Everton 1-3 Sunderland: What Moyes saidpublished at 18:27 BST 17 May
18:27 BST 17 May
Media caption,
Everton boss David Moyes speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Incredibly disappointed that we did lose. Spells in the game where it looks as if we would be the ones to get in front. Sunderland stuck at it, we didn't.
"The players know the moments and you have to take them. We haven't got over the line with games. Difficult to say today but in other games we've had a hard treatment with decisions but today was more to do with us not keeping control. We gave away a terrible first goal then we were better side at that point but they got away and got a second goal."
On first season at Hill Dickinson: "Lots of good stuff. But this just shows if you're not quite at it, better players not quite on it, you're not going to win. We need to add to it, we need to look at it. Results in the last four or five games haven't been good enough. Performances haven't been bad but our points tally not been good enough."
On Seamus Coleman: "Always wanted to let Seamus to have an opportunity to say goodbye to supporters here at home. He's been such a big, important player for us over so many years."
Did you know?
Merlin Rohl is the very first German player to score for Everton in the Premier League and the newest nationality to strike for the Toffees in the competition since Guinea-Bissau's Beto in December 2023.
Everton manager David Moyes has lost his last three Premier League meetings with his former sides.
Everton have failed to win their last six Premier League games (D3 L3), with the Toffees last enduring a longer winless run in the top-flight between December 2023 – April 2024 under Sean Dyche (13).
Everton v Sunderland: Team newspublished at 14:16 BST 17 May
14:16 BST 17 May
Everton are unchanged from their last game, a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace a week ago.
That means Seamus Coleman, who will be playing his last home game for the Toffees at the end of a 17-year spell with the club, is only among the substitutes.
Sunderland make one change from the side that drew 0-0 at home to Manchester United on 9 May as Nilson Angulo comes in for Chemsdine Talbi, who is on the bench.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Ham", for instance.
Coleman is 'best Premier League buy ever' - Stubbspublished at 13:26 BST 16 May
13:26 BST 16 May
Media caption,
Former Everton captain Alan Stubbs believes Seamus Coleman is the "best Premier League buy ever" after signing for the club 17 years ago for just £60,000.
On Friday, the right-back announced his decision to end his playing career with the Toffees before considering a move elsewhere or a coaching role at the club.
Stubbs says what Coleman has done at is a "remarkable feat".
Everton v Sunderland: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:17 BST 16 May
12:17 BST 16 May
Jordan Butler BBC Sport journalist
Everton take on Sunderland in their final home game of the season with both sides still harbouring faint hopes of European qualification.
Everton's 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend felt like two points dropped instead of one point gained, not only because they led twice at Selhurst Park, but because they lost ground in the race for European qualification.
"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," said manager David Moyes last Sunday. "[But] it's getting tougher every game we're not winning."
The Toffees' last Premier League victory came almost two months ago at home against Chelsea and Moyes is right – their current run of five top-flight games without a win (D3, L2) could cost them a place in a continental competition next season.
The Blues have already surpassed last season's points tally of 48 and probably need to another six to that total if they are to stand a decent chance of securing European football at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2026-27 campaign.
Garner going the distance
Striker Beto may have scored five times in his past five games, but usual midfielder and occasional full-back James Garner has arguably been Everton's player of the season.
The 25-year-old was rewarded for his consistent performances with a first England call-up in March and still has a chance of making Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.
Garner is one of six outfield players to start all 36 Premier League games this season and he also scored when Everton faced Sunderland in the FA Cup back in January.
Black Cats eye Europe
Like their opponents this weekend, European qualification is no longer in Sunderland's hands. However, they still have a very slim chance of reaching the Europa League or Europa Conference League but would almost certainly require maximum points from their final two games and other results go their way.
The Black Cats almost took all three points from their game against Manchester United last Saturday, and they were in the ascendancy for most of their fixture, but in the end they were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw.
"We probably created enough chances to win the game, but chances don't always mean goals," said head coach Regis Le Bris after that result. "If we're disappointed at home after a draw against [Manchester] United, it is a good sign for the club."
Bragging rights on the line
Europe aside, the opportunity to finish above Newcastle United provides further incentive for a strong end to the campaign.
It is a feat that the Wearside club last achieved in 2015-16 when their local rivals slipped into the Championship.
Sam Allardyce was in charge 10 years ago and his side sealed their Premier League survival and relegated both Norwich and Newcastle with a comprehensive 3-0 victory in their penultimate game. Their opponents that day where Everton.
'We've just got that that bond' - Pickford on Everton loyaltypublished at 07:36 BST 16 May
07:36 BST 16 May
Image source, Getty Images
A few months before Jordan Pickford made his England debut in 2017, he joined Everton from Sunderland for an initial £25m.
Later that summer, Wayne Rooney, who had left Everton in 2004 and won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during 13 years at Manchester United, returned to Goodison Park.
"There was a price tag on me when I was being bought - the most expensive British keeper - so there was that pressure," Pickford told his former team-mate on The Wayne Rooney Show. "I've always enjoyed the pressure and I knew I had to do something early to get the fans behind me.
"In your first game, we won 1-0 and you scored the header and I made a decent save in my first home Premier League game at Goodison, so I set myself off on a good stall."
Rooney was instantly impressed with Pickford's performances,
"At the time I thought, 'this could be Everton and England's number one goalkeeper for a long time'," he says.
Nine years later and Pickford is just that - and in October signed a new contract to keep him with the Toffees until 2029.
But since he joined, Everton have not finished higher than eighth in the Premier League and they are in danger of missing out on European football for an eighth successive season.
During the interview, Rooney asked Pickford about his decision to stay.
"I don't agree, but a lot of people say 'why haven't you moved on from Everton?'
"For you to be so loyal, to what you have been to the club, it's quite rare these days.
"With your ability, you can say: 'Well, do you want to go and play Champions League?' But you've stuck with Everton. Why is it?"
Pickford, who has been voted fans' Player of the Year in three of the past four years, says: "We've just got that that bond really... you know what it's like here, the people.
"The gaffer [David Moyes] calls it the 'People's Club'. The staff are brilliant and it's where we live and go to the games. We just love it, my family love it.
"We know Everton should be in the European spots, but we know how hard it's been over the last few years and a rollercoaster we've been on, but they've been nothing but good to me.
"They took a chance on me as a 22-year-old kid and, I've repaid them, and I just love being here. Goodison, great memories, and the new stadium, it is moving forward.
"When you came back, when I first signed, we were in the Europa League. So if we sustained that, those questions wouldn't happen: 'Why is England's number one at Everton?' But people don't realise how big a club Everton is.
"Everton's been too far away from silverware and we've not won anything for so long - that's what we need back."
Coleman: Everton's 'leader and legend'published at 19:08 BST 15 May
19:08 BST 15 May
Giulia Bould BBC Radio Merseyside reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Seamus Coleman. A leader. A legend.
It would be hard for anyone to disagree with those words, even if the man himself does.
When making the BBC podcast series Everton: Nothing Will Be The Same, he told me he couldn't be classed as a club legend because he hadn't won a trophy. But his worth to the Toffees was so great it is a big reason they remain a Premier League side.
I saw first hand in the 2022-23 season just what the captain did to help ensure survival when Everton were swimming against the tide. That was the season Frank Lampard was sacked and Sean Dyche came in, just before a first PSR charge hit and the board no longer attended games. Most had Everton written off - but not Coleman.
Despite leaving the pitch on a stretcher against Leicester with four games left to save themselves, he continued to lead. Living in the city, he would be stopped by fans genuinely concerned about their club's future. He relayed all those messages and stories back to the dressing room before insisting to the players they couldn't be the ones to relegate Everton - his Everton.
The final game against Bournemouth at Goodison Park, he was in the dugout with his leg in a brace to do anything he could to help.
Coleman has dragged the Toffees over the line on more than one occasion and became famed for his leadership qualities, but it shouldn't be forgotten what an immensely talented player he was too. He could have left Everton for a club fighting it out for league titles, but his loyalty meant more to him.
It feels in more recent history there has never been a player that has fitted more. The bargain piece of "60 grand" feels the best piece of business given Coleman holds the club record for most Premier League appearances with 372.
Such is his own love for the club, along with Leighton Baines he went to David Moyes' house in January 2025 to tell him Everton needed him back as the manager.
Now offered the chance to join the coaching staff, he remains undecided. There is no doubt he would have no problem transferring his leadership skills into the dugout, but equally he could opt to return home to Ireland.
When the Goodison Park era closed last season, the defender told me: "Thankfully I got to make my Premier League debut as an Everton player."
He might disagree with me, but whatever Seamus Coleman decides next, he leaves Everton a legend.
Helen: I can't imagine Everton without Seamus. Such a loyal servant and leader, which this club will never see the likes of again. Just hope he stays on as a coach. Working with the under-21s would be perfect for him. Thanks for everything, Seamie.
Duncan: David Moyes thinks Coleman's influence is very important to the club so it seems to make sense to have him now transition to the coaching staff. It's definitely time to retire. He's not managed a full game for years. He's had a great career though, and will always be in our hearts. He was £60K well spent!
Ian: Legend is a term used far too often about sportspeople. But not when talking about Seamus Coleman. What he has done not just for the football club but also for the wider community is beyond words. A total class act and an wonderful human being. Thank you, Seamus.
Neil: What a player and what a gentleman. An old-school footballer full of pride passion and loyalty - other players should learn from him. As a fan, I have always liked Seamus and what he stands for. A legend, not just at Everton but for football everywhere. We love you, Seamus, and we know you love us too.
Chris: What an incredible servant to Everton he has been. A phenomenal player, leader and captain who fully embraced the ethos of the club, channelled the passion of the fans and led by example so often. His raiding down the right side was often a joy to watch and we have missed that in recent years as age and injuries have caught up with him. I will forever remember that Swansea goal and the ridiculously tight-angled one against Leeds helping us in our difficult period. Whatever he decides to do next, he takes the love and respect of every Evertonian everywhere. As much as he supports the club, we will forever support him.
Andy: Fantastic servant for Everton. Always gave 100% and a magnificent person as well. The best £60,000 the club will EVER spend. He's been worth many, many multiples of that fee considering what he has given to the club over his 17 years. I hope the game situation against Sunderland allows him to get on the pitch for a few minutes to get the send-off he deserves from the home fans. Thank you, Seamus, and good luck for the future, whether that is as a coach with us or elsewhere.
Moyes on losing Coleman, Gueye's future and 'chance' of making Europepublished at 15:27 BST 15 May
15:27 BST 15 May
Media caption,
Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium (15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Moyes confirmed Idrissa Gueye and Jarrad Branthwaite will not be fit for the visit of the Black Cats. On Gueye, he explained: "He's back on the grass, but he's just not available for this game. There's an outside chance he could make Tottenham, so we'll see how it goes."
On whether club captain Seamus Coleman will feature in what would be his final home game for the club after announcing he is ending his Blues playing career after 17 years at the end of the season: "Seamus wouldn't want me to say that because he wouldn't want me to think that way. He would only think it should be done if it's right and that's the way I see it as well."
Moyes paid tribute to Coleman, who he signed for just £60,000 in January 2009 during his first spell as Toffees boss: "I get the praise for it but I have to praise the recruitment team who spotted him at the time and got him over from Ireland. At the club for 17 years, and I've missed quite a part of it, but more recently he's been the glue that's held an awful lot together. When it's difficult, he's the one who comes out and speaks and steps up to galvanise the team. He deserves a lot of credit as a human being for what he's done for Everton."
More on what could be next for Coleman: "What I admire about Seamus is he wants to keep playing and playing for his country. There will always be a desk for him when the time comes, don't worry about that. There should always be a place for Seamus and there will be. It would be great for the young players as well. We want to keep Seamus' culture and Everton's culture behind the scenes going."
Moyes said Gueye's future will be discussed soon, with the midfielder out of contract at the end of the season: "Losing Seamus is a big blow. We'll talk about Gana in the coming weeks. We're on with a lot of business behind the scenes. We don't need to talk about it in the media until it's done."
On the Toffees' European chances: "We know if we win the next two games then we're in with a chance. If you'd said to me at the start of the season that, with two games to go, we'd be in with a chance of Europe I'd have shaken your hand and taken that. Things haven't gone well for us in a couple of games - not just because of decisions but quite often[that]. We've just not had the rub of the green, but the players have done great."
Reflecting on the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium before the final home game of the club's first season at their new ground, Moyes said: "It's gone probably as well as we'd expect. Since we've been in there we've enjoyed it. There's still teething problems which supporters might tell you about outside the stadium and getting to the ground, but overall I think inside we've quite enjoyed it."
'Embodies the Everton spirit' - praise from across the Merseyside dividepublished at 12:29 BST 15 May
12:29 BST 15 May
Image source, Getty Images
Seamus Coleman's iconic status at Everton is celebrated in song as a tribute to his quality and longevity as well as manager David Moyes' expertise in the transfer market.
"Sixty Grand, Sixty Grand Seamus Coleman" is the chant in honour of the 37-year-old, who joined Everton for that bargain price from Irish side Sligo Rovers in 2009.
As he announces his retirement 17 years and 433 appearances later, Coleman leaves representing one of the outstanding contributors and best signings in Everton history.
In his first spell at Everton, Moyes had the Midas Touch when it came to spotting gems outside the big price transfer bracket, signing Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott for a combined total of £11m.
Mikel Arteta cost only £2m when he signed from Real Sociedad in 2005 – but Coleman ranks alongside any other those when measured by value for money.
After a loan spell at in the Championship at Blackpool in his early days, Moyes thrust Coleman into Everton's first team, where he looked at home from day one as an adventurous attacking full-back and sturdy defender.
Coleman's attitude, fiery and competitive and with natural leadership qualities, has also been a touchstone over his years at the club.
And Coleman's selfless approach on and off the field even drew praise from Everton's greatest rivals Liverpool, as partisanship was set to one side to acknowledge his standing within the game.
Coleman was handed a public tribute from then Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp after he suffered a double leg break after a tackle by Wales' Neil Taylor when playing for the Republic Of Ireland in March 2017.
Klopp wrote in his programme notes before a Merseyside derby shortly afterwards: "I would like to pass on my regards and best wishes to Seamus Coleman, who due to very unfortunate circumstances is not available to play today.
"I do not know him personally, but as a football supporter I love his character, his positive approach to the game and his commitment to his club.
"There is a lot to admire about this player and it is his personal qualities that will help him as he recovers from this setback and returns to the game."
A year later, Klopp praised Coleman for making a 5,000 Euro donation to a fund-raising appeal for Liverpool fan Sean Cox, who was badly injured when he was attacked before a Champions League semi-final against Roma at Anfield.
Klopp wrote: "I'd like to start these notes by thanking Seamus Coleman for the solidarity he has shown in supporting Sean Cox as he continues his long road to recovery from the injury he so tragically sustained while visiting Liverpool from Ireland to support our club in a football match.
"I know Seamus embodies the Everton spirit of wanting to beat LFC on the pitch as much as any player they have, but his actions in looking to help the Cox family demonstrates what the best qualities of this rivalry are."
It is at Everton, of course, where Coleman will never be forgotten for his efforts on and off the pitch, taking interim charge as manager alongside long-time team-mate Leighton Baines for an FA Cup tie against Peterborough in early 2025 after Sean Dyche had been sacked.
He was made club captain in 2019, leading Everton out 140 times.
Coleman may yet be back at Everton - the offer of a coaching position is on the table -but even if he decides not to return, he will be remembered as one of the club's greatest servants and deserves the emotional farewell he is sure to receive when they face Sunderland in their final home game of the season on Sunday.
KMI Panel decides Everton wrongly denied penalty published at 11:17 BST 15 May
11:17 BST 15 May
Three more video assistant referee errors have been confirmed by the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel, taking the total this season to 23.
The panel has recorded three errors involving penalties, two of which should have been awarded for holding offences.
Everton, the only team not to get a VAR intervention in their favour this season, were wrongly denied a spot-kick against Manchester City.
David Moyes' side led 3-2 at Goodison Park when, on a corner, Bernardo Silva held back Toffees midfielder Merlin Rohl - unseen by referee Michael Oliver.
The VAR Paul Howard decided the holding had taken place before the corner was taken, so he could not intervene to award a penalty.
"If that doesn't get given as a penalty, then it's an absolute free-for-all from now on," Moyes said after the game.
All five members of the KMI panel agreed with Moyes, saying "there is a clear, sustained holding offence which continues as the corner is taken and the ball comes into play".
City equalised deep into stoppage time through Jeremy Doku to snatch a 3-3 draw.
'This will always be my club' - Coleman to end Everton playing careerpublished at 10:53 BST 15 May
10:53 BST 15 May
Image source, Getty Images
Everton captain Seamus Coleman has announced his playing career at the club will come to an end upon the expiration of his contract next month.
Coleman, who joined the Toffees from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for just £60,000, holds the club record for most Premier League appearances with 372 and has captained the side on 140 occasions.
"After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here," Coleman said.
"I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You've helped me in more ways than you could imagine. I've always tried my best to put Everton Football Club first and you all mean the world to me.
"I live in the city – I see you all daily – and I've taken your love of the football club back into the dressing room to explain to the lads how much Everton means to the people."
While the chapter is closed on his playing career with the club, there is an option for Coleman to remain in a coaching capacity if he wishes or to continue his playing career with another club and the Republic of Ireland.
He explained: "Obviously, after such a big decision, I want to have some time over the summer to focus on what's next for me and my family. My love for Everton is something you all know about – and I've got a huge love for Ireland as well.
"The club have been unbelievable with me. They've offered me an opportunity to stay on at the football club.
"This will always be my club. Thank you for letting me be part of it for more than 17 years."
So Everton fans, how do you feel about the news that Coleman's time as a player at the club is done? What are your best memories of the captain?
Bargain Coleman 'a great story'published at 10:53 BST 15 May
10:53 BST 15 May
Andy Gray BBC Sport NI Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
"Sixty grand, sixty grand Seamus Coleman, playing football the Everton way."
It's a song that has echoed around the terraces at Goodison Park - and later Hill Dickinson Stadium - for 17 years.
After 433 matches in blue, Seamus Coleman's famous £60,000 transfer fee from Sligo Rovers works out at about £140 a game.
The Republic of Ireland full-back's long Toffees career will soon come to a close after he confirmed he will leave when his contract expires this summer.
It's one of the biggest bargains in Premier League history, but it wasn't always a straightforward success story.
Coleman moved to Everton in January 2009 and made his debut nine months later against Benfica in the Europa League, taking on the likes of Angel di Maria, Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo.
It was a baptism of fire in a 5-0 defeat, but the player Everton fans would come to love was on show again a few days later.
The teenager was introduced as a sub for his Premier League debut against Tottenham as Everton rescued a 2-2 draw.
After notching up his first assist, Coleman was named man of the match.
"I was sitting there thinking, 'three years ago that young lad was playing for me', and now I was watching him changing the game on 'Super Sunday' on the TV," said Brian Dorrian, who coached a young Coleman and remained close with him throughout his career.
"Back then, if you were to tell me where he is now - I would have said no, and that's with no disrespect to him. He'd tell you that himself, but it's brilliant for him and a great story."
