The latest news and views on the Blues in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.
Listen below oron BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
EFC Daily: Everton VAR penalty mistake
Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesPremier League referees' chief Howard Webb has admitted that Everton should have been awarded a penalty in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham last month.
David Moyes' side trailed 1-0 in the 84th minute when Hammers midfielder Mateus Fernandes touched the ball with his hand during a tussle with Thierno Barry.
"He punched the ball," Moyes said after the game. "It would have been harsh, but I'm amazed they haven't given it."
The video assistant referee, Michael Salisbury, chose not to intervene as Fernandes "accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent".
But Webb has said that the VAR made a mistake and should have advised a spot kick.
"From the outset, I want to say we think a penalty should've been awarded here against Fernandes," Webb said on Match Officials Mic'd Up.
"However, I don't think he really meant to deliberately handle the ball.
"He doesn't make himself unnaturally bigger here. He moves his arm forward. I think he's probably trying to prevent the attacker from turning him. But in doing that, he kind of bats the ball away.
"He can't even see the ball, but Fernandes knows more or less where the ball is, and it's a deliberate action with his arm, probably not to handle the ball, but to do something.
"And therefore, I think we've given Fernandes way too much benefit of the doubt here.
"In this situation, a penalty would've been the right outcome."
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.
In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.
Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".
You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating:"Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"
Ben White could turn down a move to Everton this summer if the England defender, 28, receives assurances about his playing time at Arsenal. (Football Insider), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Giulia Bould
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesTwo games left and, while Everton aren't in pole position for Europe, there is still a chance they can qualify. Some might see a mid-table finish as a disappointment this time, but that maybe shows how much David Moyes has raised the aspirations in a relatively short space of time.
Before Moyes returned, Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines visited him at home to push him to take the manager's job. He told me they were ultimately why he agreed to come back after Coleman said: "You'd be able to fix it."
The Blues were a point off the relegation zone when he arrived in the middle of January 2025 and he closed the season 23 points clear of trouble. Before last month's Merseyside derby, Moyes was happy to talk up Everton's European chances, but the late defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium left him feeling frustrated. The game against Liverpool also started a three-game run when Everton conceded in additional time and they dropped vital points.
So would a scenario of Everton not getting into Europe this time raise questions over the job Moyes is doing? It would be very unlikely. I understand there is no pressure from inside the club on the manager and there's a feeling he is absolutely the right man for the job.
The Toffees aren't out the running for Europe and Moyes has managed to keep the chase on despite losing star defender Jarrad Branthwaite for the majority of the season. Had he been fit for the final run of fixtures, you have to wonder if those late goals conceded would have happened.
Moyes has also navigated the season without Jack Grealish since mid-January. The Manchester City midfielder had six assists up to his foot injury, the same number as Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Leandro Trossard of Arsenal have today.
Senegal going all the way at Afcon meant there was no Idrissa Gueye and Iliman N'Diaye for six Premier League games too.
Plus, the Everton strikers took their time to find their form up front. Beto had just one goal by the end of 2025. Thierno Barry had clocked up two after taking 17 games to find the net. Beto has since found his rhythm, though, in the push for Europe, scoring five in his past five games.
Moyes has stopped the negativity around Everton and, by his own admission, the constant headlines around the club made recruitment difficult last summer.
This next transfer window, the aim will be to build a squad capable of European qualification next season. If they sneak in this time, that task becomes a little easier as the Toffees will be a much bigger draw.
Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether Everton should stick or twist with manager David Moyes next season after our fan writer Briony Bragg raised the prospect of the club's owners deciding to "roll the dice" with a change.
You can read Briony's blog below but here are some of your comments:
Will: Moyes may not be perfect but he's perfect for Everton now. Leave well enough alone.
Mick: I find it hard to believe that having turned around a team which has been in the relegation dogfight for so many years, there should be any talk of getting rid of Moyes. Finishing in the middle of the table and just missing out on Europe is a great achievement and the team is in much better shape than it was when Moyes arrived. Some people seem to have very short memories!
Sha: Definitely stick. Changing a relatively successful manager hasn't done any other team any good, he has made a huge difference. Give him another season for sure.
Terry: West Ham didn't stick, and look where they are.
Les: David Moyes deserves more respect than what he is given; to even suggest we should change our manager is disrespectful to him. He is not responsible for players missing chances to score and that trait is putting the defence under pressure. Time and time again we have a one-on-one with the goalkeeper but don't score.
Andy: I do feel Moyes has brought stability to the club but do feel we need a manager like Andoni Iraola or Oliver Glasner to take us to the next level like qualifying Europe. I am aware that The Friedkin Group can be ruthless with managerial changes and only have to look at Roma who had four managers within a year.
Tony: We will only ever be nearly-men under Moyes, we will always flatter to deceive. I do not believe that we will actually ever win anything under him. We may have the odd home win against the so-called bigger "Sky" teams, but we will never win away to any of these same teams. We say careful what you wish for, but I would take a gamble on a more progressive manager who would be prepared to promote youth and actually challenge the monopoly. Right now I would love Iraola and prefer Glasner for next season as they both have Premier League experience, but I am convinced that Moyes will still be at the helm next season, which is a missed opportunity and will not reflect well on The Friedkin Group.
Harry: Why would you keep him in charge? He won nothing in 11 years in charge at Goodison Park, made sure we got no compensation from Manchester United when he did his deal with Alex Ferguson, plays boring, safe football and we are not much better off this season to last. We have a new stadium and new owners. Move on.
Briony Bragg
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesIf there's ever a gift an Evertonian doesn't need, it's a crystal ball. As soon as their team takes the lead, they watch Everton drop deeper and deeper before eventually conceding - and everyone sees it coming.
No-one expected Everton to be two goals in front against Manchester City last Monday. However, failing to reset after their third goal and allowing Erling Haaland to respond instantly proved to be the killer blow - something James Tarkowski himself took responsibility for.
And although he got himself on the scoresheet against Crystal Palace, lo and behold, the centre-half partnership of Tarkowski and Michael Keane once again found themselves at fault defensively.
Realistically, Everton's European ambitions were over the moment Jarrad Branthwaite suffered his serious injury in the Merseyside derby.
In truth, it's probably for the best that the talk of Europe has now been put to bed. With the defensive frailties this squad possesses, Everton simply do not have the depth required to cope with the demands of both midweek and weekend football.
To lead twice in a must-win game and still fail to take all three points perfectly demonstrates that.
Everton are exactly where most expected them to be: mid-table. David Moyes has at least restored a sense of stability. The big question for the owners now is whether to stick or twist with his current deal nearing its end.
Had Everton secured European football, Moyes would undoubtedly have earned a new contract. But with a World Cup on the horizon and potentially half the Premier League searching for a new manager, the market could become chaotic very quickly.
The Friedkins may decide that, given the level of investment made, now is the time to roll the dice.
What's your view on Moyes' future at Everton? Should the club stick or twist?
Get in touch with your comments here
Three Premier League clubs - Everton, Liverpool, and Newcastle - are targeting 29-year-old England forward Jarrod Bowen, even if West Ham avoid relegation. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Everton.
Here are some of your comments:
Crystal Palace fans
Rich: Gifted Everton the lead on two occasions but managed to level both times. We looked a little jaded at times after Thursday's heroics but as the game progressed we looked the stronger, fitter team. Again, missed chances have cost us the three points our performance deserved but happy nonetheless.
Steve: After the euphoria of Thursday night, it seemed predictable Palace would concede early. After fighting back so well, going behind again straight after half-term was hugely disappointing. The constant failure to defend corners and a surprising vulnerability to the long ball down the middle kept everyone on edge. But the side's character shone through yet again to salvage a point.
Oliver: Good performance from Palace especially that last 20 minutes when you would expect us to be tired from Thursday. Building more momentum for the final.
Jason: Great second-half performance for Palace. Was impressed by the mentality to keep coming back.
Everton fans
Tim: Everton had plenty of chances to put this game away but couldn't convert. Once again, defending mistakes and the inability to close down attacks cost them points. Fourth game in a row Everton give up points from a winning position.
Thomas: Just pathetic really. How many times this season have we thrown away the chance to make a genuine stride towards Europe? It's a pattern.
Ian: Evertonians need to stay positive, Europe this year a step too far but let's rebuild in the close season and come back stronger next season.
Mark: Same as usual lately just not got enough to push through for Europe. Would need a massive revamp, not ready yet.
Everton have been in talks with John Stones over the England defender, 31, returning to the club when he leaves Manchester City this summer. (Football Insider), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Pundits Shay Given and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Image source, Getty ImagesMatch of the Day pundit Danny Muprhy on Everton's fading European hopes: "Ideally for their fans and to reward themselves for a good season, they'd want to give themselves a chance of Europe, but overall it has still been a really good season.
"Their fans were clapping them at the end there because they are enjoying what they are seeing - they have got a nice balance now, they are not just hanging on in games, they are not defensive - they go after teams as well as well as the times when they sit in.
"They have got a nice balance in their side and with a bit of investment in the summer, they could kick on, but in isolation today they will be disappointed because of the goals they conceded were not great.
"When you look at all the chances they created too, then when you create that many chances away from home and don't win, you always feel disappointed.
"And that I suppose is a positive in many ways, because if you are going anywhere in the Premier League, travelling away from home and making chances like that, then you are doing something right.
"There is a lot to like about Everton at the moment, even if their recent results have not been great."
Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesEverton suffered late heartbreak on Monday night when Manchester City's Jeremy Doku scored a stoppage-time equaliser in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
This was another two points dropped in their pursuit of a European place given they had taken the lead twice at Selhurst Park.
If they had held on in both games they would be eighth, level on points with Brighton in seventh and just two points off sixth-placed Bournemouth, who are in a position which could lead to Champions League football.
It has still been a massively improved season for them under manager David Moyes, but it could still end up as a missed opportunity.
Everton are without a win in five Premier League games now, yet they still have a chance of qualifying for a European competition. However, they will need to remember how to see out a win in their final two matches against Sunderland and Tottenham.
Everton manager David Moyes, speaking to Match of the Day: "We did OK. We gave up some chances - the game could have been 4-4 or 5-5 at one point.
"We are trying to win at the moment but we missed some big chances to make it 2-0. They did as well - but we had a chance to go 2-0 and we didn't take it. Maybe, if we had got that after midweek it might have been a different game. Credit to Crystal Palace, they stuck in."
On Beto: "He's great with his work rate and what he tries to do. He's limited in other aspects but you're just beginning to see some goals. I'll need him to score a few more between now and the end of the season."
On the possibility of finishing in a European spot: "It's amazing that we are actually talking about Everton possibly being in Europe with two games to go - and we're not out of it yet.
"It's getting tougher every game we're not winning."
Everton forward Beto speaking to Sky Sports: "It is a little bit disappointing to get one point - but the game was really difficult. They had really good system. They have good players and a good manager.
"It is always difficult to come here. We are still fighting. We need to keep going and try to win the next two games."
On his goal: "I needed to be a little bit patient because I knew it was going to be a tough game. It was a tough first half and the defenders are strong and fast, so I needed to find a way and when I got my chance I was ready to take it."
On the fight for Europe: "You can say it was a missed opportunity but we are still in it, so we just need to focus on the next game."
Did you know?
Of Beto's 20 Premier League goals for Everton, 17 have been scored between the months of January and May.
James Tarkowski has been involved in four goals in his last seven Premier League appearances (two goals, two assists), which is more than he managed in his 93 previous appearances in the competition combined.
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Crystal Palace's performance
What did you make of Everton's display?
Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies
Manager Oliver Glanser has made two changes to the side that beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-final second leg on Thursday.
Both changes come in attack as Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen are handed starts instead of Yeremi Pino and Jean Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Canvot, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Sarr, Johnson, Strand Larsen.
Subs: Benitez, Lerma, Pino, Mateta, Clyne, Hughes, Riad, Devenny, Cardines.
David Moyes, on the other hand, has stuck with the same team that drew 3-3 with Manchester City on Monday.
Everton XI: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Iroegbunam, Garner; Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.
Subs: Travers, Patterson, McNeil, Barry, George, Dibling, Coleman, Alcaraz, Armstrong.
There are four games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Burnley v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Crystal Palace v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Nottingham Forest v Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
West Ham v Arsenal (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-offs 14:00 BST unless stated
Follow the three 14:00 games here
And go here for in-depth coverage of West Ham v Arsenal
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Arsenal", for instance.
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
Crystal Palace are another team who have had Europe on their minds and it might be difficult for them to shake off that mindset.
Everton have developed a frustrating habit of conceding costly late goals - it has happened in their past three games against Liverpool,West Ham and Manchester City - and they have lost ground in the race for sixth place.
I am expecting a different ending for David Moyes and his side on Sunday, however. This time, they will hold on for a win.
Sutton's prediction: 0-1
Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace welcome Everton to Selhurst Park on Sunday (14:00 BST), fresh from making history by reaching their first European final. Both sides are searching for consistency as the Premier League season enters the final straight.
Can Palace overcome their European hangover?
When these teams met in October, Palace were in the middle of a club record 19-match unbeaten run. Jack Grealish's 93rd-minute winner ended it and they have struggled to rediscover that momentum since.
The Eagles have lost 16 of their past 42 matches in all competitions, as balancing domestic fixtures with Conference League commitments has taken its toll. They have won only three of their 14 Premier League matches played immediately after European games.
Will Everton's away form hold up?
Despite the disappointment of a late defeat by West Ham, Everton's disciplined and organised approach away from home has stood them in good stead this season. They are firmly in the mix for European qualification – adding further edge to their run-in.
David Moyes' side have built one of the stronger away records in the league this season. They stay in games, manage key moments well and carry a threat on the counter-attack.
Everton boss David Moyes speaking in his press conference about Jack Grealish's progress from injury and how much he is "loved" at the club, as well as plans for next season.
