Will Everton be 'history-busters'?published at 19:09 GMT 10 December
19:09 GMT 10 December
Ian Kennedy BBC Radio Merseyside reporter
Stamford Bridge may not be the high on the list on desirable away venues for Everton fans given their record there.
No league victories at Chelsea since Paul Rideout scored the winner in 1994. That's 31 years ago!
But David Moyes takes his team there on Saturday not only on the back of a good home win over Nottingham Forest, but also two successive and significant away wins.
Manchester United, where they had not won since 2013, and Bournemouth, where they had never won in the Premier League. And both with clean sheets too.
It will be a tough ask to make it three in a row, but just at the moment, Everton seem to be history-busters!
And if the players can feed off that, then why not?
They have players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in excellent form, and can last week's first goal for Thierno Barry be a turning point for him?
Idrissa Gana Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam are now available too after suspension. It makes for a fascinating match.
Everton open to right-back move in Januarypublished at 14:04 GMT 10 December
14:04 GMT 10 December
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Everton are in the market to sign a right-back in the January transfer window in a position where they have injuries, ageing players and makeshift options filling in.
The Toffees have shown signs of progress and they are content with the current squad, although they are aware a right-sided addition could help.
Usual starter Seamus Coleman, 37, has been injured and started just once, while Nathan Patterson, who has also had fitness problems, has not featured at all in the Premier League.
Centre-back Jake O'Brien has since come in and started the majority of the matches, with midfielder James Garner also filling in on a temporary basis.
However, there is a keenness to get Garner playing solely in midfield amid his own excellent run of form.
Everton's ability to cope with issues at right-back mean that they will only make a move if a perfect option becomes available and otherwise there is a willingness to wait until the summer of 2026. Vitinho, from Brazilian club Botafogo, is among those who have been linked with a January move.
Everton have won four of their last five matches and are currently seventh in the Premier League and making a surprise European push.
Manager David Moyes has reiterated his desire in recent weeks to make a real effort to qualify for Europe, while insisting his side remain outsiders.
He said: "This club should be challenging for Europe or be in Europe. But I think people need to give us time and understand how bad it's been in the past few years. I'm going for it and so are the players. Our aim is to try to do that. The players know that."
'Bucking the trend' with 'a genuine bargain'published at 10:43 GMT 10 December
10:43 GMT 10 December
Image source, Getty Images
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall won honours with Chelsea – but it is Everton who have handed the gifted midfielder the platform to shine.
Dewsbury-Hall picked up winners' medals in the Club World Cup when Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey, having previously figured in the Europa Conference League final victory against Real Betis in Wroclaw.
These were only brief cameos, however, reflecting a season on the margins at Stamford Bridge following a £30m move from Leicester City, despite signing a six-year contract.
Dewsbury-Hall played in 31 games in all competitions, having been signed by Enzo Maresca, who he had played under when the Foxes won the Championship. He scored four goals.
Everton saw the chance to pounce on his frustration to complete a £28m deal in the summer, which has been a resounding success.
The Toffees' recent history is littered with big-money buys who have failed to flourish, examples being Amadou Onana, who was sold to Aston Villa for £50m, and former Ajax captain Davy Klassen, who played only 16 times following a £25m move.
In contrast, Dewsbury-Hall has settled superbly, making an outstanding contribution to Everton's good start to the season.
The 27-year-old is the key central component of a trio of Everton creative players behind their striker, alongside Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye.
Dewsbury-Hall has offered vital goals to go with his tireless work ethic, including spectacular winners in the victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers and in a landmark Everton win at Manchester United.
He was also on target in the 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest at Hill Dickinson Stadium, as well as providing the delivery from which Nikola Milenkovic scored an early own goal
Dewsbury-Hall's form has even prompted talk of an England call-up, although this is a long shot because his central position behind the striker – although he prompts in all areas of the pitch – is one of head coach Thomas Tuchel's over-populated and highly-competitive areas.
For now, Everton will simply be delighted that Dewsbury-Hall, along with Ndiaye, is bucking the trend of so much money wasted on under-achieving players in recent times by proving a genuine bargain at £28m.
'Can we talk about Dewsbury-Hall?' published at 13:37 GMT 9 December
13:37 GMT 9 December
Briony Bragg Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Can we talk about Dewsbury-Hall? At £25m, he is proving to be an absolute bargain and is quickly becoming one of the star signings of this Premier League season.
With three goals and an assist in his past five games, it is hard to believe Everton were one of very few suitors in the summer.
His versatility in the six, eight and 10 roles, particularly in central and defensive midfield has been a lifeline for David Moyes who is low on squad options in the absence of Merlin Rohl and recently Idrissa Gueye.
Crafting the opening goal and scoring the third, Dewsbury-Hall drove the heart of Everton's midfield against Nottingham Forest, who offered very little against a spirited Everton with Dewsbury-Hall the finest player on show.
After switching the teams round on the coin toss, it was a nightmare for a Sean Dyche team to concede so early in the game and Dewsbury-Hall was more than willing to exploit the space that opened for him thereafter.
His finesse, style and assurance contrasts greatly to his predecessors at the club. Though smaller in stature, his technical ability provides the opportunity to dictate the play more and build pressure - exactly what Everton fans want to see. He has settled into Merseyside beautifully.
He offers the type of sustained attacking dimension Everton have lacked for several seasons. Though successful sometimes, it was never consistent.
Dewsbury-Hall is bucking that trend, building attacks and driving forward transitions. With his stamina and intensity proving fruitful, Everton are now into one of the coveted European spots, finally looking up the table rather than down it.
In the spirit of the festive season - oh come let us adore him, Dewsbury-Hall.
Creative thinking has Everton purringpublished at 09:16 GMT 9 December
09:16 GMT 9 December
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
Who is having a good season and who is having a stinker changes every week in the Premier League? Most pundits think Newcastle currently in 11th are struggling while Chelsea in fourth are having an impressive if sometimes erratic campaign.
But there are only three points between them, just one win, and there is nothing to choose between any team between those two in the table.
Lately, every week in this column I have homed in on a different 'smaller' club that has unexpectedly muscled their way into the top six. Now that list of Sunderland, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and the like have a new member, Everton.
Ok, Everton aren't exactly a small club historically but the trials and tribulations of recent years do qualify them for the unexpected group, when they sat in the top five on Sunday morning. It will not have been missed by any Evertonians that they are, on merit, above their neighbours Liverpool for the first time in a very long time.
What is the secret for my beloved Toffees this season?
David Moyes is once again proving what I have always bellowed from the sidelines - he is one of the very best managers around. The tactic of putting the creativity of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish together has worked exceptionally. Using those creative types all together sounds great theoretically but it doesn't always work and certainly not right away.
Liverpool's Alexander Isak. Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz are a perfect - and far more expensive - example of the dangers, even if that trio will almost certainly come good in the end.
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FA Cup third round draw detailspublished at 13:45 GMT 8 December
13:45 GMT 8 December
Image source, Getty Images
The draw for the third round of the FA Cup will take place on Monday, 8 December at around 18:40 GMT, before the broadcast of Brackley Town v Burton Albion - the final game of the Second Round.
Former England internationals Joe Cole and Peter Crouch will conduct the draw that will consist of 64 teams on TNT Sports.
The 20 winners of the second-round ties will be joined by all 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship teams in the third round.
All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 10 January 2026.
Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra-time and if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Everton 3-0 Nottingham Forest - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:59 GMT 8 December
10:59 GMT 8 December
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Everton and Nottingham Forest at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans
Steve: This team is slowly starting to evolve. We now have a greater number of very good technical players in the squad than ever before. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is benefiting from a long run in the team, along with Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Grealish and James Garner. Jake O'Brien will eventually end up as the regular centre-back. All of a sudden, the prolonged absence of Jarrad Branthwaite isn't really affecting us. We're still a work in progress but, more importantly, the club is finally heading in the right direction.
Andrew: My first trip to the new stadium and what a performance. I was apprehensive about Forest, as they have some good players in their squad, but the Blue Boys harried and chased barely giving them a sniff. I'm pleased Thierno Barry finally got his goal and Dewsbury-Hall is really coming into his own. David Moyes is building something special and I'm starting to dream again!
Simon: After the last few years, Evertonians always expect the worst after a good result. Moyes has done a magnificent job. We can start looking upwards again, rather than being worried about relegation. We will no doubt have poor results along the way, but what an improvement from this time last year.
Forest fans
Andrea: Some good play individually, but not a great team effort. Too many balls going awry and some players looked like they needed resting. Ryan Yates added to the injury list and we are desperate for a few key players to return. Two steps forward and one step back.
Ian: Awful! A real lack of drive and control. There is no leadership on the pitch and the players are not taking responsibility. Bad signs.
Michael: The only positive from this display was Zach Abbott's performance. He played brilliantly and looked a natural in the Premier League. The rest of it was men against boys.
Carl: Sean Dyche will never change his style. He fights relegation everywhere he goes. He keeps teams up and takes the plaudits. They will lose top players if this continues.
A day of symmetry - but only to a point...published at 08:19 GMT 8 December
08:19 GMT 8 December
Laura Kenyon Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty Images
On the face of it, a sense of symmetry underpinned Everton against Nottingham Forest.
Two sides with equal form, equal injury issues and with two pragmatic managers in either dugout.
What transpired, however, was far from balanced.
Everton taking the early lead tipped the pendulum in their favour and never did it swing the other way.
Forest - on the back foot - never really looking like scoring, even in promising positions.
The result is far from symmetrical: Everton emerging as surprise European contenders and Forest sucked back into the relegation mire just as they were beginning to pull clear.
Analysis: Barry up and running after long waitpublished at 16:01 GMT 7 December
16:01 GMT 7 December
Gary Rose BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Thierno Barry has had a difficult time at Everton following his summer move to England.
With fellow forward Beto also struggling for goals, the 23-year-old has been given plenty of chances to make the striker position his own and against Nottingham Forest was making his 10th start for the club.
The statistics have not made pleasant reading for Barry, having managed just a solitary shot on target in his 16 previous appearances.
Despite that, he is a hugely popular player because of his other contributions to the team - working hard and winning plenty of headers.
But strikers are judged on goals and the longer the wait the more pressure that was on him - pressure that should now be eased with this goal.
It was a clinical finish by Barry, picking his spot well and calmly sending the ball beyond Sels.
He went off to a standing ovation in the second half and both he and the Everton fans will be hoping this is the start of a scoring run for the striker.
Everton 3-0 Nottingham Forest: What Moyes and Dewsbury-Hall saidpublished at 17:26 GMT 6 December
17:26 GMT 6 December
Media caption,
Everton manager David Moyes has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the Toffees' win: "I was pleased we kept another clean sheet - I know that sounds negative, but that's the place to start. Winning any game in the Premier League is difficult at the moment, and going three goals ahead late on is good.
"The early goal let us sit in and counter-attack a bit more, and the second goal before half-time is a killer."
On Thierno Barry scoring his first goal for the club: "It's huge for him. It was coming, it was certainly due. You have got to score when you're playing as a centre-forward, otherwise we will find someone to replace him.
"When he went down he did it. He's had a bad shoulder, but he's been well looked after by the medical team."
On Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's form: "He is a really good footballer, a dedicated footballer. We have given him the chance to play regularly, which he missed at Chelsea, so hopefully we can keep him at it. He's had to play deeper, but his performances have been very good."
On the club's European ambitions: "I'm too old now to say we just want to avoid relegation, but I'm not daft enough to say Europe is possible. I don't think we are quite ready, but we will keep knocking at the door."
Everton goalscorer Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has also been speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We are, apart from the blip against Newcastle, clicking and playing some great stuff. We were the dominant team, they didn't cause us many problems.
"Of course Europe is a realistic ambition. The size of the club, the ownership, the stadium, it all shouts European football. A lot can happen, but we are making positive steps."
On his form at Everton: "I came here for a reason, I saw something that looked pretty special. Now I'm starting to feel really settled, the best I've ever felt, so long may that continue.
"The way the fans have taken to me is so humbling. The manager and players, they say: 'We know how good you are, go and express yourself'. Now it is about keeping on doing the right things and keeping a level head."
Did you know?
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has scored three goals in his past four Premier League games - just one goal fewer than he had managed in his first 82 appearances in the competition (four goals).
Thierno Barry scored his first goal for Everton with his 19th shot in what was his 17th appearance across all competitions for the Toffees. It was his first goal since netting for former club Villarreal against Osasuna in May.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Liverpool", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Everton v Nottingham Forestpublished at 11:05 GMT 6 December
11:05 GMT 6 December
I don't know what kind of reception Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche will get from Everton fans, but I'd like to think it will be a good one - based on how he dealt with the turmoil at the club when he was in charge there.
Given the circumstances at Everton, Dyche did a good job there - and I think he will do a good job at Forest too.
Wednesday's win at Wolves was another good result for him and it already feels like he has steadied the ship at Forest.
Put it this way, it already feels like they are going to be staying up pretty comfortably, because Dyche will be well aware of the work he has to do.
I don't see Forest getting anything on Saturday, though. It's been impossible to predict how Everton will do in recent weeks, but I have a feeling they will edge a very tight game.
Everton v Nottingham Forest: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 18:34 GMT 5 December
18:34 GMT 5 December
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Everton will look to continue a run of three wins in four matches when they face a Nottingham Forest side managed by former Toffees boss Sean Dyche.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes as two in-form teams meet at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Everton's improvement under Moyes
When Everton sacked Sean Dyche in January this year, the Merseyside club were 16th in the Premier League table, one point above the relegation zone, following three wins in 19 matches.
If the tipping point for Dyche's tenure with the Toffees does not tell the whole story of how he successfully avoided relegation on two occasions despite financial troubles and points deductions, it also shows the improvement that Everton have made since David Moyes's return.
Moyes replaced Dyche and went on to guide Everton to 13th last season, some 23 points clear of relegation.
Everton's upward progress has continued into this campaign, with the Toffees amassing 21 points by 2 December – a figure they failed to reach until mid-February in each of the past three seasons, including both under Dyche.
The data also demonstrates how Moyes has made Everton more effective in both boxes, scoring more goals and conceding less often, whilst crucially winning a higher percentage of matches.
Image caption,
David Moyes has improved Everton in attack and defence since replacing Sean Dyche
Such improvements have been boosted by recruiting the likes of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to bolster Everton's creative capabilities but the journey, as Moyes has often referenced this season, is far from over.
Everton have lost two of their three previous matches at the Hill Dickinson, following only one defeat in the previous 13 at home, and Moyes's men will need to be at their best to see off a Forest side enjoying their own resurgence under Dyche.
Dyche galvanises Forest
While Everton were ailing when Dyche departed in January, his early impact in the East Midlands has been mightily positive. Forest have lost just two of nine matches in all competitions since Dyche replaced Ange Postecoglou in October, collecting 10 points from six league fixtures.
They come into this contest with exactly the same record as Everton over the past five matches (D, W, W, L, W) but crucially Forest have clicked away from home, winning consecutive top-flight matches on the road for the first time in a year courtesy of the 1-0 triumph at Wolves on Wednesday night.
Three wins in the last four Premier League games are as many as Forest had managed in their previous 18 (D5, L10), while Dyche has steered the club from 18th to 16th and four points clear of relegation.
A Premier League table since Dyche's first league game in charge on 26 October would place Forest in seventh – on exactly the same points as Everton.
Image caption,
The results of Nottingham Forest have improved dramatically since Dyche's appointment
Fitness concerns for both sides
With little to choose between the sides in terms of form, player availability could be key.
Everton are missing suspended midfielders Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam, alongside injured number eight Merlin Rohl, meaning the home side look a little light in the engine room in a contest which is sure to be physical.
It could also present a problem at right-back should Michael Keane remain out. James Garner deputised there during Tuesday's win at Bournemouth to allow Jake O'Brien to cover for Keane at centre-back, although Garner may be needed in midfield on Saturday.
Forest, though, have fitness concerns of their own, with up to eight players at risk of missing out, but Dyche told Thursday's press conference that Morgan Gibbs-White is set to feature after he was substituted during injury time at Molineux.
Moyes on Keane's fitness, Grealish's form & Dyche's returnpublished at 14:17 GMT 5 December
14:17 GMT 5 December
Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at Hill Dickinson Stadium (15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Moyes began with providing an injury update on Michael Keane: "I'm not sure yet if he's going to be right. He's played against Newcastle with an injury and he couldn't quite make it. I'm not sure if he's going to make it or not."
Captain Seamus Coleman has pulled his hamstring and is "going to be out for a little while" but Moyes does not know "exactly the timescale on it".
On Tim Iroegbunam, who started in pace of the suspended Idrissa Gueye in the midweek win over Bournemouth: "I'm pleased for Tim. He played really well for us and he got better as the game went on. He's been a bit up and down in the team but he's someone we really like. We think there's a player in there."
Moyes praised former Toffees and current boss Sean Dyche: "From afar, it looked as if he steered the ship, which was in big trouble and was sinking and he did a great to make sure they were still in the Premier League. I think he did a brilliant job in what the situation was."
On Jack Grealish's form: "I've don't think I've done an awful lot with Jack. I think the most important thing is we've tried to give him a bit of love and made him feel really welcome. I think the crowd here have done a brilliant job here. They've taken to him."
He said the Toffees "want to be a team challenging for Europe" but also have to be realistic: "If we can get another win against Nottingham Forest, we push ourselves right in there again, but in the same breath we're all looking over our shoulder because we want to get more distance between the bottom of the league and the ones at the bottom at the moment."
On Jake O'Brien, who has been used mostly at right-back but played at centre-back against the Cherries: "He is a centre-back and he's playing out of position. But if he plays centre-back, he's got to move the likes of Tarky [Tarkowski] and Jarrad [Branthwaite] and Keano [Keane] out, so he's got a bit to do. But he played really well the other night. While we're short of right-backs, he might be the best option in the building."
'He has everything' - Your thoughts on Dewsbury-Hallpublished at 14:15 GMT 4 December
14:15 GMT 4 December
Image source, Getty Images
We asked how crucial you think Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been for Everton.
Here are some of your comments:
Adam: Dewsbury-Hall has such a brilliant attitude as well as superb ability. He brings calmness on the ball and makes the right choices. You can really see his desire to win and perform for the fans as well. You can really feel his passion and I'm over the moon we've got him.
Paul: I feel Dewsbury-Hall has been pivotal to the team. He's played ever so well and he's also stood out more than he ever did at Chelsea. His all-round play has been great for Everton, long may it continue.
Mike: KDH is easily Everton's best player this season. I haven't seen a more complete central midfielder in my time supporting the club (born 1985).
He has everything.
Ross: KDH is the perfect Evertonian. Endeavour, energy, tough tackling and important goals. A modern-day Bally.
