Moyes 'looking for a lot more' from lavishly-gifted Diblingpublished at 15:07 BST
15:07 BST
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
When a £100m price tag was attached to Tyler Dibling, as speculation raged about his future at Southampton, the youngster admitted it became a running joke among his team-mates.
It was an indication, however, of just how highly rated lavishly-gifted Dibling had become in a Saints side which was doomed to relegation long before the end of last season.
When Dibling did eventually move, following links to Tottenham and RB Leipzig among others, it was to Everton in a £40m deal that made him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history.
He was hailed as a generational talent, who would become a central component in Everton's new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium under manager David Moyes.
Instead, the 20-year-old has had a transitional season spent largely in the wilderness at Everton, starting only four Premier League games and featuring for just 513 minutes in total.
Dibling was also overlooked when Jack Grealish, whose socks down dribbling style drew comparisons between the pair, suffered a season-ending foot injury. Instead, Dwight McNeil, who Everton were prepared to sell to Crystal Palace until a late-hitch scuppered the deal, has been chosen ahead of him.
Dibling is an introverted character and, while Everton might have wanted more from his first campaign, there are no questions about his future. It was always felt it might take time for a youngster to settle in the north.
Moyes is certainly not panicking, although he will not be in the starting line-up for Monday night's home game against Manchester City.
"He'll have to do better in his work and in his training," said Moyes. "We brought in Tyrique George on loan from Chelsea, who is of a similar age and as competition as well, to make sure we were covered.
"We want Tyler to step up, we really do. He is important to us. He is a player who we put a lot of faith and money in to, so we are looking for a lot more."
This summer's pre-season is regarded as crucial to his development - the point at which he will have to prove he is ready to fight for regular football.
Sixth will earn a Europa League place at the very least, with some of the contenders having never qualified for Europe before.
However, both elements needed for sixth place to become a Champions League spot seem quite plausible.
Aston Villa would need to finish in fifth, exactly where they currently reside, and win the Europa League. They trail Nottingham Forest 1-0 after the semi-final first leg, but they are at home for Thursday's return leg.
This scenario will only play out if Villa finish fifth - and not in the top four or below fifth - because of a quirk in Uefa's rules.
The Premier League landed a fifth Champions League place because of the English teams' performances in Europe - something called the European Performance Spot (EPS).
So if Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, that EPS spot would be passed down to the team in sixth, who would qualify for the Champions League.
However if Villa finish in the top four, winning the Europa League would make no difference to any other English team and the sixth-placed finisher would qualify for the Europa League.
With Aston Villa six points clear in fifth, sixth place appears to be the highest any of the other teams could finish.
At the moment, Bournemouth are on 52 points - one point clear of Brentford, who are one point above Brighton.
The Cherries and the Bees have never played in European competition before, while the Seagulls' only Uefa campaign was in the 2023-24 Europa League.
Chelsea are four points behind Bournemouth, but they have a game in hand against Forest.
Fulham are level on points with Chelsea. Everton, who have a game in hand against Manchester City, and Sunderland are on 47 points - so they are just about in the race.
Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Leeds could still mathematically - but not so realistically - qualify for the Champions League.
Everton v Man City: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 08:31 BST
08:31 BST
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City can keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal on Monday (20:00 BST) when they visit Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Just one point from their past three games - including two last-gasp defeats in their past two - has halted Everton's push for European football. However, they go into this fixture five points behind sixth-placed Bournemouth with a game in hand, meaning all is not lost.
Manchester City represent a fearsome opponent, though, especially with the scent of the title in their nostrils. Pep Guardiola and his side have had a full week to prepare for this fixture after their dramatic win over Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final last Saturday.
Everton running out of steam?
Toffees manager David Moyes has relied on a core group of players this season, and it has served him well - at least until a couple of weeks ago.
Defeats by Liverpool and West Ham United came courtesy of injury-time goals from the opposition. It was the first time Everton have conceded a winning goal in the 90th minute or later in back-to-back league games.
While the Toffees have frequently scored late themselves this season, it is perhaps no surprise that the wear and tear of the campaign is beginning to show. Everton have made the fewest substitutions, used the fewest players, and only Nottingham Forest have made fewer changes to their starting XI over the course of the season.
In Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the Blues at least have a player in form in the final third. The midfielder netted his eighth goal of the season at West Ham and is proving himself to be a lethal finisher; only Antoine Semenyo (+4.5) and Harry Wilson (+4.3) are outperforming their xG by a greater margin than the former Chelsea and Leicester City man (+4.2).
City look to continue dominance over Everton
As much as this fixture has the feel of a potentially awkward one for City, visits to the blue half of Merseyside have been fruitful for them for many years.
Everton have not beaten City in the league since their 4-0 win at Goodison Park in 2016 - a run spanning 17 games. City have also won their past eight visits to Everton, which represents the Toffees' longest run of consecutive home defeats against one opponent in their history.
Moyes has also found Guardiola a difficult foe. The Scot has yet to record a win in 15 previous meetings between the two managers; only Sean Dyche against Guardiola and Steve Bruce against Sir Alex Ferguson have faced an opponent more times - 17 occasions - without winning in the competition.
City have been far from their best in the recent wins over Burnley and Southampton, but they will be confident of exploiting an Everton defence that has been ropey as of late.
The Toffees have struggled in the full-back positions all season and in Jeremy Doku, City have the perfect player to capitalise on any frailties. The Belgium international has made 82 carries into the opponent's penalty area, which is nine more than any other player.
Sutton's predictions: Everton v Man City published at 13:58 BST 3 May
13:58 BST 3 May
Manchester City have got some momentum and come into this game off the back of six straight wins in all competitions.
Will they keep that good form up, though? The Hill Dickinson has not been a fortress for Everton this season but I can see them making it difficult for City and being hard to break down.
It wouldn't surprise me if Everton picked up a point but with City's front four of Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo in such good form, I am going to say they will find a way to win it.
'Difficult to get to Monday night games'published at 20:04 BST 1 May
20:04 BST 1 May
Everton boss David Moyes reflects on Monday night football becoming a regular fixture and how that affects supporters before their match against Manchester City.
Moyes on Beto, European football and Monday night gamespublished at 14:15 BST 1 May
14:15 BST 1 May
Media caption,
Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Beto is back in training and available after going through the concussion protocol.
No other team news to report. Moyes said there are a few niggles and knocks but "everything is as we are" and "we will have to see where they are Monday night".
Moyes says Everton have heard back from the PGMOL after being denied a penalty at West Ham. "It is always rubbish you get back... it is never what you want to hear."
Reflecting on this season, Moyes believes Everton have had a "settled" run without much drama and he thinks they have laid good foundations during their first year at Hill Dickinson Stadium and they want to build on it.
On challenging for European football: "The players aren't used to it. But it's a better feeling than trying to avoid relegation. Hopefully we keep improving and challenge the best teams."
Moyes says this season, and the new stadium, will mean "not much" when it comes to transfer business this summer: "Players want to play in the Premier League but they also want to be involved in European football. We've been close this year, top end of the league. We struggled to attract players in the summer because they want European football."
On Manchester City's form: "It is not unexpected - Manchester City are capable of things like this." He said it will be tough "but we know if we can do something special it could help us greatly".
Moyes spoke of the difficulties Monday night games pose to him and the fans: "We need the TV companies' money. If you're good enough and get Europe you won't have them as much. I feel for the supporters, for the younger generation who are at school the next day, late nights and all that. We don't want to discourage that generation of fans."
George shows 'promise' - will he stay?published at 10:41 BST 1 May
10:41 BST 1 May
The Blue Room podcast contributor Warren Doyle believes whether Tyrique George could remain with Everton depends on the money his parent club want.
The 20-year-old winger is on loan with the Toffees from Chelsea until the end of the season.
Doyle told BBC Radio Merseyside: "There's definitely a threat when he's on the pitch. There is something about a quick and direct player. It'll be good to see more from him.
"I think if he came through our academy and he was ours through our youth system he'd be one we'd be getting very excited about.
"It has clearly meant something for him to be involved with the club and the team so there is something there.
"I think it's all going to be dependant on the money that Chelsea would want for him. If we could get him on another loan I'd certainly be up for that. He has shown promise."
Gossip: Toffees look to revive interest in Delappublished at 07:40 BST 1 May
07:40 BST 1 May
Everton look set to revive their interest in Chelsea forward Liam Delap, 23, while they are also exploring moves for defender John Stones, 31, who is leaving Manchester City at the end of the season, and Arsenal's Ben White, 28. They also want to extend Jack Grealish's loan from Manchester City. (i paper - subscription required, external)
Gossip: Toffees make offer for PSV's Bajraktarevicpublished at 07:39 BST 30 April
07:39 BST 30 April
Everton have already made an offer to PSV to take the Dutch club's US-born Bosnia and Herzegovina forward Esmir Bajraktarevic, 21, to Hill Dickinson Stadium in the summer. (SportSport - in Bosnian, external)
'This is maybe a year too early for us'published at 17:09 BST 29 April
17:09 BST 29 April
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Everton's chances of qualifying for European football this season, with just four fixtures left for David Moyes' side to stake their claim.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Dan: My heart says yes, let's push for Europe, it is a refreshing tonic to relegation scrambling. But my head is saying, is it such a good thing to be heading into Europe with a stretched squad at such an early stage in our rebuild under Moyes and the Friedkin group? Another season focusing on domestic competitions and building for Europe will surely help us avoid short-term relegation scrambling again.
Tim: I think the last couple of results, while not the final ones, have been substantial nails in the coffin of our European ambition. I don't feel we have a big enough squad for Europe and we STILL need to sort out our striker situation. Next year for sure with some money spent well, but I think this is maybe a year too early for us. Not to take away from the excellent progress we've made, this year and the job David Moyes has done, but Europe this season may be too soon.
Daniel: I'm not sure we're ready for European football. We've had a good season, a consolidation season. The team is gelling etc. We still don't have the strength in depth to handle the additional fixtures. Maybe the extra cash could go on new squad players but I worry we'll overstretch ourselves. I'd be happy to finish the season strongly, have a good summer transfer window, then maybe look to Europe next season.
Baz: After the West Ham result it is now 50/50 if we get Europe. While it would be great to be back and see the Toffees conquering all, I think it's maybe a year too soon. We still have a big rebuilding job to do in the summer - full-backs, six, striker, plus cover for others, so focus on that and we will be targeting Champions League next year.
Gary: Yes I think we can. I do think we have the better run of fixtures. Moyes has to do something different at the front end. Barry in the last two games (Merseyside derby and West Ham) has been awful. I would have Ndiaye or George up top and the other on the left. Dibling needs more minutes and I think Graham from under-21s has a real shout as he is a prolific goalscorer but can he do it in the Premier League? You dont know until you try.
William: Everton into Europe? I don't see this current squad being lethal enough yet. We are desperately short of a decent striker, yes every Evertonian knows that, but had we won a couple more games we would be almost there now. I'm happy not looking at the relegation zone this season and strengthening the weak areas for next season and see where we are then.
Grealish recovery 'couldn't be looking any better' published at 11:51 BST 29 April
11:51 BST 29 April
Image source, Getty Images
Jack Grealish says his recovery from the operation he had on his season-ending foot injury is going extremely well and that his surgeon is delighted with the progress.
The 30-year-old England midfielder, who is on loan at Everton, had the operation on a stress fracture 10 weeks ago.
He suffered the injury during a 1-0 win against his former club Aston Villa in January.
"I feel really good in myself now. I had a 10-week Zoom call with the surgeon, who said it couldn't be looking any better at this stage," he told BBC Sport.
"So for me, it's happy days and so good to hear news like that."
Grealish has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Everton this season, scoring twice and providing six assists.
He has a year left on his Manchester City contract and BBC Sport previously reported that Everton would be interested in signing him on a permanent basis if they can negotiate a lower price than City's rough valuation of £50m.
Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, 27, has been added to the shortlist of attacking players wanted by Everton this summer, with Leeds, Tottenham and Brighton also showing interest in the Japan international. (Teamtalk), external
Will Toffees clinch European football?published at 17:33 BST 28 April
17:33 BST 28 April
Image source, Getty Images
It's still all to play for in Everton's four remaining Premier League games.
The permutations for getting into Europe this season are complex, but BBC Sport's Dale Johnson has broken them down here.
Do you think Hill Dickinson Stadium will host European football next season? If so, why are you confident? If not, what can take the club on to that next step?
'What is the point of VAR any more?'published at 12:47 BST 28 April
12:47 BST 28 April
Briony Bragg Fan writer
Image source, Reuters
In the 84th minute of Everton's game against West Ham the Premier League match centre confirmed it.
The explanation was: "The referee's call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Mateus Fernandes accidentally handled the ball while grappling with the opponent."
An interesting take, given at the start of the 2025-26 season it was stated Premier League referees were likely to award more penalties in a tougher response to players who grapple and hold opponents in the penalty area, with VAR expressly instructed to be more proactive to intervene against 'non-footballing' action.
I've seen some terrible handball decisions not given for Everton in my time (honourable mention for Rodri at Goodison Park in 2022) but this was right up there. Not only does the 'grappling' involve Fernandes wrapping both arms around Everton's striker to pull him away from the ball, he also then attempts to play a different sport, slapping it with his hand.
Given the importance of the game to not only Everton's European ambitions, but to all teams in the relegation battle, it really prompts the question – what is the point of VAR any more?
Time and time again the officials can't get decisions right and it is killing any spontaneity in the grounds. It was a struggle to celebrate the second time Everton put the ball in the net in the Merseyside derby for fear it was about to get chalked off.
A recent survey by the Football Supporter's Association found three-quarters of those fans surveyed were against the use of VAR. It feels increasingly fair to say it persistently fails to uphold its own standards while draining our beloved game of any raw, unfiltered emotion. A system designed to bring clarity is instead undermining trust. In the end, it has become less a tool for justice and more a source of confusion and frustration.
Could Everton and Roma's link cause European issues?published at 08:41 BST 28 April
08:41 BST 28 April
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
As the battle for places in Europe hots up in the Premier League, the race to shuffle papers to satisfy Uefa's bureaucrats has been just as intense.
This is because European football's governing body has strict multi-club ownership (MCO) rules.
Those rules could cause a team to be demoted from one competition to another, like Crystal Palace were from the Europa League to the Conference League last season, or miss out on Europe altogether.
Half of the Premier League clubs are now in some form of multi-club arrangement.
The link between Everton and Roma is not too well known, but it could yet be the most compelling story.
The Toffees are 11th in the Premier League, but only three points off sixth. As it stands, sixth earns Europa League football.
In Serie A, Roma are level on points with fifth-placed Como, which would also come with a spot in the Europa League.
The two clubs are owned by the Friedkin Group through subsidiary entities.
Everton are controlled by Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, and Roma under Romulus and Remus Investments.
The two people with significant control in Roundhouse Capital Holdings are Analaura Moreira-Dunkel and Marcus Watts - high-ranking officials in the Friedkin Group.
They are also on the Everton board and were associated with Roma in the years immediately after the takeover but no longer have an identifiable role at the Italian club.
Everton's issue could be that US billionaire Dan Friedkin is both their chairman and president of Roma. Friedkin is also the 'person of significant control' at Pursuit Sports UK, an umbrella group for sports operations.
Uefa's definition of "control", "decisive influence" and "shared decision-making" is broad.
Everton will have to prove there is no risk or appearance of involvement by Friedkin in both clubs.
The club are confident that they have a solution, but are not saying what that is.
Gary: What a tense game for the West Ham fans! At times we we brilliant in defence and attack but still give the ball away far too much. Keep fighting!
Bubba: Catenaccio just does not work in the modern Premier League. We should not have gone into defensive mode at 80 minutes. That tactical shift almost undid a fantastic effort from the team. On the other hand, we won and, if I am such a good manager, why am I not standing on the touchline? So good on you, Nuno!
Tricky Tev: Still looked like we struggle to hold on to a lead. We need Nuno to be more decisive in his substitutions and for us not to play too deep. Some standout individual performances again, however. Soucek looked fresher and added an extra dimension. Mavrapanos (who I have long been critical of) and Disasi have been solid for the past six games or so. Let's hope that Brentford are 'on the beach' for our next game.
John: The players got that result, not Nuno. He was far too negative and their equaliser was always coming. Sat back far too deep. If we survive then it's the players who deserve the credit not this negative Nelly. Come on, you Irons.
Everton fans
Jameson: Incredibly frustrating performance. McNeil should have been dropped after his mistake and poor performance last game, because he had yet another poor game. Barry was hopeless. O'Brien adds nothing. Even when our better players dragged us back into the game the team was not good enough to deserve any points. Another missed opportunity showing our lack of quality and bravery against a nervous and poor West Ham - with the exception of Summerville, who was top class. Oh and VAR - are you joking? Clearly punches the ball out of play and not even an on-field review.
Marko: It seems the squads capable of playing in European competitions are filtering through now. For Everton, there are huge signs of improvement but too much reliance on that talented few. We need more talent - clearly. A miracle needed to qualify now methinks.
Brian: Just coming to terms with the disappointment of last week and then knocked again. There's just not enough steel, skill and strength to Everton's squad to expect a European place. Better than fighting relegation, but that's about it.
Mark: I need someone to explain why reaching around a player to slap the ball out of play is deemed not to be a penalty. VAR is broken.
