Everton

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to BBC Sport after securing the Toffees' Premier League status for another year: “Incredibly pleased and proud. They are a group of players who have had knocks all season.

"Four out of five clean sheets and wins, with all the mounting noise after the Chelsea game, is incredible. The mentality of the players is fantastic. I'm super pleased and very proud.

"It has been an exhausting week for many reasons, with highs from the big win on Wednesday. The emotion that goes into that, I wondered how the players would respond.

"With our xG, we have been questioned about how many times we haven’t won games. It has paid us back [now].

"They [the players] have had a massive week. There is a lot of pressure and intensity on the week and [whether] you can do it again. In the second half, we controlled the game pretty well.”

On the fact that Everton are mathematically safe from relegation now: "Yeah, of course, that old chestnut - 'You were safe and all that'.

"You were all desperate for Luton to win and for us to lose - this isn't my first rodeo."

James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford have been speaking to Sky Sports after confirming their Premier League status for next season with the 1-0 win against Brentford.

Defender James Tarkowski said: "It [the 6-0 defeat against Chelsea] was the toughest moment of the season. It has been amazing. It has been some week with three wins.

"Today was the toughest game of the three. The lads turned up again [and were] incredible. The work Idrissa Gueye gets through is incredible."

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford added: "Perfect. A big bounce-back from Chelsea. Three games to go and enjoy it [relegation survival].

"There's been a lot of pressure over the last two years, the deductions this year, [but] the lads dug in massively. A perfect week. Three wins and three clean sheets.

"I criticise myself, but I made some crucial saves tonight - the Toney one [stands out]."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Fulham midfielder Michael Brown has been discussing the Toffees' performance against Brentford on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It is not always the prettiest, it is not the most creative, but it is effective and it gets results.

"Everton were in a good position at the start of the season before the points deduction, it was a big blow and they had to recover and they have done so.

"A really good day for Sean Dyche and his team. It wasn't the greatest of games, with just the one shot on target, but they got the job done."

Here are the key facts and figures following Saturday’s game between Everton and Brentford in the Premier League.

• After failing to win any of their first three Premier League meetings with Brentford (D1 L2), Everton have won each of the last three encounters. The Bees have only had a longer losing run against Newcastle United in the competition (an ongoing run of four games).

• Everton have won each of their past four home Premier League games without conceding. It is their longest such run in a single season since their final four games of the 2018-19 campaign under Marco Silva.

• Brentford have now lost 18 Premier League games this season, which is their joint-most in one Premier League campaign along with 2021-22. They last lost more games in a top-flight campaign in 1946-47 (26).

• The Toffees have scored 18 goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season (excluding penalties), with only Arsenal netting more (20).

• Idrissa Gueye has scored three Premier League goals for Everton this season, as many as in his first five campaigns in the competition combined. He has now netted two goals in his past three games in the competition, as many as in his previous 98 appearances.

In-form Everton guaranteed their Premier League survival with three games to spare by edging to victory over lacklustre Brentford.

Sean Dyche's side benefited from Luton losing at Wolves earlier on Saturday, and this result at Goodison Park allowed Everton to leapfrog Brentford into 15th place - 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

Idrissa Gueye was the surprise match-winner, smashing home a first-time finish into the top corner on the hour mark, after reacting quickest to Brentford's defenders failing to clear the ball.

A first half severely lacking in quality was summed up by neither side being able to find a shot on target. Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure should have done better with a volley which he screwed wide from 10 yards out.

The contest improved in the second period and Everton's England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made an excellent stop to deny the returning Ivan Toney.

At the other end, Everton were inches away from breaking the deadlock when Dwight McNeil's thunderous drive from long range rattled the crossbar, before Gueye's goal ensured the Blues maintained their proud top-flight status.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Everton fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Brentford fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on Andy Bell and Steve Queralt from Ride, who support Arsenal and Tottenham.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

I always felt Everton's season depended a lot on Dominic Calvert-Lewin but it felt like he was in the wilderness for months before he put in such a brilliant performance against Liverpool on Wednesday.

He was such a handful all game and showed what a good a player he is. I was left thinking where have you been for so long?

You have to wonder how much Everton have got left in the tank after their efforts to win the Merseyside derby but a lot of the pressure is off them now.

It is the same for Brentford after their run of results - both of these teams are almost safe because Luton would need a miracle to catch them.

I am not sure what is going on with Bees striker Ivan Toney, because he was on the bench for a couple of games before missing the win over Luton with a hip injury, but they don't seem to need him at the moment.

This is a hard one to call because a win would effectively cement survival for whoever gets it, but a draw is also a decent result for both teams - and that might mean this is quite a cagey affair.

Andy's prediction: 2-3

They have both been winning games and again they are next to each other in the table so I am going for a barnstorming Brentford win.

Steve's prediction: 0-2

I have a bit of a soft spot for Brentford because I live quite close to their ground. So, I'm backing them, just based on that really.

Read the rest of their predictions here

Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and we will bring you every moment.

Follow live text updates and listen online here

BBC Radio 5 Live commentaries:

Manchester United v Burnley - Listen on BBC Sounds from 15:00

Everton v Brentford - Listen on BBC Sounds from 17:30

Here is a selection of the key facts and figures before Everton host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, 17:30 BST.

• Everton are looking to complete only their second league double over Brentford, previously doing so in the 1952-53 second division.

• None of the 10 league meetings between Everton and Brentford at Goodison Park have ended in a draw, with the Toffees winning seven of these to the Bees' three.

• Brentford have won their past two Premier League games, as many as they had in their previous 18 combined. They last won three in a row in October and November.

• Bryan Mbeumo has been involved in nine goals in his past 10 Premier League starts (four goals, five assists), while Brentford have won 39% of their league games when the Cameroon international has started this season, compared to 12.5% when he has not.

• Brentford's Yoane Wissa has scored five goals in his past five Premier League away games, as many as he had in his previous 29 appearances on the road in the competition.

Image source, Getty Images

Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure says the injustice of the point deductions this season has fuelled the team to win games and avoid relegation.

The Toffees have been docked a total of eight points for breaches of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules this season, but have appealed against a two-point deduction for the three-year period to 2022-23.

"We definitely feel the injustice from the Premier League to us," Doucoure told BBC Radio Merseyside. "But we said we just need to hit the ground running and win games.

"This sort of thing hurts but it is out of our control. We can only control what happens on the pitch. It makes the team connected.

"We just said 'guys it is a joke' and we have to play well and win games and move on."

Doucoure added that despite this season's off-field issues, last season was personally more difficult for him.

"This season we have been hit by points deductions but last season was completely different in terms of the football."

Under Frank Lampard the midfielder was sidelined and unable to help his team as they continued to drop down the table.

The Toffees sacked Lampard in January 2023 with the club 19th in the Premier League and two points from safety. Sean Dyche's arrival proceeded and they scraped survival on the final day of the season.

In contrast, if this season's points deductions had not occurred, they would have been mathematically safe by now and in 14th place.

"We had a great season before the point deductions," added Doucoure. "It is quite hard to be hit by so many things but you have to be ready for it as a professional footballer.

"I am always ready to commit to my job and do my best for the team."

Sean Dyche has been reflecting on a positive message received from Green Day frontman Billie Joe.

Manchester United are confident a bid of between £60-70m will be enough to sign 21-year-old English defender Jarrad Branthwaite before 30 June, allowing Everton to include the fee in their 2023-24 accounts and avoid any further points deductions. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Hearts as big as the city. Smiles as wide as the Mersey Tunnel. And that’s just the players.

My short summary will not do any justice to both them and the manager after what we witnessed last night at Goodison Park.

It was a performance for the ages. A night that will live long in the memories of all Evertonians.

To put it simply, that was Everton Football Club encapsulated in 90-plus minutes of drama and mayhem.

The heart, grit, determination and work rate separated the two sides. You would be forgiven for thinking our opponents had secured mid-table security, instead of being involved in an end-of-season title race.

The fact we have spoiled any title ambitions they may have had, is simply a positive side show to our own club's story.

This is about us and nothing else.

It’s been 14 long years since we last won a home derby. It is fair to say that pent-up emotion was released in spades on the final whistle.

Our fans were simply incredible. The noise was glass-shatteringly loud all night. Goodison was rocked to its creaking foundations. We deserved it. Every single second of it.

Goodison Park will soon be consigned to the pages of history.

Last night will be remembered as one of her spine-tingling best.

Mike can be found at the Unholy Trinity, external

Sean Dyche says Dominic Calvert-Lewin's performance against Liverpool was "outstanding" and he deserves to be recognised as a top English centre forward.

The 27-year-old, who has faced criticism this season after a long barren spell in front of goal scored Everton's second on a victorious night at Goodison Park.

"I thought he was excellent," said Dyche. "His physical performance was outstanding."

Calvert-Lewin has faced multiple injury setbacks in recent years and has lost his place in the England squad.

Dyche believes this season has been more positive for his number nine and the club's medical team are working closely with him to avoid any potential long-term injuries.

"This season has not been too bad on the injury front," he said. "But it shows it does take time mentally and physically to clear your mind of that and start to play freely again."

He has scored six goals in 29 Premier League appearances this season, making him the club's top scorer.

Dyche added: "I said to him after the match, 'That is the sort of performance that gets you back around the England squad'.

"It is too early yet and I am not making any bold statement because Gareth Southgate has a lot of players to choose from, but certainly with that kind of performance he should be recognised as a top centre forward."

Calvert-Lewin has 11 caps and four goals for England since netting on his debut against Wales in 2020.

Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at home to Brentford.

Here are the key lines from the Everton boss:

• Left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko is unlikely to be available for Saturday's game because of an ankle injury he sustained against Liverpool. Dyche said he needs to have a scan and the early signs "are not great."

• Club captain Seamus Coleman is also unavailable "but is getting closer" to returning to the matchday squad.

• On the derby win on Wednesday night: "I am very pleased for so many reasons. Firstly, for the performance which I thought was very good. Then the tactical side we got right and they delivered it on the night. It was a win on all levels and not just because we got three points."

• He said the atmosphere in Goodison Park "is so powerful" at the moment and praised the fans for sticking by the team.

• On being 16th in the table, despite the point deductions: "It certainly says we are sticking to task. I am proud of the players for that because there has been challenges and not helpful ones."

• He said he does not see it as they are safe from relegation yet, but is glad they "can control the situation" now.

• On Dominic Calvert-Lewin's performance: "He was excellent. His physical performance was outstanding. I said to him afterwards 'that is the sort of performance that gets you back around the England squad'."

• On opponents Brentford: "Thomas [Frank] is a good fella. I like how he is and I like how he talks. They are a good outfit so it makes for a good game."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences

Live commentary of Everton v Brentford from 17:30 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio 5 Live

Everton have waited a long time to enjoy a home victory in a Merseyside derby against Liverpool so it was no surprise they relished the occasion.

Sean Dyche's side not only pushed themselves further away from the Premier League danger zone, they also inflicted a potentially fatal blow on Liverpool's title chances.

It was hard to know which part of this equation Everton fans enjoyed most as their songs of victory were mixed with the taunt of "You Lost The League At Goodison Park".

Everton tore into Liverpool from the first whistle, winning tackles as well as aerial battles further forward, where Dominic Calvert-Lewin made it a miserable night for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

And it was no surprise that Everton's goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin came from set pieces, their great strength - but this was a top-class team performance.

Jordan Pickford was faultless when required while Idrissa Gueye gave his finest performance since returning to Everton.

The occasion also reminded Everton what they will miss when they leave Goodison Park for Bramley Moore Dock at the end of next season, the old stadium rocking to the rafters throughout in a fiercely hostile atmosphere.

It also begs the question about where this particular version of Everton has been for most of this season.

Manager Dyche, who got everything spot on in his approach, will expect to see it again when Brentford come to Goodison Park on Saturday night.

It has been a long time coming.

October 17 2010 was the last time Everton beat Liverpool at Goodison, prior to Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory and the scenes at the final whistle showed exactly what it meant to the manager, players and fans. It was a performance packed with passion and purpose from Everton.

Liverpool may have had periods of dominance in possession, but they never got to grips with Everton’s aerial threat and looked decidedly uncomfortable well before Jarrad Branthwaite opened the scoring.

Everton hassled and harried for everything on an evening when everyone played their part. The Royal Blue spine of the team did everything asked of them. And then some.

Jordan Pickford’s positioning was faultless and his instinctive goalkeeping is right up there with the best of them.

Jarrad Branthwaite put in another incredibly assured performance at the heart of the Everton defence and his partnership with James Tarkowski has been a key factor behind the team’s 11 clean sheets this season.

Idrissa Gueye was an impressive bundle of fractious energy at the heart of midfield.

Finally, at the top end, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the focal point and his ability to get Everton up the pitch proved priceless. His performance was right up there with the run of form that made him a regular in the England squad, before an injury plagued period undermined his footballing prowess. It was fitting that he soared highest at the far post to head in Dwight McNeil’s right-wing corner just before the hour mark to double Everton’s advantage.

There is still a bit to do before Premier League safety is assured, but three wins from four matches - with three clean sheets thrown in - is a good run of form at any stage of the season. For Everton, it has come precisely at the right time.

The 6-0 defeat at Chelsea sandwiched in between that run of victories was a new low and it pointed to worrying concerns about their future. But it is how you respond to setbacks that acts as a true measure of courage and conviction.

Everton’s response could hardly have been better.

Sean Dyche told his players in the dressing room at Goodison last night to enjoy the victory and all that it means - but the big test now is Brentford on Saturday evening.

We asked for your views on Everton's 2-0 win over Liverpool on Wednesday.

Here are some of your answers:

Chris: Total commitment by every player on the pitch. That kind of performance is what the fans love to see. Appreciate it can not be like that every game due to depth of squad, but performances against Chelsea are not expected either. Superb heart and spirit - and even some skill. Well done the Blues.

John: Everton produced an outstanding team performance with every player devoting themselves to the team cause. Especially impressive was the quality of the defence again with each player making important contributions. Going forward they put Liverpool under pressure on both the first and second phase ball. Finally, the fans were brilliant throughout.

Anton: Wow. But now the euphoria has died down, this rousing victory actually leaves more questions than answers. The lads to a man were incredible but where has this performance been most of the season? Are these players stuck in the cycle of "end of season escape heroes"? Either way, if we stay up, Dyche has to be manager of the year.

John: Looked a completely different team from the Nottingham Forest game, but with the same result! Jordan Pickford silenced any doubters and Everton got a break they richly deserved.

Alan: Everton gave a perfect performance in all areas. The dogs of war were back as their midfield hustled Liverpool out of there stride. The crowd played their part in lifting the players as Everton won the league for Arsenal or Manchester City and secured safety for themselves in a merited win.

Pete: Derby games, and under the lights at Goodison, are always going to be special and rarely follow form book or league positions. We dared to dream and played as a 12th man. Everton just ran at them and off the ball ,they regrouped quickly into shape. Liverpool were frustrated, particularly Van Dijk, and it spoiled them.