Armstrong return to Preston is 'an option'published at 18:41 GMT 8 January
18:41 GMT 8 January
Media caption,
Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom says Harrison Armstrong returning to Deepdale this season is "an option", if that's the best thing for his development.
The 18-year-old midfielder made 13 Championship starts after joining North End on deadline day in September but was recalled by parent club Everton on 1 January and came off the bench for the Toffees in Sunday's defeat by Brentford before starting Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Wolves.
Heckingbottom said he had been in regular contact with Everton boss David Moyes, who used to both play for and manage Preston.
"From my point of view Harrison's job is to get in the Everton team and stay there," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"But I also think we are involved in a process where the decision is what's best for Harrison over the longer piece.
"It's what's going to put him in the best position for Everton for the start of next season.
"We're an option for them in that respect. Harrison would want to come back to us if that were the case and David would want him to come to us.
"It's valuable experience, he's enjoyed his time here. We can offer him a lot. But if Everton can offer him that he'll stay there."
Does Keane deserve a three-match ban after hair pull red card?published at 11:09 GMT 8 January
11:09 GMT 8 January
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Referee Thomas Kirk was taking charge of his second Premier League game when he was advised to show a red card by the VAR, Chris Kavanagh
Everton's Michael Keane will be banned for three games after being sent off for pulling the hair of Wolves' Tolu Arokodare in Wednesday's 1-1 draw.
It is not a flying, studs-up challenge yet Keane faces the same suspension. Does the punishment fit the crime?
The central defender will miss the FA Cup tie with Sunderland, plus Premier League games against Aston Villa and Leeds.
While hair pulling is not specifically mentioned in the Laws of the Game it is categorised as violent conduct. That is because it cannot be considered something you would do when challenging for the ball.
Think of it this way: the hair is attached to the scalp so if the head is pulled back it is seen as evidence of force or brutality.
Manager David Moyes excused it by saying: "If you have longer hair, then there's a fair chance you'll get it pulled." But if you don't pull the hair, there is no chance you will get sent off.
It has become far more prevalent with the advent of the video assistant referee (VAR) because it usually happens off the ball.
At the start of 2023-24, Tottenham's Cristian Romero wrongly escaped a VAR red card after pulling the hair of Chelsea's Marc Cucurella. That was a reference point for the future.
Southampton's Jack Stephens was dismissed for doing it to Cucurella as was Paris St-Germain's Joao Neves at the Club World Cup.
At the women's Euros, Germany's Kathrin Hendrich looked shocked after she was sent off for pulling the hair of France's Griedge Mbock.
But interpretations can change. David Beckham saw red at the 1998 World Cup after a little kick at Diego Simeone. Today, the England midfielder would not be dismissed as it is now considered petulant.
Perhaps Keane's offence falls into the same kind of bracket, as it does not seem as bad as Stephens, Neves or Hendrich.
Chris: A dilatory game for which we have Jordan Pickford to thank again for saving us at the death. What a save. Two red cards means two fewer players when we are already at bare bones. Time to blood some academy boys.
Rich: Badly in need of reinforcements. Recruitment has to be better than the usual waste-of-money players coming in. Otherwise a bottom-six finish beckons. And we've got to play a full strength team on Saturday as we need a cup run.
Neil: The boos at the end were about the Michael Keane red card - they were at the referee. It's true the team were not incisive enough but the crowd do not boo the team for that.
Tim: Once again punished for lack of pace, pressing, positive play, urgency and inspiration. It all stems from a manager who agreed to start the season with a wafer-thin squad, signing young players he can't develop or trust to play, and won't react in matches to try to change things when we are so ineffective. We are nowhere near safe from relegation.
Wolves fans
Gary: Well done to all at Wolves for giving us fans something to cheer about again. Ignore the critics who have written us off. If we play like we have for the past few games, we could make the impossible look very possible, very quickly!
Brody: Before the game, we would have taken a point so I am happy. It was a stop-and-start game. Mane is just pure fire. Just got to keep building in confidence and stop wasting our corners. The amount of times our corners end up with our goalkeeper is silly.
Murray: Better fight from the team. Good substitutions, but Andre has to start every game with Joao Gomes. Once they were paired up, we had control of midfield immediately. Nice to see Pedro Lima back - give him a chance, particularly as Jackson Tchatchoua still can't cross a ball. Hwang Hee-chan remains a liability and should not start.
Nigel: Fantastic performance. All credit to the boss - we actually played better when they had 11 on pitch.
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 07:24 GMT 8 January
07:24 GMT 8 January
Pundits Danny Murphy and Stephen Warnock are on hand to bring you the action and talking points from the nine Premier League fixtures so far this week.
Everton 1-1 Wolves: What Moyes and Tarkowski saidpublished at 23:21 GMT 7 January
23:21 GMT 7 January
Media caption,
Everton boss David Moyes spoke to the media after his side's draw to Wolves: "We started OK, we got in front and should have got further in front at the time.
On what was said to the referee: "I'll keep that between the referee and me.
On Michael Keane's red card: "It wasn't a deliberate action of pulling the hair. It certainly wasn't violent.
"If you have longer hair, then there's a fair chance you'll get it pulled. If you don't have it long then you won't get it pulled.
Any defence for Jack Grealish? "No, none at all.
On boos: "You know who they were booing, don't you?
Everton defender James Tarkowski spoke to Sky Sports: "Second half was bizarre. It's not often you spend the last few minutes with nine men. We lost our way a little bit and it opened up. It was a poor goal to concede. I've never seen anything like it at the end, it was bizarre.
"We couldn't get up to the ball and we seemed to be open in the midfield. Tactically, we didn't get it right on the pitch and they played right through us for the goal."
On Michael Keane's red card: "I've seen it back. I understand the rule: if someone pulls someone's hair intentionally, then it's a red card. There are a couple of components to it, really.
"First of all, Michael Keane is the most placid character you could ever meet. He's never had any intention to harm. Maybe an experienced referee at this level knows Michael Keane wouldn't do that. It's only his second game at this level. His hand has to go on his back to protect his head.
"I even spoke to the lad after the game and he wasn't asking for a red card. It's a three-match ban now over something that is absolutely nothing."
On Jack Grealish's red card: "I think we're all frustrated at that point. Jack will hold his hand up and say he needs to remain composed there. We need our players on the pitch. We dealt with it in the end. We'll take the point and move on.
"We need to start winning at home again. We finished the game with nine men and we'll never win like that."
In Jack Grealish and Michael Keane, Everton had two players sent off in the same match for the ninth time in the Premier League, the most of any team in the competition.
Analysis: Moyes' side uninspired and ill-disciplinedpublished at 21:58 GMT 7 January
21:58 GMT 7 January
Phil McNulty Chief football writer at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Image source, Getty Images
Everton's fans reacted furiously at the conclusion of a game that was low on quality but suddenly became high on drama late on.
It was a mixture of anger at the dismissals of Michael Keane and Jack Grealish, but also a large measure of disappointment at another toothless, lacklustre display.
Keane was adjudged to have tugged at Tolu Arokodare's hair as they both went up for a header, while Grealish stupidly continued to argue with referee Tom Kirk after receiving a yellow card, almost inviting the fate the eventually came his way.
It was reckless ill-discipline on Everton's part that almost cost them the point they were clinging to following a good start.
Attempting to bounce back from a heavy 4-2 loss at home to Brentford, David Moyes' side led through Keane's goal, but then barely threatened Wolves keeper Jose Sa and ended up hanging on desperately with a numerical disadvantage.
Moyes has struggled with a lack of attacking threat all season, but the situation has reached desperation with Iliman Ndiaye away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall out with a hamstring injury.
Everton and Moyes would have hoped to use their fine win at Nottingham Forest as a springboard to move further up the table, but one point from two home games against Brentford and now Wolves is a poor return.
Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:18 GMT 7 January
09:18 GMT 7 January
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Wolverhampton Wanderers will look to continue their mini-revival in the Premier League against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday night.
It took them 20 games, but Wolves won their first top-flight fixture of the season against West Ham on Saturday. It doubled their points tally to six, although Rob Edwards' side are still 12 points adrift of safety.
In Everton, they face an inconsistent opponent. After a depleted squad won 2-0 at Nottingham Forest, the team limped to a 4-2 defeat at home to Brentford on Sunday. The loss left Everton down in 12th place, although a win here could propel them back into touching distance of the European qualification places.
After all, only three points separate the Toffees and Chelsea in fifth position.
Grealish's welcome return
Manager David Moyes will again have to make do without a number of key players because of injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations, though Jack Grealish returned to the starting XI against Brentford after suffering with a virus over new year.
While Everton lacked cohesion in defence, the on-loan Manchester City winger showed off some of his trademark verve in attack.
The 30-year-old registered four assists in his first two starts for Everton but had to wait until last Sunday to register his fifth and sixth in the Premier League. Even with that drought, only Bruno Fernandes and Rayan Cherki (both seven) have more this term.
With no Illiman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall or Charly Alcaraz, it would be a huge boost to Moyes if his marquee loan signing added some productivity to his panache again in 2026.
Everton will need goals if they continue to defend as they have done in recent home games. It took four matches before a team got the better of them at Hill Dickinson Stadium. But since Tottenham's 3-0 win on 26 October, the new stadium built behind sturdy dock walls has been less and less secure for its owners.
Newcastle United won 4-1 in November in another alarming defensive display and while there were positives to take from the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest and 1-0 loss to Arsenal in December, the way in which Everton were given the runaround by Igor Thiago on Sunday was a worry.
The swathes of empty blue seats on show before the hour-mark as supporters streamed out spoke volumes.
With Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman still sidelined, Moyes is limited in how he can adjust a creaking backline. At Forest, the Blues kept a clean sheet with Jake O'Brien and James Tarkowski at the heart of defence; Michael Keane's return and O'Brien's redeployment at right-back was clearly destabilising against Brentford.
But right-back alternatives are limited. Nathan Patterson made his only start of the season at Forest, while James Garner has become too important to be moved from midfield, having played in both full-back positions this season too.
Lost cause for improving Wolves?
After gallant 2-1 losses to both Arsenal and Liverpool on the road, Wolves grabbed a deserved point at Manchester United before the turn of the year. They then dispatched West Ham with a blistering first-half performance on Saturday, inspired by 18-year-old forward Mateus Mane.
Even with their two recent positive results, Wolves' total of six points is still the joint lowest of any team at this stage of a Premier League season, level with Sunderland in 2005-06 and Southampton in 2024-25.
They may yet avoid being statistically the worst team in Premier League history but staying up remains an improbable ask. The team with the fewest points at this stage of a Premier League campaign to survive is West Bromwich Albion in 2004-05, and their meagre tally of 11 is still five more than Wolves have accrued.
'Local wonderkid' Armstrong could play 'vital role' for Evertonpublished at 17:29 GMT 6 January
17:29 GMT 6 January
Giulia Bould BBC Radio Merseyside reporter
Image source, Getty Images
David Moyes very much knows his Everton squad is being pushed to its limits.
It was already light in numbers but now with injuries to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman, plus the Afcon absentees Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, the Toffees are down to the bare bones.
When you look at the Burnley game after Christmas, Moyes could only name eight substitutes. Two were goalkeepers, while another two were under-21s.
It is a hangover to the problems the club faced in previous years before the manager returned. The academy was stripped of most assets as they were sold to help profit and sustainability rules, meaning very few are ready to step up to first-team football. Also, 12 players were out of contract in the summer and it will take several windows to rebuild.
There has been no secret either that this January window will unlikely see incomings too, so it is no wonder Harrison Armstrong was recalled from his loan at Preston. Moyes is a fan of the 18-year-old and wanted him to have a full season at the club where he started his managerial career to build up Armstrong's knowledge of the game.
Hopes are high for the midfielder, especially after the rave reviews coming out of the Championship. Armstrong only had a cameo from the bench in his first Everton outing since his return in the defeat by Brentford, but when he did come on he showed why there are so many conversations around him.
Moyes will not want to put him too much in the spotlight yet for his own development but, with so many out of action, the local wonderkid could now play a vital role in Everton's push for a European spot.
Moyes on keeping players fit, transfer window and Wolvespublished at 14:30 GMT 6 January
14:30 GMT 6 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Wolves at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 19:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There are no new injury concerns and Michael Keane came through the Brentford game fine after returning from injury.
He said most players are used to the busy fixture period but they are "conscious" of keeping players fit and available as the squad is "already quite light". Moyes added: "We are not overdoing training and just keeping them ticking over."
On the possibility of signing some players: "I think that we are probably more unlikely than likely. We are looking, but I wouldn't want to get everyone's hopes up."
He said Harrison Armstong, who was recalled from Preston, did "really well" against Brentford and Moyes is keeping in touch with the Championship club in case they are able to send him back in the coming weeks.
On opponents Wolves: "Every team is a danger at the minute if you look at the league. They have picked up a bit. We know we're in for a difficult game."
He said Wolves' biggest threat is them "gaining confidence and self-belief" from recent results, especially away from home where they seem to be playing with "less pressure".
Moyes said they "need to find a way of getting more victories" at home because their home form has dipped in recent weeks. He went on to say the difference in results has mainly been "small margins", though.
'Addressing the full-back positions can no longer be delayed'published at 07:22 GMT 6 January
07:22 GMT 6 January
Briony Bragg Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Christmas may have come and gone, but the best present any Evertonian could ask for is a full-back this January transfer window.
Following Jake O'Brien's outstanding performance at centre-half in a great win at Nottingham Forest, it was a real shame to see him return to the right-back position at the expense of Nathan Patterson.
It left many asking the manager: why change a winning team?
Brentford, to their credit, took advantage of this, doubling up on O'Brien and an inexperienced Tyler Dibling, who simply had no outlet of support.
They were organised, confident and took their chances, and had a striker leading the line that the Toffees are more than envious of.
Just like the heavy defeat by Newcastle United after a brilliant win at Old Trafford showed, it's becoming far too easy for teams to come and play at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Sit in, make it hard for Everton to penetrate the final third, and when they do try, hit them on the break. And if you get a set-piece, what a bonus, as you are likely to get a goal from there too. Once Everton go behind in any game, it's becoming far too difficult to come back.
David Moyes needs to take some inspiration from his more conservative set-up in away games. It's clearly more profitable. And it is imperative Everton move quickly in the transfer market to find a full-back, left and right-sided.
Vitaliy Mykolenko does not have the quality needed to support a player like Jack Grealish. This circles back to a problem Everton have failed to solve for far too long.
Since the sale of Lucas Digne to Aston Villa, the club have lacked a full-back capable of offering consistent quality at both ends of the pitch.
Addressing the full-back positions can no longer be delayed.
Dibling 'struggling with weight of price tag'published at 11:27 GMT 5 January
11:27 GMT 5 January
Tom Gayle Match of the Day commentator at Hill Dickenson Stadium
Image source, Getty Images
Everton's list of attacking absentees has thrust Tyler Dibling firmly into the spotlight.
With Iliman Ndiaye away at the Africa Cup of Nations, along with injuries to Charly Alcaraz and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the 19-year-old has started the past three matches, with his efforts being met with mixed reviews.
The winger's performance away at Nottingham Forest last Tuesday was described by local media as his "best display" since arriving in August following a £35m switch from Southampton. It was the only occasion where he has completed the full 90 minutes for his new club, with manager David Moyes saying Dibling showed "real character" at the City Ground.
It is fair to say none of the Everton outfield players shone during the first half against Brentford.
However, I was not surprised Dibling did not make it back out onto the pitch following the break. The club's biggest summer expenditure (a deal worth £40m in total) committed more fouls than crosses and, as the anxiety and groans among those in the stands became more palpable, the youngster appeared to lack any real belief he could take on his man.
There was no evidence he felt he could produce the moments of fearlessness, flair and magic that we witnessed from him last season in a Southampton shirt.
Moyes has always made it clear he sees Dibling as a long-term project. Rewinding back to the manager's comments when the signing was first announced, the Scot used the words "talent", "young" and "potential". The England Under-21 international himself admitted he was looking forward to learning from his team-mates, citing Jack Grealish and Ndiaye specifically.
Everton are not a club renowned for splashing cash, especially following their recent issues with Profit and Sustainability Regulations. Dibling will not be the first footballer struggling with not only the weight of his price tag, but the increased expectations and scrutiny that comes from joining a bigger club.
Dibling is still to register an assist or a goal in his new surroundings. Everton fans trust in Moyes, so for those growing impatient by the teenager's current inconsistency, I would heed the words of their manager: "We are eager to build a team that Evertonians can enjoy watching and be proud of - and Tyler can help us achieve that."
Everton 2-4 Brentford - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:57 GMT 5 January
10:57 GMT 5 January
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League match between Everton and Brentford.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans
Simon: Everton lacked any real idea going forward, playing out wide and getting nowhere. Seemed to have no nerve in playing forward quickly and instead clung on to the ball, lost it and got caught out. Brentford seemed more willing to be more direct and take the gamble. Good to see Beto and Barry score.
Andy: Grealish was good and I'm pleased to see Beto and Barry score - but for some reason our defence was punch drunk and we lacked something in midfield. Pat on the back for the Forest win - kick up the backside for this.
Chris: What is there to say? We seem not to be able to stop conceding at our new stadium and appear to have a better away record. Well done to the two forwards for doing what they should have been doing for the past 20 games. Pity the defence were lacking. Kiss Europe goodbye for this season and concentrate on getting the 40 points needed to avoid relegation.
Andy: Reckless overconfidence, leaving defence wide open repeatedly, Everton got the result that they deserved as a consequence. We need someone to effectively boss and keep our defence organised. Weak on attack as ever, new forwards and Jarrad Branthwaite back from injury is desperately needed.
Brentford fans
Tim: Is the real Keith Andrews version of the Bees starting to emerge? Battling for every ball with willing runners all across the park. Damsgaard the Wizard controlling midfield, Thiago and Schade playing off each other superbly, Collins bossing the backline.
Rowan: An excellent performance from Thiago. Kelleher once again made some fantastic saves that helped maintain the Bees' dominance in this match. We switched off a couple of times, but these were the only glitches in what was a really good performance from the Bees. Andrews has got the Bees knocking on the door of a European place - and deservedly so!
David: Igor Thiago, take a bow - clearly man of the match. But, honestly, every single Brentford player deserves at least an 8/10. We were good against Bournemouth, but to back it up like that after so many recent games, and to do it away from home, was absolutely exceptional. Massive performance. Europe, here we come!
Rowan: An excellent performance from Thiago today. Kelleher, once again, made some fantastic saves that helped maintain the Bee's dominance in this match. We switched off a couple of times, but these were the only glitches in what was a really good performance from the Bee's today. Keith Andrews has got the Bees knocking on the door of a European place - and deservedly so!
Everton rue defensive lapses in defeat by Brentfordpublished at 18:27 GMT 4 January
18:27 GMT 4 January
Adwaidh Rajan BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
After back-to-back defeats by Chelsea and Arsenal followed by a goalless draw at Bunrley, it felt like Everton were back on the right track with a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
But a disappointing 4-2 defeat by Brentford on Sunday has left David Moyes with plenty to ponder.
Moyes has made his European ambitions for Everton clear this season but it is Brentford who are dreaming of continental football next season after moving into seventh place with the win - two points clear of Everton who fell to 12th.
Lack of goals has been Everton's biggest concern this season but this time, they were undone by defensive lapses.
Heading into the fixture, only Arsenal (12), Manchester City (17) and Sunderland (18) had conceded fewer goals than Everton in the Premier League this season.
Michael Keane returned to the starting line-up after recovering from an injury but did not have the best of games while his defensive partner James Tarkowski was at fault for the Bees' opener though the Everton skipper went close twice with headers at the opposite end.
With a string of his key players missing because of international duty and injuries, Moyes will look to take positives from both Beto and Thierno Barry finding the back of the net and Jack Grealish getting his first assists since August before taking on bottom side Wolves next.
Everton 2-4 Brentford: What Moyes saidpublished at 17:56 GMT 4 January
17:56 GMT 4 January
Media caption,
David Moyes spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Everton's defeat against Brentford: "I'm disappointed we didn't play better. We were just a bit short in some areas. We were disappointing defensively today and not as strong as we have been.
"We are short on a lot of cour creative players which showed at times. [But] we didn't do our defensive duties as well as we could have done.
"When your centre forwards score goals that's what we want. Today they didn't have the support and back-up. If we'd kept a clean sheet we could have won. But no complaints, Brentford deserved the victory."
Did you know?
Everton have now lost three different Premier League matches in which they conceded 3+ goals at the Hill Dickinson Stadium (10 games played), as many defeats conceding 3+ as they suffered in their last 28 league games at Goodison Park.
