Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast

In today's episode, host Ian Croll is joined by Tony Scott and Gav Buckland to dissect a pivotal week in Everton’s season. As the campaign enters its final stretch, the stakes couldn't be higher for David Moyes' Blues.

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The lads dive into the newly released audio from the PGMOL regarding the controversial clash at the London Stadium against West Ham. We finally hear the explanation behind why Mateus Fernandes’ apparent handball wasn't given as a penalty. Was it an accident? Was it a natural position? Or did Everton once again fall victim to a baffling VAR interpretation? 

After a string of games where the Blues have looked uncharacteristically shaky at the back, the panel asks if it's time for David Moyes to experiment.

The Jake O'Brien Question: With the Irishman impressing in a "hybrid" right-back role, is it time to move him to his natural center-back position? If O'Brien moves inside, who makes way? We debate whether Michael Keane’s goal-scoring threat outweighs the defensive stability of James Tarkowski.

With a massive game against Sunderland looming at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the big team news revolves around Idrissa Gana Gueye. If the veteran is declared fit, does he go straight back into the starting 11 to provide that much-needed shield, or do the Blues stick with the current midfield balance?

The Black Cats are coming to town, and the lads offer their score predictions and tactical blueprints for a must-win home fixture.

To wrap things up with a bit of fun, the lads rank Premier League Kick-off Times.

Watch, listen, and join the conversation in the comments below! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to never miss an episode of Royal Blue.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday. 

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

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Two leads, two lapses, and a major sense of "what if" at Selhurst Park.

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In this episode of the Royal Blue podcast, Ian Croll is joined by Chris Beesley to dissect Everton’s frustrating 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace. After James Tarkowski and Beto twice put the Toffees in front, David Moyes watched his side pegged back by Ismaïla Sarr and a late Jean-Philippe Mateta strike.

We dive deep into the defensive fragility that saw Michael Keane’s clearance fall short and the lack of clinical edge from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye that could have put the game to bed.

In this episode, we ask, why can't Everton hold a lead? We look at the "poor sensing" at the back that cost us the full three points.

Beto’s Brilliance: A silver lining as the striker finds his scoring touch—is he now our most important attacking asset?

The Table as it Stands: With the draw, Everton missed the chance to climb into 8th. We look at the standings and the mathematical reality of a top-seven finish.

 Two Games to Go: Where does this leave the hunt for Europe? We preview the final run-in and ask if the dream is "drifting away" or if there’s one last twist in the tale.

#EFC #EvertonFC #DavidMoyes #EvertonStadium #HillDickinson #RoyalBlue

Everton FC podcasts from the Liverpool ECHO’s Royal Blue YouTube channel.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday. 

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

Listen and subscribe to the Royal Blue Podcast for all your latest Everton FC content via Apple and Spotify:

APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HbiY1E

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Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc

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Join Ian Croll and Gavin Buckland as they react to David Moyes' pre-match press conference ahead of Everton’s trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace this Sunday afternoon.

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The Blues are looking to bounce back from the late heartbreak against Manchester City, and the timing might be perfect. With Crystal Palace securing their place in the UEFA Conference League Final after their victory on Thursday night, the big question is: can Everton take advantage? With the Eagles' priorities potentially shifted toward their historic European showpiece, Moyes will be drilling into his side the need to pounce on any drop in intensity.

Selection headaches remain at the top of the pitch. After Thierno Barry's two-goal cameo against City, has he done enough to displace Beto in the starting XI? Or will Moyes stick with the physical presence of the Portuguese forward to wear down the Palace backline?

#EFC #Everton #DavidMoyes #PremierLeague #CrystalPalace #RoyalBlue #Beto #ThiernoBarry

Chris Beesley's Book: Spirit of the Blues: https://tinyurl.com/35yrkvdb

*Emotional farewell to Goodison Park | 16-page Everton souvenir picture special:* 

https://shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk/liverpool-echo-monday-19th-may-2025-4583-p.asp

*Goodbye to Goodison special souvenir edition:* 

https://tinyurl.com/GoodbyeGoodisonSouvenir

*Gavin Buckland's Book 'The End' | Order your copy here:* https://tinyurl.com/GavinBucklandTheEnd

Everton FC podcasts from the Liverpool ECHO’s Royal Blue YouTube channel.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday. 

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

Listen and subscribe to the Royal Blue Podcast for all your latest Everton FC content via Apple and Spotify:

APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HbiY1E

SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/47xwdnY

Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivEchoEFC

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Join Ian Croll and Chris Beesley as they have the final word on a pulse-pounding 3-3 draw against Manchester City and look ahead to the final sprint of the season. In this episode, we dive deep into the drama from Monday night and the fallout from the game. 

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From the VAR controversy, to the emerging players of the squad, here is what’s on the agenda: We give the final word on that chaotic 3-3 draw. Breaking down the Merlin Röhl\Bernando Silva penalty claim. Did Manchester City get away with one?

With Michael Keane in the spotlight, was he lucky to stay on the pitch? We debate that potential red card decision.

After conceding late again, is Everton’s inability to close out games becoming a psychological hurdle? We also discuss Merlin Röhl’s latest comments regarding his future at the club. Is he here for the long haul?

And after Thierno Barry grabbed a brace, we analyze whether this game can be the catalyst for his Everton career. 

Finally, with the table tightening up, we assess Everton’s genuine chances in the Race for Europe and look ahead to the clash with Crystal Palace. 

What do the Toffees need to do to secure three points?

Love the podcast? Subscribe to the Royal Blue YouTube Channel for daily videos, match reactions, and behind-the-scenes insights into Everton Football Club.

#EFC #EvertonFC #DavidMoyes #EvertonStadium #HillDickinson #RoyalBlue

Everton FC podcasts from the Liverpool ECHO’s Royal Blue YouTube channel.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday. 

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

Listen and subscribe to the Royal Blue Podcast for all your latest Everton FC content via Apple and Spotify:

APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HbiY1E

SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/47xwdnY

Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivEchoEFC

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@royal.blue.everto

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolEchoEFC
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Join Ian Croll & Tony Scott for the Royal Blue post-match show following Everton’s 3-3 draw with Manchester City.

Everton FC podcasts from the Liverpool ECHO’s Royal Blue YouTube channel.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday.

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

Listen and subscribe to the Royal Blue Podcast for all your latest Everton FC content via Apple and Spotify:

APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HbiY1E
SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/47xwdnY

Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivEchoEFC
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@royal.blue.everto

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolEchoEFC
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