seen it live so far but I couldnt understand what Pickford was trying to do for their first goal.
And for their second I dont think Ive ever seen an Everton team throw the keeper up for the last hurrah?
But we almost got a result.
No shame.
Arsenal arent all that.
Neither are we
Posted 14/03/2026 at 22:35:37
He got a finger on the cross. Bounced across the goal, for an easy tap in.
Thought it might be offside with Pickford being a head of the ball, but garner and Armstrong play him on.
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