Everton

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

Explore Everton content on BBC Sounds

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

Image source, Getty Images

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

Image source, Getty Images

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.

Image source, Getty Images

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

Image source, Getty Images

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

Image source, Getty Images

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."

Read more here

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Manager David Moyes will be delighted at the start his Everton side have made to the campaign.

The Toffees won none of their final seven games as they finished 13th last season and missed out on the European qualification that at one stage had been within their grasp.

Everton also suffered a tough end to the transfer window, with key attacking midfielder Iliman Ndiaye going to Manchester City in a £65m deal and striker Beto, their top scorer last season, leaving for Fiorentina for £14.6m.

Both of those deals were completed on transfer deadline day, with Moyes unable to bring in a replacement striker, leaving him short of attacking options until January, unless he can find a suitable player to sign out of contract.

Therefore, it has been vital that Thierno Barry, their only recognised senior centre-forward, has stepped up this season. He got eight goals in all competitions in 2025-26 and now has five already this term - two in the Premier League and a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Preston in the Carabao Cup - and was named as player of the match here.

Another boost for Moyes would have been a first league start of the campaign for Jack Grealish, who returned to the club on a second successive season-long loan from Manchester City.

Operating on the left wing, Grealish got a superb reception from fans when he was substituted after 79 minutes.

Another plus for Everton was the clean sheet, their fifth in seven games in all competitions, with Jarrad Branthwaite among those to be excellent after being named in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Everton manager David Moyes speaking to BBC Sport: "Hard to assess, we had good moments and not-so-good moments. We had good chances which we didn't take but Ipswich have done well and it was never going to be easy. Really pleased to get the three points.

"It's always a relief when you win but also when you're playing against 10 men it puts you under a bit more pressure. If we get the second goal it changes the game but Ipswich clung on and it allowed them to put us under pressure late in the game.

On Everton's disallowed goal: "It's tough for the referees to get the calls right, we would love consistency. I don't know if he [Brennan Johnson] impeded the goalkeeper. Was he offside? Absolutely. Could the goalkeeper have saved the header? No, he couldn't."

On Thierno Barry's goal: "I've not seen it again so I can't tell you [if he meant it]. Strikers will take goals any way they come. It will be good for him, he wants to play well and score goals.

"We have a tight-knit group, we wanted it to be that way and we will use it to our advantage. It is difficult when everyone wants you to have a cup run and do well in the league. We've had a pretty good week so well done to all the players."

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford speaking to BBC Sport: "It was a great way to finish the week off.

"It was always going to be tough, especially when they went down to 10 men. The expectation was for us to win it and that is what we have done."

On goalscorer Thierno Barry: "He works hard and the goals will come from working hard. The first year in the Premier League is always tough, he has found his feet and he has started a lot better this year.

"It's always good to finish with a win, especially before a long international break. You have to dig in, that's the Everton way. We are building momentum and we will be focused and ready to go when we come back."

Listen to Moyes speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside here

Did you know?

• Everton have remained unbeaten in each of their opening seven games of a campaign across all competitions (won four, drawn three) for the third time this century, after 2006-07 under David Moyes and 2020-21 under Carlo Ancelotti (first eight in both).

• Everton are the only team to win each of their five Premier League games prior to international breaks since the start of last season.

• Thierno Barry is one of two Premier League players to score five or more goals in all competitions this season (two in the Premier League, three in the League Cup) alongside Erling Haaland (six).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Everton's performance

What did you make of Ipswich's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Tottenham v Aston Villa (12:30)

• Brighton v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Ipswich

• Newcastle v Hull City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Nottingham Forest v Coventry (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Newcastle match", for example.

New this season: Live match updates

Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

Find out more here

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New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

I nearly went for an Ipswich draw last week but changed my mind and went for Crystal Palace to win.

That meant I'd predicted Ipswich would lose their first four league games and they are joint-bottom of the table based on my predictions.

Gary O'Neil's side have obviously done much better than that in reality - I know Palace went down to 10 men last week but, even so, well done to the Tractor Boys for finding a way to win that game.

Fair play to them, I like the ambition the club's owners have shown in the transfer market, and I really like the way O'Neil sets his team up. They are not just there to sit in in games, and they have got their reward.

I still fancy Everton to win this, though. They have made a great start to the season to stay unbeaten so far and, under David Moyes, they are a battle-hardened, resolute and well-organised outfit.

As a former Norwich striker, I often get accused of being biased against Ipswich, but I am not being overly negative about them here.

I just see it being a tough afternoon for them, without getting a goal, and then a long trip home for their fans on the A14 - hopefully they don't close any of the major roads on Saturday so it is not an even more miserable journey back for them.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here