Everton

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Most of the time it is not that big a deal if you go into the international break having just lost a club game if I am honest, as teams lose games frequently.

That is just the life of a professional footballer. You have to be able to cope with disappointment as an individual and as a team.

‌Admittedly, players will sometimes say that they want another domestic game quickly, but it is almost always specifically after a 'bad' defeat as opposed to just a run-of-the-mill loss.

‌However, if the team has genuinely played terribly, or lost a game they were expected to win comfortably, you will commonly hear the phrase "we want to have a chance to get back out there and put it right quickly".

‌Players who have had a stinker, even if their team won, might also want to get out again as soon as possible to put it right in front of their fans, or 'reset'. The 'reset' argument is just current football jargon to say, "we will try to get it right next time, and we blew it this week, sorry".

‌The international break can also have the beneficial effect of taking your mind away from a bad defeat. This is not to say that you don't care, it is just that you must compartmentalise your thoughts and feelings. Footballers are among the best at this.

‌You simply cannot go to play for your national team and spend the time brooding about what happened against Brentford last week. That way lies madness and another poor performance, only this time in front of the entire nation.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

German club Bayern Munich have played down the prospect of signing Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, 32. (TeamTalk), external

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Manchester City have responded to the Premier League's confirmation that the club has been found guilty of breaching 115 financial rules.

City have until Friday to appeal the decision but in a statement said: "Manchester City FC is both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission, that has been published today.

"The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. The club will therefore be relentless, and where necessary proactive, in any and all appropriate regulatory and legal forums.

"The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements uncompleted. Manchester City FC will now pursue the appeal avenues open to it, on the basis that the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe.

"The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.

"The club is obviously restricted in what it can say further until all future proceedings are complete."

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Manchester City arranged "sham contracts" with a number of its commercial partners as part of a scheme to disguise secret funding of more than £830m, the Premier League says.

The League confirmed that City have been found guilty of all charges related to breaches of Premier League financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

An independent commission found that, during that time period, the club arranged the "sham contracts" as well as "relying on sham agreements to artificially inflate the club's revenues and reduce its costs".

The club continues to deny any wrongdoing and has until Friday to appeal.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "The core decision establishes the facts of what happened at Manchester City during this period. It details how the club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade.

"It also vindicates the Premier League's decision to pursue this case against Manchester City. While the process to date has been both long and difficult, the League has remained determined that the facts be established independently.

"It is a key responsibility of the Premier League to ensure that the Rules, approved by the clubs themselves, are upheld to protect the integrity of the competition. It is paramount that the League remains competitive and fair for all clubs and for the fans. We take that role extremely seriously.

"This disciplinary case, and this decision, are the most significant in Premier League history. There are elements of the case that remain to be decided, including, importantly, what sanction must follow for these breaches. Now we have the Commission's decision, we are committed to moving swiftly through the remainder of the process, to provide certainty for the League, our clubs and fans."

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The BBC Radio Merseyside team have considered Everton's campaign so far in the latest edition of Toffees Unwrapped.

There's also debate on Jordan Pickford and a look back on a charitable - mostly - weekend at Goodison Park.

In a game hosted at the Grand Old Lady, a Merseyside XI faced a World XI to raise funds for homelessness.

Footballing legends Rivaldo and Clarence Seedorf went up against the likes of former Blues Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Yakubu, and the Merseyside XI prevailed 3-2.

However, there was some drama on the touchline, with Peter Reid and Yakubu getting into an argument.

BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould said: "I thought Tony Bellew was going to wade in! Shoutout to Louis Saha - his peace talks to calm the situation down were award-winning."

Watch a clip below for more on the altercation, and listen to the full edition above or on on BBC Sounds here

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Unbelievably, sensible and well-informed people are seriously discussing Manchester City getting a huge points deduction or being demoted or kicked out of the English leagues completely.

‌There is also reasonable talk about them being sued by just about every other major club in the domestic game, and a few beyond that. That is before you get to the concept of titles being stripped and trophies retrospectively re-awarded to others.

There is still an appeal to be heard, but they have been found guilty already. Serious consequences must be considered. Following the draconian punishments handed to Everton and Nottingham Forest, among others, City might find they don't just have the book thrown at them, it is the entire British Library lobbed in their general direction.

Those other clubs cooperated in the process. City have faced more charges and they involve larger sums and over a longer time period. In short, things are not looking good for the club that dominated English football for almost a decade.

This may be the biggest story in the Premier League's history and it is going to run and run.

Other serious considerations will follow hard on the heels of the Blues' dilemmas – specifically what long-term effects will this have on the Premier League? They will not all be good ones.

Some reasonably argue that the financial rules City have been found to have broken shouldn't have been put there in the first place. They were brought in to safeguard the financial security of the clubs and the league, but try telling that to many City, Everton and Nottingham Forest fans just now.

Newcastle and Aston Villa have plenty of financial backing, but these rules have hurt their ability to grow and stay competitive with the legacy clubs. This all feels unfair if you are a supporter of those two.

The money that will now be frittered away by the English game on lawyers and legal fees is eye-watering, and it will grow exponentially as the litigation increases.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Everton's unbeaten start to the Premier League season and progress in the Carabao Cup has prompted a minor outbreak of something rarely felt among their fanbase in recent times - optimism.

Guarded optimism, understandably, but the mood has shifted somewhat since the fury that followed a badly botched transfer window, typified by a shambolic final day that left manager David Moyes with only 18 senior outfield players.

Since the turn of the century, Everton are the only club in English football's current top four tiers who have not won a trophy - their last being the 1995 FA Cup triumph against Manchester United at the old Wembley - or been promoted.

So is supporting Everton a life of unrelenting sporting misery? Or is there still joy and celebration to be had following of one the grand old English football institutions?

Former player Leon Osman, who made 433 appearances for Everton between 2003 and 2016, scoring 58 goals, says: "Yes, there have been disappointments and those years without trophies, but let me tell you this - I wouldn't swap being an Evertonian for anything in the world."

Read more from Phil on Everton and optimism

BBC Radio Merseyside have continued their series on an 'A to Z of club legends at Everton.

The BBC Sounds series hears from fans, the Radio Merseyside team and key interviews on how significant figures shaped the club.

For Everton's letter 'M', Paul Salt, Ian Kennedy and Mike Hughes focus on the adoration for Duncan McKenzie, Derek Mountfield's FA Cup heroics and "one of the best" goalkeepers to grace the turf at Goodison Park, Nigel Martyn.

Hit play below to hear the first episode in full or listen on BBC Sounds here

Newcastle United are keeping an eye on Rennes and Morocco defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, 20, but face competition from Everton, Brentford and Hull. (Teamtalk), external

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Everton have got off to a strong start in the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, picking up nine points from the opening five games.

It's a return that has left them sitting in seventh, but level on points with Brentford in fourth, for the three-week international break.

So what questions do you have about the Toffees? They could be on the squad, injury concerns, David Moyes' tactics, the boardroom or a topic of your choice.

BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould will be on hand to answer a selection next week.

Get in touch with your question here

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

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Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has been reminiscing about his days at Goodison Park with BBC Radio Merseyside.

The Australian talked about learning to expect different approaches from different team-mates - such as Mikel Arteta and Leighton Baines.

He also explained how much he used analysis, as well as spending extra time with the coaches, in order to get the most out of his game.

Cahill said: "I think understanding the game for me - I was heavily into analysis and finishing after training with Steve Round, Alan Irvine and working with the offensive players. We did the exact same with defending set-plays.

"When you talk about this understanding, it's always about respecting your trade and what you do.

"So I'd always look at the back four and find the weakness, but at the same time say to players: 'Just give me three crosses at least in a game.' If I got three, then hopefully I'd get one [goal]."

Watch a clip of Cahill's interview above or listen in full on BBC Sounds here

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We asked for your views on Everton's start to the season and about what David Moyes should be focusing on during the extended international break.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: 7/10. Transfer window was obviously a car crash but really positive signs from Hayden Hackney and Tyler Dibling in particular means we are feeling positive. Most Evertonians are waiting for that to turn somehow, but if we can keep Jarrad Branthwaite fit especially, I think we have good times ahead. Standout moment so far was that debut goal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles!

Cian: Obviously we've clearly had a poor transfer window but we're actually getting decent results. We have had easy games, though, so I'll give us a six so far. Maybe that's a bit harsh, though.

Keith: Despite the transfer window fiasco, we've made a pretty good start to the season. There is always more to be done but, hopefully, the players and manager can keep it going on the upwards trajectory. Losing Iliman Ndiaye and Beto is a big loss so Dibling needs to step up, but I'm pleased Jack Grealish is back.

Tony: Solid start. This might be a small squad but there is back up in most positions. Less vulnerable than last season. There is a familiar ring to our results. I recall the last time we made Champions League qualifiers way back in 2005 - tight defence and ability to score when needed. Hold tight, it's going to be bumpy but we could be on the verge of something. Let's get behind them all and hope for the best.

Ruben: Moyes is doing a great job. He is the best thing that has happened to us in a long while. Thierno Barry is looking much better and I reckon Brennan Johnson will click soon. Tyrique George is a great prospect and if we start getting a few more goals then this could be our season.

Magnus: Cautiously optimistic. The three clean sheets and unbeaten start should help build confidence and resilience. The lack of a consistent goalscorer, however, remains our biggest problem.

Steve: Getting back to being one of the top teams after 40 years will probably take more time and patience than most people can tolerate. Look how long it's taken teams like Brentford and Brighton to get where they are. Let's all help by trying to play the long game because the seeds of success are definitely there. COYB!

As we enter the season's first international break, we want to hear your thoughts on the opening five games of the Premier League.

After an underwhelming summer transfer window, perhaps some fans will still be restless with the club's hierarchy. On the pitch though, David Moyes has made the most of his squad as the Toffees have made a strong start to the season.

His side are unbeaten in their first five league games, with two wins and three draws, and progress has been made in the Carabao Cup. If Everton do go on a cup run, though, it might test one of the league's smaller squads.

How do you rate the Toffees' start to the season and why? And what should Moyes be focusing on during the extended break?

Get in touch with your views here

Giulia Bould
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

Tim Cahill has suggested Everton fans should not be concerned about the owners' lack of visibility and that supporters "have to be careful what you wish for".

However the former midfielder's comments are unlikely to do much to ease the concerns of many.

Most understood The Friedkin Group needed time to unpick the tangled financial web left behind by the Farhad Moshiri era.

The early business deals, such as consolidating the club's high-interest debt and replacing it with a long-term financing deal with JPMorgan Chase, felt a healthy step forward.

But it is the summer transfer window that has left fans questioning if they really are the owners to return the Toffees to a side capable of fighting it out for trophies and titles.

At the end of 2024, chairman and chief executive officer of the group Dan Friedkin released a statement that read: "I take immense pride in welcoming one of England's most historic football clubs to our global family... Everton represents a proud legacy and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution."

However, it was these custodians who thought it would be good business to sell Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest.

They seemingly failed to see the value and legacy in a talented 19-year-old Scouser who had come up through the club's academy.

Friedkin called the deal off himself after fans voiced their anger during the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

But Cahill believes actions behind the scenes are more important than words in public.

He told me: "I think you have to be careful what you wish for. You don't hear from them, but what does that mean?

"Do you want a phone call to make sure everything is OK or do you want a beautiful stadium with a great running business?"

But why can't it be both? Do Everton fans not deserve to hear from the people making the decisions about their beloved club - and an apology for almost selling a midfielder most believe is a future club captain?

Coupled with claims The Friedkin Group are ready to sell, making a large profit in the process, it hasn't taken long for the relationship to sour somewhat.

The lack of communication and bargain deals, leaving David Moyes with a squad of just 21 players, means the honeymoon period is now over.

Listen to the part of the interview by hitting the play button at the top or listen to the full thing on BBC Sounds

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

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Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has credited a summer of rehabilitation in Germany for the injury-free form that helped him earn an England recall.

The 24-year-old played just 10 times for the Toffees last season and spent part of the summer in Germany to "assess different things".

Branthwaite has started all five of Everton's Premier League games this season and is back in Thomas Tuchel's squad as he looks to add to the one cap he won in 2024.

"I sat down with the club after the three or four times where I was picking up the injuries," he explained.

"It was to look at the wider picture, look at the holistic approach of the body, essentially.

"I went over there [Germany] for three or four weeks, working with a team alongside the club, just to assess different things, and hopefully that has helped.

"There were a lot of different things looked at, like movement patterns, the brain. It was quite complex, but fingers crossed it has worked.

"It is probably the worst thing as a footballer not to be on the pitch, and when it keeps happening it is mentally tough because you are sort of doubting your body and going on the pitch wary of what is going to happen.

"I think now I am in a position where I got managed throughout the pre-season, managed my load well and hopefully I can stay on the pitch."

Despite struggling with injury, Branthwaite said in February that he hoped to make a final push for the World Cup squad.

That did not materialise, but he has begun this season well and has helped Everton to an unbeaten start to this Premier League campaign.

"Being out for such a long time with injury didn't help - missing three or four of the camps and missing a lot of football," he added.

"My aim is to stay injury-free and play as many games as I can and keep giving myself the best possible chance to be in the squad.

"I've not spoken to him [Tuchel] recently. When we get there we'll have a chat. I can't wait to join up with the squad and enjoy the couple of weeks.

"I believe I am good enough to be in the England squad, so hopefully I can show that."

Thierno Barry has been the surprise hit of Everton's season so far, with the 23-year-old striker the match-winner against Ipswich to take his tally to five goals this season.

It is a marked improvement in scoring ratio from his eight goals in 41 games last season - and BBC Sport Merseyside commenter Chris Coughlin believes Barry is becoming a favourite with fans.

Speaking on Toffees Unwrapped, he said: "There are things to improve, such as the hold-up play, that frustrates me.

"But he is much more aware around the box and there is a greater understanding. He already has five goals.

"It has been a really positive start to the season for Barry.

"When you are maybe trying to earn back the trust of Evertonians, moments like Saturday's improvised finish can go a long way.

"Getting on the scoresheet and getting three points helps build that rapport with the fans.

"There is less anger when he misses opportunities and I sense more smiling."

Listen to the round-up show by hitting play above or on BBC Sounds here.

And hear the full Barry analysis below...

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Newcastle defender Tino Livramento have pulled out of England's squad for forthcoming Nations League matches.

Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White have been called up by manager Thomas Tuchel and will join the squad on Tuesday.

Tuchel said on Friday that 26-year-old Gibbs-White, who has six international caps, was close to being included in the initial squad.

Palmer had been recalled by Tuchel after being controversially left out of England's World Cup squad, but has withdrawn with a minor injury.

Mainoo and Rashford were assessed by their club after being taken off in the closing stages of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Fulham.

Rice, who played the full game for Arsenal in their 3-0 defeat by Brighton, will also be unavailable to Tuchel, along with Livramento, who has been limited to three substitute appearances for Newcastl this season.

Like Gibbs-White, Garner - who made both his two senior England appearances in March - comes in after not being selected for the 2026 World Cup.

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

Here are some of your comments:

Everton fans

Dusty: A great result in the end. Three points and a clean sheet - yet we made it look really hard at times, even with an extra man. The final third seems to be an area we need to work on. Defensively solid, though. The second goal should've stood. But we are doing great so far with such a thin squad.

David: Steady but not spectacular, Great to see Jack Grealish getting more minutes. Happy going into the break on a bit of a roll.

Brett: I've been a supporter for 67 years. I love the club. I remember the time when we were one of the big five. We will get there again. Soon. Against Ipswich, we were clearly the better quality side - 2-0 would have been a fair reflection of the match, and the second Barry header shouldn't have been disallowed. But we need to convert our chances on goal.

Robert: Pickford's saves were key again. Strange to reward Dibling with the bench while Moyes continues with Johnson. Take the win but this season looks a lot like the others. While our comparables -Brighton, etc - play with so much more joy and possibility.

Ipswich fans

Nick: Unlucky to lose as we had chances, but the sending-off was avoidable and the lad needs to know he has let the team down.

Mel: We should have won that game. But for a very lucky deflected goal and stupid mistakes by our then best player to get sent off, we could have had three points, not zero.

John: Encouraging performance but it's results that matter. The next home game will be telling.

Tony: Ipswich deserved a point. Everton got a fortunate deflection to score. Walton played well. We got nothing from the ref. Pickford and Everton defence were too good. Our finishing was a bit off.

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Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has highlighted the resilience his side showed during Saturday's 1-0 win over Ipswich Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

"We weren't nervous - sometimes the fans gets more nervous than us. They're passionate fans," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"We felt in control of the game. It's about game management and the most important thing is to win. We've kept all three points and we're going into the break happy.

"We would like to score a few more goals but we are resilient.

"It's a good first block of games for us. After the break, we need to keep our foot on the gas."

Hit play below to hear more from Pickford or listen on BBC Sounds here

Laura Kenyon
Final Score reporter at Hill Dickinson Stadium

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Thierno Barry is on course for a breakout season in the Premier League and Everton will surely feel they must protect him at all costs.

The 23-year-old striker was man of the match against Ipswich, adding a goal to his tally to make it five so far in 2026-27. Compare that with eight goals in 41 games last season and it is clear the Frenchman is already enjoying his second spell in English football.

But it is not just the stats that tell that story. Barry's celebrations at Hill Dickinson Stadium were joyous. The dance moves – giving it the hips – the smiles. He looks at home and the fans love him.

He even took joy from his controversially disallowed goal, posting on social media "you kill my bonus bro" – a light-hearted dig directed at team-mate Brennan Johnson.

Barry's vibrant character is a shining light illuminating a small Everton squad not afforded the benefit of multiple attacking options.

Keeping him fit could prove pivotal in the Blues' chances of mounting a serious challenge for European football.

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

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When David Moyes returned for a second spell in charge of Everton in January 2025, the Toffees were 16th, one point clear of the relegation zone.

He has had to cope with rising expectations but was quick to point to the club's progress since he came back.

"I heard a lot of things [said] that last year was not so good and I thought 'my goodness, I don't know what the people are talking or writing about because it's absolute baloney'.

"It was fantastic what we did and we came so close to doing something that would have been incredibly special after no money, being on the verge of relegation, moving to a new stadium - and it has never been an easy job for anyone moving to a new stadium - so we came really close."

Assessing Everton's unbeaten status, former England midfielder and BBC pundit Danny Murphy said: "Nothing surprises me with a David Moyes side.

"They're so well organised, so well motivated and always dangerous when their backs are against the wall. There's been a lot of discontent among the fanbase regarding the owners and a transfer policy that left themselves short in forward areas.

"But the rest of the side is so well balanced, they all know their jobs, they know what they're doing and that backline with the keeper behind it is really solid. So, I never thought it was a catastrophe that they didn't get a striker in.

"Because they're so well organised and defensively so good, they're always going to nick results when they're not playing well. I do understand the fans' frustration, but I didn't think for a second they'd be in any danger because they didn't get cover in for their forwards.

"It is a thin squad, but they've still got quality."

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