Everton Round-Up, Thursday 22nd October: Moyes Mulls Changes for Arsenal Test as Women Thrash Newcastle
Everton Women made it five wins from five at Goodison Park this season as Ornella Vignola scored twice in the second half to see off Newcastle United 2-0 in the Subway Players Cup (EvertonFC.com) (Royal Blue Mersey) (EvertonFC.com). The result kept the Toffees' perfect start to the competition going, and boss Brian Phelan spoke afterwards about fortifying Goodison following a fifth consecutive home victory (EvertonFC.com) (Royal Blue Mersey).
Attention on the men's side now turns to Saturday's trip to Arsenal, with David Moyes facing several selection decisions after the defeat to Chelsea (Read Everton). Sports Mole's predicted XI suggests Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be dropped against his former club (Sports Mole), while Read Everton have looked back at the long history between the two sides, including Wayne Rooney's famous goal, as Moyes searches for Everton's first win at the Emirates since that memorable victory (Read Everton). The Liverpool Echo note that Arsenal have historically been Everton's toughest away fixture, recalling that a costly outlay was needed the last time the Blues won there (Liverpool Echo). Captain James Tarkowski has been speaking about his own form and what he sees as the key for Everton to bounce back from the Chelsea loss (Liverpool Echo).
Off the pitch, speculation continues over a potential January move for Dinamo Zagreb's prolific striker Dion Beljo, with Everton said to be assessing the 24-year-old as they look to strengthen Moyes' attacking options, according to Read Everton (Royal Blue Mersey) (Read Everton) (Read Everton). Elsewhere, Duncan Ferguson has said he would "100%" like to see Richarlison return to Everton as the forward considers his future away from Tottenham Hotspur (ToffeeWeb).
The ownership situation remains a live talking point, with former Premier League chief executive Christian Purslow giving his verdict on whether the Friedkin Group can secure a valuation of more than £1billion for the club as they seek a buyer (Read Everton). The Liverpool Echo report that Henry Winter and Christian Purslow discussed Dan Friedkin's next steps, suggesting a sale "isn't a particularly sexy proposition" (Liverpool Echo), while ToffeeWeb's Football Boardroom podcast also examined just how difficult it could be for TFG to find a buyer (ToffeeWeb).
On the business side, journalist Alan Myers says the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium is already delivering a £35million boost to Everton's revenue (Read Everton) (Read Everton). Supporters, meanwhile, remain divided over the topic of pitchside alcohol at the new ground following comments from Andy Burnham (Liverpool Echo).
In the community, a long-serving Evertonian NHS worker was given a surprise visit from club legend Duncan Ferguson in recognition of 60 years of service (Royal Blue Mersey). Everton's Under-21s drew with German opposition in a game that carried echoes of a famous European night at Goodison Park nearly 56 years ago (Royal Blue Mersey), and fans can catch the young Toffees again this week as they take on Wolves U21s, with details provided in Everton's how-to-watch guide (EvertonFC.com).
Finally, there was a behind-the-scenes look at the first team training in heavy rain as they prepare for Arsenal (EvertonFC.com), plus features including Goodison Park's build-up to a Halloween-themed fixture (EvertonFC.com), a chat with Pacheco about fashion and his Scouse upbringing (EvertonFC.com), preparations described as facing the "Premier League champions" (EvertonFC.com), and an away fan guide ahead of the trip to face Arsenal (EvertonFC.com).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.